Sony has revealed the lineup of games joining PlayStation Plus in May 2025, offering subscribers a mix of highly anticipated titles across genres. Fans can dive into Sand Land, a game inspired by Akira Toriyama’s iconic manga, or revisit the intense battles of Battlefield V. Starting May 20, these games and more will be available on PS4 and PS5. The varied selection aims to captivate both seasoned players and newcomers to the service.
The catalog spans RPGs, shooters, and strategy games, with standout entries like Soul Hackers 2 and Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition. Each title delivers distinct experiences, from deep narratives to fast-paced combat. Notably, Battlefield V will be exclusive to PS4, while others leverage the PS5’s capabilities. Here’s a quick look at the highlights:
- Sand Land: An action RPG based on Akira Toriyama’s manga.
- Battlefield V: A first-person shooter with historical battles.
- Soul Hackers 2: A cyberpunk RPG with strategic combat.
Subscribers to the PS Plus Deluxe plan will also gain access to an exclusive title, expanding their options. Sony’s ongoing investment in its subscription service positions it as a strong competitor to platforms like Xbox Game Pass, delivering quality and variety to its user base.
New games arrive on PS Plus
Sony confirmed that the new titles will be available starting May 20 for PS Plus Extra and Deluxe subscribers. Sand Land, inspired by Akira Toriyama’s manga, takes center stage with its blend of exploration and dynamic combat in a desert world. Developed by Bandai Namco, the game adapts the original story with vibrant visuals and RPG mechanics that appeal to fans of the Dragon Ball creator.
Battlefield V, a staple from EA, returns to the catalog with its gripping World War II campaigns. Limited to PS4, the game remains popular for its robust multiplayer modes. Meanwhile, Soul Hackers 2 offers a complex narrative and turn-based combat, perfect for strategy enthusiasts.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition brings a dose of horror to the lineup. Available on both PS4 and PS5, this title adapts VR experiences for traditional controls, maintaining the franchise’s signature tension. The full list showcases Sony’s commitment to diverse gaming experiences.
Sand Land debuts on the service
Sand Land makes its PlayStation Plus debut with a compelling mix of emotional storytelling and accessible gameplay. Launched in 2024, the game immerses players in a world where water scarcity fuels conflict. The protagonist, Beelzebub, leads an adventure blending vehicle-based combat and open-world exploration.
Developed by Bandai Namco, Sand Land retains the visual charm of Akira Toriyama’s manga, with vivid colors and distinctive designs. Initial reviews praised its fidelity to the source material, though some noted limited mission variety. On PS Plus, the game supports both PS4 and PS5, with the latter offering faster load times.
The game’s arrival on the service capitalizes on Toriyama’s enduring popularity and the success of his adapted works. For subscribers, it’s a chance to explore a unique RPG at no additional cost.
Battlefield V returns to the catalog
Battlefield V, a flagship title from EA, rejoins PS Plus with its epic World War II battles. Exclusive to PS4, the game features single-player campaigns and expansive multiplayer modes. Its narrative, told through short stories, explores soldiers’ perspectives across various fronts.
In multiplayer, Battlefield V shines with up to 64-player matches and modes like Conquest and Grand Operations. While its absence on PS5 may disappoint some, the PS4 community remains active. The game’s inclusion offers new players a chance to experience a modern classic.
- Key Battlefield V modes:
- Conquest: Capture strategic points across large maps.
- Grand Operations: Extended battles with dynamic objectives.
- War Stories: Narrative-driven single-player campaigns.
EA continues to support the game with seasonal events, keeping the community engaged years after its release.
Soul Hackers 2 for RPG fans
Soul Hackers 2, developed by Atlus, is a heavyweight addition to the May PS Plus lineup. Released in 2022, this RPG blends Shin Megami Tensei elements with a cyberpunk aesthetic. The protagonist, Ringo, leads a team of summoners in a world where technology and the supernatural collide.
Its turn-based combat system demands strategy, focusing on exploiting enemy weaknesses and managing resources. Available on PS5, the game benefits from enhanced visuals and quick load times. The story, exploring themes of identity and sacrifice, appeals to players seeking depth.
