Yarlen Yarlen

Pre-Order FAQ

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Pre-Order FAQ

All your questions answered on ordering and downloading Sins

from Sins Forums

From time-to-time questions pop-up about how people can participate in the pre-order process. Hopefully this FAQ will answer many of those questions.

  •  How can I pre-order the game?

You can pre-order the game through TotalGaming.net by clicking on the Store link above.

  • What are the system requirements for the game?

The minimum system requirements are:

- Windows XP SP2 / Vista
- 1.8 GHz Single-Core Processor
- 512 MB RAM (1 GB RAM for Vista)
- 128 MB 3D DirectX 9 Video Card (Radeon 9600 / GeForce FX 6600 and above)
- DirectX 9.0c Compatible Sound Card
- DVD-ROM Drive (for retail copies)
- 3 GB Hard Drive Space
- Keyboard and Mouse
- DirectX 9.0c

The recommended system requirements are:

- 2.2 GHz Dual- or Quad-Core Processor
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB for Windows Vista)
- 256 MB DirectX 9 3D Video Card (Radeon X1600 / GeForce 7600 and above)

  • What do all of these purchase options mean?

Digital Download Only means that you will only receive the final release as a download through Stardock Central. 

Digital Download + Collector's will give you immediate access to the final game as a digital download, plus we will ship you a retail boxed copy as well (there's an additional shipping & handling fee with this option).

  • What does the retail box include?

The standard retail box includes the game on DVD and a print manual.

If you order the game direct from Stardock you will receive the Collector's Edition. This special version includes the following bonus items: a foldout tech-tree poster, artwork posters, a hotkey card, and a music CD.

  • What gives?  My credit card says you charged me already?

Some banks put a temporary hold on credit cards for pre-orders to ensure there's enough credit available in the account. These are typically released in 24-48 hours.  Pre-orders are not charged until a major beta version is released (i.e, beta 2, beta 3, etc.).

  • Why can't I pre-order using PayPal?

Our store doesn't support PayPal charging orders on future dates. For this reason we're not able to accept PayPal for pre-orders. 

  • I got a pre-order receipt in email, why can't I download the beta?

This is simply a reference number for your pre-order. You will only get a valid serial number and download information once we release the game and your credit card is charged.

  • If I buy the game using TotalGaming.net tokens, can I get access to the beta even though it may be closed?

Yes, since tokens are deducted immediately, TotalGaming.net members always gain instant access to betas.

  • How much is shipping & handling for boxed copies?  How are items shipped?

Shipping & handling currently costs $10 USD in the U.S. and $20 USD to anywhere else in the world.  Shipping is handled via the U.S. Postal Service. This is due to the weight of the special Collector's Edition box (it's packed with hefty goodness).

  • Do I have to use Stardock Central to download the game?

Yes, we do not provide game downloads as standalone downloads. You do not need to run Stardock Central to play the game, however.

  • How can I cancel or change my pre-order?

If you need to make a change to your pre-order, please email sales(at)stardock(dot)com with your request. Please allow up to two business days for a reply.

  • Is there a monthly fee for multiplayer?

There is no monthly fee to play Sins, either online or off.

225,236 views 241 replies
Reply #126 from Sins Forums Top
do i have to download the beta to pre-order a game or can i just pre-order it.
Reply #127 from Sins Forums Top
It's the other way around, you have to pre-order to get into the beta.
Siege of Centauri
Reply #128 from Sins Forums Top
do i have to get into the beta or is it optional.....can i just hit pre-order and not get into the beta....i want to be surprised.
Reply #129 from Sins Forums Top
Nobody's going to force you to download the beta.

