Sony has just unveiled the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for May 2025, and it’s a wild ride blending strategy, chaos, and nostalgia. Subscribers can grab three titles starting Tuesday, May 6, but two standouts are stealing the spotlight: Balatro, a devilishly addictive roguelike deck-builder, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, a frenetic retro-style shooter that channels the glory days of ’90s FPS mayhem. Rounding out the trio is Ark: Survival Ascended, a visually overhauled remake of the survival classic Ark: Survival Evolved.
Balatro: A Deck-Building Obsession Waiting to Happen
If you’ve ever lost hours to Slay the Spire or Inscryption, Balatro might just become your next obsession. This roguelike deck-builder transforms poker hands into a strategic battleground, tasking players with combining cards, multipliers, and game-breaking power-ups to climb procedurally generated challenges. Each run feels fresh, thanks to its chaotic mix of modifiers like “Joker” cards that warp rules entirely.
“It’s like poker meets a fever dream,” joked one early player on Reddit. “You start thinking, ‘Just one more hand,’ and suddenly it’s 3 a.m.” The game’s neon-drenched aesthetic and pulsating synth soundtrack only deepen its hypnotic pull.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun: A Love Letter to Retro Shooters
For those craving unapologetic, fast-paced action, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun delivers pixelated carnage with a modern twist. Playing as a hulking Space Marine, you’ll blast through hordes of heretics with a shotgun that Doom’s BFG would nod approvingly at. The game leans hard into its ’90s-inspired roots—think chunky sprites, screen-shaking explosions, and a soundtrack that’s pure metal adrenaline.
“We wanted to capture that feeling of being an unstoppable force,” said developer Auroch Digital in a recent interview. “No cover systems, no reloading—just you, your Boltgun, and a galaxy of enemies to purge.”
Ark: Survival Ascended: A Visual Overhaul for a Survival Classic
While Ark: Survival Evolved veterans know the drill—tame dinosaurs, build bases, survive against all odds—Ark: Survival Ascended polishes the experience with Unreal Engine 5 upgrades. Expect lush environments, sharper textures, and dynamic lighting that makes the island feel more alive (and deadly). Cross-platform play and mod support sweeten the deal for newcomers and returning survivors alike.
For the full breakdown of May’s PlayStation Plus lineup, including trailers and release details, head to the official PlayStation Blog.
Why This Month’s Lineup Hits Different
Sony seems to be targeting two extremes this May: the cerebral tension of Balatro and the primal thrill of Boltgun. It’s a smart move, catering to both players who crave strategic depth and those who just want to turn their brain off and unleash hell. Meanwhile, Ark: Survival Ascended offers a massive time sink for co-op enthusiasts.
The inclusion of Balatro is particularly notable. Roguelikes have dominated indie circles for years, but PlayStation Plus is pushing the genre further into the mainstream. As for Boltgun, its throwback vibe taps into the booming “boomer shooter” revival—a trend fueled by games like Dusk and Cultic.
Mark Your Calendars
All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium members starting May 6. Whether you’re strategizing poker hands in Balatro, painting walls red in Boltgun, or dodging T-Rexes in Ark, May’s lineup ensures your controller won’t get a rest.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a high score to chase… and a Boltgun to reload.
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