Best Xbox Game Pass Games This Week September 2026
What are the best Xbox Game Pass games to play this week? This week features the highly anticipated launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4, plus three recently added titles including Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Gears of War: Reloaded, and the critically acclaimed I Am Your Beast.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my personal experience with each of these incredible titles and explain why they deserve your immediate attention. Whether you’re a fan of challenging metroidvanias, epic RPGs, classic shooters, or intense action games, this week’s lineup has something exceptional for everyone.
| Game | Availability | Genre | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | September 4, 2026 | Metroidvania | Must-Play |
| Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Available Now | Action RPG | Excellent |
| Gears of War: Reloaded | Available Now | Third-Person Shooter | Classic |
| I Am Your Beast | Available Now | Action FPS | Hidden Gem |
Hollow Knight: Silksong – The Wait Is Finally Over
After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong launches on Xbox Game Pass on September 4, 2026, and I can barely contain my excitement. Having spent over 100 hours in the original Hollow Knight, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to play as Hornet in this ambitious sequel. If you’re planning to dive deep into Silksong, check out our complete Hollow Knight: Silksong guide for all the essential mechanics and tips.
Why Silksong Is This Week’s Must-Play Title?
The original Hollow Knight redefined what indie metroidvanias could achieve, and from everything I’ve seen of Silksong, Team Cherry has outdone themselves. The game features Hornet as the protagonist, bringing a completely different playstyle compared to the Knight from the original game. Her acrobatic abilities and silk-based mechanics create a faster, more vertical approach to exploration that I’m dying to master.
What makes this launch even more special is that Silksong is available day one on Game Pass for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. This means you can dive into one of the most anticipated games of 2026 without spending an extra penny beyond your subscription. The game supports Cloud gaming too, so you can start playing on your phone during lunch break and continue on your Xbox when you get home.
What to Expect From Silksong?
Based on the preview footage and developer updates, Silksong expands on everything that made the original great. The new kingdom of Pharloom looks absolutely gorgeous with its hand-drawn art style, and the soundtrack by Christopher Larkin promises to be just as haunting and beautiful as the original. I’m particularly excited about the new quest system and the expanded NPC interactions that should make the world feel even more alive.
If you loved the challenging boss fights in the original, you’re in for a treat. Team Cherry has promised over 150 new enemies and bosses, each with unique attack patterns to learn and master. The new tools and weapons system also adds deeper customization options, letting you tailor Hornet’s abilities to your playstyle. For players new to the series, our Hollow Knight 100% trophy guide covers everything you need to know about mastering the original game’s challenges.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard – BioWare’s Triumphant Return
Having just spent the past few days immersed in Dragon Age: The Veilguard since it hit Game Pass on August 28, I can confidently say this is BioWare at their best. After the mixed reception of Anthem and some concerns about the studio’s direction, The Veilguard proves they still know how to craft compelling RPG experiences.
A Fresh Take on Thedas
The Veilguard takes us to previously unexplored regions of Thedas, and the visual upgrade is immediately apparent. Running on the latest Frostbite engine, the game looks absolutely stunning on Xbox Series X, with environments that feel more alive and detailed than any previous Dragon Age game. I’ve found myself stopping frequently just to admire the vistas and architectural details.
Playing as Rook, the new protagonist, offers a refreshing change from previous Dragon Age heroes. The character creation system is the most robust yet, and I spent nearly an hour perfecting my character’s appearance before even starting the adventure. The new dialogue system feels more natural than the traditional wheel, with contextual options that better reflect the tone and intent of your responses.
Combat and Companions
The combat system strikes an excellent balance between the tactical pause-and-play of Origins and the more action-oriented approach of Dragon Age 2 and Inquisition. I particularly love the new combo system that rewards coordinating abilities between party members. Setting up a perfect elemental combo with your companions feels incredibly satisfying.
Speaking of companions, BioWare has outdone themselves with this cast. Each character feels fully realized with their own goals, fears, and growth throughout the story. The companion quests are some of the best content in the game, and I’ve found myself genuinely caring about their personal struggles. The romance options are also more nuanced and developed than in previous entries.
