Gamescom 2025 recap: The show's biggest announcements — Hollow Knight: Silksong release date, Xbox Ally handheld hands-on, Fallout TV show info, and much more
Here are all of the biggest announcements regarding everything Xbox and PC gaming from Gamescom 2025.
What to expect from Xbox at Gamescom 2025
Thanks to the Xbox Wire blog post last month, we know that Xbox has exciting plans in store for Gamescom 2025, including, but not limited to:
- Hollow Knight: Silksong details and a demo at the event for people to try
- Attendee hands-on experience with the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC
- A theater experience for The Outer Worlds 2 (a game that is releasing Oct 29)
- Over 20 games for attendees to play
- World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion unveiling
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 reveal on Aug 19
I'm personally the most excited about the Xbox Ally handhelds, and can't wait to get a peek at the Windows 11 optimization Microsoft has been working on. With any luck, it will make these devices feel more like using a console, with the simple interface similar to a Steam Deck if implemented correctly. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
The Division 2 is where it's at
Haha, I got in here first, and nobody can stop me talking about what I'm most interested in from this week's Gamescom festivities! Sure there'll be some incredible new games announced, and ERMAGHERD SILKSONG! But I'm less fussed by that than I am about the teaser of something new coming to my everlasting favorite, The Division 2.
The image above is the second tease we've seen from Ubisoft of snow coming to the game, but beyond that, not a lot else. The first tease promised something "completely new" and long-time fans of the franchise know that snow, itself, is not new. It's new for the second game, but not for the franchise. That first tease also showed the Capitol Building looking a little different.
Whatever it is, it's coming out during Gamescom. So that's basically all I'm really looking out for. — Richard Devine, Managing Editor
It's Fallout time, and I've got spurs that jingle-jangle-jingle
Bethesda Game Studios already confirmed that we'll be seeing a trailer for the second season of the Fallout TV series during this presentation.
Ahead of the showcase, we also got our first drop of images, showing different members of the cast both after and before the atomic bombs fell.
I'm fascinated to see just what they're willing to share with the first trailer, and I cannot wait for this season's premiere in December. I'm calling it right now, we'll get just a GLIMPSE of a Deathclaw in this first-look. — Samuel Tolbert, contributor
Keeper will be at the ONL preshow
From its Bluesky account, developer Double Fine explained that its upcoming atmospheric puzzle adventure, Keeper, will be part of the Gamescom Opening Night Live preshow.
In case you aren't familiar with this title yet, you take on the role of a sentient lighthouse with legs who explores an island with a bird buddy. As with most Double Fine games, it has a unique art style that intentionally mixes cuteness with a slight feeling of unease.
I, for one, am excited to check out Keeper when it launches and am looking forward to learning more about it. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Where to watch Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025
To kick things off, The Game Awards and Summer Game Fest host, Geoff Keighley, is presenting Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 11am PT / 2pm ET / 7pm BST/ 8pm CEST.
We already know that several highly anticipated titles will be at the show, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, The Outer Worlds 2, the World of Warcraft Midnight expansion, Resident Evil Requiem, Ghost of Yōtei, and much more.
Not to mention, Xbox isn't just having one broadcast, but two broadcasts on two different days.
Just so you know, Gamescom Opening Night Live is expected to run for two hours, and there is a 30-minute preshow before that. As such, you might want to grab something to eat or maybe even play one of your favorite games while tuning in.
If you're in the US like me, you might be watching the show in the middle of a workday. For those of you who aren't able to watch the event as it unfolds, we've got you covered. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
The Gamescom Opening Night Live preshow has started
The preshow is finally kicking off right now. It's expected to last 30-minutes before the official two-hour Opening Night Live livestream starts. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Games highlighted during the preshow
I've included platforms and release dates when the info was provided.
- Outlaws + Handful of Missions Remaster (Xbox, Steam, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
- Denshattack — Spring 2026 (Xbox Seires X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, PS5)
- Keeper — Oct 17, 2025 (Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC)
- He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction — Coming soon (Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
- Absolum — October 9
- Long Gone
- Valor Mortis — (Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
- PVKK — Summer 2026 (Steam)
- Routine — (Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Steam)
- Swords of Legends
- Road Kings — 2026 (Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5)
- Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2 Sonic the Hedgehog DLC — September 26
- Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Pac-Man DLC — September 25
Gamescom ONL has started!
