The Valor Mortis editions are unusually easy to misunderstand because the game has two purchase tiers and One More Level has taken an unusual approach to how it is selling them. With launch close, buyers are comparing what is included at release, what is intended for later, and whether the more expensive option changes when they can begin playing. The useful question is not simply which version costs more, but what each choice actually adds once the full package is considered.
There is also a lot of familiar industry baggage around terms such as Deluxe Edition, bonuses and early access, which makes it easy to assume features that have not actually been announced. One More Level has now explained its pricing strategy and post-launch plan directly, giving us enough information to separate confirmed benefits from the extras players might normally expect. That makes the comparison much cleaner, but the details matter before deciding which version suits you.
Valor Mortis Editions: Standard and Deluxe
The two announced Valor Mortis editions are Standard and Deluxe. The Standard Edition launches at $39.99, €39.99 or 149.99 zł, while the Deluxe Edition is priced at $59.99, €59.99 or 199.99 zł. One More Level announced those prices on September 17 ahead of the October 13 launch.
The base game is the same core first-person Soulslike in both Valor Mortis editions. The extra cost of Deluxe is tied to post-launch content rather than an earlier start date. That distinction matters because there is no announced multi-day early-access period attached to the premium tier. The Valor Mortis editions comparison is therefore mainly about future content ownership, not launch timing.
What Is in the Valor Mortis Deluxe Edition?
The Deluxe version of the Valor Mortis editions includes a major story DLC planned for 2027 plus several cosmetic packs scheduled to release between launch and that story expansion. One More Level has not yet published a full item-by-item list for every cosmetic pack, so specific cosmetic names, contents and release dates remain unconfirmed.
The story DLC is the most substantial confirmed difference. One More Level describes it as a major story addition rather than a small cosmetic bundle, but its exact 2027 release date, length and standalone price are not currently specified. Buyers are effectively paying in advance for that future story content and the intervening cosmetics.
Does Valor Mortis Have Preorder Bonuses?
No preorder program is being offered for the announced Valor Mortis editions. One More Level says players will be able to buy the game when they have a full picture of its quality at launch rather than being asked to preorder it. Because there is no preorder campaign, there are no official preorder bonuses to compare between retailers or platforms.
That also means there is no announced preorder-exclusive weapon, outfit or early-access entitlement to chase. Retail listings may let customers register interest or reserve physical stock in some regions, but that should not be confused with a developer-backed digital bonus program unless the publisher announces one. This makes the Valor Mortis editions unusual in a market where premium tiers are often promoted through preorder exclusives.
Does the Deluxe Edition Include Early Access?
The Valor Mortis editions do not currently use early access as a Deluxe benefit. Both versions are built around the October 13 launch, and the September pricing announcement describes the Deluxe package in terms of future story DLC and cosmetics. It does not advertise a head start before Standard Edition players.
For anyone deciding whether Deluxe is worth the extra money, this removes one of the usual pressure points. There is no need to pay more simply to avoid waiting several extra days. The choice comes down to whether you want the planned 2027 story DLC and cosmetic packs included with your purchase.
Is Valor Mortis on Game Pass?
Valor Mortis is also launching day one on Xbox Game Pass. That gives subscribers another way to access the base game without buying one of the Valor Mortis editions outright on day one. The official announcement does not say that Game Pass automatically includes the Deluxe Edition's future story DLC or cosmetic packs.
Players who use Game Pass should therefore separate base-game access from Deluxe ownership. If you later want the paid story content, check Microsoft's store for the upgrade or DLC options that exist at that time rather than assuming every Deluxe entitlement is bundled with the subscription.
Which Valor Mortis Edition Should You Buy?
The Standard Edition is the straightforward choice if you want the complete launch game and prefer to decide on future DLC after reviews and release details exist. The Deluxe Edition makes more sense if you already expect to play the 2027 story expansion and value the cosmetic packs that will arrive before it. Neither option currently offers a launch-day timing advantage.
Because the Valor Mortis editions are not tied to preorder bonuses, there is little reason to rush solely because of artificial scarcity. The developer's own message is that it wants the finished game to do the selling. Waiting for launch impressions therefore does not mean forfeiting an announced preorder reward. The Valor Mortis editions can therefore be compared without a ticking preorder deadline distorting the decision.
Valor Mortis Editions Summary
The Valor Mortis editions are Standard at $39.99, €39.99 or 149.99 zł and Deluxe at $59.99, €59.99 or 199.99 zł. Deluxe adds a major story DLC planned for 2027 and several cosmetic packs. There are no official preorders, no announced preorder bonuses and no advertised Deluxe early-access period, while the base game also arrives day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Official source: One More Level Valor Mortis pricing announcement
