Pre-Orders That Come with Unexpected Surprises

23 August 2025

If you're a gamer, you’ve probably taken that thrilling plunge at some point – slapping down your hard-earned cash to pre-order a game you’ve been counting down the days for. I mean, there’s nothing quite like the rush of securing your copy before release day. But here’s the catch – pre-orders don’t always go as expected. Sometimes, you get incredible perks that make you feel like a VIP, but other times... well, let’s just say not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Welcome to the unpredictable world of pre-orders!

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some pre-orders that came with unexpected twists and turns. From delightful surprises to bizarre mishaps, you’d be amazed by what gamers have encountered. So, buckle up!

The High Stakes of Pre-Ordering

Pre-ordering a game is like betting on your favorite horse in a race. You’ve done your research, seen the trailers, and maybe even read interviews with the developers. You’re HYPED. But here’s the thing – pre-orders come with risks. You’re essentially investing in something you haven’t fully seen or tested yet. And while most of us believe in the vision game studios sell us, sometimes that trust can lead to surprises (good or bad!).

Let’s dive into some unforgettable stories that shaped the reputation of pre-orders – and left fans either cheering or scratching their heads.

1. The Over-The-Top Swag Bundles

Gaming studios know how to pull out all the stops when it comes to pre-orders. And nothing screams “exclusive” louder than limited-edition swag.

Take Fallout 76. Bethesda promised fans a fancy canvas duffel bag for pre-ordering their $200 Power Armor Edition. Sounds posh, right? Well, when the bags finally arrived, fans opened their packages to find… cheap nylon imitations instead. Ouch. Bethesda eventually replaced the bags after backlash, but the damage was done. This was one “surprise” no gamer wanted.

On the flip side, some swag bundles go above and beyond. Remember Cyberpunk 2077? Sure, the base game had its share of bugs, but the collectors who snagged the pre-order received a sleek cyberpunk-inspired statue, a detailed world compendium, and goodies galore. It’s like Christmas morning for diehard fans (minus the turkey dinner).

But let’s be real: pre-ordering for physical items is always a gamble. It’s not just about what you’re promised; it’s about what you actually get.

2. Digital Rewards (That You’ll Never Use)

If you’ve ever pre-ordered a game, you’ve likely been offered some form of digital goodies – exclusive skins, weapons, or maybe an XP boost. It’s the industry’s way of saying, “Hey, thanks for trusting us.” But let’s call it what it is: most of these bonuses are like socks on Christmas morning – exciting for five minutes before you forget you even have them.

Take Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, for example. Pre-ordering the game gave players early access to "The Blind King" mission before anyone else. Cool, right? Except many players felt the mission was underwhelming and didn’t add much to the overall experience.

On the other hand, Red Dead Redemption 2 offered pre-order bonuses that were actually useful: bonus cash for your online character, a war horse, and other goodies that made you feel like you were genuinely ahead of the pack. It’s rare, but when done right, digital rewards can be a big win.

3. Games That Flop (But Look So Good in Trailers)

Ah, the heartbreak of a game that doesn’t live up to its trailer. Ever pre-ordered something, only to realize it’s far from what you thought it’d be? We’ve all been there.

Take No Man’s Sky as an example. The hype leading up to its release was astronomical (pun totally intended). Fans were promised a sprawling universe to explore, with endless possibilities and multiplayer magic. But when the game launched, players discovered it was... well, a lot more empty than expected. To their credit, Hello Games worked hard to turn things around with updates, but the initial shock left a sour taste for those who had pre-ordered.

And then there’s Aliens: Colonial Marines. This one still haunts the gaming community. If you pre-ordered based on the incredible-looking trailer, you were probably shocked to see the final product was plagued with bugs, bad AI, and graphics that felt a generation behind.

This is why pre-ordering a game sometimes feels like getting a mystery box. It could be gold, or it could be… not-so-gold.

4. Those Weird and Wacky Pre-Order Bonuses

Sometimes, game studios get a little… let’s say creative with their pre-order offers. Case in point: Dying Light's ridiculous “My Apocalypse Edition.” For a cool £250,000, you could snag the game along with a custom-built zombie-proof shelter, parkour lessons, night vision goggles, and a tour of the Techland studio. Was this an actual offer? Yep. Did anyone seriously buy it? Who knows!

Another oddball example? Saints Row IV. One of their pre-order bonuses was literally a "Wub Wub" gun (yes, it made dubstep sounds while firing). Now, if that’s not unexpected, I don’t know what is.

Sure, these quirky bonuses are designed to grab attention (and headlines), but you’ve got to admit – they’re also kind of fun.

5. When the Pre-Order Turns Out Better Than Expected

Believe it or not, not all pre-order surprises are bad! Some are the kind of pleasant shock that leaves you grinning from ear to ear.

Take The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Pre-order bonuses included a stunning Master Sword statue and a beautifully detailed map of Hyrule – both of which became prized collectibles for fans. The game itself? A masterpiece that lived up to every ounce of its hype.

Similarly, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivered major pre-order perks, like free DLC and physical goodies for collectors. And let’s not forget the game itself went on to be one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time. Trust me, when a studio gets it right, it’s like hitting the jackpot as a gamer.

The Lessons Learned

So, what’s the takeaway here? Pre-ordering games is like opening Pandora’s box – you don’t always know what you’re getting yourself into.

But here’s the good news: the industry is slowly evolving. Thanks to fan feedback and a few high-profile controversies (cough cough Fallout 76), game studios are starting to approach pre-orders more carefully. They’re realizing that transparency and delivering on promises are what truly build trust (and hype that lasts).

For us gamers, it’s always worth being cautious. Do your research, keep your expectations in check, and, if possible, wait for reviews before locking in that pre-order. Unless there’s an absolutely killer bonus you just can’t resist, sometimes patience is the smartest play.

Wrapping It Up

Pre-orders will always be part of gaming culture. Sometimes you hit the jackpot, and other times… well, you learn a valuable lesson. Whether it’s swag that blows your mind, digital bonuses that fall flat, or a game that doesn’t quite deliver, pre-orders are full of surprises – both good and bad.

So, next time you’re hovering over that shiny pre-order button, ask yourself: Are you ready for the wild ride?