Geoff Keighley has just walked onto the stage. Gamescom Opening Night Live is about to officially start!
An extended look at Hollow Knight: Silksong is incoming!
In a brief video clip, we got to see new Silksong footage and Keighley promised that we'll be getting an extended look at the highly-anticipated game this week.
A new look at Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
We got to see a new trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, showing some twisted locations reminiscent of what you'd find in Inception or Remedy's Control. I'm talking about highways twisting up into the sky toward floating islands and folded cities.
Preorders are available now, with the Vault Edition providing several extras.
The endgame is a brand new PvE multiplayer experience. This gives players the chance to explore the world beyond the mission.
There will be a Call of Duty Direct on Sept 30, where more news will be revealed.
Lords of the Fallen II will be even more violent
A gorgeous cinematic showed off a violent fantasy adventure where an armored individual took on a multi-armed woman.
It's coming in 2026 to Xbox Series X|S, Epic Games Store, and PS5 and is promised to be "bloodier, faster, and more brutal than ever."
A brand new LEGO Batman seemingly nods to the masked crusader's entire legacy
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight allows players to interact with many of the caped crusader's biggest enemies. From what was shown, there are plenty of easter eggs nodding to various Batman movies and various story lines.
Monster Hunter Wilds + Final Fantasy XIV crossover announced!
A crossover has been announced that will bring Final Fantasy XIV into Monster Hunter Wilds, including the mega boss Omega, for players to fight.
We got to see a brand-new trailer showing Hunters riding Chocobos and taking down monsters.
The crossover arrives in late September.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War coming 2026
The real-time strategy game (RTS) is coming in 2026 and is available to wishlist now on Steam.
A trailer for Onimusha Way of the Sword
We got to see a new trailer for Onimusha Way of the Sword.
This exciting and grotesquely beautiful game is coming 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and PS5.
A look at Arknights: Endfield
Arknights: Endfield is a post-apocalyptic anime-style RPG that's coming to Windows, PS5, Google Play, and the App Store.
Europa Universalis V is open for prepurchase
We got a look at the RTS wargame and the cultures that it will allow players to engage with. No release date was given, but it is ready for prepurchase now.
Another look at Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion
We got to take a look at this upcoming mecha shooter, which is set to launch September 5, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2. It's available to preorder now.
People from the Fallout TV show came on stage before a new trailer was shown
Four people involved with the making of the Fallout TV show joined Keighley on stage, including Ella Purnell, who plays Lucy MacLean, and Aaron Moten, who plays Maximus.
We got a look at the New Vegas location where season two takes place, along with our first look at a Deathclaw.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is getting DLC!
The adventurous archaeologist and professor seems to be exploring ancient Roman ruins, including the Colosseum, in the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants expansion.
It's coming September 4, 2025, to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and PS5.
What's more, the game will even come to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Deadpool is back in VR for Meta Quest
We got to see a trailer of our favorite sassy superhero fighting baddies, making money, and being his usual badmouth self.
Marvel's Deadpool VR is coming exclusively to Meta Quest 3 and 3S on November 18, 2025.
A World of Tanks 2.0 trailer
This trailer showed a tank making its way through various terrain, including water, a snowy mountainous region, a forest, and a swamp, while fighting other tanks.
It's releasing in the Asia-Pacific on September 1 and in Europe and North America on September 3.
Gear up with John Carpenter's Toxic Commando
This fast-paced trailer showed plenty of abominations getting shot while players worked together to survive and explore the wild world.
It's expected to launch early 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5.
Death by Scrolling gives off SNES Zelda vibes
This pixel-art game takes place in purgatory and has you running through a dangerous world filled with enemies and hazards. There are different characters to play as as you "run, fight, loot, and don't stop."
Zero Parades for Fake Radicals shows off an 80s futuristic style
This game trailer caught my attention with its blue and red art style and its 80s-futurisitic aesthetic. There wasn't much to pull from it, but we know it's a "story-rich espionage RPG" that's coming to Steam.
