Sony has officially announced the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for May 2025, and it's easily one of the most unpredictable and exciting selections we’ve seen in months. From survival dinosaur chaos to a neon poker roguelike and a retro-style demon-slaying shooter, this month’s collection feels like a fever dream — in the best possible way.
Starting May 6 and running through June 2, all active PS Plus members can download and play the following three titles:
Ark: Survival Ascended – Survive, Build, Ride a T-Rex
Let’s kick things off with something prehistoric. "Ark: Survival Ascended" is the next-gen remake of the original survival hit, rebuilt in "Unreal Engine 5". That means bigger dinos, shinier environments, and smoother gameplay — all while trying to survive on a brutal island where every rock, tree, and creature is either a tool or a threat.
Whether you want to tame a pack of raptors, build a fortress in the mountains, or run screaming from a giant insect, Ark has you covered. It's weird, wild, and absolutely massive.
Bonus Tip: This version includes cross-platform modding, so console players can finally get in on the wildest PC creations.
Balatro – Poker... But Make It Illegal
"Balatro" is what happens when someone mixes classic poker with a roguelike and then throws in some chaotic energy drinks. You’re building poker hands, stacking absurd combos, and activating powerful joker cards that completely break the rules — on purpose.
This indie gem became a surprise hit thanks to its addictive gameplay loop, endless replayability, and the feeling that you’re always *this close* to blowing up the score with one perfect hand. Don’t be surprised if you install it just to try and look up hours later wondering where your afternoon went.
Warning: This game will make you feel like a genius… until it humbles you hard.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun – Old School FPS, New School Fun
If you’ve ever wanted to play as a Space Marine with a chainsaw gun who explodes demons in a hail of retro-styled bullets — congratulations, your moment has arrived.
"Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun" is a fast, bloody, pixelated love letter to the golden age of first-person shooters like "DOOM" and "Quake", set in the grimdark world of Warhammer 40K. Expect over-the-top violence, metal soundtracks, and very little talking — just the way a chainsaw gun wielder likes it.
Fun Fact: The Boltgun literally growls when you shoot it. Yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds.
Don’t Miss Out — Download by June 2
These three games will be available to all PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium members from Tuesday, May 6 through Monday, June 2. As always, once you claim them, they’re yours to keep for as long as your subscription is active.
Sony’s May 2025 PS Plus drop is a perfect blend of genres: survival, strategy, and sheer chaos. Whether you’re taming dinos, chasing a million-point poker hand, or purging heretics in pixelated glory, there's something for every kind of gamer this month.
Let us know which one you’re most hyped to download — and remember: never bet against a Joker... or a T-Rex.
