As a Monster Hunter fan who’s preordered every mainline entry since World launched back in 2018, I know exactly how hyped you probably are for Wilds. The open-world design, new flagship monster, and cross-platform co-op teases have had the community buzzing for months, and it’s tempting to lock in your copy as soon as listings go live. But sorting through the different Monster Hunter Wilds preorder tiers, retailer exclusives, and fine print can get overwhelming fast, especially if you don’t want to waste money on bonuses you’ll never use. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the best choice for your playstyle and budget.
Monster Hunter Wilds Preorder Editions: What Each Tier Includes
When you start browsing preorder listings, you’ll notice three main tiers available across all major platforms and retailers. Each tier comes with a different price point and set of perks, so it’s important to pick one that aligns with what you actually want out of the game. The base standard edition is the most affordable option, and it only includes the core game with no extra digital or physical add-ons.
The deluxe edition costs around $20 more than the standard tier, and it comes with a full pack of digital bonuses including 10 exclusive layered armor sets for your hunter, 5 weapon camos, 3 unique gesture packs, and a 7-day premium membership to the in-game event pass that gives you extra rewards for limited-time hunts. The collector’s edition is the highest tier, usually priced around $150, and it includes all the digital content from the deluxe edition plus physical goods like a 10-inch statue of the new flagship monster, a 120-page hardcover art book, a steelbook case, and a set of collectible monster enamel pins.
Standard edition is the best pick for casual players who only care about playing the core game on launch day. I’ve skipped collector’s editions for past Monster Hunter games because the statues and physical goods end up collecting dust on my shelf, so don’t feel pressured to splurge on the highest tier just because it says “limited.” If you love collecting franchise merch though, the collector’s edition items are usually produced in small runs and go up in value quickly after launch.
Exclusive Preorder Bonuses You Don't Want to Miss
On top of the edition-specific perks, there are a set of universal bonuses that come with any Monster Hunter Wilds preorder, no matter which tier or retailer you buy from. These bonuses are not available after launch, so if you want access to them you’ll need to lock in your copy before the official release date. Some retailers also offer extra exclusive bonuses on top of the universal set, so it’s worth checking listings from major stores to see which perks fit your preferences.
- Exclusive "Wild Wanderer" layered armor set for your hunter, usable from the first hour of gameplay and not earnable through regular in-game challenges
- Flagship monster-themed Palico and Palamute companion skins that let you dress your hunting buddies up to match the game’s cover art
- 50 extra healing potions, 20 trap tools, and 10 large barrel bombs to give you a head start on your first few high-difficulty hunts
- Priority access to the launch day server queue, so you don’t have to wait hours to log in when the game first goes live for all players
Retailer-exclusive bonuses vary by store, but common ones include physical sticker packs, digital desktop wallpapers, extra in-game gesture sets, and even limited-edition controller skins for console players. Most retailer-exclusive preorder bonuses are only available if you purchase before two weeks prior to launch, so if you have your eye on a specific extra perk, don’t wait until the last minute to place your order. Stock for these limited bonuses usually runs out a month before launch for popular platforms like PS5 and PC.
Should You Preorder Monster Hunter Wilds, Or Wait For Launch?
This is the question I get asked most often by friends in the Monster Hunter community, and there’s no one right answer for everyone. Preordering makes sense for a lot of players, but it’s not the best choice if you’re on the fence about the game or have a tight budget for new releases. The biggest benefit of preordering is getting access to the exclusive bonuses we listed earlier, plus the peace of mind that you’ll have a copy of the game on launch day even if there are physical stock shortages.
On the flip side, preordering means you won’t get to see early reviews or launch day performance footage before you spend your money. Past Monster Hunter launches have had server issues, buggy quests, and performance problems on certain platforms that took weeks to fix, so if you hate dealing with launch day glitches, waiting a week or two after release to buy the game might be a better call. You’ll also sometimes find 10-15% off sales for the game within the first month after launch, so you can save money if you’re willing to wait a bit.
You should only preorder if you're already a fan of the Monster Hunter franchise and know you'll play the game for at least 20 hours. I preordered World on launch and dealt with three days of server queues, but I still use the exclusive preorder handler costume six years later, so the tradeoff was worth it for me. So if you’re someone who only buys a few games a year, waiting to see if Wilds lives up to the hype before you spend your money is always a safe call, even if you miss out on a few cosmetic items.
Common Preorder Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you’ve decided preordering is right for you, there are a handful of common mistakes that can turn your exciting preorder purchase into a headache later on. I’ve made almost all of these mistakes myself with past Monster Hunter releases, so I’m sharing them to help you skip the frustration. The first and most common mistake is picking the wrong platform for your copy.
It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally click the PS4 listing when you have a PS5, or buy the Steam version when you play PC games on the Epic Games Store, and most retailers don’t let you swap platform editions after you’ve paid. Another common mistake is not checking if your preorder bonuses are region locked. If you import a physical copy from another region to save money, you might not be able to redeem your digital preorder bonuses on your local account. A lot of players also forget to check return policies before they preorder, so if you change your mind later you might not be able to get a full refund.
Double-check your platform selection before completing your preorder to avoid costly, hard-to-fix mistakes after launch. I once accidentally bought the Xbox version of Rise when I only had a Switch, and I had to go through three weeks of customer support to get a refund because I didn’t notice the platform label until after launch. Never buy a preorder from an unlicensed third-party seller, as many of these listings are scams that won't deliver a copy of the game. Stick to official retailers and platform storefronts to make sure your purchase is protected.
At the end of the day, a Monster Hunter Wilds preorder is a great choice for long-time fans who want to get their hands on exclusive content and jump into the hunt as soon as possible. If you take the time to compare editions, check for the bonuses you actually want, and avoid common pitfalls, you’ll be set to have a smooth launch day experience. Whether you go for the standard edition or splurge on the collector’s tier, the most important thing is that you’re ready to explore the new open world, hunt never-before-seen monsters, and team up with friends for hours of fun.