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September, a great month to catch up on some much-needed sleep if you're Green Day and an even better month for anyone looking to dive into some new games across several different genres. While October is shaping up to be a juggernaut of new releases that we haven't seen the likes of in several years, September is no slouch with what it has on offer. The most anticipated release of the month is easily Starfield, the Xbox Series X|S and PC exclusive that has been years in the making. Bethesda's big return to the AAA stage, Starfield is the biggest game of the current Xbox era, a massive tour of the universe in which players will be free to seek their destiny across the stars. Will you be an intrepid explorer sailing across the final frontier, a space pirate making a nefarious living, or a diplomat weaving between the politics of several factions? The choice is yours when Starfield arrives in early September. For fighting game fans looking to indulge in some vicious brawls, Mortal Kombat 1 is sure to be a massive highlight. A semi-reboot of the franchise that charts new territory for the series while preserving its history, Mortal Kombat 1 looks like a bloody good time with its intriguing story, signature savage combat, and its steadfast refusal to believe that the letter "C" exists. Another game to keep an eye out for is Baldur's Gate 3, which will be arriving on PS5 in September. After a successful launch on PC--and with an Xbox Series X|S version on the way--Baldur's Gate 3 brings its magic to PlayStation 5, a game in which you can explore fantasy lands, fight titanic monsters, and punt a squirrel into bloody giblets if you manage to roll a D20. On a lighter, but no less intense, note, EA Sports is headed to the pitch with the first entry in its new soccer franchise, EA Sports FC 24. It's the start of a new series that is divorced from decades of FIFA games, but fret not soccer fans because you can still expect familiar gameplay, new enhancements, and tons of official club support in this game. Other highlights this month include Cyberpunk 2077's ambitious expansion Phantom Liberty, Bloodborne-like Lies of P, and The Crew Motorfest.
Starfield - September 1 / September 6
To paraphrase the late David Bowie, there's a Starfield, waiting in the sky! With the year more than halfway over, Microsoft is in dire need of a big win for Xbox, especially after Redfall proved to be a forgettable exclusive when it launched earlier in May. Enter Starfield, Bethesda's big space exploration adventure, which currently has a ton of momentum behind it. While the pressure is real, Bethesda looks set to create its next big franchise with a cosmic experience that could become a must-have game on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can get access to Starfield on day one for no extra charge, and you can start playing September 1 if you purchase the Premium Upgrade. Meanwhile, Steam keys for both the standard and premium editions are 17% off at GameSpot sister site Fanatical with promo code FANATICAL17.
Baldur's Gate 3 - September 6
Baldur's Gate 3 has been one of the biggest hits of the year on PC, and finally, PlayStation fans get to experience Larian Studio's RPG masterpiece. If you're looking for a strong single-player experience that combines classic Dungeons and Dragons fantasy with a choice-driven narrative, then this return to the Forgotten Realms is not to be missed. It has been rolling D20s since its full launch on PC, and if you're planning to pick the game up on PS5, you can check out GameSpot's Baldur's Gate 3 guides hub to help you get a head start on one of the best games of the year.
Enchanted Portals - September 6
Will we ever see a sequel to Cuphead? Anything is possible, but if you're looking for a game that appears to have copied Cuphead's homework, check out Enchanted Portals. As rookie magicians Bobby and Penny, you'll need to guide these two mages through a series of worlds, with the overall gameplay and charming old-timey art looking exceedingly similar to the adventures of Cuphead, Mugman, and Ms. Chalice. Still, the art direction looks great, and it looks like it could offer a fun time for big Cuphead fans.
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis - September 7
Final Fantasy VII has essentially become a franchise within a franchise with a thousand stories to tell, with the latest being a mobile spin-off. Ever Crisis is a chapter-structured single-player experience that covers key elements of the Final Fantasy VII timeline, including both the original game, its spin-offs like Crisis Core, and more. Possibly the biggest draw here is that the game will explore the origins of Shinra's Soldier program, an event that will see players discover more about Sephiroth before his descent into villainy.
NBA 2K24 - September 8
Another year, another trip to the hardwood in NBA 2K24. 2K's annual sports series has been a big commercial hit year after year, and for the 2023 edition, the studio says the basketball gameplay is more seamless, with a more fine-tuned attention to detail. As usual, you can work your way up from rookie sensation to MVP in MyCareer mode, but if you'd prefer a more nostalgic game of hoops, you can always assemble a team of legends in one of NBA 2K24's many other available modes. You can save 17% on your PC preorder at GameSpot sister site Fanatical with promo code FANATICAL17.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask - September 13
The first of two major expansions for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is almost here. In The Teal Mask, players will venture beyond the borders of Paldea and into the new Kitakami area. Set in Mossui Town during an annual festival, there'll be Pokemon from previous generations to catch and new mythical beasts to encounter in this DLC, which will be followed by The Indigo Disk in Winter 2023.
Super Bomberman R 2 - September 12
The latest game in the party battle series, Super Bomberman R 2 features offline battles that can be played with family and friends, online battles, a single-player mode, and a new game mode called console that joins familiar favorites like Grand Prix and Battle 64.
