A Scalper's Guide to Elden Ring DLC Collector's Editions

There's money to be made here

News

By RC Staff

23 February 2024

Key Points

Elden Ring finally has a release date for its DLC “Shadow of the Erdtree”
SotE Collector’s Editions are $250 and include a statue
There’s also a replica helmet collectible sold separately for $190

Earlier this week, we finally got the trailer for Elden Ring’s long awaited DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree. New characters and bosses were teased, and the release date has been confirmed for June. Along with this trailer, Bandai Namco’s website updated with several pieces of new and expensive merchandise, including collector’s editions of the DLC. Elden Ring Collector’s Editions were some of 2022’s most lucrative flips, so resellers are keeping a close eye on these ones as well.

Shadow of the Erdtree Collector's Edition

Yes, it’s almost time to sweep the dust off your PS5. While we got a very brief glimpse of Elden Ring’s DLC almost exactly a year ago, new information has been extremely sparse.

On Wednesday morning, gamers across the world woke up to a three minute trailer. Finally, it was time to see exactly what the hell FromSoftware has been cooking up for the last two years. If you haven’t seen it already, take a look:

If you don’t care about video games and just want to know how this is relevant to you, we’re getting to that. Just know that when Elden Ring launched in February 2022; it was an absolute runaway hit, and the uncontested GOTY for most publications and GOAT for some.

Because of the game’s success, Elden Ring Collector’s Editions completely exploded in price. At their peak, resellers were flipping them for well over $1,000. Even as recent as December we’ve seen sales past $800.

Elden Ring Premium Collectors Edition Reseller

Naturally, FromSoft and Bandai Namco are going to make the most of the hype around the DLC. At the same time as the trailer, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Editions were revealed.

For $250, you get a digital code for the DLC on the platform of your choice, a physical artbook, a copy of the game’s soundtrack, an exclusive in-game gesture, and 18 inch tall statue of “Messmer the Impaler”, who is likely the DLC’s main antagonist.

It’s worth noting that the DLC costs $40 when sold separately, and these Collector’s Editions do not include a download code for the base Elden Ring game. That’s essentially $210 for a statue and artbook.

Shadow of the Erdtree Collector Edition Contents

We don’t know how many of these editions will be produced. After pulling stock on Wednesday morning, there were around 19,000 editions left for PlayStation 5, and about 22,000 for Xbox and PC. We believe there are somewhere between 25,000 and 35,000 editions for each platform; so 75,000 to 105,000 Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Editions in total.

Elden Ring DLC Messmer Helmet Collectible

In addition to the Collector’s Editions, Bandai Namco is also selling a reproduction of the helmet worn by Messmer in the DLC.

Shadow of the Erdtree Messmer Helmet For Sale

It’s not clear if this is a wearable replica. The copy on the website labels it as a “display piece”, and other wearable helmets made by Bandai Namco are usually clearly labeled along with their dimensions.,

Elden Ring Messmer Helmet collectibles cost $190 and also include a stand and certificate of authenticity. They’re expected to ship around the same time as the Collector’s Editions.

These are also much scarcer than the Collector’s Editions. We pulled stock for these on Wednesday and it showed that about 3,000 helmets were still available. The numbered plate on the stand shows that 9,999 of these will be sold (presumably one is reserved for Miyazaki’s desk).

Will Elden Ring DLC Merchandise Resell?

And now for the big questions. Obviously, the release of the DLC brings in new opportunities for FromSoft and Bandai Namco to make money, but what about the humble scalper?

First, let’s talk facts. Yes, collector’s editions for Elden Ring were extremely lucrative to resell. Despite complaints on Reddit about the build quality of the statue and the collection’s high price, people were desperate to get their hands on the collection.

And while prices have come down, they’re still well above retail. Elden Ring actually had two versions of its collector’s edition: standard and premium. Standard CEs included a 9 inch Malenia statue and some promotional materials, and premium bundles included everything from the standard edition as well as a wearable replica of Malenia’s helmet.

These editions were limited to 6,000 units, and people went absolutely crazy for them. Replica Malenia helmets from Elden Ring’s Premium Collector’s Edition have resold for over $500 recently – by themselves.

Elden Ring Malenia Helmet for Sale — Two years later, and no one can spell Malenia?

Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Editions cost as much as the Premium collector’s edition for the base game, but include less content. They are also produced in higher quantities.

Will they resell? Yes. Even given the higher production numbers, we’re pretty confident people will be willing to pay a premium to have these. It’s not unusual for video game collector’s editions to stay in stock for several weeks, then suddenly start reselling after they sell out.

But it’s unlikely we’ll see the same aftermarket for Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Editions compared to the original Elden Ring Collector’s Editions. When a publisher is confident in a game’s success, they will churn out more merch to secure a fatter check. This means more people can get the edition they want, and resellers have more competition.

We covered this in our article for Starfield. Bethesda spent a lot of time marketing their latest game, and the collector’s editions for Starfield were very heavily produced. There was a resell market for them, but they usually flipped for about $450.

We recommend buying Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Editions to resell. Bandai Namco’s return policy stipulates that unopened, undamaged physical products can be returned within 30 days of their delivery date for a full refund.

Since these Collector’s Editions aren’t expected to ship until June, that gives you several months to evaluate the market. If they flop, cancel. If you have trouble selling it after you get it, refund. These are a low risk, moderate reward item.

Elden Ring Messmer Collectable Helmets are far more interesting. The limited production means they have a significant profit potential, and they’re based on a character that we know very little about.

When Elden Ring was originally revealed and marketed, players knew nothing about Malenia other than her appearance in key art. She’s regarded as one of the most difficult and iconic bosses ever created by FromSoftware, and consequently her design is synonymous with Elden Ring.

If, and we are saying if, Messmer is as well received as Malenia, the prices for these helmets will go up. Remember, this DLC is very likely the last entry in the Elden Ring IP for some time, and probably the last Soulslike title FromSoft will be making for the next few years. They’re setting themselves up to go out with a bang.

Also consider that the most iconic characters from previous FromSoftware titles have all been featured in DLCs. Artorias is from DS1’s DLC, Ludwig was teased all throughout Bloodborne but only appeared in the DLC, and Slave Knight Gael is the most identifiable character from DS3.

What’s the lesson here? Bet on the DLC, and bet on the character FromSoft has been developing for the last two years. These helmets have a lot of potential for resellers.

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