Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Collector's Edition Was Restocked at GameStop

In August 2015, just weeks before the game’s launch, GameStop offered a restock of the Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Collector’s Edition. The premium version of the game had previously sold out at most retailers, making this a notable event for fans hoping to secure a copy. The restock was available for both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the highly anticipated title, which was set to release on September 1, 2015.

The Phantom Pain was the conclusion to the storyline started in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and continued in Peace Walker and Ground Zeroes. As Hideo Kojima’s final project with Konami, the game’s development and release were surrounded by immense hype, which contributed to the high demand for its special editions.

Collector’s Edition Contents

The Collector’s Edition was priced at $99.99 in the United States. Its centerpiece was a half-scale replica of Venom Snake’s bionic arm, a detailed model of the protagonist’s signature prosthetic. The bundle also included several other physical and digital items designed for dedicated fans of the series.

The physical contents were:

• A collectible SteelBook case with exclusive artwork.
• A Blu-ray disc containing a behind-the-scenes documentary and a collection of trailers.
• A physical fold-out map of the game’s world.
• Exclusive collector’s packaging.

In addition to the physical memorabilia, the edition came with a significant amount of downloadable content. The DLC provided cosmetic options and equipment for both the single-player campaign and the Metal Gear Online multiplayer mode.

The included digital items were:

• Weapon & Shield Pack: Four unique firearms and four ballistic shields in various colors.
• Cardboard Box Pack: Three specialized cardboard boxes for use in different environments (Rocky Terrain, All-Purpose Dryland, and Wetland).
• Snake Costume Pack: Four alternate fatigue patterns for Snake (Black Ocelot, Gray Urban, Blue Urban, and All-Purpose Dryland).
• “Venom Snake” Emblem: A custom emblem for personalization.
• Metal Gear Online Items: A Metal Gear REX helmet, a gold-plated AM MRS-4 assault rifle, and a gold WU S. Pistol.
• Metal Gear Online XP Boost: A bonus to accelerate progression in the multiplayer mode.

Availability and Accompanying Guides

The initial preorder stock for the Collector’s Edition sold out quickly after it was announced. The GameStop restock in early August 2015 represented one of the last chances for players to acquire the bundle at its standard retail price before launch. Due to the limited quantities and high demand, these units were also expected to sell out fast.

At the same time, two official strategy guides published by Piggyback were available for preorder. A hardcover Collector’s Edition of the guide included an exclusive lithograph by series artist Yoji Shinkawa and a full-sized map poster; it was listed on Amazon with a 29% discount. A standard softcover version of the guide was also available, promoted with a 44% discount. These guides offered comprehensive walkthroughs and breakdowns of the game’s complex systems.