Sony is gearing up for a hectic May 20 as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers see a wave of new titles join—and familiar favorites depart—their game libraries. Mid-month catalog updates have become a hallmark of PS Plus, and this cycle promises one of the service’s largest swings yet. With blockbuster releases arriving alongside the removal of landmark adventures, subscribers will want to plan ahead to make the most of their memberships.
For Essential-tier members, the free May lineup—Ark: Survival Ascended, Balatro, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun—landed on May 6, offering cooperative base-building, high-speed card duels, and retro-inspired shooter action. Meanwhile, Extra and Premium subscribers must wait until May 20 to dive into a buffet of acclaimed hits ranging from Battlefield 5’s all-out warfare to the narrative depth of Gloomhaven: Mercenaries Edition. Animal-raising sim fans can tend their digital farms in Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, while RPG enthusiasts can explore the post-apocalyptic ruins of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy or the sci-fi realms of Sand Land.
At the same time, Premium members gain access to the classic mech-action game Battle Engine Aquila, bringing “transform and destroy” gameplay from the PlayStation 2 era via streaming. This addition underscores Sony’s commitment to preserving legacy titles for subscribers willing to explore PlayStation’s back catalog. But the celebration is tempered by the farewell tour of 22 titles—including Batman: Arkham Knight, Grand Theft Auto V, and VR hit The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners—which will leave the Extra and Premium libraries on May 20. Gamers who haven’t yet played these blockbusters may want to download them before they vanish.
Sony’s staggered update strategy—free titles for Essentials early in the month, followed by catalog additions and removals for higher tiers—ensures there’s always fresh content on the horizon. Looking ahead, subscribers can expect June’s free games reveal around May 28, with the titles dropping on June 3. For now, May 20 stands as a pivotal date: a chance to sample new adventures and secure the games you’d hate to lose.
PS Plus May 2025 Additions (Extra & Premium tiers)
PS Plus Extra/Premium Departures (May 20)
