Xbox Game Pass Standard Adds Hollow Knight: Silksong-Like Game

The game collection of the standard version of Xbox Game Pass, known as Xbox Game Pass Standard, has recently been enriched with the addition of the game “Nine Sols.” This marks the first such inclusion for the standard tier since August 20.

Regarding enthusiast excitement, “Hollow Knight: Silksong” is looking like the most eagerly awaited release on Xbox Game Pass for September 2025. Yet, due to being a day-one title, it won’t be accessible with the Basic plan at launch. To play it when it debuts on September 4, you will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription.

Nine Sols Joins Xbox Game Pass Standard

Currently, the selection of games on the Xbox Game Pass Standard has grown to incorporate “Nine Sols”, which was added today, September 3rd. Although it’s not exactly the same as “Silksong”, “Nine Sols” and “Hollow Knight” have enough similarities that playing “Nine Sols” might help pass the time until the release of “Silksong”. Both games belong to the side-scrolling metroidvania genre, offering ability-based progression, hand-drawn graphics, and challenging “corpse run” mechanics. They appeal to similar gaming styles.

The fundamental battle approach sets them apart: Hollow Knight is structured around precise platforming and positioning, motivating players to test multiple tools owing to the constant arrival of diverse and shifting bosses. On the flip side, Nine Sols follows a parry system similar to that of Sekiro, which might appear challenging initially but provides a more potent power fantasy for those who grasp it masterfully. In this game, nearly every attack can be parried, allowing skilled players to stay offensive against even the largest and most fearsome bosses.

In late November 2024, the game called “Nine Sols” made its first appearance on Xbox Game Pass. At the same time, it became available on consoles and through Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft usually doesn’t disclose how long games stay on their service upon release, but typically, their licensing deals last at least 12 months. The increased availability of “Nine Sols” now marks the second update to the Xbox Game Pass catalog this month, following the addition of “I Am Your Beast” on September 2, which was added to all tiers of the service except for the Core tier.

New and Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Games

Game Game Pass Tier(s) Platform(s) Date Notes
Nine Sols Standard Series X/S Sep 3 Available on PC GP and XGP Ultimate since Nov 2024.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Ultimate, PC Cloud, Console, PC Sep 4 Day-one release.
Cataclismo Ultimate, PC PC Sep 4
PAW Patrol World Standard, PC, Ultimate Cloud, Console, PC Sep 10 Returning title; originally available in the Mar 2024–Feb 2025 period.
RoadCraft Ultimate, Standard Cloud, Series X/S Sep 16 Unclear if it’s coming to PC Game Pass later.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor Ultimate, PC Cloud, PC, Series X/S Sep 17 Day-one release.
Frostpunk 2 Ultimate Series X/S Sep 18 Available on PC Game Pass since Sep 20, 2024.
Ball x Pitt PC, Ultimate Cloud, PC, Series X/S Oct 15 Day-one release.
Keeper Ultimate, PC Cloud, PC, Series X/S Oct 17 Day-one release.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Ultimate, PC Cloud, PC, Series X/S Oct 21 Day-one release.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Ultimate, PC Cloud, PC Oct 23 Day-one release for 2025. Game preview. XSX version possibly coming to XGP after early access.
Bounty Star Ultimate, PC PC, Series X/S Oct 23 Day-one release.
The Outer Worlds 2 Ultimate, PC Cloud, PC, Series X/S Oct 29 Day-one release.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ultimate, PC Console, PC Nov 14 Day-one release. Cloud version to be confirmed.

As we move forward, “Hollow Knight: Silksong” isn’t the only game coming on September 4; “Cataclismo” will also join Xbox Game Pass that day. “PAW Patrol World” is slated to return on September 10, with the console version of “RoadCraft” following six days later. This rounds out the Wave 1 lineup for the month. The lineup for the second half of September is not fully revealed yet, but it’s confirmed that “Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor” and the console port of “Frostpunk 2” will be included.

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2025-09-03 16:11