As April comes to a close, Sony has officially unveiled the lineup of games set to be available for PlayStation Plus subscribers in May 2025. Starting on Tuesday, May 6, three titles will be available for members to redeem, including the highly anticipated Ark: Survival Ascended for PS5, along with Balatro for both PS5 and PS4, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun for PS5 and PS4.
The announcement was made on April 30, 2025, and the new games will be accessible until June 2, 2025. This release comes as subscribers are reminded that they have until May 5 to redeem the current month's offerings, which include RoboCop: Rogue City (PS5), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (PS4/PS5), and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory (PS4).
The standout title for May is undoubtedly Ark: Survival Ascended, a complete reimagining of the classic survival game Ark: Survival Evolved. Built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5, it promises cutting-edge graphics, advanced physics systems, and numerous quality-of-life improvements. Players are invited to form tribes, tame and raise hundreds of species of dinosaurs and other primitive creatures, explore vast environments, and engage in combat to climb to the top of the food chain. The game supports online multiplayer for up to 70 players, private sessions for up to 8, and local split-screen for 2 players.
Balatro, another highlight, is a roguelike card-building game inspired by poker. Players will need to create powerful synergies to win, playing illegal poker hands and discovering wildcards that can change the game’s outcome. This strategic experience allows players to uncover hidden hands and bonus decks as they progress, making it a unique addition to the PS Plus catalog.
Finally, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun offers a thrilling first-person shooter experience that combines classic gameplay with retro aesthetics reminiscent of 1990s shooters. Players will take on the role of a Space Marine on a perilous mission across the galaxy, battling Chaos Space Marines and demonic foes. This title is designed to deliver fast-paced action with a nostalgic flair, featuring pixelated graphics and an intense soundtrack.
As the gaming community anticipates these new offerings, reactions to the lineup have been mixed. While some are excited about the inclusion of Ark: Survival Ascended and the strategic elements of Balatro, others have expressed disappointment, labeling the selection as underwhelming compared to previous months. Critics have noted that while Balatro was a standout indie success in 2024, the overall diversity and appeal of the May lineup may not resonate with all subscribers.
For those eager to try out the new titles, the redemption process will be straightforward. Players can add the games to their library via their console, the PS App, or directly through the PlayStation Store website. Once added, the games will remain accessible as long as the subscription is active.
In summary, the May 2025 PS Plus lineup features a mix of genres, catering to various gaming preferences. From the expansive survival world of Ark: Survival Ascended to the strategic challenges of Balatro and the nostalgic FPS action of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, players will have a range of experiences to explore. As always, the community is encouraged to share their thoughts on the selection and engage in discussions about their gaming preferences.
As the clock ticks down to the release date, gamers are urged to ensure they don’t miss out on the current offerings before they disappear. The anticipation surrounding the new titles hints at an exciting month ahead for PlayStation Plus subscribers.