Honestly, picking the right version of a blockbuster game is starting to feel like Indiana Jones trying to choose the right cup in the Last Crusade. Choose wisely, and you’re golden. Choose poorly, and you’ve basically set $70 on fire for a version that’s missing the best parts. With the recent launch of the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle editions, the decision is actually a lot more nuanced than just "how much do I want to spend?"
Most people just look at the price tags—$70, $100, or the eye-watering $190—and make a snap judgment. But if you’re actually planning on playing the DLC or want the best "Indy" experience, the math changes. We’re talking about a game that bridges the gap between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, so getting the vibe right matters.
Let's break down what's actually in these boxes.
The Standard Edition: Just the basics (sorta)
If you’re a casual fan or just a Game Pass subscriber, this is likely where you’re looking. The Standard Edition of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the baseline. It costs $69.99. You get the game. That’s it.
🔗 Read more: Gothic Romance Outfit Dress to Impress: Why Everyone is Obsessed With This Vibe Right Now
Well, not quite. If you grabbed it during the pre-order window—or if you find a physical copy with the code still inside—you get The Last Crusade Pack. This includes the "Traveling Suit" outfit and the "Lion Tamer" whip. It’s a nice nod to the films, though since the game is mostly first-person, you’re mostly just looking at those gray sleeves while you’re punching Nazis.
Why the Premium Edition is the "Real" Version
Here is the thing. Bethesda and MachineGames clearly want you to buy the Premium Edition. It’s $99.99. That’s a $30 jump. Why would you do that?
- The Order of Giants Story DLC: This is the big one. It’s a post-launch story expansion that takes Indy to Rome. If you buy the Standard version and decide later you want the DLC, you’ll likely pay $20–$25 anyway.
- Early Access: This already happened for the initial launch, but for the PS5 crowd and the upcoming Switch 2 release, having those few days of early access is a massive perk for avoiding spoilers.
- The Temple of Doom Outfit: This is Indy in the "sweaty vest" look. Again, it’s a first-person game, but the cutscenes are third-person, and it feels a lot more "authentic" for some of the jungle environments.
If you’re on Game Pass, you actually have a "hidden" fourth option. You can buy a Premium Upgrade for about $35. This lets you play the game via your subscription but gives you all the Premium Edition goodies. It’s a clever way to save $65 if you don’t care about "owning" the base license forever.
💡 You might also like: The Problem With Roblox Bypassed Audios 2025: Why They Still Won't Go Away
The Collector’s Edition: For the 1% of Indy fans
At $189.99, the Collector’s Edition is a lot. But unlike some modern collector's editions that are just a statue and some stickers, this one has stuff you might actually put on a shelf without feeling embarrassed.
The centerpiece is an 11-inch Great Circle Globe. It has a hidden storage compartment—very on-brand for a guy who finds secret rooms for a living. You also get an "Allmaker Relic" replica, which is the central mystery item of the game. It even comes with a jumbo SteelBook.
One weird thing to note: if you’re buying the physical PS5 version, be prepared for a massive download. Even with the disc, reports indicate only about 20GB is on the actual plastic. The rest of the 100GB+ file size has to come from the internet. It’s a bummer for physical media purists, but that’s the state of gaming in 2026.
📖 Related: All Might Crystals Echoes of Wisdom: Why This Quest Item Is Driving Zelda Fans Wild
What most people get wrong about the DLC
There’s a common misconception that The Order of Giants is just a few extra missions tacked onto the end. It’s not. It’s a standalone narrative arc set during the events of the main game. It deals with the Nephilim Order—those "colossal men" Indy encounters early on.
If you care about the lore and the puzzles, the DLC is basically mandatory. The puzzles in the base game are solid, but the DLC puzzles in the Roman catacombs are reportedly even more "Old School Indy."
Which edition should you actually buy?
- The Budget Hunter: Stick with the Standard Edition or Game Pass. You aren't missing gameplay mechanics, just "fluff" and the future expansion.
- The Completionist: Get the Premium Edition (or the upgrade). It's cheaper than buying the DLC and skins separately later.
- The Die-Hard: The Collector’s Edition is the only way to get that globe. If you have a dedicated "movie room," it’s a no-brainer.
If you are still on the fence, check your platform. Xbox and PC players have had the game for a while, but the PS5 version (released April 2025) and the Switch 2 version (coming later in 2026) often have different bundle deals at retail. Keep an eye out for "Anniversary" updates too, as MachineGames has been known to tuck extra whip skills and outfits into free patches for everyone regardless of which version they bought.
The most practical move right now is to look for the Premium Upgrade if you’re an Xbox/PC user with Game Pass. It’s the lowest entry price for the most content. If you're on PlayStation, look for the physical Premium Edition, as the SteelBook is actually one of the nicer ones Bethesda has put out in years.
Before you pull the trigger, double-check your storage space. This game is a beast, frequently hitting over 114GB on PC. Make sure you have the room before the download starts, especially if you're going for the versions with the DLC included.