Should You Pre-Order Games? Everything You Need to Know

Pre-ordering video games has become a standard practice in the gaming industry. It lets players secure their copy of an upcoming title before its official release, guaranteeing immediate access on launch day. Most pre-orders come with exclusive perks – special cosmetics, bonus in-game currency, and other content unavailable to those who purchase later. 

But is pre-ordering actually worth your money? With rising game prices and increasing instances of disappointing launches, many gamers are questioning this practice. Some titles release with technical issues or fail to deliver on promised features, leaving early buyers frustrated.

In this article, we'll break down everything about pre-ordering games – the benefits, potential pitfalls, and key factors to consider before spending your money on an unreleased title.

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How Pre-Ordering a Game Works

Pre-ordering games follows different payment structures depending on where you make your purchase. You don't always pay the full price upfront - some retailers require only a deposit, while others charge your account about 10 days before release. The process varies, but the end result remains consistent, securing your copy before launch day.

Consider Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation as an example. When you pre-order through the PlayStation Store, the game appears in your library immediately. While you can't play or download it yet, you're guaranteed several exclusive in-game benefits:

• 5000 Forzathon Points

• 5 Backstage Passes

• 2021 Mercedes-AMG One

The second method involves third-party retailers like GameBoost, which offers cheap game keys for various titles. This approach lets you pre-order the game and receive a CD key that you can redeem on platforms such as Steam, Ubisoft Connect, Xbox, and others. 

Digital pre-orders typically allow pre-loading, downloading the game files days before release so you can play immediately when the game goes live. This feature is particularly valuable for large games that might take hours to download on release day.

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Pros and Cons of Pre-Orders

Pre-ordering video games divides opinion among players. Some see it as a way to secure early benefits, while others view it as a gamble that might not pay off. Let's examine both sides of this practice.

Pros

Exclusive content gives pre-order customers special in-game advantages. Red Dead Redemption 2 rewarded early buyers with additional story missions and starting cash that regular purchasers couldn't access. These bonuses often remain exclusive to pre-order customers, creating permanent advantages for early adopters.

Pre-loading saves significant time on release day. Assassin's Creed Shadows permits PC players to download the full game three days before its March 20 launch. This feature proves particularly valuable for players with slower internet connections or those eager to jump in immediately at release.

Early access represents one of the strongest incentives for pre-ordering premium editions. DOOM: The Dark Ages grants premium and collector's bundle pre-orders a two-day head start. This means dedicated fans who purchase higher-tier pre-orders can explore the game's world while standard edition buyers must wait.

Cons

Risk of disappointment remains the primary drawback. Pre-ordering means committing to a product before independent reviews or gameplay footage becomes available. The final product might differ substantially from marketing materials or your expectations based on previous titles in the series.

Buggy releases have damaged consumer trust in pre-orders. Cyberpunk 2077's launch became notorious for technical issues across multiple platforms despite years of hype and pre-order campaigns. Many players who pre-ordered felt misled about the game's actual state at release.

Games face delays with increasing frequency. Assassin's Creed Shadows has experienced multiple postponements despite accepting pre-orders. This causes frustration when you've committed money early, especially if you've planned time off around the original launch date.

Also Read: How to Redeem Xbox Game Pass, Gift Cards, and Games

Should You Pre-Order Games?

The value of pre-ordering depends entirely on your priorities as a gamer. If exclusive bonuses matter to you and can't be obtained later, pre-ordering makes sense. Just weigh this against the potential downsides.

Consider the publisher's track record with previous releases. Companies with histories of stable launches deserve more confidence than those known for buggy releases. Research the developer's past performance with similar titles.

For multiplayer games where early advantages could impact your long-term enjoyment, pre-order bonuses might justify the risk. For single-player experiences, waiting for reviews rarely hurts your overall experience.

Digital games rarely sell out, making pre-orders unnecessary for securing a copy. Pre-orders make more sense for collector's editions with physical items that have limited production runs.

FAQ

Can You Play Pre-Ordered Games Early?

Yes, many pre-ordered games offer early access. Standard pre-orders typically allow pre-loading, letting you download the game before release to play immediately at launch. Premium or deluxe edition pre-orders often include 2-7 days of early access as a bonus.

Publishers like EA, Ubisoft, and Microsoft frequently use early access as a pre-order incentive for their major titles. However, not all games offer this benefit, so check the specific pre-order details before purchasing.

What is the Point of Pre-Ordering a Game?

Pre-ordering games guarantees your copy on release day, provides exclusive in-game content, and often grants early access. Publishers offer pre-order bonuses like special weapons, character skins, or additional missions unavailable through standard purchases. 

Final Words

Pre-ordering games offers clear benefits – exclusive content, pre-loading, and sometimes early access. But these advantages come with risks, including disappointing gameplay, buggy launches, and potential delays. Make your decision based on the developer's track record, your trust in the franchise, and how much those exclusive bonuses matter to you. For limited physical editions, pre-orders make sense. For standard digital releases, waiting for reviews often proves wiser. Ultimately, pre-order when the benefits genuinely outweigh the risks for games you're confident will deliver on their promises.

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