Pre Ordering Games Is It Ever Worth It Or Should You Wait For Patches

In the evolving landscape of video game releases, the decision to pre-order a title has become more complex than ever. What was once a simple way to guarantee early access and exclusive bonuses now comes with significant risks—buggy launches, broken promises, and underwhelming experiences. At the same time, waiting for patches can mean missing out on launch-day excitement or community events. So, is pre-ordering still a smart move, or has the era of polished post-launch updates made patience the better strategy?

The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on the developer, the franchise, platform stability, and what you value most as a player: immediate access, flawless performance, or bonus content. This article explores the real costs and benefits of pre-ordering, analyzes recent industry trends, and provides a clear framework to help you decide when to buy early—and when to hold back.

The Evolution of Game Launches

Not long ago, pre-ordering a game was a relatively safe bet. Titles were smaller in scope, tested thoroughly, and launched in a more predictable environment. Today’s AAA games, however, are massive digital ecosystems—often released in a “live service” model that expects ongoing fixes and updates. As a result, many high-profile titles ship with critical bugs, performance issues, or missing features.

Consider the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020. Despite years of marketing and hype, the game shipped in a notoriously unstable state, especially on last-gen consoles. Players who pre-ordered faced crashes, graphical glitches, and gameplay-breaking bugs. The backlash was so severe that Sony removed the game from the PlayStation Store temporarily—a rare move in the industry.

This isn’t an isolated case. Games like Diablo Immortal, Hogwarts Legacy, and even Starfield had rocky starts, with performance issues across multiple platforms. These examples highlight a shift: developers increasingly rely on post-launch patches to fix core problems, treating day-one as just the beginning of development rather than the finish line.

“Releasing a game today is less about perfection and more about momentum. Publishers want players engaged from day one, even if the product isn’t fully polished.” — Marcus Lin, Senior Producer at IndieNova Studios

Pros and Cons of Pre-Ordering

Pre-ordering isn’t inherently bad—it can offer real advantages, but only under the right circumstances. Understanding both sides helps you make informed decisions.

Tip: Always research the developer’s track record before pre-ordering. A studio known for stable launches (like Nintendo or FromSoftware) is a safer bet than one with a history of buggy releases.

Advantages of Pre-Ordering

• Guaranteed Access: For highly anticipated games, pre-ordering ensures you get in on day one, avoiding potential delays or stock shortages.
• Exclusive Bonuses: Many publishers offer in-game items, skins, or early access tiers as pre-order incentives.
• Support for Developers: Early sales help fund ongoing development, especially for indie or mid-sized studios.
• Price Lock: Some storefronts guarantee the lowest price between pre-order and launch, protecting against sudden increases.

Drawbacks of Pre-Ordering

• Buggy Launches: You risk paying full price for a flawed experience that may take weeks or months to stabilize.
• Misleading Marketing: Trailers and demos don’t always reflect the final product, leading to disappointment.
• Wasted Bonuses: Exclusive content may be cosmetic and irrelevant to gameplay, offering little long-term value.
• Refund Difficulties: Digital purchases are often non-refundable, even if the game is broken.

When Waiting for Patches Makes Sense

For many players, the smartest move is to wait. Platforms like Steam, Metacritic, and Reddit provide real-time feedback within hours of release, revealing whether a game is truly playable. Waiting 2–6 weeks allows developers to roll out critical patches that fix crashes, improve performance, and rebalance mechanics.

Take Hololive Island, a fan-made project that gained attention for its charm but launched with optimization issues. Within a month, version 1.3 addressed nearly all major complaints, turning a shaky experience into a smooth one. Players who waited avoided frustration and got a much better product.

Similarly, Monster Hunter: World launched with server instability and balance problems. Capcom responded quickly with patches, and by patch 2.0, the game was significantly improved. Those who waited enjoyed a far more stable experience.

Signs You Should Wait

1. The developer has a history of rushed launches.
2. The game targets multiple platforms, especially older hardware.
3. It’s a live-service or online multiplayer title (more prone to server issues).
4. Pre-release reviews mention performance concerns or missing features.
5. The game relies heavily on post-launch content to feel complete.

Tip: Use trusted aggregators like OpenCritic or PCGamingWiki to check known issues before buying. They often list specific bugs, required patches, and user-reported fixes.

