Most Searched Games in September 2025

Introduction

September 2025 will be remembered as a landmark month in gaming history. It represents a rare and spectacular convergence of titans, a period where long awaited sequels, ambitious franchise reboots, and genre defining classics all arrived within weeks of each other. For gamers, it's an exhilarating time, a true embarrassment of riches. It is also, however, a battlefield for your attention and, more crucially, your wallet. The sheer density of high profile releases has ignited an unprecedented "wallet war," forcing even the most dedicated players to make difficult choices about where to invest their time and money.

At a Glance: The Titans of September

Before we dive deep into the analysis, here is a quick reference guide to the games that are dominating the charts and conversations this month.

 

Hollow Knight: Silksong's Triumphant Arrival

 

Few games in recent memory have carried the sheer weight of expectation that Hollow Knight: Silksong did. What began as a planned downloadable content pack for the 2017 masterpiece evolved into a full fledged sequel, announced in 2019 before developer Team Cherry went almost completely silent for years. This prolonged silence, punctuated by only the briefest of updates, did not diminish interest. Instead, it cultivated a legendary, almost mythical level of hype within the gaming community, turning every industry showcase into a hopeful vigil for news.

 

When it finally arrived on September 4, 2025, Silksong did not just meet those monumental expectations, it shattered them. The game immediately rocketed to the number one position on the Steam Weekly Global Top Sellers chart, a testament to its massive pre release anticipation. Its cultural impact was just as immediate, racking up over 14.5 million viewer hours on Twitch in its launch window, an incredible feat for a single player Metroidvania. Critically, it was a resounding success, earning a Metacritic score of 92 and universal praise for its artistry, challenge, and design.  

 

The launch of Silksong was not merely a successful release, it was a market shaping event. Such was its anticipated dominance that several other game studios reportedly delayed their own launches to avoid being caught in its wake, a phenomenon typically reserved for industry behemoths like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty. This "gravity well" effect extended to its own franchise. During Silksong's release week, the original Hollow Knight surged back into the Steam top sellers list, landing at an impressive number 13. This demonstrates a powerful feedback loop, where the sequel's success is so immense it actively drives new and returning players back to the original, solidifying the series as a commercial and cultural powerhouse.  

Mayhem Reborn: Borderlands 4 Redefines the Looter Shooter

 

The Borderlands franchise has always been synonymous with over the top action and billions of guns. With Borderlands 4, which launched on September 12, Gearbox Software has delivered a significant evolution for the series, one that has been met with strong commercial success, landing at number 3 on the Steam charts and commanding a large audience on Twitch. The game's primary mission is clear: to modernize the franchise and address the criticisms of its predecessor.  

 

The most significant innovation is the shift to a truly seamless open world. Gone are the large, disconnected zones of previous entries. Borderlands 4 takes place on the planet of Kairos, a vast and dangerous world that players can explore freely on customizable hover bikes. This new structure makes the world feel more interconnected and encourages exploration, with dynamic events, side quests, and unforgettable characters scattered across its lush fields, towering peaks, and deadly deserts.  

 

Borderlands 4 represents a strategic and fascinating pivot from Gearbox. The gameplay has been universally praised as the best in the series. The addition of new movement mechanics like gliding, grappling, and double jumping makes combat more dynamic and vertical than ever before. The build crafting is deeper, the gunplay is tighter, and the moment to moment action of looting and shooting is incredibly satisfying.  

 

However, this laser focus on refining the gameplay loop appears to have come at the expense of the narrative. Multiple reviews have described the story and its new cast of characters as "dull," "bland," and "weaker than ever". This seems to be a deliberate overcorrection in response to the divisive, often criticized humor and writing of  

 

Borderlands 3. The result is a game that prioritizes its core identity as a looter shooter above all else. For players who come to Borderlands for the chaotic co-op action and the endless pursuit of better gear, this is a welcome change. For those invested in the series' lore and characters, it may feel like a step back.

 

For fans of pure, unadulterated looter shooter action, Borderlands 4 is an absolute must play. With the best gunplay and movement in the series and a massive new world to explore with friends, it is a mayhem fueled adventure that will keep you hooked for hours.

Primal Brutality in Dying Light: The Beast

 

With Dying Light: The Beast, developer Techland returns to the roots of the series, delivering a focused, brutal, and terrifying survival horror experience. The game marks the long awaited return of Kyle Crane, the fan favorite protagonist of the original Dying Light, in a story of visceral revenge.  

 

The story picks up years after the events of The Following expansion. Crane, after being captured and experimented on for over a decade by a mysterious villain known as the Baron, finally escapes. He finds himself in the beautiful yet deadly valley of Castor Woods, a location inspired by the Swiss Alps, now overrun with the infected. The experiments, however, have left their mark. Crane's DNA has been spliced with the virus, granting him monstrous, rage fueled powers that he struggles to control.  

 

This new "Beast Mode" is a core gameplay mechanic, allowing players to unleash savage, bare handed attacks, tear enemies in half, and hurl environmental objects with superhuman force. This primal power is balanced against the series' signature gameplay pillars. The best in class first person parkour returns, refined with new animations and physics, though it is more grounded than in Dying Light 2. Firearms are back, but ammo is scarce, making every shot a critical decision. Drivable 4x4 vehicles offer a way to traverse the open world, but they consume fuel and attract attention. The day night cycle is more terrifying than ever, with the night plunging the world into pitch blackness where you are no longer the hunter, but the prey.  

 

If you crave high octane action mixed with terrifying survival horror, Dying Light: The Beast delivers. Step back into the shoes of Kyle Crane and unleash your inner monster in this brutal tale of revenge.

Psychological Terror in Silent Hill f

 

Silent Hill f represents a bold and exciting new direction for the legendary horror franchise. Developed by NeoBards Entertainment with a story penned by acclaimed Japanese author Ryukishi07, this entry leaves the familiar foggy streets of the American town behind for a completely new setting: 1960s Japan.  

 

The game follows Hinako Shimizu, a high school student living in the secluded mountain town of Ebisugaoka. Her life is shattered when a sudden, thick fog engulfs the town, transforming her home into a haunting nightmare populated by grotesque monsters rooted in Japanese folklore and a parasitic, beautiful yet horrifying red flower. The story delves into heavy themes, including the societal pressures and gender discrimination of the era, weaving them into its psychological horror narrative.  

 

The gameplay is a deliberate and methodical take on survival horror. Combat is entirely melee based, forcing players into tense, close quarters encounters. A weapon degradation system adds to the resource management challenge, reflecting the game's theme of physical and mental decay. A new sanity meter functions as a core mechanic, which, when managed, allows Hinako to enter a focused state for critical strikes. Exploration and puzzle solving are central to the experience, with players navigating the intricately designed town, from dilapidated schools to darkened temples, all while series composer Akira Yamaoka's haunting score creates an unforgettable atmosphere of dread.  

 

For those who prefer their horror to be cerebral and atmospheric, Silent Hill f is a haunting and beautiful nightmare. Explore a chilling new vision of psychological terror and uncover the dark secrets of Ebisugaoka.

The Return of a Legend, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

 

September closed with the long awaited return of a true classic, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. This remaster of the 1997 PlayStation masterpiece, one of the most beloved and influential tactical RPGs ever made, has been a major point of excitement for fans of the genre.  

 

Square Enix has taken a uniquely clever approach to this revival, effectively solving the perennial dilemma of how to modernize a classic without alienating its dedicated fanbase. The game includes two distinct versions in one package :  

 

The Enhanced Version: This mode features a ground up graphical overhaul, a completely redesigned user interface, full voice acting in English and Japanese, and numerous quality of life improvements like auto save and battle speed adjustments. It also includes a more accessible "Squire" difficulty setting, making it the perfect entry point for new players.  

 

The Classic Version: For the purists, this mode faithfully recreates the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 release, combined with the acclaimed War of the Lions translation. It offers a nostalgic experience for those who want to play the game exactly as they remember it.  

 

This dual version strategy makes the common debates around remastering, such as changes to art style or the addition of voice acting, entirely moot. It puts the choice directly in the hands of the player, creating a definitive package that caters to everyone. At its heart remains the timeless and epic story of the War of the Lions, a complex tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and honor that follows the young noble Ramza Beoulve and his childhood friend Delita Hyral through the tumultuous kingdom of Ivalice.  

 

Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the genre, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is an essential experience. With two distinct versions included, you can choose how to experience this timeless masterpiece of strategy and storytelling.

Curating Your Ultimate September Gaming Experience

September 2025 has delivered an unforgettable and incredibly diverse lineup of games. It is, without question, one of the strongest months for the medium in recent memory, offering something for every type of player. The challenge, and the joy, lies in choosing which of these incredible worlds to dive into first.

 

Your perfect fall gaming season is waiting to be curated. From the haunting, challenging beauty of Silksong to the explosive, chaotic fun of Borderlands, from the primal fear of Dying Light to the strategic depth of Final Fantasy Tactics, there is a world waiting for you to explore. If this guide helped you navigate the battlefield and make your choice, please consider using our links to make your purchase. It is the best way to support the blog and help us continue to bring you in depth content. Happy gaming!