If you’ve been following Pearl Abyss’ long-awaited open world action RPG for years, you’re probably already scoping out crimson desert pre order editions to lock in exclusive bonuses before launch. The game blends high-fantasy combat, open-world exploration, and a deep narrative that follows mercenaries navigating the war-torn continent of Pywel, so locking in the right edition early can save you money and get you access to content you won’t be able to grab post-launch. We’ve broken down every confirmed edition, their perks, and which one is worth your hard-earned cash based on how you plan to play the game.
What’s Included in Each Crimson Desert Pre Order Edition?
Pearl Abyss has confirmed four distinct pre order tiers as of the latest official update, each tailored to different player needs and budgets. All tiers come with the base game and core pre order exclusives, but higher tiers add extra cosmetic, convenience, and physical content for fans who want more out of their purchase.
Standard Edition is the most affordable option, priced at $59.99 for both console and PC. It includes the full base game, plus the core pre order bonus pack with the desert fox mount and 500 in-game Pearls. This is the best pick if you’re on a tight budget or only plan to play through the main story once.
Deluxe Digital Edition costs $79.99, and adds the full digital art book, official soundtrack, 1,500 extra Pearls, and the exclusive "Mercenary Lord" armor set for your main character. You also get access to the first post-launch story DLC for free when it drops 6 months after launch, which would cost $29.99 on its own.
Physical Collector’s Edition is priced at $149.99, and includes all the perks from the Deluxe Digital Edition plus physical merchandise. You get a 12-inch statue of the main protagonist, a steelbook case, a printed version of the 200-page art book, and a map of the Pywel continent. Stock for this edition is extremely limited, and it will only be available through official Pearl Abyss storefronts and select major retailers.
Digital Ultimate Edition costs $99.99, and includes all the digital perks from the Deluxe Edition plus a season pass for all three planned post-launch DLC drops, an exclusive glider skin, 3,000 extra Pearls, and a 7-day experience boost that activates as soon as you start playing. This is the best value for players who plan to sink 100+ hours into the game’s endgame content.
Key Exclusive Pre Order Bonuses You Won’t Get Post-Launch
All pre order tiers come with a set of limited-time bonuses that will not be available for purchase after the game’s official launch date, so even if you pick the cheapest Standard Edition, you’re still getting extra content you can’t get later. Many players don’t realize how valuable these exclusive perks are until they’re gone, so it’s worth factoring them into your decision if you’re on the fence about pre ordering at all.
If you’re the type of player who likes to stack bonus content across all your favorite games, you probably already keep an eye out for limited-time rewards that disappear after launch, even for casual side games you play between grind sessions. Many players who spend hours grinding RPG pre-launch rewards take short breaks to avoid burnout, and a popular pick for those quick, low-stakes breaks is Rummy91, which fits perfectly into 10-minute gaps between comparing edition perks or watching new gameplay trailers. That said, don’t let small breaks distract you from locking in these pre order exclusives before they’re gone:
None of these items will be sold separately in the in-game store or added as DLC later, so if you want access to them, pre ordering is your only option. The early access alone is worth the pre order for many players, especially if you want to avoid launch day server queues and get a head start on leveling your character.
How to Pick the Right Edition for Your Playstyle
The biggest mistake players make when pre ordering games is buying the most expensive edition just for extra perks they’ll never use, so it’s important to be honest about how much time you plan to spend in Crimson Desert before you spend extra cash. Prioritize editions that include permanent, usable content over one-time cosmetic perks if you want the best return on your investment.
If you’re a casual player who only plays RPGs for the main story and rarely touches post-launch content, stick to the Standard Edition. You’ll still get all the core pre order bonuses, and you won’t waste money on DLC or extra in-game currency you’ll never use. You can always upgrade to a higher tier later if you end up loving the game and want more content.
If you’re a mid-tier player who usually sinks 40-80 hours into open world RPGs and plays through most post-launch content, the Deluxe Digital Edition is the best value. The free first DLC alone saves you $30, and the extra Pearls and armor set add even more value for the $20 price increase over the Standard Edition.
If you’re a hardcore player who plans to play endgame content, raid with friends, and collect all available gear and cosmetics, the Digital Ultimate Edition is the clear pick. The season pass for all three DLCs would cost $70 on its own, so you’re saving $50 compared to buying everything separately, plus you get the extra experience boost and exclusive glider skin.
Only buy the Physical Collector’s Edition if you’re a dedicated fan who collects physical game merch. The extra $70 over the Digital Deluxe Edition only covers the physical items, so if you don’t care about statues or physical art books, you’re better off putting that money toward the Ultimate Edition instead.
Common Pre Order Pitfalls to Avoid
Even if you know exactly which edition you want, there are a few common mistakes that can cost you bonuses or leave you with a version of the game that doesn’t work for your platform. First, never pre order from untrusted third-party sellers, especially if they’re offering the game for 20% or more below the official price. Many of these sellers sell stolen keys that get revoked after launch, leaving you with no game and no way to get a refund.
Double check that the edition you’re buying is compatible with your platform before you complete your purchase. Some retailers list PC and console editions side by side, and it’s easy to accidentally buy the wrong version. The physical Collector’s Edition is also only available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, so PC players won’t be able to purchase that tier at all.
Don’t forget to link your Pearl Abyss account to your platform store account before you pre order, if you signed up for the closed beta or participated in any official Crimson Desert events. You’ll get extra in-game bonuses added to your pre order automatically, including an extra 500 Pearls and a unique beta tester title for your character.
Finally, remember that most platforms let you cancel your pre order up until the day before launch, so you don’t have to lock in your choice forever if you’re still on the fence. You can pre order the Standard Edition now to lock in the pre order bonuses, then upgrade to a higher tier later if you decide you want more content, or cancel entirely if early reviews are worse than you expected.
At the end of the day, the best crimson desert pre order editions are the ones that align with how much time and money you plan to put into the game, no matter if you’re a casual player just here for the story or a hardcore fan ready to dominate the endgame leaderboards. Take 10 minutes to go through the perks again, confirm which bonuses are available for your platform, and lock in your pre order before early access slots fill up if you want to get a head start on exploring Pywel.