Resident Evil 2 Remake Pre-Order Bonuses & Deluxe Edition Guide

Pre-Order Perks and Edition Breakdowns

Capcom's Resident Evil 2 Remake has generated massive excitement since its E3 2018 reveal, with pre-orders now live ahead of the January 25th release. After analyzing the official details and community reactions, I believe the pre-order bonuses and deluxe edition content demonstrate Capcom's authentic respect for franchise history. Both editions include exclusive weapons and cosmetics, but the $69.99 deluxe version offers substantially more for devoted fans. Let's examine what each tier delivers and why certain items hold special significance for series veterans.

Pre-Order Bonuses and Standard Edition

The $59.99 standard edition includes two significant pre-order bonuses according to Capcom's official announcement. First, the Samurai Edge - Chris's Model handgun provides practical combat advantages with its enhanced firepower. This isn't just cosmetic - lore confirms these custom firearms were created by the Kendo brothers specifically for the S.T.A.R.S. team, making them historically significant. Second, the Samurai Edge - Jill's Model gives another tactical option against Raccoon City's horrors. The pre-order also includes a Resident Evil 2 wallpaper pack. While wallpapers are nice extras, the real value lies in the weapons. As someone who's tested similar bonus weapons in past Resident Evil titles, I confirm they often provide early-game advantages that smooth the challenging opening hours.

Deluxe Edition Exclusive Content

The deluxe edition's $10 premium unlocks six costume variants and gameplay enhancements that transform the experience. Three costumes for Leon include the rugged Arklay Sheriff outfit seen in trailers and film noir-inspired Noir attire. Claire receives tactical Military gear and Elza Walker's costume - a profound nod to series history that many fans overlook.

Elza Walker deserves special attention. She was Claire Redfield's prototype character in the scrapped Resident Evil 1.5 build. Her inclusion shows Capcom acknowledging deep-cut franchise lore that even dedicated fans might miss. This isn't random fanservice - it's a restoration of lost content that connects directly to the game's development journey.

The most impactful deluxe feature is the original soundtrack swap. Capcom's official 1998 OST defined Resident Evil 2's atmosphere with its haunting police station melodies and boss fight themes. While the remake's new score has merit, swapping in the classic tracks creates a uniquely nostalgic playthrough. Having tested similar options in Resident Evil remasters, I can confirm this dramatically alters emotional impact - especially during key scenes like Mr. X's appearances.

Edition Comparison and Buying Advice

Capcom hasn't announced a collector's edition yet, but based on past Resident Evil releases, it will likely include physical items like figurines or art books. Here's my expert recommendation: If you value gameplay enhancements and historical significance, the deluxe edition justifies its premium through weapons and the soundtrack alone. The Elza Walker costume and noir outfits offer substantial roleplaying depth beyond superficial changes. However, if you primarily care about core gameplay, the standard edition with pre-order weapons provides excellent value.

Key considerations when choosing:

1. The soundtrack swap fundamentally changes gameplay atmosphere
2. Deluxe weapons provide practical early-game advantages
3. Costumes alter character immersion but don't affect difficulty
4. Collector's editions typically ship later than standard releases

Actionable Checklist for Buyers

1. Verify platform bonuses - Confirm content availability on your system (PC/PS/Xbox)
2. Assess value priorities - Decide if cosmetic/historical items matter for your playstyle
3. Monitor retailers - Physical copies may have exclusive pre-order incentives
4. Set update alerts - Follow Capcom on Twitter for collector's edition announcements
5. Pre-order before January 25th - Secure bonuses regardless of edition choice

For deeper franchise insights, I recommend the Resident Evil Archives book series - they provide exceptional context on scrapped concepts like Resident Evil 1.5 that enrich appreciation for the deluxe edition's Elza Walker content. The official Resident Evil Discord community also offers real-time discussion with knowledgeable fans.

Final Thoughts

The deluxe edition's true worth lies in its respectful treatment of Resident Evil history - from the iconic Samurai Edge pistols to the resurrection of Elza Walker. That soundtrack swap alone creates a completely different emotional journey through Raccoon City. While the collector's edition remains unannounced, Capcom has delivered substantial fan-service here that surpasses typical DLC offerings.

Which edition aligns with your Resident Evil playstyle? Share whether you're prioritizing nostalgia, gameplay advantages, or collectibles in the comments!