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| Sony is expanded its PS Plus catalogue with three new games. |
If you’ve been keeping up with PlayStation Plus leaks over the past few months, you’ll know that reliable tipster billbil-kun has made a habit of spoiling Sony’s surprises well ahead of the official announcements. But this time? Crickets. No early whispers, no database digests, no last-minute Reddit scoops. Sony actually managed to keep a secret – and the May 2026 lineup for PlayStation Plus Essential (and above) is finally here.
Following the mid-April reveal of new titles for Extra and Premium subscribers, Sony has now locked in the three monthly games that will be available to claim for Essential, Extra, and Premium members alike. Starting May 5 through June 1, subscribers can grab EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and the critically adored Nine Sols.
Let’s break down what each game brings to the table – because this is a genuinely mixed bag of mainstream blockbuster, niche action-RPG, and indie perfection.
EA Sports FC 26 – The Football Giant That Players Love to Hate
Kicking things off (pun very much intended) is EA Sports FC 26, the third entry in EA’s post-FIFA era. After the historic split following FIFA 23, the FC franchise has continued to dominate the virtual pitch, and this year’s edition is no exception in terms of sales and cultural reach. You can currently grab it on Amazon for around $42 – but starting May 5, it’s free to download for PS Plus members.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Critics have been reasonably kind, giving the PS5 version a 77/100 Metascore. That’s a solid “good, not great” rating for a yearly sports title. But players? They are not holding back.
As of late April 2026, EA Sports FC 26 sits at a brutal 2.9/10 user score on Metacritic and a “Mixed” rating on Steam.
Complaints range from server instability and aggressive monetisation to recycled animations and questionable AI behaviour. Still, if you’re a football fan – or just want to kick around with friends – it’s hard to argue with free. And let’s be honest: it remains the most popular footie game on the planet by a country mile.
If you’re thinking of grabbing a physical copy before the PS Plus drop, check the latest price on Amazon here:
Check EA Sports FC 26 on Amazon (current $42)
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – A Soulslike With Chinese Mythology Flair
Next up is Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, an action RPG that flew somewhat under the radar compared to heavy hitters like Elden Ring or Black Myth: Wukong, but has quietly carved out a loyal following. Set in the late Ming dynasty with a heavy dose of Lovecraftian horror and Chinese folklore, this PS5-exclusive (for the Monthly Games lineup – it’s also on PC and Xbox outside of PS Plus) throws you into brutal, methodical combat.
Critics have awarded it a 74/100 Metascore, praising its atmospheric world-building and unique setting, while noting some rough edges in enemy variety and pacing. Players on Steam have been more generous, landing on “Mostly Positive” overall, though Metacritic user reviews hover around 6.9/100 – a little lukewarm, but far from a disaster.
If you’re a fan of parry-heavy combat, grotesque monster designs, and a genuinely fresh historical-fantasy mashup, Wuchang is worth the download. Just note: this one is PS5 only – sorry PS4 holdouts.
Nine Sols – The Indie Darling That Steals the Show
Then there’s Nine Sols. Oh boy. If you haven’t heard of this one, you’re in for a treat. This 2D action-platformer merges Hollow Knight-style exploration with Sekiro-inspired deflection mechanics, all wrapped in a stunning Tao-punk aesthetic. It’s been out for a while on PC and Switch, but the PS4 and PS5 versions have been waiting for a moment like this.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Metacritic critic average: 86/100
- Steam user rating: Overwhelmingly Positive
- Player praise: Tight controls, emotional story, incredible boss design.
Nine Sols is widely considered one of the best indie games of its generation, and now it’s heading to PS Plus for absolutely nothing extra. Whether you’re on PS4 or PS5, you’ll be able to claim it from May 5 to June 1. If you only download one game from this month’s lineup, make it this one.
Full Details – Dates, Tiers, and Platforms
| Game | Platform | PS Plus Tier | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA Sports FC 26 | PS4, PS5 | Essential / Extra / Premium | May 5 – June 1 |
| Wuchang: Fallen Feathers | PS5 only | Essential / Extra / Premium | May 5 – June 1 |
| Nine Sols | PS4, PS5 | Essential / Extra / Premium | May 5 – June 1 |
Remember: these three games replace April’s monthly offerings. As long as you’re an active Essential, Extra, or Premium subscriber, you can add them to your library during the claim window and keep them as long as your membership stays active.
What About Extra and Premium’s Bigger Catalogue?
Just two weeks ago, Sony revealed the mid-April refresh for the Game Catalogue (Extra and Premium tiers), which included a handful of major titles. Those leaks – courtesy of the ever-reliable billbil-kun – turned out to be accurate. But for May’s Monthly Games (the three essential titles), no leaker got ahead of Sony. That’s a rare win for the company’s security.
For the full breakdown of everything coming to PlayStation Plus in May – including Classic Catalogue additions for Premium members – head over to the official announcement.
👉 Read the full details on the PlayStation Blog
Final Take – Worth Subscribing for May?
If you’re already a PS Plus member, this is a no-brainer – claim all three. Nine Sols alone justifies the month, and EA Sports FC 26 will keep sports fans busy even if the player reviews are harsh. Wuchang is a solid curiosity for Soulslike junkies.
If you’re not subscribed yet? May’s lineup is a little uneven but offers genuine variety. A mainstream annual franchise, a mid-tier action RPG, and an indie masterpiece. That’s about as balanced as monthly game drops get.
Mark your calendars for May 5 – and don’t forget to claim them before June 1.
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