Which Crimson Desert Edition Is Worth Your Money? Quick Breakdown Before You Pre-Order

Not sure which Crimson Desert edition to pre-order? Here’s a straight answer

This caught my attention because Pearl Abyss is offering three very different physical editions and two digital ones, and the difference between “Standard” and “Collector’s” isn’t just a few skins – there’s a 17″ diorama and a pile of physical swag on the line. With pre-orders live and limited collector stock, now’s the time to decide whether you want only the game or a shelf-worthy box to show off.

• Quick verdict: Most players should buy Standard. Deluxe makes sense if you care about cosmetics and a SteelBook. Collector’s is for display collectors who want the diorama and exclusive in-game legendary items.
• Why act now: Pre-order bonuses (Khaled Shield) are included for all editions; PS5 gets an extra Grotevant Plate set. Physical Collector’s items are limited and likely to sell out.

Edition at a glance – price, platform, and what changes

Crimson Desert launches March 19, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. MSRPs reported: Standard $69.99, Deluxe $89.99, Collector’s roughly $279.99-$280. Standard and Deluxe are available digitally across platforms (Deluxe physical for consoles); Collector’s is a physical-only premium package with very limited availability. All editions include the base game plus the Khaled Shield pre-order DLC; PS5 pre-orders add the Grotevant Plate set as a platform exclusive.

Breaking down each edition

Standard Edition – pick this if you just want the game

What you get: the full game (disc or digital), the Khaled Shield pre-order item, and on PS5 the Grotevant Plate armor as an extra exclusive. No additional physical merch or deluxe DLC. This is the budget, gameplay-first option — ideal for players who don’t care about mounts, vanity gear, or display pieces.

Deluxe Edition — cosmetics and a few physical extras

Deluxe adds a bundle of in-game cosmetics (additional shields, armor sets, and a horse tack set) and, for the physical Deluxe, a SteelBook, a fabric map of Pywel, a developer letter/print, a metal brooch pin, three photo cards, and three embroidered patches. If you like vanity items and some shelf swag without spending Collector’s money, this is the middle ground.

Collector’s Edition — for display collectors and completionists

The Collector’s is a physical-only box that includes everything from Deluxe plus in-game legendary weapons (Tormented Soul Bow, Derictus Spear, Sielos Longsword), an elite horse tack set, the Shroud Lantern, and most notably a ~17″ diorama (Kliff vs. Golden Star). The CE also upgrades some physical items and ships in a premium box. It’s priced at roughly four times the Standard edition and is aimed squarely at collectors who value the diorama and exclusive gear.

Platform notes and availability

PC gets digital Standard and Deluxe via Steam/Epic; physical PC copies are rare and region-dependent. PS5 and Xbox get full physical runs for Standard and Deluxe, and the Collector’s is offered for consoles (PC Collector’s is extremely limited in some regions). All editions require an install and will get day-one patches; cross-progression hasn’t been confirmed publicly.

Who should buy which edition?

• Standard: Most players — you get 100% of the base game and story for $69.99. Upgrade later if needed.
• Deluxe: Cosmetic and merch fans who want SteelBook, map and vanity DLC without committing to a $280 CE.
• Collector’s: Display collectors and completionists who value the 17″ diorama and exclusive in-game legendary items. Expect limited stock and a high price tag.

Why now — and the real cost question

Pre-orders are live and pre-order bonuses are universal, but the Collector’s items are limited. If you want the diorama or exclusive weapons, pre-ordering early is the safest bet. For everyone else, the Standard edition is the best value: you pay far less and still get the full game. Deluxe is a reasonable middle option if SteelBook and extra cosmetics matter to you.

TL;DR

Buy Standard if you only care about the game. Buy Deluxe if you want cosmetics and a SteelBook without the Collector’s price. Buy Collector’s only if the 17″ diorama and exclusive legendary items are worth the $280 premium to you — otherwise you’re paying mainly for display value and limited-run merch.