4 open-world games to pre-order now instead of GTA 6

sooner or later, Grand Theft Auto 6 will be available for Pre-order. It could start in May, or it could be summer 2026 when Rockstar really starts to ramp up marketing. The upcoming open world gameThe November 19th release date is set in stone. Due to some behavior by stores like Best Buy, rumors GTA 6 Steam is getting up for pre-order soon, but they have yet to be real (at the time of writing, things could change quickly). However, even if that passes, you might want to pre-order some other games instead, especially since they're coming out soon. GTA 6 and are bundled with Nifty pre-order bonus.

To be honest, GTA 6 One of the few games to actually warrant a pre-order, since getting a physical copy on release day (or even around it) can be difficult. On November 19th, I imagine at least 50% of the world will be storming brick-and-mortar stores in search of Rockstar's latest masterpiece, a stampede that might make Black Friday seem cool by comparison. Personally, I'd rather avoid falling into that catastrophe.

These upcoming open-world games won't have the same problem, but if you're looking to get them on release day, you can pre-order them.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Pre-order incentive: The Dark Knight Returns Suite / Play from May 19 (Deluxe Edition)

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight drops on May 22, which can make pre-orders feel pointless. However, if you already know you'll be buying the game either at or near launch, there's really no reason to hold off on pre-ordering. The standard version, well, comes with a standard pre-order bonus: a suit. In this case, Players get the Dark Knight Returns suitWhich is one of Batman's most famous aesthetics.

Unlike the 99% Lego licensed games, Legacy of the Dark Knight doesn't feature a billion playable characters, opting instead to stick to the manageable 7; Instead of alternate characters, we have a large selection of suits, with each hero having at least one pair. Customization is set to be a key part of the new Lego BatmanAnd suits are a big part of it.

LEGO is offering in-game bonuses to anyone who purchases one of four LEGO sets: Batman Batmobile, Batman & Robin Batmobile, Batman v Superman Batmobile, and Batman Logo. The first three unlocked golden versions of the cars Legacy of the Dark KnightWhile the latter unlocks Gold Batman. Check out these sets here!

The deluxe version lets you start playing 3 days early, but you now need to get the digital version to take advantage of it. Apart from this, the deluxe edition includes the Legacy and Mayhem collections, the former being three packs that come with other customization options. The Mayhem Collection is even more interesting as it will feature new story missions and two playable characters in The Joker and Harley Quinn, but it won't be released until September 2026.

Gothic 1 Remake

PS5 and Xbox Series Pre-Orders Get Gothic Classic (Now)

Just know, here's a pre-order bonus that puts other bonuses to shame – that's right, you get the game completely free. PS5 and Xbox series owners who pre-order the digital version or physical copy from the THQ Nordic Store will receive a copy. Gothic Classic. Digital purchases unlock the original version immediately, while pre-orders of the physical version should receive a physical copy of it. Gothic Classic to send.

A few caveats for physical pre-orders: The free game is only for pre-orders made through the THQ Nordic EU Store. While the site usually ships to the country, Does not appear as an option in the “Shipping Details” section of the shopping cart for the United States Gothic 1 Remake.

i say Gothic 1 Remake It's shrouded in a bit of shadow at this point, and it's hard to predict how well it will turn out. On paper, a faithful modern remake of one of the most ambitious RPGs of the early 2000s sounds perfect, especially one that emphasizes the things that defined that original game. However, Alkimia Interactive is a new developer, and the project has been in development for a very long time.

Gothic Classic Will be released individually on July 28So definitely don't buy the remake if you're only interested in the original version.

Echoes of Aincrad

Pre-Order Bonus: Get Kirito's Sword (and other weapons)

This goes out especially to my fellow isekai fans who always grab the latest Sword Art Online project. We pushed through some pretty awesome releases throughout the year, but Echoes of Aincrad is (so far) the most exciting video game in the franchise. Instead of embodying Kirito, players create their own hero, whom they take on a single-player adventure that features action, customizable progression, exploration, and survival (of the combat and story variety, I don't think the game will actually have survival mechanics).

Game Studio Inc. is handling the development, and its recent releases (Infinity Strass: Dragon Quest The Adventures of Dai and Synduality: Echoes of Ada) were not great by any stretch of the imagination. still, Echoes of Aincrad One of those games that mostly only caters to a single audience, so you might want to pre-order it if you're going to be part of it. SAO Collection anyway. The pre-order bonus is a Proto-Elucidator weapon pack that includes one of each type. (sword and shield, mace and shield, greatsword, rapier, dagger, and battle axe). Pretty standard bonus, but the Elucidator is Kirito's primary weapon, so it's pretty cool.

If you want to unlock Echoes of Aincradof Death Game Mode Early, which requires the Deluxe Edition. This is not a pre-order bonus though.

Special mention: Assassin's Creed Black Flag resynced

Play the game and get pre-order bonus only $17.99 (don't lock now)

In general, I don't recommend pre-ordering Ubisoft open-world games, as the publisher's projects go on sale quickly and furiously. still, Assassin's Creed Black Flag resynced Being a known quantity is a unique case; We know black flag is great, and a modern, perfected version should be one of the best open-world games of 2026.

From what Ubisoft revealed, the remake offers substantial improvements over the original, improving the visuals, gameplay, parkour, and naval sections (no more stealth ship sequences that automatically fail if you're spotted!). Captains will also be able to have a pet cat or monkey, which will make an instant hit black flag About 10% better. Regarding the pre-order bonus, Synced again Offers Blackbeard's Crimson Pack, which includes a costume, sword, and pistol. Nothing much.

However, that is the main reason I included it Assassin's Creed Black Flag resynced This means that Ubisoft+ members will also get access to the game on Day 1 and receive a pre-order bonus, if they subscribe before July 9, 2026.. If you are only interested in playing Synced again And like nothing else with Ubisoft+, you can subscribe and complete the game within the first month. Remember, you are not your own boss Synced againBut that might not matter to everyone.

This is a special mention from you doesn't happen Subscribe to Ubisoft+ now unless you have other games you want to play. If not, wait until July 7 or 8.