September is shaping up to be a significant month for Xbox players, with a lineup of new releases that includes several titles already generating buzz for Game of the Year consideration. This slate arrives amidst recent turbulence for Microsoft's gaming division, including a hardware price increase and significant studio divestments and job cuts.
Despite these challenges, the coming month offers a much-needed distraction with a variety of new titles across genres. While major Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day and the new Fable are still slated for later release dates, September's offerings include several notable games from both third-party developers and Microsoft-owned studios.
Among the standout releases is "The Blood of Dawnwalker," scheduled for September 3. This open-world dark fantasy RPG, developed by former The Witcher 3 developers, features multiple romance options and a narrative centered on player choice. Players will embody Coen, a 14th-century European character who is both human and a vampire, forcing a decision between preserving humanity or embracing supernatural powers.
Capcom's "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" is set to launch on September 4. This marks the first new entry in the Onimusha series in two decades. The action-adventure game is set in Edo-period Kyoto and promises intense boss battles against supernatural enemies, alongside a deep progression system for customizing player abilities. Capcom has seen considerable success in 2026 with titles like "Resident Evil Requiem" and "Pragmata."
Remedy Entertainment is releasing "Control Resonant" on September 24. Departing from the third-person shooting of its predecessor, this sequel shifts to hack-and-slash melee combat, inspired by games like Devil May Cry. Players can fluidly switch between various melee weapons. Despite the change in combat style, early impressions suggest the game retains the surreal atmosphere and spectacular set pieces that defined the original "Control."
Also arriving on September 24 is Konami's "Silent Hill Townfall." This new installment in the horror franchise takes place on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. Players assume the role of Simon, an amnesiac protagonist exploring the seemingly abandoned town of St. Amelia to uncover the cause of its inhabitants' disappearance, all while encountering supernatural threats.
CD Projekt Red will release a remastered version of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" on September 29. This update includes enhanced visuals, improved combat, and refined enemy AI. Importantly, the remaster will be free for existing owners of the game. This release precedes the planned DLC "Songs of the Past" expected next year.
Concluding the month on September 29 is Mojang's "Minecraft Dungeons 2." The co-op dungeon crawler features a visual overhaul, a new jump ability, and an updated equipment system for deeper customization. The sequel introduces a new open-world environment called the Sift, moving away from the more linear structure of its predecessor. "Minecraft Dungeons 2" will be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one.