What to Check Before You Preorder an RPG

Before you preorder an RPG, you should verify the developer’s track record, the game’s actual gameplay footage, the platform’s performance, and the refund policy. This article explains what to look for in each area so you can decide whether a preorder is worth your money or better left until launch day.

Why Preorders Are Risky for RPGs

Role-playing games are the most complex genre in the industry. They feature branching stories, large worlds, dozens of systems, and hundreds of hours of content. That complexity means more can go wrong between announcement and release. Unlike a simple puzzle game, an RPG’s quality is hard to judge from a trailer alone. A cinematic trailer can hide a hollow world, a broken questline, or a save-corrupting bug. Preordering an RPG is essentially betting money on a product you have not fully seen.

Check the Developer’s Track Record

The studio behind the game tells you more than any trailer. Look at their previous RPGs, especially the ones released in the last five years. Did their last game launch with major bugs? Did they support it with patches and DLC? Did they abandon it after release? For example, a studio known for releasing polished, complete RPGs is a safer bet than one that ships broken games and moves on. Also check if the same team that made the good games is still at the studio. Key writers, directors, and designers often leave, and their departure can change the sequel’s quality dramatically.

Look for Real Gameplay Footage

Preorder decisions should be based on actual gameplay, not pre-rendered trailers. Look for extended gameplay demonstrations, not just 30-second clips. Ideally, find footage that shows the user interface, combat, dialogue, and exploration. The best source is often a developer livestream or a hands-on preview from a reputable outlet. If the developer has not shown any real gameplay, that is a red flag. It may mean the game is not far enough along, or that they are hiding something. Also, be wary of “vertical slices” – short, polished segments that do not represent the full game.

Check Platform Performance and Exclusivity

An RPG might be excellent on one platform and terrible on another. Check for platform-specific issues, especially on PC. Look for information about frame rate, resolution, load times, and known bugs on your platform. If the game is a console exclusive, check if it runs well on the base model, not just the Pro or Series X. For PC games, check the recommended specs and whether the game has Denuvo or other DRM that could affect performance. Also, check if the game is a timed exclusive – it might come to other platforms later, and by then it may be cheaper and more polished.

Understand the Editions and Bonuses

RPG preorders often come in multiple editions. The base game, deluxe, collector’s, and ultimate editions can differ wildly in price and content. Before you click preorder, know exactly what each edition includes. Are the bonuses cosmetic or gameplay-affecting? Are they exclusive to preorders, or will they be available later as DLC? Some “exclusive” bonuses become available for purchase within months. Also, check if the collector’s edition physical items are worth the extra cost. Often, the digital deluxe edition is a better value than a $200 statue that you will forget about.

Read the Refund Policy

Refund policies vary by platform and retailer. Steam allows refunds within 14 days if you have played less than 2 hours. PlayStation and Xbox have similar but slightly different policies. If you preorder digitally, you can often cancel before release, but after release, you are subject to the platform’s refund rules. Physical preorders from retailers may have different return policies. Before you preorder, check the exact terms. If the game is a buggy mess at launch, you want to know if you can get your money back. Some platforms allow refunds even after release if the game is broken, but it is not guaranteed.

Compare Reviews and Community Sentiment

If the game is close to release, you may have access to early reviews. Look for reviews from critics you trust, but also check user reviews on platforms like Steam and Metacritic. Be aware of review bombing, where users downvote a game for reasons unrelated to quality, like a controversy. Also, check community forums and subreddits for discussions about the game. Are players reporting bugs? Are they happy with the content? This is especially useful for RPGs, where the experience can vary greatly after 50 hours. Remember that early reviews may only cover the first few hours, which may not reflect the whole game.

Consider Waiting for Launch Day

There is rarely a good reason to preorder a digital game. You can buy it the moment it releases, and you will not miss anything except a few preorder bonuses. If you are worried about missing out, remember that most preorder bonuses are minor cosmetics or a small in-game item. Waiting a day or two lets you see the initial player feedback and early reviews. For RPGs, which are long and complex, it is often wise to wait a week. By then, the most serious bugs are known, and you can decide if the game is worth your time. The only exception is if you want a physical collector’s edition, which may sell out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ever worth preordering an RPG?

Yes, in a few cases. If the developer has a flawless track record, you have seen extensive gameplay, and the preorder bonus is something you genuinely want, it can be worth it. Also, if you want a physical collector’s edition that might sell out, preordering is the only way to guarantee one. Otherwise, waiting is usually better.

What are the best sources for preorder information?

The game’s official website and social media channels are the primary sources. For independent information, look at reputable gaming news sites, YouTube channels that do hands-on previews, and community forums like Reddit. Be careful with content from influencers who are paid by the publisher – they may not be objective.

Can I cancel a preorder after the game is released?

It depends on the platform. Steam allows refunds within 14 days and under 2 hours of play. PlayStation and Xbox have similar policies, but they are not as generous. For physical preorders, check the retailer’s return policy. If the game is broken at launch, some platforms will make exceptions, but it is not guaranteed.

Do preorder bonuses ever become available later?

Yes, often they do. Many games sell preorder bonuses as DLC a few months after release. Sometimes they are included in a “Game of the Year” or “Definitive” edition. If the bonus is not essential, you can probably get it later for a small fee or as part of a bundle.

How can I tell if a trailer is showing real gameplay?

Look for UI elements like health bars, quest markers, and inventory screens. Real gameplay footage usually has a HUD, while cinematics do not. Also, check if the footage is labeled “in-engine” or “gameplay.” If it is just a cinematic, it tells you nothing about how the game plays.

What should I do if I preordered and the game is broken?

First, check for patches – many bugs are fixed in the first week. If the game is still unplayable, request a refund from the platform. Document the issues with screenshots or videos. If the platform denies your refund, you can contact the developer’s support, but they are not obligated to refund you. In the future, wait for the first patch before buying.

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