The title’s inclusion in PS Plus could boost its visibility, as it earned praise for its soundtrack and art direction but faced criticism for its steep difficulty curve. Subscribers gain access to a robust RPG without extra costs.
Five Nights at Freddy’s brings horror
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition delivers the franchise’s signature terror to PS Plus. Originally designed for VR, the game has been adapted for standard controls, preserving its intense atmosphere. Players face animatronics in claustrophobic settings, with challenges testing reflexes and composure.
Available on PS4 and PS5, the title suits fans of survival horror. The Full Time Edition includes extra content, such as minigames and narrative expansions. Its arrival aligns with the franchise’s growing popularity, fueled by film adaptations.
- Core game elements:
- Survival: Manage resources to evade animatronics.
- Minigames: Varied challenges that expand the experience.
- Narrative: Story tied to the franchise’s lore.
The game is an unexpected but welcome addition, diversifying the catalog.
Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition joins the lineup
Gloomhaven Mercenaries Edition brings the acclaimed board game to consoles. Available on PS4 and PS5, this tactical RPG features dungeon exploration and strategic combat. Players control mercenaries in a fantasy world, with choices shaping the campaign’s progression.
The card-based combat system requires careful planning to defeat enemies and navigate traps. The Mercenaries Edition includes additional characters and exclusive missions. Its PS Plus debut makes the game more accessible, given its typically high price point.
Sony’s inclusion of Gloomhaven reflects the rising popularity of board game adaptations, offering a deep experience for strategy fans.
Additional titles in the catalog
The May lineup also features S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Humankind, and Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life. Each caters to specific audiences, from post-apocalyptic shooters to farming simulators.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy bundles three classic games, optimized for PS4 and PS5. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, a fighting game, combines anime visuals with approachable mechanics. Humankind challenges players to build civilizations through history, while Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life offers a relaxing rural management experience.
- Additional PS Plus Extra games:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy: Post-apocalyptic adventure.
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Anime-style fighting game.
- Humankind: Historical strategy on a grand scale.
- Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life: Rural life simulation.
This variety ensures subscribers find something to suit their tastes.
Deluxe plan exclusive
The PS Plus Deluxe plan includes Battle Engine Aquila, an action game featuring aerial and ground combat. Available on PS4 and PS5, this title is a nostalgic pick, originally released during the PS2 era. Its inclusion highlights Sony’s efforts to revive classics for premium subscribers.
The game blends mech piloting with missions in futuristic settings. Though niche, it may appeal to fans of retro gaming. Its exclusivity to the Deluxe plan adds value to the higher-tier subscription.
Console-specific availability
Not all games will be available on both consoles. Battlefield V is limited to PS4, while titles like Soul Hackers 2 and Sand Land take advantage of PS5 hardware. Sony provided a clear breakdown to clarify platform compatibility.
- Console-exclusive games:
- PS4: Battlefield V, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy.
- PS5: Soul Hackers 2, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life.
- PS4 and PS5: Sand Land, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Gloomhaven.
The split accounts for technical limitations, but most titles support both systems.
Sony’s PS Plus strategy
Sony continues to expand the PS Plus catalog to attract and retain subscribers. The inclusion of recent titles like Sand Land and Gloomhaven, alongside mainstream hits like Battlefield V, demonstrates a focus on variety. This approach directly competes with services like Xbox Game Pass, which also prioritize diverse offerings.
The May selection taps into market trends, such as the popularity of Japanese RPGs and board game adaptations. Sony also leverages established franchises like Five Nights at Freddy’s to engage younger audiences. The Deluxe plan’s exclusive title reinforces the value of premium subscriptions.
Upcoming developments
Beyond the May lineup, Sony is promoting the PS5 Pro, capable of running games at 4K 120 FPS and 8K 60 FPS with PSSR 2 technology. While the new PS Plus titles aren’t specifically optimized for the new console, games like Sand Land and Soul Hackers 2 may benefit from graphical enhancements. The PS5 Pro underscores Sony’s commitment to cutting-edge hardware.
Multiplayer games like Battlefield V will feature seasonal events to keep players engaged. Sony is expected to announce further PS Plus updates in the coming months, potentially including more classic titles.
