Pre-Order Bonuses: How Crucial Are They in Your Decision?

18 May 2025

Pre-order bonuses. Just the mention of those two words can stir up some serious FOMO (fear of missing out) among gamers. You know the drill: "Reserve your copy today, and you’ll get access to this super rare skin, exclusive weapon, or even an art book!" Sounds tempting, right? But let’s be real for a second—how important are these pre-order perks in shaping your decision to slap down cash well before release day? Let’s dive deep into the world of pre-order bonuses and figure out why they’re such a big deal in the gaming industry—and whether they really should be.

What Are Pre-Order Bonuses, Anyway?

Let’s break it down for the uninitiated. A pre-order bonus is basically a little reward that developers or publishers offer as an incentive to get you to pre-purchase a game before its official launch. These can range from digital goodies, like exclusive in-game skins or weapons, to physical swag, like posters, steelbook cases, or even figurines if you go for those fancy collector’s editions.

It’s kind of like putting a deposit down for a new car, only instead of actual functionality, you’re getting something cool that makes you feel like you’re getting VIP treatment. But here’s the kicker—it’s all designed to lock in your commitment before reviews are even out.

Why Do Pre-Order Bonuses Exist in the First Place?

Ever wondered why game studios are so keen on dangling these shiny carrots in front of your face? The answer boils down to two things: hype and money.

Developers and publishers thrive on building excitement. If they can get people buzzing about their game ahead of launch, it creates a snowball effect. Pre-orders also serve as a way to measure the interest and demand for their product. More pre-orders mean stronger confidence for investors, retailers, and internal teams.

And let’s not forget the financial side of things. Pre-orders give studios an early cash injection, which can help offset the costs of marketing or patching up bugs before the game launches. In a way, it’s like crowdfunding, but instead of a Kickstarter or GoFundMe, it’s backed by the hype machine of a AAA publisher.

The Different Types of Pre-Order Bonuses

Not all pre-order bonuses are created equal. Some are genuinely enticing, while others might make you roll your eyes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

1. Exclusive In-Game Content

This is the bread and butter of pre-order bonuses. Think rare skins, special weapons, unique mounts, or exclusive missions. These extras are aimed squarely at completionists who can’t stand the thought of missing out on something that won't be available after launch.

2. Early Access

Who doesn’t want to dive into a highly anticipated game a few days early? Some pre-orders include early access, letting you play before the rest of the world. It’s almost like getting to cut in line at Disneyland.

3. Physical Collectibles

For the old-school gamers who still love physical copies, pre-order bonuses might include things like steelbook cases, posters, soundtracks, or even action figures. These are often bundled into pricier collector’s editions.

4. Discounts or Digital Currency

Sometimes, pre-ordering gets you discounts on the game itself or bonus in-game currency. For live-service games, this could translate into extra loot boxes, skins, or other microtransaction goodies.

5. Beta Access

This one’s becoming more common. Some publishers use pre-orders as a ticket to get into closed beta tests. It’s a sneaky way to turn players into unpaid testers while still making it feel like a reward.

Are Pre-Order Bonuses Worth It?

Alright, so pre-order bonuses sound enticing, but let’s ask the tough question—are they really worth it? The answer depends on who you are as a gamer.

1. Completionists and Die-Hard Fans

If you’re the kind of person who religiously follows a franchise, pre-order bonuses are a no-brainer. You’re already sold on the game, and the bonus content is just icing on the cake. For example, if you’re a massive “Final Fantasy” fan, the idea of missing out on an exclusive Chocobo skin might keep you awake at night.

2. Casual Gamers

For more casual players, the decision to pre-order often boils down to whether the bonuses are actually meaningful. Let’s be honest—a new weapon or digital outfit won’t make or break the gaming experience for everyone.

3. Skeptics and Burned Gamers

Then there are those who’ve been burned in the past. Raise your hand if you pre-ordered a game only to find out it was a buggy mess at launch (looking at you, “Cyberpunk 2077”). For these gamers, pre-ordering feels more like a gamble than a reward.

The Risks of Pre-Ordering

Let’s pump the brakes for a second and talk about the pitfalls of pre-ordering. It’s not all fun and games—there are some red flags to watch out for.

1. Hype vs. Reality

The gaming industry is notorious for overhyping games. Pre-ordering locks you in on pure faith, which can backfire spectacularly if the game doesn’t live up to expectations.

2. Quality at Launch

No one wants to spend $60 (or more) on a game that’s riddled with bugs or unfinished content. Unfortunately, this has become a recurring issue in recent years. Pre-ordering means you’re taking a leap of faith, hoping the developers deliver on their promises.

3. Overpriced Editions

Some pre-orders bundle in so much "exclusive" content that it feels like a money grab. Sure, that deluxe edition with a fancy statue looks cool, but is it really worth double the price of the base game?

4. FOMO Manipulation

Let’s call it what it is: FOMO. Publishers know how to bait you into thinking you’ll miss out on once-in-a-lifetime content. But here’s a secret—some “exclusive” items eventually get added to the game anyway through updates or DLC.

How to Make an Informed Pre-Order Decision

If you’re still tempted to pre-order, here are a few tips to help you avoid buyer’s remorse:

1. Wait for Reviews

Unless the bonus is truly irresistible, it’s often worth waiting for day-one reviews. These can give you a better idea of whether the game is actually worth your money.

2. Ask Yourself: Do You Need the Bonus?

Will that exclusive skin or weapon really improve your experience, or is it just a shiny distraction? Be honest with yourself—sometimes, the answer is a hard "no."

3. Stick to Trusted Studios

If you’re going to pre-order, do it with developers who have a proven track record of delivering polished games. Think Naughty Dog, Rockstar, or CD Projekt Red (well… pre-“Cyberpunk”).

4. Be Wary of Collector’s Editions

Unless you’re genuinely a collector, think twice before spending extra on physical goodies. That plastic figurine might look cool now, but will it hold the same appeal five years down the road?

So, How Crucial Are Pre-Order Bonuses in Your Decision?

At the end of the day, pre-order bonuses are as crucial as you make them. They’re designed to trigger an emotional response—whether that’s excitement, nostalgia, or FOMO. But the truth is, no bonus will ever turn a bad game into a good one.

If you’re already hyped about a title and completely trust the studio, pre-ordering for the bonuses can feel like a fun reward. But if you’ve been burned in the past or you’re on the fence, it’s smarter to wait and see. After all, patience often pays off in the gaming world—especially when patches, discounts, and Game of the Year editions roll around.