PlayStation Plus monthly games for May 2025 are finally here, and this month’s free titles are causing quite a stir across the gaming world. Sony has delivered a trio of vastly different experiences, each tailored to a specific kind of gamer—but one title is already standing out. Balatro, the indie roguelike deck-builder that took 2024 by storm, is now available to all PS Plus subscribers in May. Whether you’re into strategic cards, brutal FPS, or dinosaur survival, this month is offering plenty to keep your controllers busy.
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🎮 What’s in Store for PS Plus Free Games in May 2025?
The PS Plus free games lineup this month includes:
- Balatro (PS4/PS5): A mind-bending poker-inspired roguelike.
- Ark: Survival Ascended (PS5): A remastered prehistoric survival game.
- Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (PS4/PS5): A retro-style boomer shooter set in the grimdark future.
Each of these titles brings something unique to the table. Let’s break them down further so you know what to expect and why you shouldn’t skip any of them.
🃏 PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Spotlight: Balatro
Prepare for Balatro to take over your life when it lands in this month’s PlayStation Plus monthly games. It’s easy to get hooked on this minimalist roguelike where every hand of cards feels like a high-stakes puzzle. Unlike other card-based games, Balatro doesn’t follow traditional poker rules. Instead, it invites you to build outrageous combos using Jokers, wild cards, and game-altering modifiers. It’s fast-paced, addicting, and rewards creativity.
Many gamers have reported “just one more round” turning into hour-long sessions. Whether you’ve played card games before or not, Balatro is surprisingly approachable. Its addictive loop and strategic depth make it one of the standout PS Plus free games of 2025.
🦕 Ark: Survival Ascended – Next-Gen Survival at Its Best
The remastered version of Ark: Survival Evolved comes packed with massive upgrades. From ray-traced lighting to overhauled animations and more lifelike dinosaurs, this version makes survival feel more immersive than ever. You’ll still gather resources, craft gear, build shelters, and ride prehistoric beasts—but now it looks better and runs smoother on PS5.
And here’s the best part: it includes previously paid expansion content. So, whether you’re new to Ark or a veteran, Survival Ascended offers a fresh reason to jump in this May.
💥 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun – Fast, Brutal, and Retro
Boltgun is perfect for gamers who love chaotic, old-school first-person shooters. With chunky pixels, big guns, and even bigger explosions, it feels like a spiritual successor to DOOM with a Warhammer 40k skin. You play as a Space Marine, obliterating demons and heretics across blood-soaked corridors and ruined gothic cities.
Its pace is relentless, the action non-stop. Yet, the gameplay feels modern and satisfying. For those who want to take a break from slower, methodical games, Boltgun is a total adrenaline rush.
📆 Availability: When and How to Download
The PlayStation Plus monthly games for May are available starting Tuesday, May 7, and will remain up for grabs until Monday, June 3. All you need is an active PS Plus subscription. Once added to your library, these games remain yours for as long as your subscription is active.
To download:
- Turn on your PlayStation and go to the PS Plus tab.
- Find the “Monthly Games” section.
- Add each game to your library.
- Install and play whenever you’re ready!
🔮 Looking Ahead: The Future of PS Plus Monthly Games
Sony recently confirmed that beginning January 2026, PS4 titles will no longer be part of the monthly game offerings. This move signals a shift in focus toward the PS5 ecosystem. While this news may disappoint PS4 users, it also indicates a stronger emphasis on current-gen features and performance.
With that change looming, now is a great time for PS4 users to enjoy the last waves of cross-gen support while planning future console upgrades.
🧠 Why Balatro Is a Game Changer
Balatro isn’t just another indie game. It’s one of the most talked-about PS Plus free games in recent memory. Its clever design encourages experimentation and rewards strategic thinking in a way few games do. It bridges the gap between casual play and deep mechanics, and that’s why it’s become a breakout hit.
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Expect to see YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and TikTok creators buzzing about Balatro all month long. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, this is the game to try first.
🔑 Quick Recap: What You Get with PS Plus This Month
Here’s a quick glance at what PlayStation Plus is offering for May:
| Game Title | Platform | Genre | Why You Should Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balatro | PS4/PS5 | Roguelike/Card | Addictive, clever, original |
| Ark: Survival Ascended | PS5 | Survival/Adventure | Remastered, packed with DLC |
| Warhammer 40k: Boltgun | PS4/PS5 | FPS/Retro Shooter | High-octane, retro fun |
🏁 Final Thoughts
The PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup for May 2025 shows Sony isn’t slowing down when it comes to variety and value. Whether you’re drawn to dinosaurs, demons, or decks of cards, this month offers something for every taste. Don’t forget to download the games before the deadline, and clear out some hard drive space—your next obsession might just be hiding in the PS Plus free games tab.