For those interested in the broader Dragon Age lore, you might enjoy reading about the most beloved Dragon Age characters from throughout the series. Additionally, our analysis of why Dragon Age remakes are needed provides context on BioWare’s previous work and EA’s approach to the franchise.
Gears of War: Reloaded – The Definitive Gears Experience
As someone who played the original Gears of War on Xbox 360 back in 2006, diving into Gears of War: Reloaded feels like reuniting with an old friend who’s had an incredible makeover. This isn’t just a simple remaster; it’s a complete overhaul that makes the game feel brand new while preserving everything that made the original special.
Technical Marvel on Modern Hardware
The visual upgrade in Reloaded is nothing short of spectacular. Running at native 4K resolution with up to 120fps in multiplayer, the game looks and feels better than many current-gen titles. I’ve been switching between the 4K/60fps quality mode for campaign and the 1080p/120fps performance mode for multiplayer, and both options provide exceptional experiences.
The lighting improvements particularly stand out. Areas that were previously shrouded in murky darkness now feature dynamic lighting that creates genuine atmosphere without sacrificing visibility. The character models have been completely rebuilt, with Marcus and Dom looking more detailed and expressive than ever. Even the Locust enemies have received significant upgrades, making them more terrifying and imposing.
Enhanced Multiplayer and Content
What really sets Reloaded apart is the inclusion of all post-launch content. The bonus campaign act that was previously exclusive to PC is now available for everyone, adding several hours of additional story content that bridges the gap to Gears 2. Having all 19 multiplayer maps available from day one means the online community isn’t fragmented, and matches are easy to find.
The cross-play and cross-progression features are game-changers. I started playing on my Series X at home, continued on my phone via cloud gaming during my commute, and even jumped into a few matches on my gaming laptop during lunch. My progress and unlocks carried over seamlessly, which is exactly how modern gaming should work. For more details on this specific release, read our comprehensive Gears of War: Reloaded guide.
The multiplayer feels as tight and competitive as ever. The cover-based gameplay that defined a generation still holds up perfectly, and the addition of modern features like improved netcode and reduced input lag makes online matches feel incredibly responsive. If you missed out on Gears multiplayer in its heyday, now’s your chance to experience what made it legendary.
I Am Your Beast – The Surprise Hit You Need to Play
Of all the games on this list, I Am Your Beast is the one that caught me completely off guard. This ultra-violent revenge thriller might not have the brand recognition of the other titles, but after spending several intense hours with it, I’m convinced it’s one of the best action games on Game Pass right now.
Adrenaline-Fueled Perfection
I Am Your Beast plays like a cross between Hotline Miami and Superhot, with a dash of John Wick thrown in for good measure. You play as a retired secret agent forced back into action, and the game wastes no time throwing you into frantic, sandbox-style combat scenarios. Each level is a compact arena where you need to eliminate all enemies using whatever weapons and environmental hazards you can find.
What makes the combat so addictive is the scoring system. Simply completing a level isn’t enough; the game grades you on style, speed, and creativity. I’ve found myself replaying levels dozens of times, trying to chain together perfect combos and discover new ways to dispatch enemies. The feeling when you finally nail that perfect run is absolutely exhilarating.
Bite-Sized But Substantial
The game’s structure is perfect for Game Pass. Each level takes just a minute or two to complete, making it ideal for quick sessions when you only have limited time to play. But don’t let the short levels fool you – there’s substantial content here. With over 60 levels, challenge modes, and endless replayability through the scoring system, I’ve already sunk 15 hours into the game and feel like I’m just scratching the surface.
The minimalist art style might not be for everyone, but it serves the gameplay perfectly. The clean visuals ensure you can always read the action, even when things get chaotic. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with pulsing electronic beats that perfectly match the frenetic pace of the combat.
Making the Most of Your Game Pass Subscription This Week
With these four incredible games available, you’re looking at potentially hundreds of hours of top-tier gaming content. Here’s my recommended approach to tackle this week’s lineup:
Priority Order Based on Your Preferences
If you love challenging gameplay and exploration: Start with Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4. This is a day-one release that everyone will be talking about, and you’ll want to experience the discovery alongside the community.
If you’re an RPG fan: Dive into Dragon Age: The Veilguard immediately. With 60+ hours of content in the main story alone, you’ll want to get started now to avoid falling behind on the cultural conversation.