A frenetic action trailer shows off more of Ninja Gaiden 4
This latest Ninja Gaiden 4 trailer gives us a look at the game's main plot, where you will initially play as Yakumo before being able to play as Ryu Hayabusa.
It releases worldwide Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and PlayStation 5 on October 21, 2025.
Control mechs and massive machines in Cinder City
We got a look at Cinder City, NCSoft's upcoming MMO tactical shooter formerly known as Project LLL. There were powerful mechs, choppers, tanks, and more.
Time Takers forces you to earn your time
Time Takers puts a new twist on the multiplayer shooter genre by giving you a countdown that you're constantly working against. You gain more time as you take down enemies. It's a free to play game "coming soon" to Steam.
We got another look at the horrors in Silent Hill f
The trailer shows some of the haunting locations and horrors that teenage protagonist Shimizu Hinako encounters while exploring a rural Japanese town.
It's available September 25, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Windows, Epic Games Store, and PS5. Preorders are now available.
La Divina Commedia takes us to hell
The trailer opens on a sword-wielding fighter taking down a deadly dog-like beast. It appears to be a retelling of the Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy.
This haunting game is coming to Steam. No date was listed.
The dead merge together in Cronos: The New Dawn
A new trailer showed the helmeted protagonist from Cronos: The New Dawn taking down grotesque enemies while exploring a haunting world.
It's coming on September 5, 2025 to Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
The Deluxe Edition gives players 48 hours early access, the base games, and several other goodies.
Take a look at the companions in this new The Outer Worlds 2 trailer
This quick trailer focused on the companions in The Outer Worlds 2, showing their distinct personalities, styles, and weapons.
The Outer Worlds 2 launches Oct 29. The Premium Edition gives you the digital base game, a Corporate Appreciation Prize pack, a DLC Pass for Story Expansions 1 & 2, and a digital artbook. There's also a preorder bonus that gives you Commander Zane's Battle Pack.
A quick look at the free InZOI: Island Getaway DLC
Krafton Inc.'s first free DLC for its free-to-play life-sim is coming to Steam and Mac app Store on August 20.
Various anime characters rush around with weapons in Fate Trigger
This shooter survival battle royale has players take control of various anime characters while defeating opponents. It's set to release Q1 2026 on PC.
Moonlighter 2 The Endless Vault early access coming in October
A quick trailer showed us gameplay from the upcoming Moonlighter 2 The Endless Vault which is coming to early access on Steam, PC Game Pass, and Windows on October 23, 2025.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 looks awesome
A quick trailer reminds us that this violent first-person RPG action game is set to launch on October 21, 2025. It's coming to Epic Games Store, Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.
Enshrouded Wake of the Water teased for October
The wildly popular Enshrouded will be getting update 7 in October, as teased during Gamescom. We saw a character swimming underwater and fighting lizard creatures.
The base game is currently available to play on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, GeForce NOW, and Microsoft Windows.
An extremely quick teaser for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II's second expansion
A very short trailer teased that the second expansion for KCD2 is headed gamers' way on September 9. It's currently available for wishlisting.
Cult of the Lamb is getting a major expansion
A trailer shows the lamb reaching his hand out and touching a creepy figure that makes additional lamb-shaped creatures appear for the Cult of the Lamb Woolhaven expansion.
This massive paid expansion is coming early 2026.
An epic World of Warcraft: Midnight cinematic builds hype
World of Warcraft fans, rejoice! We got a gorgeous cinematic showing the main conflict for the Midnight expansion. It's coming in 2026 and is available for pre-order.
Project Spectrum world premier gives us another horror game
A haunting trailer for Project Spectrum brings us yet another horror game at Gamescom. No platforms or release date was listed.
Tanks, tanks, and more tanks shown off in World of Tanks: HEAT
This action hero shooter displayed military might as various tanks tore through terrain while shooting fiery explosives.
World of Tanks: HEAT will be playable on Steam, Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. No release date was revealed, but you can wishlist it already.
Resident Evil: Requiem's new trailer teases a secretive past
This trailer gives us another look at Grace Ashcroft, the FBI agent with a traumatic past.
