What each game really costs

The premium currency sum

Most free games sell their own currency in bundles that never quite match what things cost. A pass priced at 1,650 of a currency sold in bundles of 1,380 and 2,800 forces a choice: buy two small bundles, or buy one big one and keep the change for later. Either way, some money is left inside the game.

Our rule is simple. Convert the item price back to pounds using the cheapest combination of bundles that covers it, and treat anything left over as spent. Each review does this sum for you.

Paid games are a different sum

For games you buy outright, the true cost is the edition you pick and any expansions. None of the three paid games in our reviews has an in-game shop, which is why they all carry an A wallet grade. The questions are which store is cheapest, whether the deluxe edition is worth it, and whether you need a console subscription for online play.

Randomised items, plainly

Several games sell items where you pay first and find out what you got afterwards: crates, treasures, bricks and character banners. In the UK these are legal and rated by PEGI with an "in-game purchases, includes random items" label. We don't think they are good value for most players, and we say so in each review.

• We always state whether a game publishes its rates and whether there is a guarantee after a number of attempts.
• We convert the guarantee into pounds, because that is the honest worst case.
• We never recommend buying them. The month-one figure never includes them.

Protect the budget

If you want a hard ceiling, use your platform's spending controls or a fixed-value gift card. Our guide to paying for games in the UK explains which methods work where and what your card gives you if something goes wrong.