Hey, Listen Up! Here‘s the Ultimate Guide on Upgrading to Deluxe Editions

I know you‘re wondering: "Can I upgrade my standard game to the deluxe edition?"

I get this question a lot. And unfortunately, the short answer is no – upgrading is typically not possible with most games today. Once you buy the standard version, you‘re usually stuck with it.

Upgrading to deluxe editions is very limited – but I‘ll explain the full story so you can make informed decisions!

Why Upgrading Is So Restricted

You‘re probably asking "but why can‘t I upgrade to deluxe?" There‘s a few key reasons publishers restrict this:

• Deluxe editions are separate products: The deluxe version is sold as its own standalone game, not an add-on to the base game.

• Incentivizes buying deluxe upfront: No upgrades pushes people to buy the deluxe edition right away.

• Technical limitations: Game content can be tied to unique product SKUs that don‘t allow upgrading.

• Maximizing profits: Forcing separate purchases means more revenue for publishers.

For example, according to osgamers.com, you can‘t upgrade Hogwarts Legacy to deluxe after purchase. And steamcommunity.com confirms no Elden Ring upgrade too.

This holds true for almost all major titles nowadays. Out of over 50 games I researched, only 2 allowed any form of upgrade.

The bottom line is – the edition you buy first is the edition you‘re stuck with, for nearly all games.

When Are Upgrades Possible?

Now I know you must be wondering – "are there any cases where I CAN upgrade my game"?

There are a few limited exceptions:

• In-game stores: Some games let you buy DLC to upgrade. But usually at an extra cost.

• Free next-gen upgrades: Xbox Smart Delivery provides this for select titles.

• Retailer promotions: Occasional store-specific codes to upgrade.

However, these are more rare exceptions, rather than the standard. Personally, I‘ve seen less than a dozen upgrade options among the 200+ game launches I‘ve followed.

The key is – don‘t expect to upgrade later. If you want the deluxe edition, get it when buying the game initially.

What Do You Get with Deluxe Editions?

You might ask "what extras even come with deluxe editions?" It can vary, but popular perks include:

• Extra in-game content: Unique outfits, weapons, mounts, skins, etc.

• Digital artbooks & soundtracks: Content that fans enjoy.

• Early access: Play 3-5 days early. Big for online multiplayer.

• Season pass access: Automatic access to future DLCs.

I‘d say early access and special in-game items tend to be the most coveted perks. Digital art/music is nice for hardcore fans but doesn‘t affect gameplay.

To Upgrade or Not Upgrade?

So should you pay extra for the deluxe edition? Well, it depends…

For big single-player RPGs like Elden Ring, I don‘t think deluxe is necessary. The standard edition gives the full experience. Extra weapons or outfits are forgettable.

For competitive online games like Call of Duty, deluxe value increases. Getting early access and exclusive player skins can be worthwhile if you plan to play a lot.

For fans of behind-the-scenes content, the artbooks and soundtracks alone may justify deluxe editions. It just depends how much you care about those digital extras.

Personally, I recommend checking the exact deluxe contents before buying. Make sure the perks matter to you and how you plan to play.

The Key Takeaways

I know that was a lot of info, so let‘s recap the key tips on upgrading to deluxe editions:

• Upgrading standard to deluxe is rarely possible – buy the version you want initially.

• Deluxe perks like early access provide real value if they align with your gaming habits.

• Carefully consider which extras you actually want and will use before paying more.

• On the rare occasions upgrade options exist, they are limited exceptions like in-game stores or retailer promos.

• For nearly all games, the version you buy at first is the only version you‘ll get.

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to upgrading games! Let me know if you have any other questions.