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Gamescom 2025 Highlights: Borderlands 4, Silksong & More

Gamescom 2025 Highlights: Borderlands 4, Silksong & More

The third day of Gamescom 2025 was absolutely massive, with major game announcements and reveals that are shaking up the industry. From the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 to the mysterious new protagonist in Black Myth: Zhong Kui, there was no shortage of exciting news for gamers. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll dive into all the top stories from Gamescom, including:

  • Borderlands 4’s massive open world and sandbox RPG gameplay

  • The next chapter of Dune Awakening, including a free DLC and a brand new expansion

  • The long-awaited release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong

  • Details on the second season of the Fallout TV series on Prime Video

  • First looks at the new protagonist in Black Myth: Zhong Kui

  • Exciting updates on Crimson Desert and Lost Soul Aside

  • The reveal of Kirby Air Riders for Nintendo Switch 2

  • World of Warcraft’s Midnight expansion and its new housing system

  • Rumors and speculation around the highly anticipated GTA 6

  • Our thoughts on the Gamescom Awards winners

Whether you’re a fan of looter-shooters, Metroidvania adventures, open-world RPGs, or just can’t get enough of the latest gaming news, this article has something for every type of gamer. So let’s dive in and explore all the biggest reveals from Gamescom 2025!

Borderlands 4: A Massive Open-World Sandbox RPG

One of the most exciting announcements from Gamescom was the reveal of Borderlands 4. The latest entry in Gearbox’s beloved looter-shooter franchise is shaping up to be a true game-changer, with a massive open world and a brand new sandbox RPG-inspired gameplay loop.

Set in the sprawling world of Cairos, Borderlands 4 promises to be the biggest and most visually impressive Borderlands game yet. The iconic cel-shaded art style has been taken to new heights, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant and detailed environments. But it’s not just the scale and visuals that have been overhauled – the core gameplay has undergone a significant evolution as well.

Gone are the linear campaign missions of previous Borderlands titles. Instead, Borderlands 4 offers players total freedom to explore the open world, take on quests and challenges at their own pace, and tackle the game’s most formidable enemies whenever they’re ready. This sandbox RPG approach means you can choose your own path, whether that’s grinding for loot, tackling the main story, or just exploring and taking in the sights.

Borderlands 4’s narrative has also received a makeover, blending the series’ trademark humor with a more substantial and thought-provoking storyline. The developers have promised a delicate balance, where laugh-out-loud moments are punctuated by deeper, more impactful moments that drive the plot forward.

With its stunning visuals, open-ended gameplay, and compelling narrative, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be a strong contender for Game of the Year. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this one, and newcomers will find it to be the perfect entry point into the Borderlands universe.

Dune Awakening: Expanding the Story with New Content

Another major highlight from Gamescom was the announcement of new content for Dune Awakening. The game, set in the iconic Dune universe, is getting a free Chapter 2 update on September 10th that continues the gripping narrative from the base game.

This new chapter will introduce a host of fresh characters and storylines, delving even deeper into the secrets and mysteries of the Imperium. In addition to the expanded story, the update will also bring new contracts, dynamic encounters, items, and customization options – including the ability to change the hairstyles and appearances of existing characters.

Alongside the free Chapter 2 content, Dune Awakening is also getting a brand new paid DLC called “The Lost Harvest.” This independent story expansion will task players with investigating the crash of a mining guild harvester, which is hiding a cargo capable of altering the fate of Arrakis.

To celebrate the Gamescom festivities, Funcom has also made a free trial of Dune Awakening available on Steam. For up to 10 hours, players can explore the full map of Ragabas and interact with other free trial participants. While your progress and inventory won’t carry over if you decide to purchase the full game, it’s a great opportunity to get a taste of the Dune Awakening experience.

With these new content drops, Dune Awakening is poised to deliver an even richer and more immersive experience for fans of the franchise.

