Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S may be trailing the PS5 in terms of sales (and perhaps even cultural significance), but it’s hard to argue that the console’s lineup isn’t stellar. With great multiplatform releases like Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the horizon, as well as huge sellers like Elden Ring and Hogwarts Legacy providing ample reasons to pick up an Xbox, Microsoft shouldn’t panic just yet if it looks like they’re underperforming compared to their longterm rivals.
With the Activision-Blizzard acquisition looming on the horizon and Xbox Game Pass bringing many quality games to players at low prices, the Xbox Series X/S is still a great value proposition, and September is bringing even more reasons to invest in one. Here are the best Xbox Series X/S games on their way in September 2023.
Starfield (September 6th)
We kick the month off with one of the most important and exciting Xbox Series X/S releases since the console’s life cycle began. Starfield is the newest RPG adventure from legendary studio Bethesda, and so if you love the open-ended exploration of Skyrim or Fallout 4, then you’ll absolutely want to make sure you check this one out. Starfield will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one, so if you’re a subscriber, you can play it without paying an extra penny.
The Crew Motorfest (September 14th)
The Crew Motorfest is looking to scale back the ludicrous ambitions of its open-world predecessors; while this latest game will still give you an open-world playground to explore, it won’t be the entire United States, but rather a scaled-back version of O’ahu in Hawaii. As we know, though, reducing the size of an open world doesn’t mean reducing the amount of activities it has to offer, so you can still expect the same densely-packed racing playground as previous Crew games have served up.
Lies of P (September 19th)
Blending beautiful Belle Epoque architecture with a skewed take on the tale of Pinocchio, Lies of P is set to be a must-play for anyone who loves Soulslikes and dark fairytales, and what’s more, it’ll be playable on Xbox Game Pass on day one as well. You can check out the demo right now to see if this is the kind of game for which you’ll be enthused, but if you’re a fan of games like Elden Ring or Bloodborne, it’s safe to say you’ll want to take a look at this.
Mortal Kombat 1 (September 19th)
Also arriving on September 19th is this latest instalment in the brutal, bloody, and mostly brilliant Mortal Kombat series. The new Kameo Fighter system brings franchise favourites like Kano and Sektor into the mix to assist in fights rather than to take centre stage, but the roster itself is jam-packed with returning icons like Shang Tsung, Liu Kang, and Smoke. The name Mortal Kombat 1 suggests a return to bloody basics after the muddled feeling of more recent entries, so let’s hope that’s the case.
Party Animals (September 20th)
Here’s a fun fact: Party Animals is, according to SteamDB, the most-followed game on Steam right now, beating out competitors like Starfield, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. That should tell you just how high the hype meter is running for this physics-based multiplayer extravaganza in which you play as one of several cuddly animals attempting to assert dominance over others by punching or pushing them off the stage.
Payday 3 (September 21st)
Starbreeze’s followup to Payday 2 has been quite some time in the making, but it’s finally ready to put on its clown mask and get the heist started this September. As with previous Payday titles, Payday 3 will be all about coordinating the perfect heist with your co-conspirators, but expanded systems, improved AI, and sharper gameplay should mean that this is every bit the sequel Payday 2 deserves.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (September 26th)
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched for last-gen consoles, it prompted many gamers to suggest (in no uncertain terms) that a release for PS4 or Xbox One was unwise. Luckily, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are much better and smoother, and so it’s worth getting tentatively excited for Phantom Liberty, which will add lots of new content to the already-packed Cyberpunk 2077. Oh, and it stars Idris Elba, too, just in case you weren’t hyped enough already.
My Time at Sandrock (September 26th)
Pathea Games has been hard at work on My Time at Sandrock since its Early Access launch in May 2022, and it’s now almost ready to hit primetime on consoles as a full release. The Xbox Series X/S versions promise to be just as stuffed with content and addictive as the PC version currently is, but you’ll hopefully have the added benefit of additional polish and fewer bugs if you check it out on Xbox rather than picking up the Early Access version.
EA Sports FC 24 (September 29th)
Let’s not beat around the bush: this is FIFA. EA may have changed the names, but it’s still the same realistic, weighty football sim it always was, so if you’re not a fan of FIFA’s particular brand of simulation, EA Sports FC 24 won’t convert you. If, however, you love FIFA and can’t wait to get your hands on the newest version, then improvements like Frostbite Engine enhancements and HyperMotionV should make this the definitive football sim for you.
