Video games are full of unique characters and equipment. A lot of times, they are cool enough to deserve a physical artifact such as a replica or statue. Many fans also crave concept art and albums from popular games. Fortunately, players get these craved mediums through collector's edition games.
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Not every game releases with a collector's edition, but many blockbuster games do. Additionally, games that are unique in style, mechanics, or gameplay also receive such prestigious editions. Now, if you are a collector of collector's edition games, then you may have some of these, but here are the top ten collector's edition games you need in your library.
Updated by Michael Llewellyn on April 14, 2021: For many gamers, collector’s edition and deluxe boxed sets will never go out of fashion. They look great displayed on a wall or a desk but more importantly for those willing to maintain their condition they can prove to be good investments. Many rare collector’s editions have the ability to fetch a high reselling price on auction sites such as eBay. Old and new, some of these stunning collector’s sets are still worth seeking out to compliment the most avid collector’s display units.
15 Lunar Silver Star Story and Lunar 2 Complete
Developed by Game Arts the same studio that created the Grandia series, Lunar Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete was released in the West on the PS1 in 1999 and 2000 respectively. They were remastered using additional voice work, audio tracks, and adjustments to the combat.
The Collector’s Editions of these two games were put together by the localization studio Working Designs and they remain two the nicest sets ever to be released. Silver Star Story included a cloth map, leatherette hardbound art book, music CD, a “Making of” CD, and a strategy guide. Eternal Blue’s set included a full-sized Lucia Pendant, leatherette hardbound art book, a “Making of” CD, a music CD, a map, and mini character standees.
14 Arc The Lad Collection
The Arc the Lad Collection on the PS1 includes the mainline trilogy of tactical RPGs and the spin-off title Arc Arena. Just like the Lunar Complete collections, the English localization was performed by Working Designs who had become well known for their stunning box arts and collector’s editions.
The Arc the Lad Collection is no different. In addition to the set of four games across five CDs, it also includes a leatherette hard book artbook, thumb covers, memory cardholder, and character standees.
13 Growlanser Generations Deluxe Edition
Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Growlanser Generations is a compilation of the tactical RPGs Growlanser II and Growlanser III. The collection came in two sets, the first was just the normal two-disc set and the deluxe edition. Both versions are valuable, but it’s the very rare and limited Deluxe Edition that sets it apart.
The Deluxe set includes, a Growlanser themed analog watch, a Growlanser themed ring, chain, and a storage pouch. It also included a set of playing cards with customized artwork, and a music CD containing 20 tracks from the games.
12 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a remaster of the Nintendo Wii original. It features updated music, HD visuals, an improved interface, and more. It also came packaged with a fairly expensive but nice collector’s edition in European territories.
The collector’s set includes the steel tin case, a square poster, a stunning Vinyl Soundtrack in the shape of the Xenoblade, the downloadable soundtrack, and the Xenoblade Complete Works artbook.
11 Dark Souls III The Prestige Edition
Released in 2016, Dark Souls III is the final part of one of the most critically acclaimed action RPG series of all time. The series has become well known for putting together some very nice collectible sets but the biggest and most expensive of all is Dark Souls III Prestige Edition.
Sold exclusively on Amazon, it included a 40cm Lord of Cinder figurine, a 25cm Red Knight figurine, a cloth map, an A4 hardback artbook, iron-on patches, a metal case, and a huge collector’s box to store it in.
10 Titanfall
Titanfall released in 2014 on the Xbox platform and fans were hyped for its release. The game featured never before seen FPS mechanics such as wall running and double jumping. Titanfall also threw 10-foot tall mechs into the party as well. The titans were the biggest standout of the game, and Respawn Entertainment capitalized on that when they announced the collector's edition.
The Titanfall collector's edition included an 18-inch titan statue. The statue features an Atlas titan running into battle with fellow grunts and an enemy pilot rodeoing its back. It comes equipped with LED lights as well. Players also got a book of 190 concept art pages and a schematic poster. This edition released at $250 but now sells starting at $400.
9 Cyberpunk 2077
It has been available since before Christmas and it's not without a level of controversy. However, Cyberpunk 2077 came with a very sought-after collector's edition. The game was one of the most highly anticipated games of 2020 and despite isn't close to reaching its full potential yet. The collector's edition of Cyberpunk 2077 features a 10-inch statue of a male V on a bike.