Hollow Knight: Silksong – The Highly Anticipated Sequel

One of the most eagerly awaited announcements from Gamescom was the release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong. After years of anticipation, the sequel to the beloved Metroidvania adventure is finally set to launch on September 4th.

In Silksong, players will take on the role of Hornet, the protector of Hallownest’s ruins, who has been captured and taken to the mysterious kingdom of Farlum. Described as a realm “haunted by silk and song,” Farlum is a vibrant and lush world in stark contrast to the devastated setting of the original Hollow Knight.

Hornet’s journey will lead her from the depths of Farlum all the way to a luminous citadel high above the kingdom. Along the way, she’ll encounter a host of new enemies, bosses, and challenges – some of which may be the result of fanatical cults and corruptions similar to the infection that plagued Hallownest.

In addition to the main story, Silksong will also feature an array of optional side quests that delve deeper into the game’s lore and introduce new NPCs. For fans of the series, these side activities are a great way to further immerse themselves in the rich world and uncover additional secrets.

The release of Hollow Knight: Silksong is sure to be a major event in the gaming world, and fans have been eagerly awaiting any news or updates. With the game now just a few weeks away, the hype is palpable. Follow Geekorn on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest Hollow Knight and gaming news.

Fallout’s Second Season Brings the Post-Apocalypse to Prime Video

Another exciting announcement from Gamescom was the reveal of the second season of the Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime Video. The first season, which premiered in April 2024, was a critical and commercial success, and now the post-apocalyptic drama is set to return later this year.

The new season will take place approximately 200 years after the nuclear apocalypse, following the survivors who emerge from their underground vaults to confront the harsh realities of the surface world. Marked by violence, corrupt politics, and radioactive horrors, this Fallout-inspired landscape promises to be just as captivating and unforgiving as the games that inspired it.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that the Fallout TV series is considered canon within the game’s universe. The events of the first season directly tied into the lore and storylines of the Fallout games, and the second season is expected to continue that trend. Fans can look forward to seeing familiar locations, factions, and even characters make appearances, further expanding the rich world of Fallout.

The announcement of a third season has also been confirmed, ensuring that Fallout’s transition to live-action storytelling is just getting started. With the series’ dedicated fanbase and the continued success of post-apocalyptic narratives, the Fallout TV show is poised to become a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. Follow Geekorn on Snapchat and TikTok for more updates on the Fallout series and other gaming news.

Black Myth: Zhong Kui – A New Protagonist from Chinese Mythology

One of the biggest surprises from the Gamescom Opening Night Live event was the reveal of Black Myth: Zhong Kui, a new game in the Black Myth franchise. While many were expecting an announcement related to the previous protagonist, Kong Wukong, the developers at Game Science instead introduced a brand new character from Chinese mythology.

Zhong Kui, the protagonist of this new Black Myth title, is a legendary figure within Taoism. He is described as a demon-hunting exorcist who was summoned to the imperial capital to take the civil service examinations. However, after being recognized and honored, Zhong Kui’s unsightly appearance led the emperor to strip him of his accolades. Distraught, Zhong Kui took his own life at the palace gates.

In the afterlife, Zhong Kui was judged by the King of the Dead, Wanglu, who recognized his potential and resurrected him as the “King of Ghosts.” Now imbued with Taoist powers and the ability to tame demons, Zhong Kui becomes a entity responsible for controlling and capturing wayward spirits.

The trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui showcases the protagonist as a towering, imposing figure accompanied by a pack of demons, riding atop a massive tiger. This suggests that the game will lean heavily into the mythos surrounding Zhong Kui’s supernatural abilities and his role as a guardian against the forces of darkness.

While the details of how the game will adapt this legendary tale are still unclear, fans are already speculating and theorizing about the potential narrative and gameplay directions Game Science could take. One thing is certain: with the ability to command 80,000 demons, Zhong Kui is poised to be a far more powerful and formidable protagonist than the already-formidable Kong Wukong.

