Sony has revealed the games joining the PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe catalog in May, offering a diverse range of titles for subscribers. Starting May 20, players can dive into new additions, with Sand Land, inspired by Akira Toriyama’s manga, taking center stage. The lineup spans action-packed adventures to strategic gameplay, ensuring hours of entertainment. Other notable titles, including Battlefield V and Soul Hackers 2, further enrich the library.
The May selection underscores Sony’s strategy to balance high-profile releases with niche offerings. Alongside new additions, the company confirmed which games will exit the catalog, sparking discussions among fans. For subscribers, the update enhances the service’s value in a month packed with variety.
- Key games announced: Sand Land, Battlefield V, Soul Hackers 2, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising.
- Availability date: May 20 for Extra and Deluxe subscribers.
- Games leaving the catalog: GTA V, Resistance: Fall of Man, and others.
alguém sabe dizer que porra é essa circulando águas claras? pic.twitter.com/mtODc1VRA1
— cavendish (@matcavendish) May 14, 2025
Subscribers are already buzzing on social media, with Sand Land generating significant excitement. Below, we explore the highlights of the catalog and what players can expect.
Sand Land debuts in the catalog
Sand Land, based on Akira Toriyama’s manga, arrives on PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe on May 20. Developed by Bandai Namco, this action-RPG unfolds in a desert world filled with adventure. The story follows Beelzebub, a demon prince, on a quest to secure resources for a barren planet.
The game has garnered attention for its vibrant visuals and engaging narrative. Players can explore open-world environments, pilot customizable vehicles, and engage in dynamic combat. Sand Land’s inclusion is a nod to Toriyama fans, known for his work on Dragon Ball.
- Genre: Action and RPG.
- Platforms: PS5 and PS4.
- Highlight: Open-world exploration with customizable vehicles.
Anticipation is high, especially after positive reviews praising the game’s fidelity to its source material. Subscribers can experience it at no extra cost, potentially boosting its popularity.
Battlefield V makes a strong return
Battlefield V, developed by EA, is a major addition to the May PlayStation Plus catalog. Launched in 2018, this first-person shooter centers on World War II, offering single-player campaigns and robust multiplayer modes. Its inclusion aims to attract players seeking intense action and historical settings.
Multiplayer modes like Conquest and Grand Operations remain active, with servers bustling with players. The single-player War Stories mode delivers short, immersive narratives across various war fronts. For subscribers, it’s a chance to revisit or discover the title without additional cost.
Battlefield V’s arrival aligns with promotions for the PS5 Pro, which promises to run the game in 4K with smoother performance. Sony is banking on the franchise’s popularity to engage the multiplayer community.
Soul Hackers 2 expands RPG offerings
Soul Hackers 2, from Atlus, is a standout for fans of Japanese RPGs. Released in 2022, the game blends dungeon crawling with turn-based combat in a cyberpunk setting. The protagonist, Ringo, leads a team of summoners to save humanity from a supernatural threat.
The title earned praise for its soundtrack and refined mechanics, though some players found its story less compelling than other Atlus games like Persona 5. Still, its addition to PlayStation Plus offers new players a chance to explore the Shin Megami Tensei universe.
- Game style: Turn-based RPG with cyberpunk elements.
- Average playtime: About 40 hours for the main campaign.
- Target audience: Fans of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei.
- Availability: PS5 and PS4.
This addition highlights Sony’s focus on diversifying the catalog with varied genres, catering to different player preferences.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising for fighting game fans
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, developed by Arc System Works, is perfect for fighting game enthusiasts. Launched in 2023, it expands the Granblue Fantasy universe with 2.5D combat and stunning visuals. Its accessible yet deep mechanics appeal to both newcomers and seasoned players.
The game features a story mode, online battles, and a progression system unlocking new characters and skins. The online community remains active, with regular fan-organized tournaments. Its arrival on PlayStation Plus is expected to boost server activity.
Subscribers can enjoy fast-paced, competitive matches with crossplay support between PS5 and PS4. The title’s inclusion reflects Sony’s effort to cater to the growing fighting game niche.
Additional games arriving in May
Beyond the headliners, the PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe catalog welcomes other titles offering variety. Available from May 20, these games cater to diverse tastes, from tactical strategies to farming simulations.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy: A survival game collection set in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Humankind: A historical strategy game competing with Civilization.
- Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life: A narrative-driven farming simulator.
- Gloomhaven: A tactical RPG based on the popular board game.
These titles complement the main lineup, providing experiences ranging from intense combat to relaxing gameplay. Sony appears committed to appealing to both casual and dedicated players.
Games exiting the catalog
The PlayStation Plus catalog isn’t just about additions. Sony confirmed that several games will leave the Extra and Deluxe tiers in May, prompting subscribers to prioritize their playtime. The departure of popular titles has sparked debates, particularly on social media.
Grand Theft Auto V is the most discussed exit, with its online mode still drawing millions of players. It will become unavailable mid-May. Other titles, including Resistance: Fall of Man and Infamous: Second Son, will also leave, marking the end of availability for some classics.
- Grand Theft Auto V: Exits on May 20.
- Resistance: Fall of Man: Available until mid-May.
- Infamous: Second Son: Removed in the same period.
- Batman: Arkham Knight: Last chance to play before removal.
Catalog rotation is standard, but the exit of high-profile games may affect subscribers’ perception of the service’s value.
Sony’s strategy for May
The May lineup reflects Sony’s commitment to keeping PlayStation Plus competitive. Facing rivals like Xbox Game Pass, the company balances quantity and quality. Including Sand Land and Battlefield V attracts diverse audiences, while niche titles like Gloomhaven retain specific player bases.
Sony is also leveraging the PS5 Pro launch. The upgraded console enhances games like Battlefield V with higher resolutions and stable frame rates. This synergy between hardware and service strengthens Sony’s strategy for 2025.
Catalog rotation, though divisive, keeps the service dynamic. Removing popular titles encourages subscribers to try new games, while anticipated additions like Sand Land drive excitement.
Community reactions
The May announcements have stirred social media, with players sharing their thoughts on the new titles. Sand Land dominates discussions, with many praising the opportunity to play it at no extra cost. Conversely, GTA V’s exit has drawn criticism due to its enduring online popularity.
Platforms like Reddit and Discord highlight the lineup’s diversity, though some subscribers call for more AAA titles. Niche additions like Story of Seasons split opinions: some welcome the variety, while others prefer blockbusters.
Sony monitors these reactions to refine future lineups. The company has already teased more surprises for June, keeping subscribers engaged.
Benefits for Extra and Deluxe subscribers
The May games are exclusive to PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe subscribers. These tiers provide access to a rotating catalog of hundreds of titles, plus perks like exclusive discounts and cloud storage. Adding recent games like Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising enhances the appeal of these plans.
Essential-tier subscribers, limited to monthly games, won’t access the Extra catalog. In May, Essential offers Ark: Survival Ascended, Balatro, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, available since May 6. The tier disparity is pushing more players toward higher plans.
Sony emphasizes that catalog games can be downloaded and played as long as the subscription remains active. May promises a busy month for those aiming to explore all titles.
Addition timeline
Sony follows a structured schedule for PlayStation Plus updates. Extra and Deluxe catalog games are announced in the second half of each month, with availability in the third week. May adheres to this, with titles launching on May 20.
- Announcement: May 14.
- Availability: May 20.
- Next cycle: Expected mid-June.
The company also removes games during this period, ensuring constant catalog refresh. This approach keeps subscribers exploring new content.
PS5 Pro compatibility
The PS5 Pro launch enhances the PlayStation Plus experience. Games like Battlefield V and Sand Land are optimized for the new console, delivering 4K visuals and higher frame rates. Sony encourages subscribers to test these titles on the upgraded hardware, especially in multiplayer modes.
PS4 players can still access the games, though limited by the console’s capabilities. Broad compatibility ensures the catalog serves all users, regardless of platform.
PS5 Pro integration may draw new subscribers, particularly those prioritizing cutting-edge visuals. Sony plans to expand the list of optimized games in the coming months.
Variety for every player
The May lineup showcases Sony’s effort to diversify PlayStation Plus. From action titles like Battlefield V to serene simulators like Story of Seasons, the catalog spans multiple genres. This approach caters to casual players and those seeking complex experiences like Gloomhaven.
Japanese titles, such as Soul Hackers 2 and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, underscore the service’s global appeal. Sony uses community feedback to shape future lineups, ensuring the catalog remains relevant.
With new games arriving, subscribers face a month full of choices. The mix of blockbusters and niche titles solidifies PlayStation Plus as a leading subscription service.
