The eternal dance of addition and subtraction continues in the universe of Xbox Game Pass this September.
Many know well by now that Microsoft’s ever-evolving subscription service is like a cosmic ballet of titles coming in and fading away, and this month is a prime example. Leading the charge is Bethesda’s Starfield, which lands on Game Pass on September 6. This spacefaring RPG, often compared to “Skyrim in space,” – or The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, if you’re asking Phil Spencer – has been highly anticipated despite its criticisms for shallow RPG elements and the lack of depth in its universe. Players in the United States might even get to play the game a bit sooner due to specific launch times. If you were among those who splurged on collector’s or premium editions, you’ve had access since September 1.
On September 14, Solar Ash makes its appearance, developed by the creators of Hyper Light Drifter. Players assume the role of Rei, a Voidrunner who seeks to protect her planet from the insatiable hunger of the Ultravoid. Then, a few days after on September 19, get ready to dive into Lies of P, a soulsborne action-RPG that puts a dark twist on the Pinocchio tale. Other intriguing additions include the co-op shooter Payday 3 and Gang Beasts-like Party Animals, available on September 21 and 20 respectively. Cocoon, the brainchild of Limbo and Inside’s lead gameplay designer, Jeppe Carlsen, debuts on Game Pass on September 29.
But as new celestial bodies enter this digital galaxy, others must depart. Nine games are leaving the Xbox Game Pass on September 15.
Strategy buffs will miss Sid Meier’s Civilization 6, while rhythm shooter Metal Hellsinger also leaves the stage. Aragami 2, Amazing Cultivation Simulator, and Train Sim World 3 are among other titles fading into the abyss. It’s worth noting that Metal Hellsinger had a one-year stint on the service since its day-one Game Pass release last September, possibly suggesting a one-year licensing deal.
This revolving door is what keeps Game Pass fresh and exciting, but it also comes at a cost – literally. Microsoft recently upped the subscription price, with the standard console membership now at $11 a month, the Ultimate membership at $17/month, and PC Game Pass remaining at $10 a month. A new tier, Xbox Game Pass Core, is set to replace the Xbox Live Gold subscription service on September 14, priced at $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year. The Core tier will provide access to Xbox multiplayer gaming, a library of over 25 games, and exclusive member deals.
Even as gamers say goodbye to some titles, the 20% discount for Game Pass members who choose to purchase games outright remains a consoling perk. And the service doesn’t just limit itself to consoles; it extends across the PC and cloud, making sure you can game practically anywhere.
Whether you’re a day-one downloader or a patient player, September promises a rich spread of gaming experiences on Xbox Game Pass. From high-profile titles like Starfield to indie gems like Solar Ash, the service continues to be a grand buffet of digital adventures waiting to be sampled. But as always, the clock is ticking, so get your game on before these celestial stars fade from view.
