As Autumn comes around, September brings with it some of the most anticipated launches of the gaming year. With a whole new universe to explore, a twist on a classic fairytale, an island motorfest, new timelines and more to enjoy there is something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Starfield
Explore the universe in this highly anticipated adventure from Bethesda. In the world of Starfield, there is a fragile peace between two factions – the United Colonies and Freestar Collective – more than 20 years after an event known as the Colony Wars. Working as a member of Constellation, a group of explorers, the player will navigate their way through the regions of space and find their own path in the 24th century. Players can fully customise their characters, get to know their crew and set out to uncover the mysteries that await them in the stars.
Players who pre-order will receive the Old Mars Skin Pack with three bonus in-game skins. The Digital Premium Edition includes a copy of the game with up to five days Early Access, digital artbook, a copy of the original soundtrack, the Constellation Skin Pack and access to the Shattered Space expansion (upon release). The Premium Edition includes all the digital content of the Digital Premium Edition along with a Steelbook display case and Constellation patch. The Constellation Edition includes a copy of the game, all Premium digital content, a credit stick with laser-etched game code, Steelbook case, Constellation patch and a limited edition Starfield Chronomark watch and case.
Starfield will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC from September 6*
The Crew Motorfest
Take your place behind the wheel for the latest from the world of The Crew. In the Crew Motorfest, the action moves to the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. Celebrating every facet of car culture, The Crew Motorfest includes Playlists – a series of short and thematic campaigns offering new and unique experiences – alongside island exploration, competitive live events, action-packed races, 32-player demolition modes and even a weekly show featuring the best player styles and creations to earn exclusive rewards.
Players who pre-order will unlock the Liberty Walk pack which includes exclusive car cosmetics, outfit and Toyota GR Supra for your garage. The Gold Edition includes a copy of the game, pre-order bonus, three days Early Access and the Year One pass to unlock bonus vehicles post-launch. The Ultimate Edition – which is available both as a standalone purchase or through a Ubisoft+ subscription – includes a copy of the game, all the Gold Edition content and the Ultimate pack, which includes a host of bonus content – including outfits, bonus cars and customisation vanities – specially designed by Hawaiian artist Keola Rapozo.
The Crew Motorfest will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC from September 14*
Lies of P
A dark take on a classic tale awaits in this soulslike adventure. Taking place in the city of Krav, Lies of P follows the story of Pinocchio, a humanoid puppet who wakes up in an abandoned train station. Amidst the chaos and madness that is plaguing the city, Pinocchio sets out to find his master, Geppetto, to help heal the city and fulfil his wish of becoming a man. Caught in a world of lies, monsters and shady characters, players will make their way through the belle-epoque-styled world to uncover the truth behind the madness of Krav.
Players who pre-order will receive the Mischievous Puppet’s clothes and Parade hat. The Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the game, a copy of the game’s soundtrack, Steelbook case, mini artbook the Great Venigni’s Signature Coat & Glasses and a bonus mask worn by those preparing the festival.
Lies of P will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC from September 19*
Mortal Kombat 1
A new universe brings new challenges with familiar faces. Following the events of Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang has harnessed his own Fire God powers alongside the power of Kronika’s Hourglass to create a new universe in his own image. To create lasting peace, he makes a few changes to those around him: Scorpion and Sub-Zero are now brothers, Mileena is the heir to Outworld’s throne, Baraka is fighting for Tarkatan rights and Raiden is living a humble life alongside Kung Lao and is no longer the God of Thunder. However, a new threat is rising that will bring these characters together again to save this new world before it has begun.
Players who pre-order will unlock Shang Tsung as a playable character. The Premium Edition includes a copy of the game with five days Early Access, 6 additional playable characters, 5 new Kameo characters, 1-week early access to DLC characters, a Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for Johnny Cage and 1250 Dragon Krystals to use in-game. The Kollector’s Edition includes a copy of the game, five days Early Access, all the content of the Premium Edition, an additional 1450 Dragon Krystals, a set of COARSE art prints, exclusive Steelcase, a limited-edition Liu Kang in-game colour variant and a 16.5” Liu Kang sculpture designed by COARSE with signature glow-in-the-dark detailing.
Mortal Kombat 1 will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC from September 19*
Payday 3
The heist is on once more in the latest chapter in the Payday series. After the events of Payday 2, the gang seemingly vanished from all sight and thought, with many thinking the days of robbery and chaos were over. Years have passed since that day but now in Payday 3, the gang – Dallas, Chains, Wolf and Hoxton – are getting back together and bringing some new blood with them: Joy and Pearl. Together, they are heading for New York for another round of audacious heists and no one is safe. Players will be able to join up with friends in co-op play to beat out rival crews and collect the biggest scores…by any means necessary.
Players who pre-order will be able to claim an exclusive in-game Trifecta outfit at launch. The Digital Silver Edition includes a copy of the game, 3 days Early Access, Dark Sterling mask and a Season Pass featuring the first two heists, along with bonus tailor and weapon packs. The digital Gold Edition includes a copy of the game with 3 days Early Access, Golden State gloves, Statue of Liberty & Dark Sterling masks, and a four-heist Season Pass alongside the Silver Season Pass. The Collector’s Edition includes a copy of the game, Gold Season Pass, pre-order bonus items, additional digital content, a custom card deck, stickers, a Collector’s Club membership letter and a Collector’s Mask in a limited-edition box.