Although for someone who claims to want to be surprised, there sure are a lot of threads by you asking for every conceivable bit of information about the game.
Reply #130 from Sins Forums Top
yes i know....but....not the gameplay....i havent seen the trailor....havent seen gameplay videos.....the only thing i've seen is a pic. of 10,000+ ships by multi...lol....it was cool....i've also seen a pic. from far away of a big fleet.
Reply #131 from Sins Forums Top

yes i know....but....not the gameplay....i havent seen the trailor....havent seen gameplay videos.....the only thing i've seen is a pic. of 10,000+ ships by multi...lol....it was cool....i've also seen a pic. from far away of a big fleet.
End of quote


... You want to know everything about it, but not now about the gameplay? OK... just put the weapon down and step away from the poor lady at the cash register...
Reply #132 from Sins Forums Top
You can download the beta as soon as you buy it with the tokens. Make sure you have "show pre-release versions" checked, and you should be able to download it.
End of quote

Ah, of course, I forgot the pre-release checkbox. Thanks a lot!
Reply #133 from Sins Forums Top
Welcome Enjoy the beta, drop by the IRC chat, and feel free to ask questions!
Reply #134 from Sins Forums Top
*changes into really deep voice* ah, fresh meat!
Reply #135 from Sins Forums Top
*sharpens his Butcher's Cleaver*
Reply #136 from Sins Forums Top
Alright, can't seem to get ready for the 4th internal build, Beta of the game. I bought this game online, from Stardock Store. The confirmation was that it was paid for. Now how do I add the game in Stardock Central. I have clicked on the "SHOW PRE-RELEASE VERSIONS". I am going to send a email to sales at stardock too.
Reply #137 from Sins Forums Top
If you didn't buy it with tokens, you have to wait until Beta 4 is released. That's when they process the pre-orders and you get set up to be able to download it.

Unless I'm misunderstanding something?
Reply #138 from Sins Forums Top
If you didn't buy it with tokens, you have to wait until Beta 4 is released. That's when they process the pre-orders and you get set up to be able to download it.
End of quote


Yep.

If you didn't order with tokens, you'll get an confirmation of the order and your bank may place a hold on your card for a day or two, but you won't actually be charged until the next beta is released and made available to you.
Reply #139 from Sins Forums Top
So Beta 4 just was released... If I pre-ordered today would I be able to access phase 4? Or would I have to wait for phase 5?

Scratch that... I just read that Phase 4 might be the last phase... but still, will I be able to access Phase 4 with a pre-order?
Reply #140 from Sins Forums Top
Yes. But only if you pay with Totalgaming tokens. If you pay with money you have to wait for the release.
Reply #141 from Sins Forums Top
But if I were to pay with Totalgaming tokens I'd only get a digital download, right? I'd really prefer to have a physical copy, as well.
Reply #142 from Sins Forums Top
You should still be able to get in on the beta if you preorder normally. In past betas they've always kept the beta invitation period open for a week or two after the beta's release and announced when the last day for preorders would be to get in. Since this is the last beta, it's possible they won't close it and just keep allowing anyone who preorders in, but they haven't announced it one way or the other.
Reply #143 from Sins Forums Top
Or would I have to wait for phase 5?
End of quote


there is no such thing as beta 5
Reply #144 from Sins Forums Top
Regular preorders do appear to be going through still. Don't know when/if they'll go back on hold, though.
Reply #145 from Sins Forums Top

Regular preorders do appear to be going through still. Don't know when/if they'll go back on hold, though.

End of quote


Isn't the standard a week after the beta opens? (Though you have extended it twice that I know of...)
Reply #146 from Sins Forums Top

Or would I have to wait for phase 5?


there is no such thing as beta 5
End of quote


I thought I already corrected myself, but I guess that wasn't enough lol...

It seems logical that the Beta is still open for new preorders, but I'd like to hear it from somewhere official first, I guess... Don't want to be spending $55 for a game I won't even see until February.
Reply #147 from Sins Forums Top
Regular preorders do appear to be going through still.
End of quote


That was your official word
Reply #149 from Sins Forums Top
Any official word on how long the window to enter the beta will last? I will not be able to order it for a day or two, and do not want to spend $49 on something I won't see till Feb.

Also, any word on possible retail outlet pre-ordering? It seems odd that none of the local stores are offering it (Best Buy, Gamestop, EB Games etc).
Reply #150 from Sins Forums Top
Best bet is to check back Monday when you can order then to see if it's still open (Yarlen or sales will be around then to say for certain).

I'd imagine EB/GS will probably let you preorder (they're usally more than happy to do that), but there isn't any retail preorder bonus box, and you won't get beta access if you go that route (beta is only for direct preorders).