Can I Buy the Vault Edition After Launch? Everything You Need to Know
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Yes, you absolutely can buy the Vault Edition after the game’s launch. This is a common question among players who may have initially opted for a standard edition or are considering upgrading later. The ability to purchase the Vault Edition post-launch offers flexibility, allowing players to experience the additional content and benefits whenever they choose. However, it’s crucial to understand how the process works, what the specific upgrade paths are, and if there are any time limitations. Let’s delve into the details.
Upgrading to the Vault Edition Post-Launch: What You Need to Know
The process for upgrading to the Vault Edition varies slightly depending on your gaming platform. Whether you’re on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, understanding these platform-specific nuances is key.
Xbox:
On Xbox, the process is straightforward. If you purchased a standard edition of the game, you can upgrade by going to the Microsoft Store and purchasing the Vault Edition Upgrade. This upgrade will add all the additional Vault Edition content to your existing game.
PlayStation:
PlayStation has a similar but slightly different approach. If you’ve already purchased the Digital Cross-Gen Edition of the game, the Vault Edition will often appear at a discounted price in the PlayStation Store. To upgrade, you essentially need to purchase this discounted version of the Vault Edition, which will unlock the extra content on your existing game.
PC (Battle.net):
For PC users on Battle.net, the upgrade process is also fairly simple. You can typically upgrade to the Battle.net Vault Edition at any time after launch, providing the upgrade offer hasn’t expired. This means you can purchase the Vault Edition directly, and the content will be added to your account.
Key Considerations Before Upgrading
Understanding the Value Proposition
Before making the leap, consider what the Vault Edition actually provides. The Vault Edition is typically worth it if you highly value cosmetic items such as weapon blueprints, emblems, calling cards, and XP tokens. If these elements aren’t important to you, the standard edition may suffice. It’s about assessing your personal preferences and what you value in your gaming experience.
Content of the Vault Edition
The Vault Edition usually includes more than just cosmetic items. A significant feature is the Red Team 141 Operator Pack, which unlocks iconic characters such as Price, Farah, Soap, and Ghost. This is a major draw for many players. Additionally, the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault offers immediate customization options, with various receivers, barrels, stocks, and other components.
Potential Upgrade Issues
Sometimes, players may encounter issues with the Vault Edition not working correctly after purchase. A common fix is to restore licenses through your console’s settings. On PlayStation, for instance, you’d go to “Users and Accounts”, then “Other”, and select “Restore Licenses.” If the issue persists, a simple console restart can also resolve these problems.
Price Considerations
Upgrading to the Vault Edition after purchasing a base game will often involve an additional cost. If you did not buy the cross-gen bundle, this means you will be paying more to access the additional content. The typical MSRP for the Vault Edition is around $99.99, or its equivalent in your region. It’s important to compare the cost against the value of the additional items to determine if the upgrade aligns with your budget and gaming preferences. Also, it’s worth noting that upgrading the base game to the Vault Edition will often still cost as much as the full Vault Edition if it is not the discounted version provided to those who bought the cross-gen bundle.
Sharing and Account Ownership
If you’re encountering issues purchasing the Vault Edition, especially on consoles, ensure that you are purchasing directly on the account that owns the license for the base game. Another potential workaround is to set your brother’s (or friend’s) account as your “Home Xbox,” which enables the sharing of game libraries and DLC across consoles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I upgrade to the Vault Edition if I bought a physical copy of the standard edition?
Yes, you can still upgrade to the Vault Edition even if you have a physical copy of the standard edition. You will need to purchase the Vault Edition Upgrade digitally through your console’s store or Battle.net for PC users. The physical copy simply acts as your base game license.
2. If I upgrade to the Vault Edition, do I get any extra XP tokens?
Yes, typically players who purchase the Vault Edition receive 10 hours of Double XP Tokens and 10 hours of Double Weapon XP Tokens.
3. Does the Vault Edition include the base game, or is it an upgrade?
The Vault Edition is a standalone purchase, but if you are upgrading, it acts like an upgrade that adds content to the base game. When buying as an upgrade, you must already own the standard or cross-gen edition.
4. Is the Vault Edition worth the extra cost, considering the extra content?
The value of the Vault Edition depends on individual preferences. It’s worth it if you care about weapon blueprints, emblems, calling cards, XP tokens, and the exclusive Red Team 141 operator pack. If those don’t appeal to you, the standard edition is likely sufficient.
5. Why is my Vault Edition content not showing up?
If your Vault Edition content is not showing up, try restoring licenses on your console or restarting your console. Make sure you’ve downloaded the bonus content if you can find it in the respective store you purchased it from.
6. Can I share the Vault Edition content with other accounts on my console?
On Xbox, you can share Vault Edition content if you set your account as the “Home Xbox” for other accounts. However, this will depend on the platform and its sharing features.
7. How much does the Vault Edition cost if I’m upgrading from the standard edition?
The upgrade price will vary slightly, depending on your platform. However, it usually will cost the same as the full Vault Edition would cost as a standalone game unless you pre-purchased the cross-gen bundle.
8. Do I need to pre-order the Vault Edition to get early access to the campaign?
No, early access to the campaign is typically granted to anyone who digitally pre-orders the game, regardless of whether it’s the standard edition or the Vault Edition.
9. What does the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault actually include?
The FJX Cinder Weapon Vault provides immediate customization with a collection of Receivers, Barrels, Stocks, Rear Grips, and Magazines. Other attachments can be unlocked and added normally.
10. Can I unlock the Red Team 141 Operators (Price, Farah, Soap, Ghost) without the Vault Edition?
Currently, the only way to unlock the Red Team 141 Operators is by purchasing the Vault Edition. They are part of the Red Team 141 Operator Pack which is included in the Vault Edition.
11. Is there any way to get the Ghost skin without the Vault Edition?
While Ghost is typically included in the Vault Edition, certain specific skins, such as the Zombie Ghost skin, may be obtainable by pre-ordering the following Call of Duty release digitally.
12. Can I refund the standard edition to then purchase the Vault Edition?
Yes, it’s sometimes possible to request a refund for your standard edition purchase to then purchase the Vault Edition. However, it’s best to check your platform’s refund policies to make sure you are eligible.
13. Is the Vault Edition available digitally?
Yes, the Vault Edition is delivered digitally soon after your purchase, typically through your platform’s store (Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, or Battle.net).
14. What’s the difference between the Cross-Gen Bundle and the Vault Edition?
The Cross-Gen Bundle usually provides the game across different generations of consoles, while the Vault Edition has additional content like the Red Team 141 Operator Pack and the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault in addition to the features of the Cross-Gen Bundle.
15. Is the Vault Edition for Modern Warfare 2 different from the Vault Edition for the latest release?
Yes, each game has its own specific Vault Edition with different benefits and content. Be sure you are purchasing the correct edition for the game you intend to play.
In conclusion, buying the Vault Edition after launch is not only possible but also a convenient option for players who change their minds or want the extra content later. However, it’s important to understand the platform-specific nuances, the content you get, and whether the additional cost fits your preferences and budget. By keeping the information in this article in mind, you can make the best purchase decision for your gaming experience.