The bike has crushed a gang member and is flipping over with V having his guns at the ready. Furthermore, the edition features a stylistic box, collectible steelbook, art book, a keychain, embroidered patches, postcards from Night City, a map of the city, stickers, a world compendium featuring lore, and a book titled A Visitor's Guide to Night City. Good luck picking this collector's edition up for $250.
8 Overwatch
Overwatch was another highly-anticipated game and still has a large following today. Blizzard has done an exceptional job of supporting its games long after launch. The collector's edition made many fans gawk at what the developer had to offer. This collector's edition features a lot of content like the others on this list. However, no other games on this list are as prevalent as Overwatch is today.
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The collector's edition included a 12.8-inch Soldier 76 statue, a visual sourcebook, the soundtrack, and several pieces of in-game cosmetics. This collector's edition started at $130, but can now be found for higher prices. This edition of the game is certainly something collectors should try to obtain because it is one of the most influential games of the last decade.
7 God of War
2018 was an extraordinary year for video games, and many believed God of War was the champion of them all. If you don't believe God of War was the best game of 2018, then you will certainly think it had the best collector's edition of the year. This collector's edition is full of goodies, including a 9-inch statue of Kratos and Atreus.
Collectors will also obtain a steelbook case, a 2-inch Huldra brothers carvings, a cloth map, a lithograph, and many digital pieces of content. God of War received critical and player reception, which made this collector's edition a hot commodity.
6 Death Stranding
Death Stranding did not hit everyone the same way. It was certainly the most controversial game of 2019. Above all, everyone can agree the Death Stranding collector's edition was stunning. Kojima developed a weird world for this game, and the collector's edition is no different.
The collector's edition of Death Stranding includes a life-sized BB pod statue. You can now have your very own baby in an amber jar. It also comes with a steelbook case, a keychain, and a cargo case. There are also a few in-game pieces of content players can equip. This collectors edition would help out a cosplayer with a Sam Porter Bridges cosplay.
5 Fallout 4
Speaking of a collector's edition that will help out with a cosplay, Fallout 4 did just that. Fallout 4's reception was mixed, and its predecessor was even worse. However, the Fallout franchise has a world full of unique and iconic equipment. None of them are more unique than the famous Pip-Boy.
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The Pip-Boy edition released with a life-sized and wearable Pip-Boy replica. It even let players pair it with their phones to help manage inventory and perks. This collector's edition also featured a physical pocket guide for the device, a Vault-Tec poster, and collectible metal packaging. This edition was mind-blowing and was available starting at only $99.99.
4 Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is arguably the best Assassin's Creed game to date. Ubisoft has reimagined the stealth action-adventure series as a full-blown RPG. The game also released with a few different collector's editions, but the one you should be trying to obtain is the Pantheon Edition. This edition started at $219.99 and featured one of the best statues on this list.
The statue features the protagonist and a cultist attacking each other. The statue is 15.5-inches tall and 25.6-inches wide. This statue is absolutely stunning. Moreover, the edition also included a steelbook case, a concept art book, a printed map of the game, the soundtrack, and in-game content. This is a must-have for Assassin's Creed fans.
3 Resident Evil 2 Remake
The Resident Evil 2 remake was a contender for 2019's game of the year. It was a beloved game reimagined with modern mechanics and graphics. The game did not just release with a standard edition, however. RE2 also hit fans with a collectors edition that featured a slew of in-game content physical items to display.
Purchasers received a 12-inch statue of Leon Kennedy, an art book, a digital soundtrack, a poster, and special edition packaging. The many in-game pieces of content included mainly costumes but some weapons as well. The original soundtrack of the first game was also included.
2 Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 was not the most innovative sequel because it shares a very similar story and mechanics with the first installments. However, the collector's edition is very hard to pass up because of the price. This collector's edition is only $80 and can still be found on sites like Amazon.
Dishonored 2's collector's edition includes a replica of Corvo's mask, a stand for it to stand on, a replica of Emily Kaldwin's ring with a display box, a collectible steelbook, and a double-sided poster. This edition was so worth it for Dishonored fans and can still be purchased at the same price.
1 Titanfall 2
The Titanfall franchise returns with another must-have collector's edition. The first game did not have the best reception, but its sequel is exceptional. It features one of the best FPS campaigns, and it improved on many things the first game needed. The improvements also applied to the collector's edition.
Collectors were greeted with a wearable and adjustable helmet with flashlight and laser attachments. This helmet was insane. Thanks to its adjustability it could fit almost anyone, and the quality was exceptional. Additionally, it released with a dog tag flash drive, a field journal, squad patches, and a detailed scarf. This epic collector's edition released for $250.
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