Do You Get Anything for Pre-ordering Call of Duty? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, pre-ordering a Call of Duty title often comes with a variety of enticing perks. While the specific bonuses can vary between different Call of Duty games and editions, pre-ordering typically grants you early access to certain game components like the beta or campaign, along with in-game digital rewards, such as operator skins, weapon blueprints, and experience boosts. It’s a strategy Activision uses to encourage early adoption and build excitement around their highly anticipated releases. Let’s delve into what you can typically expect from pre-ordering a Call of Duty game.
What to Expect When Pre-ordering Call of Duty
The advantages of pre-ordering a Call of Duty game typically fall into a few key categories:
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Early Access: This is often the most significant benefit. Pre-ordering usually grants early access to the open beta, allowing you to test out the multiplayer modes before the official launch. Sometimes, there’s also early access to the single-player campaign, letting you jump into the story a few days before everyone else. For example, for Modern Warfare 3 in 2023, pre-ordering the campaign allowed play on November 1st, while the full game launched on November 8th.
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In-Game Bonuses: Pre-orders often come with a suite of digital goodies. These can include unique operator skins, which allow you to customize your characters in the game. You might also receive weapon blueprints, which are pre-configured weapon customizations that offer a unique aesthetic and can even have beneficial attachments. Other bonuses can include extra experience tokens (2XP) or battle pass tier skips. For Modern Warfare 3, the Soap Operator Pack, containing multiple character skins and a weapon blueprint usable across several titles, is a common pre-order bonus.
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Exclusive Content: Some pre-order bonuses are exclusive and not obtainable through other means. This can make them highly sought after by collectors and dedicated players. For example, the Vault Edition of a Call of Duty game usually includes a special set of rewards that are not available in the standard edition.
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Pre-Loading: Pre-ordering also allows you to pre-load the game, meaning you can download it before the official launch day. This ensures that you are ready to jump into the action as soon as the game servers go live, avoiding any delays on launch day due to download times.
Examining Past Pre-Order Benefits
To understand pre-order bonuses better, it’s useful to look at examples from recent Call of Duty games.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022): Pre-orders for this game included early access to the open beta and the following in-game rewards:
- Ghost Legacy Pack
- Red Team 141 Operator Pack
- FJX Cinder Weapon Vault
- Battle Pass + 50 Tier Skips
- 10 Hours 2XP + 10 Hours 2WXP
The Vault Edition of MW2 further included the Cross-Gen Bundle and the previously mentioned bonus content.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023): The pre-order bonuses included early access to the beta and the Soap Operator Pack. Also, early access to the single-player campaign was available for pre-orders. The standard edition also nets the Zombie Ghost Operator Skin.
The Cost of Call of Duty and Pre-order Considerations
It’s essential to consider the cost when deciding to pre-order a Call of Duty game. Standard editions of recent titles typically cost around $70 USD, while the premium editions like the Vault Edition can reach $100 USD. Activision has increased prices from $60 in previous years, making the cost a significant factor.
Before pre-ordering, assess if the early access and digital rewards are worth the investment for you. Do you plan on playing the game immediately at launch? Are you particularly interested in the exclusive skins or other included digital content? If the answer is yes to most of these questions, pre-ordering will likely be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a code to access pre-order content?
Typically, if you pre-order a digital copy of the game, you will not need a code. The content is automatically tied to your account when the game launches. If you pre-order a physical copy from a retailer, the code may be printed on your receipt or sent to you via email.
2. What is the difference between standard and premium editions?
The standard edition typically includes the base game and some basic pre-order bonuses. The premium editions, like the Vault Edition, come with the base game, plus a suite of additional content such as multiple operator skins, weapon vaults, battle pass skips, and extra XP tokens.
3. When can I start pre-loading the game?
Pre-loading usually becomes available a few days before the game’s launch. When the pre-load goes live, you’ll be able to download the game to your system. You don’t need a special code to do so; it will be available when logged into your account and viewing the game download page.
4. Can I play Call of Duty games in any order?
Yes, generally, you can play Call of Duty titles in any order. There is no consistent storyline across all titles, except in the original Modern Warfare trilogy, which does have a connected narrative. However, for multiplayer modes, it’s always best to play the latest release, as it is the most populated and currently supported version.
5. Is Call of Duty: Warzone free to play?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is free to play and does not require an additional purchase to access. It is a separate experience from the main Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare II or III.
6. Do I need Xbox Live Gold to play Warzone?
No, you do not need Xbox Live Gold to play Call of Duty: Warzone.
7. Will older Call of Duty games have a full player base?
While some older Call of Duty games retain a dedicated following, the player base is typically concentrated on the most recent title, as that’s where the bulk of ongoing support and new content is focused. This means its generally better to play the newest game for the best multiplayer experience.
8. Why is MW2 priced at $70?
Modern Warfare II and other recent Call of Duty games have been priced at $70 because the publishers increased the cost for cross-gen compatibility (PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X/S). It is no longer priced at $60.
9. What do I do if I don’t receive a pre-order beta code?
If you pre-ordered from a retailer and did not receive a beta code, you need to contact that retailer to resolve the issue. The code should be printed on your receipt or sent to you via email.
10. What happens if my pre-order payment doesn’t go through?
If there is an issue with your payment, your pre-order may be cancelled, and you may lose access to the game on launch day. In that case, you will need to repurchase the game. Contact the platform or retailer from which you purchased it.
11. Does pre-ordering guarantee early access?
Pre-ordering typically guarantees early access to the open beta or campaign. However, there may be rare circumstances, like server issues or retailer errors, where this may not occur, so its important to contact support if any issues arise.
12. Can I pre-order on any platform?
Yes, you can pre-order Call of Duty titles on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The pre-order bonuses and procedure are usually consistent regardless of your chosen platform.
13. Is there a $60 edition of Modern Warfare 2 or 3?
No, there is no longer a $60 edition for any recent Call of Duty titles. All base editions are priced at $70.
14. Is Call of Duty: Warzone 1 still playable?
Yes, the first iteration of Call of Duty: Warzone is still playable, under the name Warzone Caldera, and all progression and content from that game were carried over to Caldera.
15. Is the Vault Edition worth buying?
Whether the Vault Edition is worth it depends on your individual preferences. If you are a hardcore fan and want access to all the in-game bonuses, as well as early access, the Vault Edition might be worth the increased cost. If you only play occasionally, you might be better off with the standard edition.
Conclusion
Pre-ordering a Call of Duty game can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re eager to jump into the action as soon as possible and collect exclusive digital rewards. However, considering the higher price point for premium editions, it’s wise to evaluate whether the included perks justify the cost. By understanding the typical benefits and staying informed about the specific bonuses offered by each release, you can make a well-informed decision about whether to pre-order and get the most out of your Call of Duty experience.