Look, the hype for Monster Hunter Wilds has been borderline chaotic since that first trailer dropped at The Game Awards. We’ve all seen the clips of the Seikret gliding through sandstorms and the Rey Dau lighting up the sky with railgun-tier electricity. But now that we’re staring down the barrel of the actual release, the "buy now" button is staring back.
Is it worth it? Honestly, it depends on how much you value a digital poncho and a shiny rock.
If you're planning to dive into the Forbidden Lands on day one, you've probably noticed that Capcom didn't exactly make the buying process simple. There are tiers, "Premium" labels, and exclusive bonuses tucked away in store-specific corners.
The Monster Hunter Wilds Pre Order Breakdown
Basically, if you buy the game before the clocks hit midnight on February 28, 2025 (or slightly earlier depending on your time zone and platform), you’re getting the Guild Knight Set layered armor. This isn't actual armor with stats. It’s a "layered" set, which is Capcom-speak for a skin that goes over your ugly mismatched gear so you look like a high-fantasy musketeer instead of a pile of scrap metal.
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You also get the Hope Charm Talisman. Historically, charms in Monster Hunter provide a skill boost. Capcom hasn’t been super loud about what this specific charm does, but usually, pre-order charms give a tiny bump to gathering or luck. Don't expect it to carry you through the endgame. It’s a starter kit, nothing more.
If you’re on PS5, there’s an extra "thank you" for you: a Digital Mini Art Book. It’s a separate app on your dashboard. Cool to look at once, then you’ll probably forget it exists.
What’s Actually in the Expensive Versions?
Capcom is pushing three main digital tiers.
- Standard Edition ($69.99): You get the game. If you pre-order, you get the Guild Knight stuff. Simple.
- Deluxe Edition ($89.99): This adds the "Deluxe Pack." It’s a massive dump of cosmetics. You get the Feudal Soldier armor for yourself and Ashigaru armor for your Palico. There are also some "Battle Cry" gestures and a "Heroic Ponytail" hairstyle. If you like the "Fashion Hunter" endgame, this is your tax.
- Premium Deluxe Edition ($109.99): This is where it gets spicy. You get everything above, plus two future "Cosmetic DLC Packs" (releasing in Spring and Summer 2025) and some immediate "Premium Bonuses" like the Wyverian Ears.
Wait. $110?
That's a lot of money for a game. You aren’t getting extra monsters or new maps with this—it is purely cosmetic. Unlike the Iceborne or Sunbreak expansions of the past, these DLC packs are just "looking cool" packs. If you’re a die-hard who wants every emote and sticker, go for it. If you just want to hunt dragons? Stick to the Standard.
The Save Data Bonus Nobody Talks About
This is the part where people get caught out. If you played Monster Hunter: World or the Iceborne expansion on the same account, you get free stuff.
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It’s not just a "nice to have." The Felyne Leather and Felyne Duffel sets for your Palico are nostalgic as hell. To get them, you need a save file present on your system. You don’t need to have the game installed, just the save data. If you switched from PS4 to PC for Wilds, you’re unfortunately out of luck here—there is no cross-save for these rewards.
Is the Collector's Edition Real?
Sorta. In Japan, there’s a massive "Ultra Collector’s Edition" that comes with a literal folding bicycle. No, I’m not joking. It costs about $1,200 USD and includes a weapon pouch bag and a plushie.
In the West, we usually get a more modest version. If you can find a physical steelbook edition at retailers like GameStop or Best Buy, grab it. They tend to disappear and then reappear on eBay for triple the price three months later.
Timing Your Purchase
If you’re on Steam, the cutoff for the Monster Hunter Wilds pre order bonuses is specifically 11:59 PM EST on February 27. PS5 and Xbox players have until the same time.
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Don't wait until the last minute. The file size is expected to be beefy. Pre-loading usually opens up a few days early, and you’ll want those gigabytes ready so you aren't staring at a progress bar while the rest of the community is already getting stepped on by a Chatacabra.
Actionable Insights for Hunters:
- Check your platform: If you want the Art Book, you must go PS5.
- Audit your save files: Boot up your console and make sure your Monster Hunter: World save is actually there. If you deleted it to save space, redownload it from the cloud now.
- Evaluate the "Premium" tag: Ask yourself if you really care about "Wyverian Ears" enough to pay an extra $40. That money could literally buy you another whole game.
- Physical vs. Digital: If you want the pre-order bonuses but want a physical disc, make sure your retailer is offering a code in the box. Most big chains do, but local shops might not.
Don't overthink it. At the end of the day, a pre-order is just a way to make sure the game is ready when you are. The monsters don't care what armor you're wearing; they're going to try to eat you regardless.