PlayStation Store: September 2025’s Top Downloads Revealed

The digital shelves of the PlayStation Store are a vibrant ecosystem, constantly refreshed with new adventures, challenging quests, and immersive worlds. As the leaves began to turn and the gaming community settled into the latter half of the year, September 2025 proved to be a particularly exciting month for digital game sales across all PlayStation platforms. We’ve meticulously analyzed the download data, and we are thrilled to present the definitive rundown of the top-selling PlayStation Store downloads for September 2025. From the roar of the crowd on the basketball court to the sprawling narratives of critically acclaimed indies, this month’s charts showcase a diverse and compelling selection of games that captured the hearts and imaginations of PlayStation gamers worldwide.

The Reign of Sports: NBA 2K26 and EA Sports FC 26 Dominate the Courts and Pitches

It’s a familiar narrative, but one that continues to resonate powerfully with players: sports simulations once again ascended to the pinnacle of the download charts in September 2025. This enduring popularity speaks volumes about the universal appeal of competitive gaming and the dedication of players to their favorite virtual athletes and teams.

NBA 2K26: Slam Dunks and Record-Breaking Sales in North America

In the United States, the undisputed champion of the PlayStation Store download charts for September 2025 was NBA 2K26. The latest iteration of the beloved basketball franchise delivered an unparalleled simulation experience, captivating players with its stunning visual fidelity, refined gameplay mechanics, and an expanded suite of immersive modes. The MyCAREER mode continued to be a significant draw, allowing players to craft their own unique basketball journey from promising rookie to legendary status. The MyTEAM mode also saw immense engagement, with players meticulously building their dream teams by collecting player cards and competing in exciting online challenges.

The success of NBA 2K26 can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, its realistic graphics and authentic player likenesses provided an incredibly immersive visual experience. The attention to detail in player animations, stadium environments, and crowd reactions created a sense of truly being on the court. Secondly, the gameplay depth continued to evolve, offering a satisfying blend of strategic decision-making and skillful execution. The developers have consistently refined dribbling, shooting, and defensive mechanics, ensuring that each possession feels dynamic and meaningful. Furthermore, the game’s robust online multiplayer component was a major driver of its popularity. The ability to compete against friends and players from around the globe in head-to-head matchups and organized leagues fostered a highly competitive and engaging environment. The introduction of new competitive features and updated rosters further fueled this desire to be the best. The extensive content updates throughout the month, including special in-game events and limited-time card packs in MyTEAM, kept players consistently engaged and returning to the digital hardwood. The anticipation surrounding new player ratings and team strategies for the 2025-2026 NBA season likely played a significant role in driving pre-orders and early adoption.

Key Features Driving NBA 2K26’s Success:

• Unrivaled Visual Realism: Next-generation graphics showcasing incredibly lifelike player models, fluid animations, and detailed stadium environments.
• Deep and Engaging Gameplay: Refined controls, advanced AI, and a wealth of strategic options for both offensive and defensive play.
• Expansive MyCAREER Experience: A highly personalized journey allowing players to shape their athlete’s career, from draft day to Hall of Fame induction.
• Addictive MyTEAM Mode: The ultimate fantasy basketball experience, enabling players to collect legendary players, build powerful squads, and compete in various online tournaments.
• Dynamic Online Multiplayer: Seamless matchmaking for competitive and casual play, fostering a thriving global community.
• Continuous Content Updates: Regular additions of new challenges, player cards, and in-game events to maintain player interest.

EA Sports FC 26: Global Dominance on the Football Pitch in Europe

Across the pond, in the European market, EA Sports FC 26 firmly established its dominance, topping the PlayStation Store download charts for both PS5 and PS4. The transition to the EA Sports FC branding marked a new era for the iconic football simulation, and the series delivered a title that resonated deeply with a passionate global fanbase. The game offered an unparalleled footballing experience, meticulously recreating the drama, skill, and excitement of the beautiful game.

The Ultimate Team mode continued to be a colossal draw, allowing players to assemble their dream squads with an enormous roster of real-world players, legends, and special in-form athletes. The strategic depth of team building, coupled with the thrill of competitive online matches, kept players immersed for countless hours. Beyond Ultimate Team, the Career Mode provided a compelling single-player experience, offering players the chance to manage their favorite club, develop young talent, or embark on a journey as a player, making critical decisions that would shape their team’s destiny.

What sets EA Sports FC 26 apart is its commitment to authentic representation. From the meticulously detailed stadiums and passionate crowds to the realistic player likenesses and signature playing styles, every element is designed to immerse players in the world of professional football. The gameplay has seen significant advancements, with improved ball physics, more intelligent AI, and a wider array of tactical options, allowing for a truly nuanced and strategic approach to matches. The developers also introduced innovative new features, such as enhanced player control during set pieces and more dynamic attacking and defending AI, ensuring that no two matches feel quite the same. The ongoing narrative of team progression and player development, coupled with the constant influx of new content, including seasonal events and special player promotions, ensured that EA Sports FC 26 remained at the forefront of players’ minds throughout September. The European Football Championship and other major international tournaments often have a significant impact on the popularity of football games, and the competitive landscape created by these events undoubtedly boosted engagement.

