Guild Wars 2 Pre-Order Details (Special Editions & Differences)

Andrew
By Andrew
Guild Wars 2 Box Art
  • Genre
  • Platform
  • Release date
    Aug 28, 2012

This game was released on August 28, 2012 and is no longer available to pre-order. Any incentives that were offered are listed below.

Guild Wars 2 is a highly anticipated MMORPG from ArenaNet. Similarly to the original game, GW2 offers an engaging storyline, no grind while leveling up, and competitive PvP. The biggest addition in the sequel is a persistent world, making Guild Wars 2 a true MMO.

The game also doesn’t have a subscription fee, although there is an item shop where players can purchase optional upgrades for their characters via microtransactions. Don’t worry, though: the items are cosmetic in nature and won’t turn Guild Wars 2 into a pay-to-win MMORPG.

Other interesting features include Dynamic Events (ArenaNet’s attempt to improve classic MMORPG quests), new class archetypes (Damage, Support, and Control), a personal story that grows as you play the game, and slick graphics combined with Havok physics engine for creating a pleasant visual experience.

Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase bonus

The hottest MMORPG of 2012 is available for pre-purchase at select retailers. Three different editions of the game are offered: Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector’s Edition. All of these include the following bonuses, provided you pre-purchase the game (paying the full price in advance):

  • Access to all Guild Wars 2 Beta Weekends
  • Three day headstart
  • Hero’s Band ring that boosts your stats (+2 to Power, Precision, Toughness, Vitality, Condition Damage, Healing, and +2% to Critical Damage)

If you simply pre-order Guild Wars 2 without putting down any money, you will still get a 24-hour headstart. Interestingly enough, Amazon is an exception: they are giving away all the bonuses listed above just for preordering.

Prepurchase retailers in the US include GameStop, BestBuy, and GameFly. The official GW2 website has a large list of retailers for other countries.

The standard edition ($59.99) doesn’t offer anything else besides the game and these bonuses, but the other two include a variety of extra items.

Digital Deluxe Edition contents

The Digital Deluxe version of Guild Wars 2 costs $79.99 and includes the aforementioned bonuses, as well as the following:

  • Summon Mistfire Wolf Elite Skill: summons a combat pet.
  • Rytlock Miniature: a miniature Rytlock Brimstone follows your character.
  • Golem Banker: access your storage from anywhere in the world.
  • Chalice of Glory: gives a one-time boost of Glory for your character.
  • Tome of Influence: a one-time boost of Influence for your guild.

Collector’s Edition contents

Guild Wars 2 - Collector's Edition

Collector’s Edition is the most expensive ($150) version of GW2. It includes everything listed under Digital Deluxe, plus the following:

  • 10 inch (25 cm) hand-painted figurine of Rytlock
  • 112 page hardbound making-of book.
  • Custom art frame
  • Five art prints by GW2 artists
  • Guild Wars 2 soundtrack by Jeremy Soule

Guild Wars 2 screenshots

MMO Manifesto

ArenaNet devs explain what sets Guild Wars 2 apart from other MMORPGs.

MMO fans eagerly await the release date of Guild Wars 2, which is set for August 28th, 2012. The most up-to-date news about the game can be found on the official website.

Check out our other upcoming mmorpg games and upcoming pc games.