She's shown working on her laptop as a storm rages outside. Suddenly, the phone rings, asking for her before abruptly hanging up. A moment later, the lights go out. Her mother grabs her hand and leads her out into the dark hallway.
However, when they come across a man they seem to already know, he apologizes for the outage before a hooded figure puts a plastic bag over his head and hurls him to the floor.
The trailer makes it very clear that the mother knows something and is hiding a secret from Grace.
Capcom's new horror game is slated to launch February 27, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and PS5.
The show ended with a teaser for Game Science's new Black Myth: Zhong Kui adventure
In this very brief trailer, we learned that Games Science, the team behind Black Myth: Wukong, has another game in store — Black Myth: Khong Zui.
We see two men carefully sneaking around a building before two massive armored creatures and an even larger tiger stroll past them. Atop the tiger is an ominous masked figure.
No date or platforms were listed.
That's a wrap for Gamescom Opening Night Live!
With those announcements out in the open, Gamescom ONL has officially concluded. But don't worry. There are still plenty more exciting Xbox and PC gaming announcements to look forward to as Gamescom 2025 continues.
Check back here for the latest news as more gets revealed. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Quick list of every Xbox and PC game shown at Gamescom ONL 2025
For a more succinct list of all of the Xbox and PC games shown off during Gamescom ONL 2025, as well as links to said games (when possible), check out the following:
Every Xbox and PC game shown during Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2025
The Game Awards 2025 returns this December
Before ending ONL, Keighley quickly revealed that The Game Awards 2025 will take place on December 11, 2025. As always, we'll be here to cover that event and discuss the Xbox and PC games that win awards.
More details will be revealed this Fall.
Is Silent Hill f really a Silent Hill game?
By far, my biggest takeaway from Gamescom is that Silent Hill f still feels more like a 'Siren' game than a 'Silent Hill' sequel (or prequel). I love the first three games, and even the fourth to a lesser degree, but I don't understand how this fits into the lore.
I'm optimistic, though, and willing to be proven wrong. I just don't want this to feel ham-fisted and as though the brand name was just tacked on for the sake of it. Can there be something interesting enough that takes the midwest creepiness all the way to Japan?
Intriguing. — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
The Xbox Ally arrives in October!
During Gamescom 2025, Microsoft finally revealed exactly when the ROG Xbox Ally partner gaming handhelds will be available for players to pick up. The Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally are slated to launch on Oct. 16, 2025 in most markets.
Additionally, the company revealed the new Handheld Compatibility Program, which will help indicate to players whether or not a game is properly optimized or might need some additional tweaks.
Prices have still not been disclosed for the devices, with Microsoft saying details will be arriving "in the coming weeks."
I had the chance to use the Xbox Ally X to play Gears of War: Reloaded back after the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, and I was impressed with the system's feel and overall look. Hopefully that experience is indicative of what is to come this fall. — Samuel Tolbert, contributor
How would you rate Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025?
Dozens of games were shown off during ONL and the preshow before it. Did the show live up to your expectations? Tell us how you'd rate it.
I never expected a LEGO Batman game to utilize Batman Arkham mechanics, but I'm here for it
The original Batman Arkham game holds a special place in my gaming library as one of the first superhero games to really get gameplay right. So, I was shocked when I noticed multiple tools and mechanics from this classic in the trailer for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight at Gamescom ONL 2025.
In a very Arkham-reminiscent way, we see LEGO Batman spraying Explosive Gel in the shape of a bat on a wall, performing melee combos on a gang of baddies, gliding over Gotham, sneaking around overhead before taking enemies down. It almost feels like LEGO Batman Arkham.
Like many of you, I was disappointed by both Gotham Knights and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, but this upcoming LEGO game looks like it could scratch this itch that those other games didn't satisfy.
It feels like a cartoony successor to Rocksteady Studio's classic games. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Our own Jez Corden has been able to use the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds at Gamescom
Our own Jez Corden has been able to get his hands on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X while at Gamescom 2025, so you can expect him to write about his experience when he gets back.
As shown in the embedded image above, these devices offer a very similar layout to the ROG Ally line, but with grips inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller.
