September marks more than just the shift from summer to autumn — it’s also the beginning of a new school term and a crucial period for gamers. It’s like New Year’s Day for video game fans, and this year is no different. Dive into our handy rundown of the seven best new games of September 2023.
You can refer back to our August roundup for a recap of last month’s standout games, including the much-talked-about Baldur’s Gate 3. Now, let’s gear up for an exciting September.
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New Games of September 2023
You’re in for a treat this September. The month is jam-packed with various gaming options, including brand-new IPs, awaited sequels, and even downloadable expansion packs.
Once the kids return to school, parents who enjoy gaming can look forward to uninterrupted play. But don’t worry, youngsters will be included. There’s something for every type of gamer waiting for them once the school bell rings.
Here are the best new games of September 2023:
- Starfield
- NBA 2K24
- Lies of P
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Payday 3
- EA Sports FC 24
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
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1. Starfield
Starfield is easily among the most buzzed-about releases in 2023, and it’s not hard to see why. Expectations are sky-high from the powerhouse that is Bethesda Studios — the minds behind iconic titles like Fallout: New Vegas, Skyrim, and Elder Scrolls Online. Known for their compelling narratives, sprawling quests, and yes, even food items, Bethesda has a solid track record.
Set in the vast reaches of space, Starfield is a grand-scale RPG that offers a choice between first and third-person gameplay. This game is not your typical open-world game — it has approximately 1,000 planets available for exploration. So, we can say that Starfield is one of the best new games of September 2023.
When it comes to gameplay depth, Starfield delivers. With an expansive skill tree and many items and characters, there’s always something new to discover. While journeying through the cosmos, you’ll meet NPCs eager to join your crew — and some might even catch your eye for a romantic subplot.
Platforms: PC and Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: September 5, 2023
Related: Starfield Timeline: The Story So Far (300 Years)
2. NBA 2K24
When you hear “Basketball,” there’s a good chance the letters NBA pop into your head. It’s no different in gaming, where the NBA 2K series reigns supreme. The latest entry, NBA 2K24 from 2K Games, continues to up the ante with a buffet of game modes, including MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and MyNBA.
The game’s offerings aren’t limited to just classic modes — NBA 2K24 introduces new single-player and multiplayer experiences. For those harbouring front-office fantasies, MyNBA mode allows you to take the reins as a General Manager. And for fans of women’s basketball, the revamped W mode lets you hit the court with WNBA teams.
The legendary Kobe Bryant returns in NBA 2K24, complete with his signature moves. You can even relive his incredible journey from rookie to global superstar. If you’re a fan of Kobe, you could see the NBA 2K24 as one of the best new games of September 2023.
But the real game-changer comes in the new-gen versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. These platforms boast cross-play capabilities and introduce ProPLAY technology. This cutting-edge feature transforms actual NBA footage into in-game animations, significantly elevating visual fidelity.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
Release Date: September 8, 2023
Related: Is NBA 2K24 on Game Pass?
3. Lies of P
Lies of P is turning heads, and it’s not just because it’s developed by Neowiz, the team behind Mega Man Online and DJMax Respect V. This action-adventure game offers a grim reimagining of the Pinocchio tale, casting you as a weapon-wielding version of the iconic wooden puppet.
Fans of Soulslike experiences — think Dark Souls or Bloodborne from FromSoftware — will feel right at home. The game features challenging boss fights, each with unique mechanics, and offers a range of immersive environments. One standout feature is the choice-based system — you can lie or tell the truth to characters, affecting gameplay dynamics. This means your playthrough could be pretty different from someone else’s.
The setting? A moody Paris where you strive to make Pinocchio more human through your decisions. Uncle Geppetto even makes an appearance. Among the many new games of September 2023, Lies of P is worth your attention.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Related: 5 Reasons to Play Lies of P in September
4. Mortal Kombat 1
The legendary Mortal Kombat series is back, rebooted as Mortal Kombat 1. This instalment introduces an updated fighting system and breathes new life into both classic and unknown characters. Expect a rich story mode, arcade options, and the signature Fatalities and Brutalities that made the series iconic.
Pre-order perks include Shang Tsung as a playable character, and the Premium Edition offers 5-day early access. The game has online and offline multiplayer, varied Tower modes, and a new board-game-like feature. The roster kicks off with 24 characters, featuring old favourites like Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
So what really makes Mortal Kombat 1 one of the best new games of September 2023? Kameo Fighters — they will completely change the gameplay.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Related: Mortal Kombat 1 Kombat Pack: Homelander Is Here
5. Payday 3
Payday 3 is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Leaving Washington D.C. behind, you and the Payday gang face new threats in New York City. The game supports cross-platform multiplayer, so teaming up with friends across different consoles is a breeze.
Pre-orders are now available in Standard, Silver, and Gold editions. Opt for Silver or Gold, and you’ll get to jump into the action three days early. Plus, these editions come packed with Season Passes — six months for Silver and a full year for Gold. Get ready for another high-stakes crime spree.
Maybe not as big as Starfield, but definitely one of the best new games of September 2023.
Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: September 21, 2023
Related: Is Payday 3 Cross-Platform?
6. EA Sports FC 24
EA Sports FC 24 is the new face of football games, offering all the modes you love, like Leagues, Tournaments, and Career Mode, with both online and offline multiplayer. Fan-favourite clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea are back, along with a diverse range of National Teams and leagues from Germany to Korea.
Two editions are available for purchase: Regular and Ultimate. The Ultimate Edition comes with extra perks, including 4,600 FC Points and a Nike x EA Sports ultimate team kit. If you’re a football fan looking for some after-work action, FC 24 is one of the best new games of September 2023.
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
Release Date: September 22, 2023
Related: EA Sports FC 24 System Requirements: Can I Run It?
7. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
The latest expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 is among the best new games of September 2023, and for good reason. Marking the game’s only expansion, it brings hardcore fans back for a new storyline featuring characters like Solomon Reed — voiced by Idris Elba — and new skills and vehicles. Dogtown is a fresh, dangerous district, and the level cap now hits 60.
With over 100 new items, from cars to cyberwear, this is the ultimate upgrade for Night City fans. Get ready for new questlines, missions, and boss fights. Remember, you’ll need the base Cyberpunk 2077 game to dive into this expansive new content. Phantom Liberty is not a stand-alone game.
Platforms: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starfield a Long Game?
Yes — Bethesda’s latest offering, Starfield, continues the studio’s reputation for extensive narrative-driven games. A regular playthrough clocks around 70 hours, while a comprehensive one can exceed 200 hours.
What Do You Get with NBA 2K24 Anniversary Edition?
NBA 2K24 Anniversary Edition is the most expensive one at $149.99, but it packs value. Along with a 12-month NBA League Pass, you get special packs, a Sapphire Kobe Bryant card, and 50K MyTEAM points.
Is EA Sports FC 24 Free-to-Play?
No — EA Sports FC 24 isn’t free-to-play. It’s launching with two editions: A Standard Edition priced at $69.99 and an Ultimate Edition for $99.99.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
