Physical copies not going to be able to play pre-release?

I'm a little confused. I pre-ordered a physical copy of the CE. Apparently pre-ordered physical copies are going to SHIP on 23 June. If this is the case, how can we play the pre-release if we're not going to get our physical copies until a week after release? Will we get a digital copy to install with our pre-release code? Hopefully someone from SE or another user who has more experience with this kind of stuff can answer this. Thanks

When you pre-ordered, they have given you a code. That code unlocks a code that you will use for the Early Access starting June 19. You can't redeem this code until then. This code grants you play for (most likely) the time it will take to deliver the physical copy.

I figured that much. However, whereas that code will give access, it still doesn't download the expansion. Can't access the content if you don't have the software, unless they are planning on just adding the expansion as a massive update and you need a code associated with your account in order to access the newly added content.

They ship boxed versions 9-10 workdays before launch. More than likely you'll get it and will be able to install.

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Originally Posted by BreathlessTao

They ship boxed versions 9-10 workdays before launch. More than likely you'll get it and will be able to install.

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Ah, that makes more sense. If that is the case why would they say shipping on the 23rd if they are actually going to ship sometime around the 13th? I'd guess it's probably just a default ship date as, from what I've seen in other threads, their site is having some issues. Thanks for clearing this up! Hope it helps some others who were also confused.

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Originally Posted by RhaegarFFXIFenrir

I figured that much. However, whereas that code will give access, it still doesn't download the expansion. Can't access the content if you don't have the software, unless they are planning on just adding the expansion as a massive update and you need a code associated with your account in order to access the newly added content.

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They have digital only version right? So it stands to reason you'll use that same exact service to update your copy before you get the physical copy in the mail.

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Originally Posted by RhaegarFFXIFenrir

I figured that much. However, whereas that code will give access, it still doesn't download the expansion. Can't access the content if you don't have the software, unless they are planning on just adding the expansion as a massive update and you need a code associated with your account in order to access the newly added content.

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This is how ARR launch worked.

If you ordered a Physical version of the game, your code still gave you access to download and play during Early access. So yes, you will technically be able to log on and download the game via your 'access code' without needing the Physical CD. (basically it'll work just like a patch).

But I received my husbands CE ARR edition after Early Access started and he was still able to play at Early Access launch...the code was good for x amount of days if I remember correctly and we had gotten his box set by that time.

Also, there's a disclaimer stating that once you click the button to receive your code (the one you enter on the pre-order page for the code you'll enter on your mogstation account later), you will no longer be able to get a refund for your order, so people can't pre-order for an early access code and then cancel. Ultimately, your physical disc won't be necessary until you need to install/reinstall.

At launch I got an early access code and was able to download the game and play for a weeks (I think it was) worth of time before it expired. My physical copy of the game arrived just before the week was up. I vaguely remember there being shipping issues and SE extended the free trial or something.... anyway, my point is that it will likely be the same this time around, like others have mentioned, so don't worry.

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going to SHIP on 23 June.

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My order screen says:
"On or Near Release Date Delivery. While we try our best to schedule delivery to arrive on the release date, actual delivery date may vary depending on your location and method of shipping."

I have also heard talk of others that pre-ordered other games from SE store that they receive them on or before the release date.

All good feedback! I didn't preorder AAR...didn't even find out about it til a week before launch when a buddy from FFXI told me "hey, it doesn't suck now. You should check it out!" (I was a beta tester for 1.0).

Things to note: You will get an early access code emailed to you closer to the early access date. That code will have a grace period (usually 5-7 days) after the standard launch date to input your REAL product code that you will receive via shipping. So in application:

June 10-15 (thereabouts) they will email all preorders an early access code to be redeemed.
June 19-22 Early Access (you can play the expansion content; pending any time they need to do server maint. expect at 1-2 maint in this period and at unusual times)
June 23 LAUNCH DAY
June 23-28/30 (depending on the number of grace days) Your early Access code will allow you to continue playing the expansion while you wait for your item to arrive via shipping
June 29/July 1 REAL product code must be inputted to continue playing in the expansion zones