Why EA Sports FC 26 Became a European Sensation:

• The Pinnacle of Football Simulation: An authentic and comprehensive recreation of the sport, capturing its essence from grassroots to the highest professional level.
• Massively Popular Ultimate Team Mode: The ultimate fantasy football experience, offering endless possibilities for team building and competitive online play.
• Immersive Career Mode: A deep and engaging single-player experience for managers and players alike, with meaningful progression and strategic decision-making.
• Unrivaled Authenticity: Meticulously recreated stadiums, realistic player models, signature animations, and accurate team tactics.
• Advanced Gameplay Mechanics: Enhanced ball physics, smarter AI, and a diverse range of tactical options for nuanced gameplay.
• Continuous Live Service: Regular updates, seasonal events, and special player releases keep the game fresh and engaging throughout its lifecycle.

Indie Darlings Ascend: Borderlands 4 and Hollow Knight: Silksong Capture Player Attention

While the titans of the sports genre often dominate the headlines, September 2025 also saw a remarkable surge in the popularity of critically acclaimed independent titles. These games, often characterized by their unique artistic vision, innovative gameplay, and compelling narratives, proved that quality and creativity can indeed capture the mainstream consciousness.

Borderlands 4: A Highly Anticipated Return to Pandora’s Chaos

The Borderlands franchise has cultivated a dedicated following over the years, and the release of Borderlands 4 was met with immense anticipation. This latest installment in the looter-shooter saga transported players back to the iconic, cel-shaded, and dangerously chaotic universe of Pandora, offering a fresh wave of mayhem, unforgettable characters, and an obscene amount of guns. The game’s success can be attributed to its signature blend of first-person shooter action, RPG elements, and cooperative multiplayer, all wrapped in a distinctive and humorous art style.

Players were drawn to the vast open-world environments, each teeming with unique enemies, challenging side quests, and hidden secrets. The core gameplay loop of shooting, looting, and leveling up remained as addictive as ever, with Borderlands 4 introducing an even greater variety of procedurally generated weaponry, each with its own quirks and statistical advantages. The introduction of new Vault Hunters, each with their own distinct skill trees and playstyles, offered a wealth of replayability and allowed players to tailor their experience to their preferred combat approach. The narrative, penned with the series’ characteristic dark humor and witty dialogue, kept players engaged through a compelling main storyline filled with eccentric characters and unexpected twists. The co-op experience was once again a significant highlight, enabling friends to team up and tackle the game’s toughest challenges together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment. The seamless integration of online multiplayer made it incredibly easy for players to jump into sessions with friends or find new teammates through matchmaking.

Why Borderlands 4 Became a Must-Have Download:

• Iconic Looter-Shooter Formula: The addictive cycle of shooting enemies, collecting loot, and upgrading your character remains as compelling as ever.
• Vast and Varied Open Worlds: Explore diverse, cel-shaded environments filled with unique challenges, secrets, and a plethora of enemies.
• New Playable Vault Hunters: Each character offers a distinct playstyle, unique skill trees, and customizable abilities for diverse combat approaches.
• Unprecedented Weapon Variety: Discover an almost infinite array of procedurally generated guns, each with its own statistical properties and special effects.
• Signature Humor and Narrative: A captivating story delivered with the series’ trademark dark humor, memorable characters, and witty dialogue.
• Enhanced Cooperative Multiplayer: Seamless online co-op allows friends to team up and conquer Pandora’s challenges together.

Hollow Knight: Silksong: A Metroidvania Masterpiece Emerges from the Shadows

The enigmatic and highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong finally graced the PlayStation Store in September 2025, and it immediately captivated a massive audience. As a sequel to the beloved Metroidvania classic Hollow Knight, Silksong promised a return to the intricate world of Hallownest, this time following the journey of Hornet, the agile princess-protector. The game’s success is a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal and the exceptional craftsmanship of developer Team Cherry.

Silksong delivered a meticulously crafted world filled with breathtaking hand-drawn art, intricate level design, and challenging yet rewarding combat. Players were immediately immersed in the journey of Hornet as she traversed a new kingdom, seeking answers and battling formidable foes. The gameplay evolved from its predecessor, offering a more fluid and acrobatic combat system that emphasized speed, precision, and strategic use of Hornet’s unique abilities. Her silk abilities allowed for new movement mechanics and combat maneuvers, adding a fresh layer of depth to exploration and encounters.

The lore and narrative of Silksong were as deep and compelling as fans had come to expect, unraveling the mysteries of this new kingdom and Hornet’s place within it. The environmental storytelling, coupled with cryptic dialogue and hidden lore entries, encouraged players to delve deeply into the world and uncover its secrets. The challenging boss battles were a particular highlight, demanding mastery of Hornet’s moveset and strategic thinking to overcome. Each boss fight was a unique spectacle, testing players’ reflexes and problem-solving skills. The sound design and musical score were also exceptional, perfectly complementing the game’s atmosphere and enhancing the emotional impact of the journey. The atmospheric music and precise sound effects created an immersive and unforgettable auditory experience. The game’s release was a landmark event for fans of the Metroidvania genre, and its immediate success underscores the power of independent development and meticulous attention to detail.

What Made Hollow Knight: Silksong a Chart-Topper:

• Masterful Metroidvania Design: Intricate level design, rewarding exploration, and a sprawling interconnected world to uncover.
• Fluid and Agile Combat: Experience a refined combat system emphasizing speed, precision, and the strategic use of Hornet’s unique silk abilities.
• Stunning Hand-Drawn Art Style: A visually breathtaking world brought to life with exquisite hand-drawn animation and environments.
• Deep and Enigmatic Lore: Unravel complex narratives and discover hidden secrets through environmental storytelling and cryptic lore entries.
• Challenging and Memorable Boss Encounters: Epic boss battles that test players’ skills, reflexes, and strategic thinking.
• Atmospheric Soundtrack and Sound Design: An immersive auditory experience that perfectly complements the game’s mood and enhances the emotional impact.

Free-to-Play Frenzy: Consistent Engagement in the Ever-Evolving Landscape

The free-to-play (F2P) sector of the PlayStation Store continues to be a vibrant and crucial segment, attracting millions of players with its accessible entry point and ongoing content updates. September 2025 saw several perennial favorites maintain their strong download numbers, showcasing the enduring appeal of games that offer endless entertainment without an initial purchase price.

Persistent Popularity of Established F2P Titles

While specific download figures for free-to-play games are often not disclosed with the same granularity as premium titles, the trends observed in September 2025 indicate a continued dominance by titles that have mastered the live-service model. Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Genshin Impact once again proved to be significant draws, consistently appearing at the top of F2P download charts.

Fortnite continues to captivate its massive player base with its ever-evolving battle royale experience. The constant introduction of new seasons, significant map changes, unique in-game events, and a seemingly endless stream of cosmetic items keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting. The integration of popular culture crossovers, from music artists to movie franchises, ensures that Fortnite remains a cultural touchstone.

Apex Legends maintained its strong performance with its fast-paced, character-driven battle royale gameplay. The emphasis on team synergy, unique Legend abilities, and strategic positioning in each match continues to resonate with players seeking a more tactical shooter experience. Regular seasonal updates introduce new Legends, weapon balancing, and map rotations, providing continuous reasons for players to return.

Genshin Impact solidified its position as a leading F2P action RPG. Its stunning open world, engaging story, and gacha-style character collection system continue to attract and retain a dedicated player base. The consistent release of new regions, characters, and story content ensures that the world of Teyvat is always expanding and offering new adventures.

Factors Contributing to F2P Success:

• Zero Barrier to Entry: Free-to-play models allow anyone with a PlayStation console to download and experience the game immediately.
• Regular Content Updates: Developers consistently introduce new seasons, events, characters, and gameplay modes to keep players engaged.
• Compelling Monetization Strategies: Well-implemented cosmetic shops and battle passes offer players ways to support the game and personalize their experience without impacting core gameplay balance.
• Strong Community Engagement: Active developer communication, community events, and esports initiatives foster a loyal and passionate player base.
• Cross-Platform Play: For many F2P titles, the ability to play with friends on other platforms significantly expands the potential player pool.

Looking Ahead: What September 2025’s Downloads Tell Us About the Gaming Landscape

September 2025’s PlayStation Store download charts offer a fascinating glimpse into the current state of the gaming industry and the preferences of the PlayStation community. The continued dominance of established sports franchises underscores the power of annual releases that refine and perfect beloved gameplay loops. Simultaneously, the strong performance of titles like Borderlands 4 and Hollow Knight: Silksong highlights the enduring demand for high-quality, creatively driven experiences, whether they be bombastic AAA productions or meticulously crafted indie gems.

The robustness of the free-to-play market, with its consistent engagement fueled by live-service models, demonstrates that accessibility and ongoing content are key to long-term player retention. As we move further into the latter half of the year, these download trends provide valuable insights for developers, publishers, and players alike, shaping our expectations for the exciting gaming experiences that await us on the PlayStation platform. The diverse array of titles that captured players’ attention this September proves that the PlayStation ecosystem continues to offer something for everyone, from the most dedicated sports fan to the intrepid explorer of mysterious new worlds. We eagerly anticipate seeing how these trends evolve and what new digital adventures will capture the imaginations of gamers in the months to come.