If you want multiplayer action: Jump into Gears of War: Reloaded. The multiplayer community is most active right after a Game Pass addition, so now’s the perfect time to find matches quickly. For co-op experiences with friends, explore our ultimate Xbox Game Pass co-op games guide.
If you need something for short gaming sessions: I Am Your Beast is perfect for those 15-30 minute windows when you want intense action without a huge time commitment. This bite-sized approach makes it ideal for busy gamers who want quality over quantity.
Don’t Forget What’s Leaving
While we’re celebrating these new additions, remember that three significant games are leaving Xbox Game Pass on August 31: NBA 2K24, Guilty Gear Strive, and Atomic Heart. If you’ve been meaning to try any of these, today is literally your last chance.
I particularly recommend giving Atomic Heart a shot if you haven’t already. Despite its controversial development background, it’s a unique and visually stunning shooter that’s worth experiencing. The alternate history Soviet setting and bizarre enemy designs create an atmosphere unlike anything else on the service.
Maximizing Your Game Pass Value
With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate’s impressive 2026 lineup continuing to expand, this week perfectly demonstrates the subscription’s incredible value. Between Silksong’s day-one release, three AAA games, and the games leaving the service, you’re essentially getting hundreds of dollars worth of content for your monthly subscription fee. For multiplayer enthusiasts, check out our comprehensive Xbox Game Pass multiplayer games guide to discover more competitive options.
Pro Tips for Game Pass Users
Based on my experience as a day-one Game Pass subscriber, here are some tips to maximize your enjoyment this week:
Use the mobile app: Pre-download Hollow Knight: Silksong now through the Xbox app so it’s ready to play the moment it releases on September 4. There’s nothing worse than waiting for a download when you’re excited to play.
Try before you buy: If you’re considering purchasing any of the games leaving the service, use your 20% Game Pass discount before they’re removed. NBA 2K24 in particular might be worth owning if you’re a basketball fan, as the servers typically stay active for years.
Utilize cloud saves: All four of this week’s recommendations support cloud saves, meaning you can seamlessly switch between devices. I’ve been playing Dragon Age on my Series X at home and continuing my adventure on my laptop when traveling.
Check for perks: Game Pass Ultimate members should check the Perks section regularly. There are often bonuses for these games, including exclusive cosmetics or in-game currency.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Game Pass
While this week is absolutely stacked, September 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible month for Game Pass overall. After Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4, we’re getting Nine Sols on September 3, RoadCraft on September 16, and EA Sports NHL 26 early access for Ultimate members on September 5. Stay updated with our Xbox Game Pass day-one releases guide for all the latest launches.
The service continues to prove its worth as the best deal in gaming. Between day-one releases like Silksong, recent AAA additions like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, classic remasters like Gears of War: Reloaded, and hidden gems like I Am Your Beast, there’s never been a better time to be a Game Pass subscriber.
Final Thoughts: An Unmissable Gaming Week
This week represents everything great about Xbox Game Pass. You have one of the most anticipated indie games ever launching day one, a brand new BioWare RPG that just arrived, a perfectly remastered classic, and an under-the-radar gem that deserves your attention. The variety and quality on display here is simply unmatched.
My personal plan for the week? I’m continuing my Dragon Age: The Veilguard playthrough while anxiously awaiting Silksong’s release. Once it drops on September 4, everything else goes on hold – I’ve been waiting too long for this game to let anything distract me. Gears of War: Reloaded will be my go-to for multiplayer sessions with friends, while I Am Your Beast fills those quick gaming breaks throughout the day.
Whatever your gaming preferences, this week’s Game Pass lineup has you covered. Don’t let these incredible experiences pass you by – boot up your Xbox, check last week’s Xbox Game Pass recommendations if you missed anything, and prepare for one of the best gaming weeks of 2026. With Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arriving and three other exceptional games already waiting, your only challenge will be finding enough time to play everything.
Remember to manage your time wisely, take breaks when needed, and most importantly, enjoy these incredible gaming experiences. This is why we subscribe to Game Pass – weeks like this where the value and variety create unforgettable gaming moments. See you in Pharloom, Thedas, Sera, and wherever else this week’s adventures take us!