Highlights
September 2023 is set to be a massive month for Xbox Game Pass, with multiple high-profile day one game releases and more to come throughout the year.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers have an exciting lineup ahead in September and throughout the year. They can expect a diverse range of game genres and styles that will keep them entertained. Get a glimpse of what's to come in the Xbox Game Pass Coming Soon section, featuring eagerly awaited titles such as Starfield, Lies of P, Forza Motorsport, Persona 5 Tactica, and Persona 3 Reload.
The Xbox Game Pass Coming Soon section is currently filled with an impressive lineup of games, and this doesn't even include all the upcoming additions. Microsoft has made sure that 2023 is a strong year for Xbox Game Pass, constantly bringing in new games to the subscription service. However, September 2023 is expected to be the standout month of the year.
There's no denying that September 2023 will be a massive month for Xbox Game Pass. Numerous highly anticipated games will be available on day one, with even more to follow. Xbox Game Pass subscribers have a lot to be excited about, not only in September but also for the remainder of the year.
Day One Xbox Game Pass Games Coming Soon
Discover the Exciting Lineup of Day One Games Coming Soon to Xbox Game PassFor those eager to stay updated on the latest day one games arriving on Xbox Game Pass, there's a dedicated "Coming to Game Pass" section within the app. This section exclusively features day one games that Game Pass subscribers can pre-install ahead of time. As of now, there are 11 captivating games included in this section, emphasizing the remarkable lineup expected to join the Game Pass library in the coming months.
Sea of Stars - August 29
Starfield - September 6
Lies of P - September 19
Party Animals - September 20
Payday 3 - September 21
The Lamplighters League - October 3
Forza Motorsport - October 10
Cities Skylines 2 - October 24
Jusant - October 31
Persona 5 Tactica - November 17
Persona 3 Reload - February 2, 2024
With a total of 11 games currently listed in the Xbox Game Pass Coming Soon section, the first one being retro RPG Sea of Stars, anticipation for this game is at an all-time high. Inspired by beloved classics like Chrono Trigger, Sea of Stars stands out because it will be simultaneously available for Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus Extra, and Premium subscribers on launch day. This unique release strategy ensures that a significantly larger number of players will be able to experience the game right from the start. It will be thrilling to see if Sea of Stars lives up to the hype it has generated.
Following Sea of Stars, Starfield, the highly-anticipated single-player RPG from Bethesda, will join Xbox Game Pass a week later. Being the flagship new game for Xbox Game Pass in 2023, Starfield's level of ambition is extraordinary. Only time will reveal whether it can meet the exceedingly high expectations set by Bethesda's previous works, but the glimpses shown so far have been undeniably remarkable. The best part is that Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have complete access to Starfield without any additional costs apart from their subscription fee. If Starfield lives up to its immense hype, Xbox Game Pass will become an even more compelling choice for Xbox gamers than ever before.
Now, fans need to be reminded that they have the option to experience Starfield ahead of time by paying an additional fee, even if they intend to obtain the base game via Xbox Game Pass. Bethesda is offering a $34.99 Premium Edition Upgrade exclusively for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, enabling them to play Starfield on September 1 instead of September 6. This upgrade offers more than just early access; it also encompasses additional content, notably granting access to Starfield's inaugural major DLC, known as Shattered Space. While the release date for the Shattered Space DLC remains uncertain, some fans find the opportunity for early access alone justifies the $34.99 price point.
In addition to Starfield, September 2023 is set to be an unforgettable month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Joining the lineup on September 19, Lies of P offers Soulslike fans an exciting Bloodborne-style gaming experience. With the hype surrounding Lies of P, it will be fascinating to see if it lives up to expectations, just like Sea of Stars and Starfield.
Following shortly after the addition of Lies of P, Party Animals will be available for subscribers to try on September 20. Taking inspiration from games like Gang Beasts, Party Animals boasts a larger budget and higher production value. Some fortunate Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have the opportunity to participate in three closed betas leading up to the game's release, accessible to those who register on Steam and the Xbox Insider Hub, although not all sign-ups are guaranteed participation.
And finally, the final day one Xbox Game Pass game listed in the Coming Soon section, releasing in September, is Payday 3. This highly anticipated sequel has been in the works for a decade. While Payday 2 has enjoyed remarkable longevity, only time will tell if Payday 3 can achieve similar success. The fact that it will be available on Xbox Game Pass right from its release means that it will already have a dedicated audience. If the game lives up to expectations, it could become one of the most popular multiplayer experiences of the year.
The Xbox Game Pass Coming Soon section extends beyond August and September. It also showcases upcoming games in October, including The Lamplighters League, set to release on October 3rd. This turn-based strategy game, which draws inspiration from XCOM, stands out with its captivating pulp action aesthetic. While XCOM fans may not have a new game in the series to look forward to in the near future, titles like The Lamplighters League provide ample entertainment.
Following the release of Starfield, Forza Motorsport, the next major first-party Xbox game, will hit the market on October 10th. The new installment of Forza Motorsport takes the franchise's graphics to unprecedented heights and introduces a range of exciting features. Although the Forza Horizon subseries has surpassed the main series in recent years, this year's entry could mark a significant comeback for the beloved racing game franchise.
On October 24,
, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have the exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in the highly anticipated release of Cities: Skylines 2 from its very first day. This thrilling city building game has already achieved immense success with its predecessor, as it effectively filled the void left by SimCity. Now, Cities: Skylines 2 promises to please fans by retaining their beloved aspects from the original game, while also introducing comprehensive enhancements and improvements. Undoubtedly, Cities: Skylines 2 has some lofty expectations to meet, but it certainly appears to be a secure wager.
The final addition to the Xbox Game Pass lineup for October 2023 is Jusant, an exciting climbing game with reminiscent elements of Breath of the Wild. Alongside Jusant, the console version of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has also been confirmed for October, although it is currently not featured in the Xbox Game Pass Coming Soon section.
Moving forward, the Xbox Game Pass Coming Soon section spotlights two upcoming games. First is Persona 5 Tactica, set to release on November 17, offering a strategic spin-off within the Persona franchise. Additionally, Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the beloved Persona 3, will be available on February 2, 2024. This presents a fantastic opportunity for Persona enthusiasts as they can enjoy both games on their day of release through Xbox Game Pass. If they haven't already, Persona fans may want to consider subscribing to Microsoft's service in the near future.
Not only do these 11 games represent the upcoming additions to the Xbox Game Pass, but there are also several other noteworthy titles that have yet to be highlighted. For instance, the highly acclaimed indie game Gris will be available on September 5, and Headbangers: Rhythm Royale has been confirmed as a day one Xbox Game Pass game, set to release on October 31. Additionally, there will be numerous other games that subscribers can anticipate in the near future. Therefore, Xbox fans should brace themselves for an exhilarating few months ahead.