How the Pre-Order Hub Changes the Way We Build Armor?

Over the years, Prince Armory Academy has grown into something far bigger than just a place to download patterns. It has become a shared space for makers, cosplayers, and armor nerds from all over the world who love the craft just as much as we do.

And as the community has grown, so has one big question we hear constantly:

What’s coming next?

That question is exactly what led us to create the Prince Armory Academy Pre-Order Hub.

This new hub is our way of opening the doors and inviting you into the decision-making process. Instead of quietly developing projects behind the scenes and hoping they land well, we wanted to build a system where the community helps guide what gets made, when it gets made, and how it evolves along the way.

The Idea Behind the Pre-Order Hub

Armor development takes time. A lot of it.

Before a single pattern ever reaches your hands, there are months of concept work, prototyping, testing, and refinement. Traditionally, that work happens in isolation, and only at the very end do makers get to see the result.

We wanted to flip that process.

The Pre-Order Hub exists so you can support upcoming builds early, help validate which ideas should move forward, and become part of the creative journey instead of just the final release.

When you back a project in the hub, you’re not just placing an order. You’re telling us, “Yes, this is something I want to build. This is worth pushing forward.”

That kind of clarity helps us plan better, build smarter, and deliver stronger projects.

How the Pre-Order Hub Works

The idea is simple and maker-friendly.

Step 1: Explore Upcoming Projects

Inside the hub, you’ll see armor builds that are either:

• Already deep in development
  
• Or waiting on community support to move forward
  

Each project gives you a clear idea of the scope, skill level, and what’s included.

Step 2: Back a Project With a 20% Deposit

When you back a project, you’re committing a 20% deposit. This helps us fund development while keeping things accessible for you.

No full upfront cost. No guessing. Just a clear commitment on both sides.

Step 3: Lock In the Best Pricing

Backers get access to special pre-order pricing, locked in for up to the next two years. With material costs constantly rising, this is the lowest pricing we’ll be offering for these builds.

Step 4: Get Early Access to Patterns

As development progresses, patterns are released early to pre-order backers. That means you can start building sooner, learning sooner, and sharing feedback that helps refine the final release.

Active Pre-Order Projects Right Now

Here’s what’s currently live in the hub.

Hydra Dragon Armor (Expert)

This is a full Expert-tier armor series and it’s already deep in development. Complex shapes, advanced techniques, and a serious build challenge for experienced makers.

If you’ve been waiting for a flagship-level project, this is it.

Scout Armor Bundle (Beginner)

Designed specifically for newcomers, the Scout Armor is:

• Compact
  
• Fast to build
  
• Beginner-friendly
  

It’s a complete armor build meant to help new makers start strong without feeling overwhelmed.

Vote on Future Projects

Not every idea launches fully formed.

Some projects enter the hub in a suggest and vote phase, where community interest determines whether they unlock and move into production. The more support a project receives, the faster it progresses.

This allows us to focus our time and resources on builds the community genuinely wants, while giving you real influence over the future direction of Prince Armory Academy.

If you’ve ever wished you could raise your hand and say, “Please make this next,” now you can.

Why This Helps Everyone

For the community:

• Early access to patterns
  
• Locked-in pricing
  
• A say in future builds
  
• Clear timelines and expectations
  

For us:

• Better planning
  
• Less wasted development
  
• Stronger builds shaped by real feedback
  

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: better armor, better learning, and better results.

Let’s Craft the Future Together

The Pre-Order Hub is more than a new system. It’s a shared workshop where ideas turn into armor, and armor turns into skill.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of that process from the ground up, now’s your chance.

Explore the hub, back a project you’re excited about, and help us craft the next generation of Prince Armory designs.