Pre-Order Predictions: Upcoming Hits You Should Watch

3 June 2025

Are you ready to dive into some of the most exciting games hitting your radar in the near future? Let’s talk about pre-orders! We’re all guilty of that moment—hovering over the "pre-order now" button, filled with wild hope that this game will be the one. Whether you're a casual gamer or a die-hard enthusiast, there's something thrilling about anticipating a game before it's even released.

But with so many upcoming titles clamoring for our attention (and wallets), which ones should you actually keep an eye on? Buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea on the upcoming games that are generating serious buzz and might just be worth your hard-earned cash.

What's the Deal with Pre-Orders These Days?

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the pre-order culture. It’s no secret that pre-ordering can be a bit of a gamble. We've all heard the horror stories about games that looked like solid gold but ended up being, well... shiny piles of disappointment upon release. (Cough Cyberpunk 2077 cough).

Still, when the stars align, pre-ordering can be a sweet deal—early access, exclusive goodies, and the sheer joy of being part of the hype train. That said, not every game deserves a blind leap of faith. It’s all about identifying what’s worth the hype and what’s just noise.

So, if you’re wondering where to place your bets, here are some upcoming heavy-hitters to keep your eyes glued to.

The Most Anticipated Pre-Order Titles of 2024

1. Starfield: The Space Opera We’ve Been Waiting For

If you’re a fan of massive, open-world (or should I say open-galaxy) RPGs, "Starfield" has likely been on your radar for months. From the brilliant minds at Bethesda, this game promises to deliver the same gripping sense of exploration as "Skyrim" but with a space-age twist.

Think about all the times you’ve looked up at the night sky and thought about the mysteries of the universe. Now imagine you could actually hop on a spaceship and go there. That’s the core allure of "Starfield." Leaked gameplay footage and teasers hint at hundreds of planets to explore, deep customization options, and a narrative that’s out of this world (pun fully intended).

Why pre-order? Bethesda is known for their rich storytelling and world-building. Plus, early gameplay previews have looked smooth and polished—a promising sign we won't get another glitch-fest on launch day.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Nintendo fans, rejoice! The sequel to "Breath of the Wild" is finally on the horizon, and the wait is killing us. Sure, "Breath of the Wild" set the bar ridiculously high, but if anyone can outdo themselves, it’s Nintendo.

"Tears of the Kingdom" is poised to expand on the open-world charm of the original while adding new mechanics, deeper lore, and (hopefully) fewer annoying rainstorms. If the trailers are anything to go by, this game might just redefine what an open-world adventure can be.

Why pre-order? Honestly? Because it’s Zelda. Enough said.

3. Spider-Man 2

Web-slinging your way through New York City has never looked as good as it does in Insomniac’s "Spider-Man 2." Building on the success of the first game and "Miles Morales," this sequel ups the ante with dual protagonists—Peter Parker and Miles Morales.

The best part? Venom. Yup, the iconic anti-hero is making an appearance, and if the teasers have taught us anything, it’s that things are about to get intense. With expanded combat mechanics, richer storytelling, and a bigger map to explore, this one’s shaping up to be a must-play.

Why pre-order? If you loved the previous entries, this one’s a no-brainer. Plus, the bonuses for early birds sweeten the deal.

4. Elden Ring DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree

Alright, technically this isn’t a full game, but can we talk about how pumped the gaming community is for the first major DLC of "Elden Ring"? Since its release, FromSoftware’s magnum opus has captivated players with its hauntingly beautiful open world and unforgiving combat.

"Shadow of the Erdtree" promises to expand on the lore, introduce new areas, and (of course) give us more bosses to rage-quit over. If you’re into punishingly difficult games wrapped in a stunning package, this DLC is practically calling your name.

Why pre-order? If the base game is anything to go by, this is going to be an insane addition to an already legendary title.

5. Final Fantasy XVI

Final Fantasy fans, the next chapter in this iconic series is almost here, and it’s looking like a wildcard. Unlike previous titles, "Final Fantasy XVI" is ditching its turn-based roots for more action-oriented gameplay. Think "Devil May Cry" but with chocobos and crystals.

The storyline appears to be steeped in political intrigue, massive summons (called Eikons), and plenty of emotional gut punches. It’s gritty, it’s cinematic, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen from the franchise before.

Why pre-order? If you're a Final Fantasy fan, you already know how special these games can be. And with the franchise taking a bold new direction, this might be the shake-up the series needed.

Should You Pre-Order or Wait?

Alright, we’ve been through some of the most buzzworthy titles, but let’s get real for a second. Pre-ordering isn’t always sunshine and roses. While it’s tempting to jump on the hype train, sometimes waiting until launch day (or even a few weeks after) can save you money and heartache.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Are reviews embargoed until release? Big red flag. If a developer isn’t confident enough to let critics weigh in early, it might be worth waiting.
- Do you need the pre-order bonuses? Let’s be honest—most pre-order bonuses are cosmetic fluff. If you can live without the gold-plated sword skin, you’re probably better off waiting.
- Is the game from a trusted developer? Studios like Nintendo, Insomniac, and FromSoftware have earned their stripes. If it’s a newer or less-established team, proceed with caution.

The Bottom Line

Pre-ordering is a bit like ordering dessert before seeing the dinner menu—it’s risky, but when it pays off, it’s oh-so-sweet. The trick is knowing which titles are worth the gamble. So, keep your eyes peeled for reviews, trailers, and gameplay previews before you commit.

One thing’s for sure—2024 is shaping up to be an amazing year for gaming. Whether you’re into RPGs, action-adventures, or sprawling open worlds, there’s something incredible coming your way. So, which of these games are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments!