May is just around the corner – and for PlayStation Plus subscribers, that means it’s time for new free games. Anyone who uses Sony’s Essential tier will receive three more titles that couldn’t be more different from each other starting on May 6, 2025. From cult indie hits to retro action and modern survival games, there’s something for almost every taste.
First up is Balatro, a game that caused a stir in 2024. What initially looks like a poker simulation quickly turns out to be a clever roguelike with high addictive potential Instead of real opponents, the game challenges you with ever-changing card combinations, bonuses, and multipliers. The brightly colored visuals are deceptive—there’s a sophisticated system behind it that will captivate both puzzle solvers and casual gamers alike.
Those who prefer fast-paced action should check out Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun This retro-style shooter is strongly reminiscent of classics such as Doom or Quake and deliberately avoids modern bells and whistles. Instead, it offers brute force, fast-paced action and stylish pixel graphics. A nostalgic homage to the 90s that feels surprisingly fresh.
Ark: Survival Ascended, on the other hand, strikes a completely different note. The revamped reissue of the popular dinosaur survival game takes you to a hostile island where you collect resources, build huts, and fight for survival against prehistoric giant lizards. Technically, the new edition has been significantly revamped and is now optimized specifically for the PS5 architecture – with improved animations and new features.