Should You Pre-Order Far Cry? Honest Take
Pre-ordering Far Cry is generally not recommended unless you are certain you want the game at launch and value the exclusive bonus content. You should pre-order only if you are a dedicated fan who will play immediately and accept the risk of launch-day bugs or a later price drop. This article explains what pre-ordering gets you, the risks involved, and how to decide if it is right for you.
What Pre-Ordering a Far Cry Game Actually Gets You
Pre-ordering any major Ubisoft title, including Far Cry, typically grants a few exclusive in-game items and sometimes early access. For recent entries like Far Cry 6, the pre-order bonus was the Discos Locos pack, which included a weapon, a vehicle skin, and a unique outfit. Some editions also offer a three-day early access period, letting you start playing before the official release date.
The key thing to understand is that pre-order bonuses are almost always cosmetic or minor gameplay items. They do not change the core experience, and most can be obtained later through in-game progression or separate purchases. The real value is the convenience of having the game ready to play at midnight on launch day, plus any physical extras like steelbooks or maps if you buy a special edition.
The History of Far Cry Launches: Why Caution Makes Sense
Ubisoft has a mixed track record with Far Cry launches. Far Cry 5 (2018) had a relatively smooth release, but Far Cry 6 (2021) faced criticism for performance issues on PC and last-gen consoles, including stuttering and crashes. Far Cry: New Dawn (2019) was a smaller spin-off that felt like a glorified expansion, which disappointed some players who expected a full new game.
The pattern is that Far Cry games are rarely broken at launch, but they often receive significant patches in the first few weeks. If you pre-order, you are essentially betting that the day-one version will be acceptable. For a single-player game, there is no urgency—waiting a week or two for patches and reviews is a low-risk strategy.
How Pre-Order Bonuses Are Distributed Across Editions
Pre-order bonuses vary by edition and retailer. Here is a typical breakdown for a Far Cry release:
- Standard Edition: Base game plus pre-order bonus pack (e.g., a weapon and outfit).
- Gold Edition: Base game, season pass (all DLC expansions), and pre-order bonus. Often includes early access.
- Ultimate Edition: Everything in Gold plus additional cosmetic packs and a steelbook case (physical only).
Retailers sometimes offer exclusive skins or weapons, so if you do pre-order, compare the bonuses across stores. However, these are minor items that do not affect gameplay balance.
Common Problems with Pre-Ordering Far Cry
The most common issue is buyer’s remorse. You pay full price ($60–$70) months in advance, and then the game goes on sale for 20–30% off within a few months. Far Cry 6 was discounted by 50% within three months of release. Another problem is that the pre-order bonus may be locked to your account, so you cannot sell it if you trade in the game.
Technical issues are also a risk. Day-one patches are common, and some players report crashes or save corruption. If you wait, you get a patched version and can read user reviews about performance on your specific hardware.
How to Decide If Pre-Ordering Is Right for You
Ask yourself these questions before committing:
- Do I always play Ubisoft games at launch, or do I usually wait for sales?
- Is the pre-order bonus something I would actually use, or just a novelty?
- Can I afford to lose the money if the game disappoints me?
- Am I comfortable with potential bugs that may take weeks to fix?
If you answered yes to all of these, pre-ordering might be fine. Otherwise, waiting is the safer choice. You can always buy the game later—the digital version will not run out, and physical copies are usually available on day one.
Pre-Order vs. Buying at Launch vs. Waiting for a Sale
Here is a quick comparison of the three approaches:
- Pre-order: Guaranteed access to bonus content, possibly early access. You pay full price and take the risk of launch issues.
- Buy at launch: You can still get some bonuses (often for the first week), and you can see early reviews before deciding. You pay full price but have more information.
- Wait for a sale: You save money (often 30–50% within 6 months), get a fully patched game, and can read comprehensive reviews. You lose the pre-order bonus and have to wait.
For a single-player game like Far Cry, waiting for a sale is almost always the most rational choice financially. The only real downside is the wait itself.
Safety and Refund Considerations
If you pre-order digitally, check the refund policy of the platform (Steam, Epic, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store). Most platforms allow refunds for pre-orders if you cancel before release, but policies differ after launch. On Steam, you can request a refund within 14 days if you have played less than 2 hours, but this may not apply if the game has been out for a while.
Physical pre-orders often require a deposit, which may be non-refundable. Read the store’s terms carefully. Also, beware of third-party key resellers that offer pre-orders at a discount—these can be scams or region-locked keys. Stick to official retailers or well-known platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pre-ordering Far Cry worth it for the bonus content?
Usually not. The bonuses are cosmetic items like a weapon skin or an outfit that you will likely replace within a few hours of gameplay. They do not give you a competitive edge or unlock significant content. If you value collecting exclusive items, it might be worth it, but for most players, it is not a strong reason.
Can I get the pre-order bonus later?
Sometimes. Ubisoft occasionally sells pre-order packs as separate DLC after launch, but this is not guaranteed. If you miss the pre-order, you may never get the bonus. However, the items are rarely essential, so missing them is not a big loss.
Will the game be cheaper if I wait?
Yes, almost certainly. Ubisoft games drop in price quickly. For example, Far Cry 6 was 50% off within three months of release. If you are not in a hurry, waiting will save you money.
What if the game is bad? Can I get a refund?
If you pre-order digitally, you can usually cancel before release. After release, refunds depend on the platform’s policy. For example, Steam allows refunds within 14 days if you played less than 2 hours. If you buy physically, you may be stuck with the game unless the store has a return policy.
Does pre-ordering help the developers?
Not directly. The money goes to the publisher (Ubisoft) and the retailer. Developers are paid salaries regardless of pre-order numbers. Pre-orders can influence marketing decisions, but they do not directly fund the development team.
Are there any benefits to pre-ordering a physical copy?
You might get a steelbook case, a map, or an art book, which some collectors enjoy. You also guarantee a physical copy on launch day, which is useful if you prefer disc versions. However, these bonuses are usually limited to special editions, which cost more.
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