Fans of the Guild Wars franchise and new gamers drawn into Guild Wars 2 have been waiting for years to hear about the day when reserving a copy of the much anticipated game to arrive. Today is that day. NCsoft and ArenaNet announced the “Pre-Purchase Program” for Guild Wars 2.
Follow up:
From 10th of April 2012, players will be able to pre-purchase a copy of Guild Wars 2 available in three packages: [1] Digital Edition; [2] Digital Deluxe; and the [3] Collector’s Edition.
By pre-purchasing the game, players will receive a guaranteed entry into all beta weekend events (“BWEs”) and a three-day headstart prior to launch, giving them the opportunity to be among the first to secure their character and guild names.
As a bonus, players will also receive an exclusive item called Hero’s Band, which will provide their characters with the following stat enhancements: +2 Power, +2 Precision, +2 Toughness, +2 Vitality, +2 Condition Damage, +2 Healing, and +2% Critical Damage.
Check this table below, taken from the official website:
Digital Edition / Standard Edition
The plain Digital Edition and physical Standard Edition only comes with the game, no special perks or bonuses with it and it costs €54.99/£49.99/U$59.99.
Digital Deluxe
The Digital Deluxe edition comes with the game plus these five in-game bonuses:
- Summon Mistfire Wolf Elite Skill: This unique elite skill allows the player to summon a temporary Mistfire Wolf pet for use in combat.
- Rytlock Miniature: This rare miniature is a perfect replica of Rytlock Brimstone and will accompany your character on all of their adventures throughout Tyria.
- Golem Banker: Your very own golem banker, at your command for 5 days! This mechanical man-servant will grant you access to your account storage from anywhere in the world.
- Chalice of Glory: Earn some extra Glory with this one-time use chalice. Use Glory to unlock rewards in PvP as well as compare your progress against other players.
- Tome of Influence: Give your guild a one-time boost of influence. Useful for unlocking guild vaults, emblems, and other items for your guild.
The Digital Deluxe edition will be sold for €74.99/£64.99/U$79.99.
Collector’s Edition
Last but definitely not the least, the Collector’s Edition! Its suggested retail price is €149.99/£129.99/U$149.99. A pretty steep price but take note, it comes with all five in-game items from the Digital Deluxe edition plus five physical items that will make you proud, especially since there will be a limited number of boxes that will be sold worldwide.
- 10-inch figuring of Rytlock: This meticulously sculpted and painted figurine of the charr warrior Rytlock Brimstone will seize and occupy a place of pride in your home.
- 112-page Making of Guild Wars 2 book: Go behind the scenes of Guild Wars 2 in this 112-page hardback book featuring lush art, fascinating facts, and interviews with the development team.
- Custom Art Frame: Display your concept art in this finely made art frame.
- Art Portfolio and Five Art Prints: Five high-quality art prints featuring work by award-winning Guild Wars 2 artists.
- Best of Guild Wars 2 Soundtrack CD: Famed composer Jeremy Soule’s sweeping musical score captures the epic grandeur and mystery of Tyria.
You can pre-purchase Guild Wars 2 from the official website at buy.guildwars2.com or through one of the selected retailers for the physical boxes for the Standard Edition and Collector’s Edition only – no “deluxe” physical box.
After buying, you will receive a serial code that will allow you to access all Beta Weekend Events or BWEs. You have to go to register.guildwars2.com and enter your serial code on your account.
As for when you can start the headstart… we just have to wait. The best time for a huge release for an industry changer game like Guild Wars 2 is anytime between late-April and late-October. And if you are sensitive, taking of pre-purchases starting on 10th April is in itself a sign already that the game’s target release is much sooner than July or August. Do I hear anyone betting on a June release? How about late-May? Or say early-July?
If you have futher questions, be sure to check out the updated FAQ here.
See you in the Beta Weekend Events!
Want to buy Guild Wars 2? You can do so right here!