Meanwhile, a convenient Xbox button above the D-Pad makes it easy to interact with settings and your library of games.
This highly-anticipated device is set to launch on October 16, 2025. No official price has been revealed yet, but the Best Buy pages are already up. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
ASUS ROG revealed its first Xbox-certified wireless controller
During Gamescom 2025, a new Xbox-certified wireless controller for PC and Xbox was revealed by ASUS ROG. The ROG Raikiri II Xbox Wireless is a premium gamepad with TMR joysticks, 1,000Hz polling rate, programmable back buttons, and more.
Its features allow people to customize their playing experience without having to worry about drifting joysticks. It's looking like a strong competitor to the premium Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller, which also uses TMR sensors. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Hollow Knight: Silksong finally has a release date!
During a special presentation today, Team Cherry finally revealed the long-awaited release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong. It will release on September 4, 2025.
In case you didn't know, Silksong is one of the most highly anticipated games and has been number one on Steam's Top Wishlists chart for multiple years.
I personally cannot wait to get my hands on this Metroidvania sequel and I'm sure many of you are looking forward to September as well. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Hands-on with Xbox Ally's new Windows OS mode optimized for handhelds
My colleague, Zac Bowden, is currently at Gamescom 2025 and has been able to go hands-on with the Xbox Ally. While using it, he took a look at the new full screen mode, a Windows experience optimized for handhelds.
He says, "When in the full screen mode, all apps and games now also run in full screen. This mode disables the ability to run multiple apps in cascading windows like you would in a traditional desktop environment, which makes sense on a handheld PC with a smaller 8-inch screen. In fact, window controls like close and minimize are outright removed from the interface."
He further points out that he sees no reason why this new mode shouldn't work on a full-blown PC.
His overall takeaway is that this mode feels like a "bandaid solution to address the UX problems," but he hopes that Microsoft releases additional "improvements down the line."
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X will launch on October 16, 2025, so there is still time for Microsoft to release updates before these handhelds launch. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Learn what's next for The Division 2 with a special livestream
Gamescom continues to truck along and for me, and people like me, it's time to pull up a chair and see what's next for The Division 2. The first of the dedicated panels from Cologne goes live at 6 p.m. local time, which is 5 p.m. in the UK, 12 noon on the East Coast and 9 a.m on the West Coast.
Agents, form an orderly queue and head over to their Twitch channel to see what's going down. — Richard Devine, Managing Editor
The Division 2's next season is called "The Pact"
Well, we have to wait until Friday to find out what the snow is all about in The Division 2, but we do know more now about the next season.
Dropping September 9, Year 7 Season 2 will be known as The Pact. For the first time, enemy factions are teaming up against The Division. In The Pact, agents will be fighting against a united enemy made up of the Hyenas, Outcasts, and True Sons, the three original enemy factions from the base game.
Furthermore, the final season of Year 7 will be called Mutiny, but we don't know what that's about since it would probably spoil the narrative for The Pact. Tune in again tomorrow to see what snowy future lies ahead! — Richard Devine, Managing Editor
The Awesome Indies Show 2025 is going on right now!
Love cozy or unique games from small studios? You can get information about the exciting indie games coming out in the next several months during the Gamescom Awesome Indies Show 2025, going on now. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Tarantulas are coming to Grounded 2
Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal teased an upcoming Grounded 2 update that will bring AXL, a huge tarantula boss, to the game.
That's bad news for anyone who doesn't care for spiders, but it provides an awesome new challenge for everyone else enjoying Grounded 2 early access. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Diving deeper into that Fallout Season 2 trailer
While there's been a lot to enjoy over Gamescom, the trailer for the next chapter of the Fallout TV series is still one of the best things I've seen. While it avoided going too heavy into story details, the quick flashes of different scenes still have heavy implications for the Wasteland.
I took some time to carefully analyze the first teaser trailer for Fallout Season 2, and there are a few key takeaways that viewers may have missed. Just as an example, look at the image above. If you've played Fallout: New Vegas, that armor might look familiar...
Season 2 of the Fallout TV series is set to premiere on December 17, with new episodes dropping weekly. I can't wait. — Samuel Tolbert, contributor