Payday 3 will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC from September 21*
EA Sports FC 24
A new era begins for the World’s Game with this year’s EA Sports FC. With more than 700 clubs from 30 leagues and a roster of 19,000 players, EA Sports FC 24 looks to bring players the most realistic and immersive football experience. With both Player and Manager Career modes to explore, players will be able to carve their own path through the football world, while looking for more of a focused challenge can look into PlayStyles: which goes beyond ratings to look at the on-pitch abilities and help to set players apart and unlocking unique capabilities to bring unrivalled authenticity to the game.
Players who pre-order will receive a Cover Star loan item (10 matches), 2 Ambassador loan player pick items (1 male & 1 female for 5 matches), an unlocked PlayStyles slot and career mode bonuses for both Player and Manager paths. In addition, an in-game Ultimate Team kit and vanity items are available as pre-order bonuses via select retailers. The Ultimate Edition includes a copy of the game (with dual entitlement on Xbox and PlayStation), all pre-order content, up to 7 days Early Access, 4600 FC Points to use in-game, access to the Nike Ultimate Team™ Campaign, a TOTW 1 Ultimate Team™ player item and a Nike Ultimate Team™ loan player item (24 UT matches) & Nike x EA Sports FC Ultimate Team Kit.
EA Sports FC 24 will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC from September 29*
Free to Play
On PlayStation, three games will be available to download and keep for free to all tiers of PlayStation Plus. From September 5* to October 3* Black Desert: Traveler Edition and Generation Zero will be available on PlayStation 4, with 2022’s Saints Row available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Over on Prime Gaming, users will have seven titles to download and keep for free released over the course of the month. Those titles are:
- Football Manager 2023 (September 7*)
- Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim (September 14*)
- Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy (September 14*)
- Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space (September 21*)
- Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate (September 21*)
- Unsolved Case: Murderous Script Collector’s Edition (September 28*)
- Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator (September 28*)
Full details on how to claim the games, along with content drops for games including Diablo IV, Honkai Star Rail and Dead Island 2 can be found on the Prime Gaming website.
Also Released This Month
September 1* – 30XX (Switch)
September 5* – Chants of Sennaar (Xbox One, PS4, Switch, PC), Rune Factory 3 Special (Switch), Bear & Breakfast (Switch), Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Switch), The House of the Dead Remake – Limidead Edition (PS5), Crime Boss: Rockay City (Xbox Series X/S, PS5)
September 6* – Baldur’s Gate 3 (PS5)
September 7* – Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis (iOS, Android), Rugby 24 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC), The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo: Fantabulous Edition (PS5, Switch)
September 8* – Fae Farm (Switch, PC), NBA 2K24 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), The Light Brigade (PS5), Runner Heroes: Enhanced Edition (PS5), ANONYMOUS;CODE – Steelbook Edition (PS4, Switch), Death or Treat (Switch), Elderand (Switch)
September 12* – Eternights (PS4, PS5, PC), Nour: Play With Your Food (PS4, PS5, Mac, PC), Super Bomberman R 2 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Neon White (PS5, Switch)
September 13* – Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero – The Teal Mask (Switch)
September 14* – Ad Infinitum (Xbox Series X, PS5, PC), AK-Xolotl (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Deceit 2 (PC), Monster Hunter Now (iOS, Android), Thunder Ray (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Heavy Duty Challenge (PS5)
September 15* – Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster (Switch), Absolute Drift (Switch), Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), VR Skater (PS VR2)
September 18* – Gloomhaven (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch)
September 19* – Silent Hope (Switch)
September 20* – Party Animals (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
September 21* – Paperman (PS4, PS5, Switch)
September 22* – Avatar: The Last Airbender – Quest for Balance (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), House Flipper: Pets Edition (PS4, Switch), Pikmin 1 & 2 (Switch), Days of Doom (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Rainbow High: Runway Rush (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch)
September 26* – Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC), El Paso, Elsewhere (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC), Mineko’s Night Market (Switch, PC), My Time at Sandrock (Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch), Paleo Pines (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC)
September 28* – Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai (Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC), Games Advent Calendar (Switch), Art of Rally (PS5, Switch), Vampire – The Masquerade: Swansong (Switch), Dolphin Spirit: Ocean Mission (PS4, PS5, Switch)
September 29* – Cocoon (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC), Enchanted Portals – Tales Edition (PS5), Fate/Samurai Remnant (PS4, PS5, Switch), Paw Patrol World (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch), Vampire – The Masquerade: The New York Bundle (PS4, Switch), Skabma Snowball (PS4, PS5, Switch), Human Fall Flat: Dream Collection (PS4, PS5, Switch)
*Dates refer to UK release only. International dates may vary and are subject to change. Information correct at time of writing.
Words by Megan Roxburgh
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