Crimson Desert and Lost Soul Aside: Ambitious New Titles from Asia

Gamescom 2025 also shone a spotlight on several highly anticipated games from the Asian development scene, including Crimson Desert and Lost Soul Aside.

Crimson Desert, originally conceived as a prequel to the popular MMORPG Black Desert Online, has evolved into a standalone title set in the same universe. The game was playable on the Gamescom show floor, and early previews have been extremely positive, highlighting the game’s dynamic and strategic combat, as well as its impressive visual fidelity.

Players will take on the role of Cliff, the leader of the Grey Manes mercenary group, as he embarks on a journey through the brutal continent of Pywell to defend his own lands against various factions and enemies. The combat system promises a blend of melee, ranged, and magical abilities, with the opportunity to imbue weapons with elemental effects.

Meanwhile, the indie title Lost Soul Aside has continued to generate significant buzz. Originally a one-man passion project, the game has since joined Sony’s China Hero Project initiative, which provides support and resources to independent Chinese developers. This partnership has allowed the game’s creator, Yang Bing, to elevate the visuals, enemy design, and overall polish of the Bayonetta-inspired hack-and-slash adventure.

Lost Soul Aside follows the protagonist Keer as he traverses parallel worlds and dimensions to rescue his captured sister and save the world from the clutches of the interdimensional invaders known as the Voidrax. With its stunning art style and fast-paced, combo-driven combat, the game has already captured the attention of many action-RPG enthusiasts.

Both Crimson Desert and Lost Soul Aside are shaping up to be must-play experiences for fans of deep, narrative-driven RPGs and action-packed combat.

Kirby Air Riders Soars onto Nintendo Switch 2

While Gamescom itself didn’t host any major Nintendo announcements, the company did choose the same day as the Opening Night Live event to showcase a brand new Kirby game. Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the beloved 2003 GameCube title Kirby Air Ride, is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 20th.

The game, which takes place in the whimsical Kirby universe, is a racing-focused experience that allows players to pilot a variety of floating vehicles and traverse vibrant, imaginative courses. The 40-minute Nintendo Direct presentation provided an in-depth look at the game’s gameplay, showcasing the series’ signature blend of accessibility and depth.

What makes Kirby Air Riders particularly noteworthy is the long gap between this sequel and the original Air Ride. The 2003 GameCube title has developed a dedicated cult following over the years, and fans have been clamoring for a follow-up. The delay can be attributed to the game’s creator, Masahiro Sakurai, who was heavily focused on the Super Smash Bros. series in the intervening years.

With Kirby Air Riders now on the horizon, Nintendo Switch 2 owners will have the opportunity to experience the beloved pink puffball in a whole new way. The game’s combination of fast-paced racing, charming visuals, and accessible controls is sure to delight both longtime Kirby fans and newcomers alike.

World of Warcraft: Midnight – A Massive Expansion with New Housing System

Another major announcement from Gamescom was the reveal of World of Warcraft’s next expansion, titled Midnight. Since its official unveiling, Blizzard has been providing a steady stream of live streams and content showcases, highlighting the expansion’s new features and mechanics.

One of the primary focuses of Midnight is the introduction of a brand-new housing system, which will allow players to decorate and customize their own personal dwellings for the first time in the franchise’s history. During the live streams, Blizzard has showcased a variety of furniture, decorative items, and customization options that players will be able to utilize to make their homes truly unique.

The housing system is a highly anticipated addition, as it provides players with a new way to engage with the World of Warcraft universe beyond just the core adventuring and questing. Fans have long requested such a feature, and Blizzard’s implementation appears to be both robust and tailored to the game’s established lore and aesthetics.

Midnight is currently slated for release in 2026 and is already available for pre-purchase. For dedicated World of Warcraft enthusiasts, this expansion is sure to be a must-have, as it not only introduces the highly requested housing system but also promises to deliver a wealth of new content, storylines, and gameplay enhancements.

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