To say anticipation for Elden Ring is through the roof is quite the understatement: it’s through the firmament, through the galaxy, distant alien lifeforms are probably hyped about it. The open world RPG by the creators of Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is probably the most coveted game since Cyberpunk 2077.
The Elden Ring release date is February 25, 2022 – it was delayed by a month in October, because according to From Software the “depth and strategic freedom of the game exceeded initial expectations”. Public gameplay footage has been pretty thin on the ground so far, but there was a behind closed door showing in late August, resulting in a swathe of Elden Ring previews. There’s a Closed Network Test scheduled for November, but platforms haven’t been announced yet.
If you’re the type to pre-order games, there are quite a few options ahead of launch. Amazon is taking orders for boxed copies, but if you’re after digital, the best way is to get a Steam code via Fanatical. Or, if you’re a Humble Choice member, the Humble Store is offering a nice discount off the RRP.
As for pre-order bonuses, given the dearth of actual pre-order opportunities at present we haven’t heard anything on this note. Do keep in mind that From Software is usually averse to these ‘digital bonus’ style incentives.
Cheapest Elden Ring pre-orders in Australia
Elden Ring @ Fanatical | AU$89.95 AU$75.55
By far the cheapest way to get Elden Ring digitally ahead of its launch is via Fanatical, though if you’re a Humble Choice subscriber, check out the listing below.
Elden Ring @ Humble Store | AU$89.95 AU$83.55
A bit pricier than Fanatical, but you do get AU$7.73 cashback. In other words, once you’ve completed the transaction you’ll have that amount credited to your Humble Store wallet. Meanwhile, if you happen to be a Humble Choice member, you can save AU$17.
Elden Ring @ Amazon AU | AU$99.95 AU$84.90
As is commonly the case, Amazon’s pre-order price carves a substantial chunk off the RRP in Australia, but it still can’t beat Fanatical in this case for either price or convenience. The latter because Amazon will ship this to you in a box, so you may not have it for launch. The box contains a digital download code, probably redeemable on Steam.
Elden Ring @ JB Hi-Fi | AU$99.95 AU$89
This is a boxed copy that will need to be shipped to you, or else purchased at a JB Hi-Fi outlet. If you want to pick Elden Ring up at the shops, this is the cheapest way to do that, beating EB Games by AU$10.95.
Elden Ring @ Steam | AU$89.95
It’s the digital PC RRP, which Steam normally sticks pretty close to ahead of launch for big blockbuster games. You’re much better off buying a Steam digital code from Fanatical.
Elden Ring @ EB Games | AU$99.95 (SOLD OUT)
EB Games is taking pre-orders for Elden Ring at the recommended retail price. Given it’s just a code in a box that will need to be shipped to you, and it’s more expensive than the competition, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
This list may grow in the coming weeks and months; we’ll keep you posted.
