Video games are full of unique characters and equipment. A lot of times, they are cool enough to deserve a physical artifact such as a replica or statue. Many fans also crave concept art and albums from popular games. Fortunately, players get these craved mediums through collector's edition games.
Not every game releases with a collector's edition, but many blockbuster games do. Additionally, unique games in style, mechanics, or gameplay also receive such prestigious editions. Now, if one is a collector, then the best collector's edition games belong in any fan's library.
Updated August 23, 2022, by Michael Llewellyn: As with any other medium, gamers can be avid collectors of their favorite genre or franchise. JRPG fans, for example, will often collect every major and niche release from Atlus or aim to complete their Suikoden collection. Many fans recognize the value and enjoyment that can be taken from collecting rare and expensive sets for their favorite games. Whether it's looking nice on the shelf or financial investment, this list has been updated to include more of the best video game collector's editions that are worthy of a place in any gaming fan's collection.
18 Elden Ring
- Released: 2022
- Developer: FromSoft
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
As an early contender for 2022's game of the year, Elden Ring is FromSoft's successor to the Dark Souls series and their most accessible title to date. That accessibility has led to Elden Ring being well-received by fans and critics alike and it's the publisher Bandai Namco's best-selling game in recent years.
A game with the grandeur of Elden Ring unsurprisingly has a grand collector's set. The set includes a statue of Malenia, a hardcover art book, a steelbook, and a digital soundtrack. The statue is large and comes in an attractive box that opens like a closet.
17 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Released: 2017
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Platform: Switch
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the second game in the critically acclaimed sci-fi fantasy JRPG trilogy and is a long game with incredible scope. It has a great cast of characters, a deep story, and plenty of replayability. As one of Nintendo's biggest series, the Xenoblade Chronicles games were released in beautiful boxed sets.
The physical releases of the Xenoblade Chronicles series hold their value and more on auction sites. Unsurprisingly, the special edition sets sell for a significant amount of money. The Xenoblade Chronicles 2 set is no exception. This is thanks to its inclusion of the game, a steelbook case, a soundtrack CD, and the 220-page Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Collected Works book.
16 Tales Of Arise
- Released: 2021
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
The award-winning Tales of Arise was released with the intention of revitalizing the series and making it accessible to newcomers without alienating longtime fans. For dedicated fans and collectors of the series, Tales of Arise launched with an expensive but beautiful boxed set.
The Tales of Arise Collector's edition includes the game, a steelbook, physical and digital soundtrack, a 64-page artbook, and a figurine with Alphen and Shionne. The game also includes in-game DLC and premium items packs.
15 Lunar Silver Star Story and Lunar 2 Complete
- Released: 1999
- Developer: Game Arts
- Platform: iOS, PC, PS1 - the Complete Collector's set was only available on the PlayStation
Developed by Game Arts, the same studio that created the Grandia series, Lunar Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete was released in the West on the PS1 in 1999 and 2000, respectively. They are remastered using additional voice work, audio tracks, and adjustments to the combat.
The Collector’s Editions were put together by the localization studio Working Designs and remain two of the nicest sets ever to be released on the PS1. The Silver Star Story set includes a cloth map, a leatherette hardbound art book, a music CD, a Making of CD, and a strategy guide. Eternal Blue’s set included a full-sized Lucia Pendant, leatherette hardbound art book, a Making of CD, a music CD, a map, and mini character standees.
14 Arc The Lad Collection
- Released: 2002
- Developer: Arc Entertainment
- Platform: PS1
The Arc the Lad Collection includes three of the mainline trilogy of tactical RPGs and the spin-off title Arc Arena. Just like the Lunar Complete collections, the English versions were localization by Working Designs, a studio that had become well known for its stunning box arts and collector’s editions.
The Arc the Lad Collection is no different. In addition to the set of four games across five CDs, it includes a leatherette hard book artbook, thumb covers, memory cardholder, and character standees.
13 Growlanser Generations Deluxe Edition
- Released: 2004
- Developer: Career Soft
- Platform: PS2
Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Growlanser Generations is a compilation of the tactical RPGs Growlanser 2 and Growlanser 3. The collection came in two sets. The first was the standard two-disc set and the second was the deluxe edition. Both versions are valuable, but the rare and limited Deluxe Edition is in a league of its own.
The Deluxe set includes a Growlanser-themed analog watch, a Growlanser ring, chain, and a storage pouch. It includes playing cards set with customized artwork, and a music CD containing 20 tracks from the games.
12 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
- Released: 2020
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Platform: Switch
Released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a remaster of the Nintendo Wii original. It features updated music, HD visuals, an improved interface, and more. It also came packaged with a fairly expensive but nice collector’s edition in European territories.
The collector’s set includes a steel tin case, a poster, a stylized Vinyl Soundtrack - in the shape of the Xenoblade - the downloadable soundtrack, and the Xenoblade Complete Works artbook.
11 Dark Souls III The Prestige Edition
- Released: 2016
- Developer: FromSoft
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One
Released in 2016, Dark Souls III is the finale in one of the most critically acclaimed action RPG series of all time. The series has become well known for putting together some very nice collectible sets but the biggest and most expensive of all is Dark Souls III Prestige Edition.
Sold exclusively on Amazon, it includes a 40cm Lord of Cinder figurine, a 25cm Red Knight figurine, a cloth map, an A4 hardback artbook, iron-on patches, a metal case, and a huge collector’s box to store it in.
10 Titanfall
- Released: 2014
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Platform: PC, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
Titanfall was released in 2014 on the Xbox platform and fans were hyped for its release. The game featured never before seen FPS mechanics such as wall running and double jumping. Titanfall threw 10-foot tall mechs into the party as well. The titans were the biggest standout of the game, and Respawn Entertainment capitalized on that when they announced the collector's edition.
The Titanfall collector's edition included an 18-inch titan statue. The statue features an Atlas titan running into battle with fellow grunts and an enemy pilot rodeoing its back. It comes equipped with LED lights as well. Players also got a book of 190 concept art pages and a schematic poster. This edition was released at $250 but now sells starting at $400.
9 Cyberpunk 2077
- Released: 2020
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
It has been available since before Christmas and it's not without a level of controversy . However, Cyberpunk 2077 came with a very sought-after collector's edition. The game was one of the most highly anticipated games of 2020 and isn't close to reaching its full potential yet. The collector's edition of Cyberpunk 2077 features a 10-inch statue of a male V on a bike.
The bike has crushed a gang member and is flipping over with V having his guns at the ready. Furthermore, the edition features a stylistic box, collectible steel book, art book, a keychain, embroidered patches, postcards from Night City, a map of the city, stickers, a world compendium featuring lore, and a book titled A Visitor's Guide to Night City. Good luck picking this collector's edition up for $250.