Remembering the Jaw-Dropping Call of Duty: WWII Valor Collection That Dropped Back in 2017

You know, sometimes I get a little nostalgic and fire up the old consoles, and I can't help but think about the golden era of physical collector's editions. Back in the summer of 2017, Sledgehammer Games and Activision really knocked it out of the park with a reveal that had the entire Call of Duty community buzzing like a caffeinated bee. I'm talking, of course, about the Call of Duty: WWII Valor Collection, a special edition that felt less like a cash grab and more like a genuine love letter to history buffs, military enthusiasts, and die-hard fans. Even now, almost a decade later, it stands out as one of those "why don't they make 'em like this anymore?" moments.

Let me break it down for you, just in case you missed the hype train. The Valor Collection came in two distinct flavors: the Valor Collection Standard and the Valor Collection Pro. Both were stacked, but the Pro version was the real showstopper. The Standard edition was no slouch, mind you. You got the base game in a slick steelbook case, because let's be real, plastic cases are for rookies. Then there was the pièce de résistance—a commemorative bronze statue that oozed World War II aesthetic. I remember unboxing it and just staring at the craftsmanship; it was the kind of thing that would make your buddies green with envy. On top of that, you had a grisly Nazi Zombies poster (perfect for spooking guests), a collectible Bloodraven sword pin that looked straight out of a gritty war movie, and a set of patches representing the five in-game Divisions. As a sucker for patches, I was over the moon.

Now, the Pro edition took all of that and cranked it up to eleven. Instead of the standard copy of the game, you got the Pro edition with the season pass bundled in, plus some extra bonus content that kept the surprises coming. It was the ultimate "shut up and take my money" package. The price tag was a bit steep, sure, but for a collector, it was worth every penny. I can still remember the adrenaline rush of scrambling to pre-order before the darn thing sold out, which it inevitably did. The pre-order frenzy was a spectacle in itself.

Speaking of pre-orders, the incentives were pretty sweet. If you jumped on the bandwagon early, you got access to the private beta that ran from August 28th to September 4th, 2017. That beta was a blast—it gave us a taste of the boots-on-the-ground combat that was such a refreshing change after all the jetpack shenanigans of previous titles. Additionally, you received the Division's Pack, which unlocked five unique outfits for your in-game characters. Back then, cosmetic bragging rights were a big deal, and rocking those Division-specific uniforms made you look like a seasoned vet before the game even officially launched. Digital pre-order customers also snagged 500 Call of Duty Points to use in Black Ops III or Infinite Warfare, which was a nice little cherry on top.

I've got to say, in retrospect, the Valor Collection was a stroke of genius from Sledgehammer Games and Activision. It perfectly captured the somber yet heroic tone of the game, which was set to release on November 3rd, 2017, across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC. The whole package felt thoughtfully curated rather than just a box of random junk thrown together in a marketing meeting. The bronze statue alone became a centerpiece in many gaming dens, and the steelbook was so gorgeous that I'd often just slide it off the shelf to admire it. Even the Bloodraven sword pin was wearable art—versatile enough to pin on a jacket for a subtle geeky vibe.

Fast forward to 2026, and these Valor Collections are like hen's teeth. Scouring through eBay or retro gaming shops, you'll see the Pro version fetching absurd prices. It's become a grail item for collectors, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't considered cashing in on mine. But nostalgia is one heck of a drug, and letting go of that statue feels like betraying my younger self. The irony is that physical editions are now the exception rather than the rule, so unboxing memories like this one feel even more precious. Every time I see the Valor Collection gather dust (carefully protected, of course) in my cabinet, it reminds me of a time when the gaming industry went that extra mile to make you feel like you owned a piece of history.

Looking at the current landscape, filled with digital deluxe packs and NFT clutter, I can't help but chuckle. The Valor Collection was a true collector's piece, no blockchains required. So here's to Sledgehammer Games for dropping one of the most memorable special editions ever. If you still have yours sealed, you're a legend—or maybe just a smarter investor than I am. Either way, it's a relic that proves sometimes the old ways really were the best.

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