Is Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition Worth It? A Hunter’s Honest Breakdown
The moment Capcom unveiled Monster Hunter Wilds, the gaming world held its breath. With stunning visuals, dynamic ecosystems, and promises of deeper multiplayer synergy than ever before, anticipation is sky-high. But as pre-orders open and digital storefronts light up with tiered editions, one question echoes across forums and Discord channels: Is the Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition worth it?
Let’s cut through the marketing haze and dissect what you’re actually paying for — and whether that extra investment will enhance your hunt or just pad Capcom’s coffers.
What’s Inside the Premium Deluxe Edition?
First, let’s lay out the contents. The Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition typically includes:
- The full base game (obviously)
- Digital Artbook & Official Soundtrack — for collectors and lore enthusiasts
- Exclusive layered armor sets and weapon skins — cosmetic, but visually distinct
- Item Packs — consumables like potions, traps, and rare materials to jumpstart your early hunts
- Palico/Palamute gear sets — because your furry companions deserve to look fly too
- Early Access — play up to three days before standard edition owners
These perks vary slightly by platform or region, but the core value-adds remain consistent. The real question isn’t “What’s in the box?” — it’s “Do these extras meaningfully impact your gameplay experience?”
Breaking Down the Value: Practical vs. Cosmetic
Let’s be blunt: Monster Hunter games are built on grind. Whether it’s farming Rathalos tails or stacking up Wyvern Gems, progression is earned through sweat, strategy, and sometimes, tears. That’s why the Item Packs included in the Deluxe Edition matter more than you might think.
Imagine starting your journey with 50 Mega Potions, 20 Pitfall Traps, and a stack of Ancient Potions. You’re not just skipping the early-game resource scramble — you’re accelerating your ability to experiment with weapons, take on tougher optional quests, and recover from rookie mistakes. For newcomers or returning players rusty on mechanics, this buffer can be a game-changer.
On the flip side, the layered armor and weapon skins are purely cosmetic. If you care about flexing a unique Rathian-inspired armor over your Nargacuga build, you’ll love this. But if you prioritize function over flair, these won’t affect your damage output or survivability. Still, in a game where hundreds of hours are spent staring at your hunter’s back, a little personalization goes a long way.
Early Access: Is It Worth the Wait… or the Price?
The three-day head start is perhaps the most debated perk. Hardcore fans argue it’s invaluable — getting a leg up on endgame content, leaderboards, or guild events. Others shrug, noting that Monster Hunter isn’t a race. Everyone eventually catches up.
But consider this: Monster Hunter Wilds is expected to feature evolving world events and limited-time quests tied to real-world calendars. Getting in early might mean securing exclusive materials or event rewards before they rotate out. If you’ve got vacation days lined up or a long weekend free, those 72 hours could be the difference between being a trendsetter and playing catch-up.
Case in point: Look back at Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Players who pre-ordered got early access to layered armor tied to launch events. Within two weeks, those cosmetics were no longer obtainable through normal gameplay. FOMO is real — and Capcom knows it.
The Collector’s Angle: Artbook & Soundtrack
For some, digital extras like the artbook and soundtrack are throwaways. For others — particularly longtime fans or content creators — they’re treasures.
The Monster Hunter artbooks often reveal concept art that shows how creatures evolved from sketch to screen. The soundtrack? Composed by the legendary team behind past titles, it’s ambient adrenaline — perfect for streaming, studying, or just vibing while you plan your next hunt.
If you fall into the “digital collector” camp, these additions justify part of the price bump. If not, they’re nice-to-haves you’ll likely never open. Know thyself.
Multiplayer Considerations
Monster Hunter Wilds is rumored to double down on co-op and seamless multiplayer integration. If you plan to hunt primarily with friends, ask yourselves: Will the Deluxe Edition perks give your squad a collective advantage?
Shared item drops? No. But if everyone starts with boosted resources, you can tackle harder quests faster as a group. And if your Palamute is rocking the Deluxe-exclusive gear while your buddy’s is stuck in default fur? Well, that’s just bragging rights — but in multiplayer, morale matters.
Price vs. Longevity
The Deluxe Edition usually costs
But here’s the math that matters: Monster Hunter games aren’t 10-hour sprints. They’re 200+ hour marathons. If you’re investing months into this world, does $25 really matter when spread across 300 hours of gameplay? That’s less than 10 cents per hour for smoother early progression and exclusive cosmetics.
Compare that to buying a $60 game you play for five hours. The value-per-hour ratio here is overwhelmingly in your favor — if you’re committed to the hunt.
Who Should Skip It?
Not everyone needs the Deluxe Edition