Highlights
- Sony has now announced the free games that will be heading to PlayStation Plus in May 2025, and there’s a great assemblage of action, adventure, and indie treasures in the mix.
- Whether you adore blockbusters or secret indie darlings, this month’s selection has something for you.
- So, ready to find out these free games that you can play on your PlayStation Plus in May month? Let’s check out the list.
Every month, we eagerly await Sony’s announcement for the next round of free games, and May 2025 is no different.
Keeping up with Sony’s tradition of offering some good titles across various genres, the company has now confirmed the games are coming for free to those among its subscription tiers, PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium.
Now, with the inclusion of three great new games, it looks like May 2025 is going to be the most exciting month ever for fans of survival, strategy, and old-school shooter experiences.
So let’s get you clued up on everything you need to know about the PlayStation Plus May 2025 free games, why Balatro is taking all the shine, and what else subs can get excited about.
A Look Back: April’s Freebies Leaving Soon
Before we get to May’s roster, keep in mind that the current free titles — RoboCop: Rogue City, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory — are on the verge of leaving the rotation.
These games were a nice combo of action/horror/RPG to sink your teeth into in April.
Subscribers still have time to download these titles for free. Once added to your collection, they are available to play as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
But once they’re gone, they won’t be free again — so download them before May 6!
Read: PlayStation Plus April 2025 Free Games: Unexpected Surprises & Predictions
The Free PlayStation Plus Games for May 2025
From May 6, PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to claim three new games until June 2. Here’s what’s coming:
1. Ark: Survival Ascended (PS5 only)
Survival game enthusiasts will love playing Ark: Survival Ascended. This isn’t just some simple remake of Ark: Survival Evolved; it’s an entirely new experience that makes use of Unreal Engine 5.
In the game, players are stuck on a mysterious island, and they have to collect resources, craft tools, build shelters, and, perhaps most importantly, tame dinosaurs and similar prehistoric creatures.
The game is centered around online multiplayer, but you can play alone as well.
Ark: Survival Ascended for the PS5 New editions, with next-gen quality visuals and enhanced mechanics, PlayStation 5 players will have the opportunity to experience survival on their toes.
2. Balatro
Without a doubt, Balatro is the highlight of this month’s release. In the gaming world, roguelike deck builder Balatro erupted onto the scene in 2024, quickly establishing itself.
When the game was nominated for the Game Awards 2024, including the Game of the Year category, some people were skeptical, but the game was able to silence its critics.
At its heart, Balatro mixes strategic card play with roguelike progression to form an addictive and constantly engaging gameplay loop.
Its uncluttered graphics mask a deep, complex system that rewards experimentation and savvy planning.
Regular updates have made it even better, introducing new cards, features, and modes that elevate it above the great game it already was.
Although I’d argue deck builders as a genre don’t do much for me, Balatro’s irreverent presentation and gratifying play are likely to draw in a lot of players.
Its addition to the May 2025 PS Plus offering is a massive win for subscribers and pushes the month as one of the very best in recent memory.
3. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Finishing up the selection is Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, a nod to 90s first-person shooters.
Described in many ways as a “boomer shooter,” Boltgun plunges players into the grimdark world of Warhammer 40K, where you’ll be armed with a massive bolt gun and assigned to mow down hordes of heretics, demons, and zany Chaos forces.
Great retro-inspired art, furious combat, and lots of action – good for fans of old-school shooters such as DOOM and Quake, and too much polish to feel outdated!
Whether you’re a seasoned Warhammer fan or just an appreciator of chaotic, balls-to-the-wall action, Boltgun seems like it’s going to be absolute fun.
What’s Next for PlayStation Plus in May?
It is important to know that although the games included in the Essential tier have been confirmed, Sony has not yet shared the PS Plus Extra and Premium games for May 2025.
In the past, this news usually dropped around the middle of the month, so fans should expect the news in a few weeks.
The Extra and Premium tiers tend to throw in a smattering of other titles—big-name third-party games, well-loved indies, and classic PlayStation hits—as well.
The Essential offering is particularly strong this month, making us look forward with great expectations for the greater subscription tiers.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation Plus lineup for May 2025 is shaping up to be a pretty great one. Whether it’s gazing upon the visual marvel of Ark: Survival Ascended, the frenetic Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, or the award-nominated Balatro, there’s something to suit all tastes.
Whether it’s wrangling dinosaurs, taking out enemies in frantic FPS combat, or piecing together the ideal deck, PlayStation Plus will have you covered this month.
As per usual, be sure to snatch up the games while they’re free from May 6 through June 2, and we’ll keep you updated on the Extra and Premium tier expansions.
If Sony can keep up months like this, 2025 could be a good-looking year for PlayStation Plus.
So, that’s all we have for you about the PlayStation Plus May 2025 free games that you can play. We hope that this guide has helped you. For more info, comment below.
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