The Crew Motorfest - September 14
The latest chapter in Ubisoft's The Crew series is taking a page out of Forza Horizon's book, as this racing game sequel is celebrating car culture with a festival of activities. Some of the new features in this game include a series of short thematic campaigns that offer unique car culture experiences, an ever-changing program of activities, and of course, intense driving races and various competitive live events. There'll be hundreds of vehicles to collect, a Hawaiian island to explore, and plenty of post-launch support once The Crew Motorfest drifts into action.
Lies of P - September 19
Still waiting for a Bloodborne sequel or even a PC port? While From Software is busy with other projects right now, Lies of P developer Round8 Studio is looking to deliver a spiritual successor to that beloved Soulsborne that puts a dark twist on the tale of Pinocchio. Lies of P wears its influences on its clockwork sleeves, but a gorgeous presentation, aggressive gameplay, and an in-depth weapon-crafting system give it a unique identity.
Mortal Kombat 1 - September 19
MORTAL KOMBAT! With fighting games making a big return this year, Mortal Kombat 1 is throwing its razor-sharp hat into the ring and unleashing its trademark ultra-violence in a new adventure that serves as a reset of the franchise. While the story is new, characters have been reimagined, and a Kameo Fighters system is in play, at its core, Mortal Kombat 1 is still a gruesome spectacle of blood and guts mixed with satisfying combos and horrifying fatalities.
Payday 3 - September 21
One of the most anticipated sequels of the year, Payday 3 once again tasks you with pulling off the ultimate bank heist and escaping from the long arm of the law with your ill-gotten gains. The legendary quartet of thieves are back in action and ready to empty the pockets of New York City, and with a few friends by your side, it's time to prove that greed is good when you hit Wall Street. You'll need to work hard and plan smart to get away with as much loot as possible, but every victory is designed to be a rewarding experience that adds more experience and skills to your arsenal, while also increasing your personal fortune. Once again, you can save 17% on your preorder with promo code FANATICAL17 at GameSpot sister site Fanatical.
Mineko's Night Market - September 26
A narrative-driven and social simulation adventure game inspired by Japanese folklore, Mineko's Night Market is a heartwarming story about friendship, tradition, and many, many cats. As Mineko, a young girl who has moved to a Japanese-inspired island at the base of Mount Fugu, it'll be up to you to discover the secrets behind the town and restore the struggling village to its former glory in this adventure.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty - September 26
It's been a long road to redemption for Cyberpunk 2077, one that is reaching its end with the arrival of the spy-thriller DLC Phantom Liberty. The one-and-only expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty is more than just a collection of extra story missions set in a new zone of Night City. CD Projekt Red has fundamentally overhauled Cyberpunk 2077 with this expansion, leaving virtually no aspect of the game untouched as it prepares to bow out and focus more of its efforts on a full sequel to this dark future playground of overpowered corporations, reckless body modification, and cyber-ghosts walking the streets of Night City.
Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai - September 28
Based on the classic anime series, this Dragon Quest spin-off puts you in charge of the hero Dai and the Disciples of Avan as they battle against the Dark Army. For fans of the anime, there'll be key moments from that series to relive in Bond Memory events, and with over 100 room combinations in the endless dungeon of the Temple of Recollection, there'll be plenty of hacking and slashing to do in this action-RPG. GMG XP members (free account) can save 20% on their preorder at Green Man Gaming.
EA Sports FC 24 - September 29
It's a new era for soccer games, as EA is dropping out of the FIFA business and pushing forward with its own version of the beautiful game. While the FIFA affiliation is over, EA Sports FC 24 still has more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams, and 30 leagues present in its match day line-up. From the UEFA Champions League to the Bundesliga, fans will be able to experience what EA calls its most realistic soccer game yet, one that is built on several cutting-edge technologies and is designed to offer an authentic experience.
September 2023 video game release schedule
- Enchanted Portals (PC) - September 6
- Final Fantasy VII: EverCrisis (iOS, Android) - September 7
- Chants of Sennaar (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) – September 5
- Rune Factory 3 Special (Switch) – September 5
- Baldur's Gate 3 (PS5) – September 6
- Starfield (Xbox Series X|S, PC) – September 6
- Rugby 24 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – September 7
- Fae Farm (Switch) – September 8
- NBA 2K24 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Switch) – September 8
- Super Bomberman R 2 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Switch) – September 12
- Pokemon Scarlet Violet: The Teal Mask (Switch) - September 13
- Monster Hunter Now (iOS, Android) – September 14
- The Crew Motorfest (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – September 14
- Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster (Switch) – September 15
- Gloomhaven (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) – September 18
- Lies of P (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – September 19
- Mortal Kombat 1 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) – September 19
- Party Animals (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – September 20
- Eternights (PS5, PS4, PC) – September 21
- Payday 3 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – September 21
- El Paso, Elsewhere (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) – September 26
- Mineko's Night Market (Switch, PC) – September 26
- My Time At Sandrock (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch) – September 26
- Paleo Pines (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Switch) – September 26
- Cyberpunk: Phantom Liberty (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) - September 26
- Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Switch, PC) – September 28
- Cocoon (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC) – September 29
- EA Sports FC 24 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Switch) – September 29
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