A Strategic Approach: How to Decide

Rather than adopting a blanket rule—always wait or always pre-order—use a structured evaluation process. The following checklist helps you weigh the risks and rewards based on objective criteria.

🎮 Pre-Order Decision Checklist

• ✅ Is the developer reputable and known for quality launches?
• ✅ Have they provided a substantial demo or beta?
• ✅ Are the pre-order bonuses meaningful (e.g., extra story content, not just a skin)?
• ✅ Is the game single-player and self-contained, reducing dependency on servers?
• ✅ Does your platform have strong refund policies (e.g., Steam’s 2-hour rule)?
• ❌ Are there red flags in previews (e.g., frame rate drops, AI issues)?
• ❌ Is this a first-party title from a company with a spotty QA record?

If most answers are “yes,” pre-ordering might be justified. If doubts dominate, waiting is the wiser choice.

Case Study: The Witcher 3 vs. Cyberpunk 2077

Compare two CD Projekt Red titles: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) and Cyberpunk 2077 (2020). Both were heavily pre-ordered, but their launch experiences couldn’t be more different.

The Witcher 3 launched with minor bugs but remained fully playable. Performance was solid across platforms, and the core gameplay loop was intact. Patches refined the experience, but the foundation was strong. Fans who pre-ordered received valuable bonuses like alternate armor sets and questlines—content that enhanced replayability.

In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077 was functionally broken on PS4 and Xbox One. NPCs glitched through walls, quests failed to trigger, and frame rates plummeted. The promised open-world immersion was undermined by technical chaos. Even after six major patches, trust in the brand took a hit.

This contrast shows that even the same developer can deliver vastly different outcomes over time. Past success doesn’t guarantee future stability—each game must be evaluated independently.

Comparative Analysis: Pre-Order vs. Post-Patch Experience

Factor	Pre-Order (Day One)	Post-Patch (4+ Weeks)
Performance Stability	Often unstable; frequent crashes	Typically resolved via patches
Gameplay Balance	May be unbalanced or exploitative	Adjusted based on player feedback
Content Completeness	Sometimes missing key features	Restored or improved
Online Servers	Overloaded; login issues common	Stabilized after scaling adjustments
Player Enjoyment (Avg.)	Mixed to negative (if buggy)	Significantly improved
Value for Money	Risk of buyer’s remorse	Higher satisfaction rate

This table underscores a clear trend: waiting almost always results in a better-playing, more enjoyable game. However, it also means missing the initial community buzz and event-based content that may expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pre-ordering support the developers directly?

Yes and no. While pre-orders generate revenue that funds development, much of that income goes to publishers and platforms. Smaller studios benefit more from direct support, whereas AAA publishers often use pre-orders as marketing tools rather than financial lifelines.

Are pre-order bonuses ever re-released?

Sometimes. Publishers occasionally reintroduce exclusive items during anniversary updates or special events. However, this isn’t guaranteed. If a bonus is important to you, pre-ordering may be the only way to obtain it.

Can I get refunds if a game is broken?

It depends on the platform. Steam offers refunds within 14 days and under 2 hours of playtime. Epic Games Store allows refunds within 14 days, no questions asked. Console platforms like PlayStation and Xbox are stricter, requiring exceptional circumstances. Always check refund policies before purchasing.

Conclusion: Make Informed Choices, Not Impulsive Ones

Pre-ordering games isn’t obsolete—but it’s no longer a default choice. The modern gaming landscape demands discernment. Blind loyalty to franchises or hype-driven FOMO can lead to disappointing experiences and wasted money. On the other hand, strategic pre-orders with proper research can reward loyal fans with meaningful content and early access.

The key is balance. Use developer reputation, community feedback, and patch timelines to guide your decisions. If you crave stability and polish, waiting 4–6 weeks is often the best investment. If you value being part of the launch conversation and trust the studio’s track record, pre-ordering—with cautious optimism—can still be worthwhile.

Ultimately, your time and money deserve respect. Treat each purchase as a calculated decision, not a reflex. The games you love are worth playing at their best—not just at their earliest.

💬 Have a pre-order horror story or a success tale? Share your experience in the comments and help others navigate the tricky world of game launches with confidence.