PlayStation Plus monthly games for May include Balatro and Ark: Survival Ascended

Engadget - Apr 30th, 2025
Open on Engadget

PlayStation Plus subscribers are in for a treat this May with the addition of three exciting games: Balatro, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, and Ark: Survival Ascended. Available starting May 6, these games offer a range of experiences from the captivating poker-roguelike blend of Balatro to the revamped survival adventure in Ark: Survival Ascended, and the nostalgic FPS action in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Subscribers can enjoy these titles on both PS4 and PS5, except for Ark, which is exclusive to PS5. This lineup promises to captivate players with its diversity and quality.

As new titles are introduced, older ones will be phased out, making way for fresh content. Subscribers are encouraged to download existing games like RoboCop: Rogue City and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory by May 5 to keep them in their library. This monthly rotation underscores PlayStation Plus's commitment to providing a dynamic gaming experience, enhancing the platform's appeal not just through game variety but also through consistent updates and upgrades, catering to a broad spectrum of gaming tastes and preferences.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging overview of the new games coming to PlayStation Plus in May, focusing on titles like **Balatro**, **Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun**, and **Ark: Survival Ascended**. It effectively captures the excitement of these releases but lacks balance and transparency, as it does not provide critical perspectives or source attribution. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand, though it occasionally uses informal expressions. While the article is relevant to its target audience, its impact is limited to the gaming community and does not engage with broader societal issues. Overall, the article is informative for gamers but could benefit from more balanced reporting and clearer source attribution.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately lists the games coming to PlayStation Plus in May, including **Balatro**, **Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun**, and **Ark: Survival Ascended**. The availability date of May 6 for these games is also correct. However, the description of **Balatro** as a sequel to poker is more of a creative comparison rather than a factual statement. The claim about **Ark: Survival Ascended** being 'reimagined from the ground-up with Unreal Engine 5' and including all DLCs aligns with official descriptions, adding to the article's accuracy. The mention of older games being removed from the PS Plus library is consistent with typical practices, though specific titles like **RoboCop: Rogue City** and **Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory** need confirmation from official sources.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of the new games coming to PlayStation Plus, particularly highlighting the appeal and features of **Balatro**. While it briefly mentions the removal of older games, it does not delve into any potential downsides or criticisms of the new titles. This lack of critical perspective results in an imbalanced view, as readers are not informed about any possible drawbacks or controversies surrounding these games. The narrative is heavily skewed towards generating excitement and positive sentiment without offering a comprehensive view that includes potential negative aspects.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to understand, with a straightforward structure that outlines the new games coming to PlayStation Plus. The language is engaging, particularly in the description of **Balatro** as 'hypnotic and addictive,' which captures the reader's attention. However, it occasionally uses informal language and assumptions, such as 'unless you’ve been living under a rock,' which might not be suitable for all audiences. Overall, the article effectively communicates its main points but could benefit from a more formal tone in certain sections.

5
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which affects its credibility. While the information about the games aligns with known announcements and practices, the lack of direct attribution or reference to official PlayStation or game developer communications leaves readers without a clear understanding of where the information originates. This absence of source attribution makes it difficult to verify the claims independently, reducing the overall reliability of the article.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose where the information about the games was obtained, nor does it provide context for the claims made about the games' features and availability. Without clear disclosure of the basis for its claims, readers are left to assume the information is accurate without knowing the underlying sources or potential biases. This lack of transparency can lead to questions about the impartiality and reliability of the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-plus-essential-free-games-for-may-2025/1100-6531161/
  2. https://www.ign.com/articles/rumored-may-2025-free-ps-plus-game-ties-in-with-a-hollywood-movie-release
  3. https://gamerant.com/ps-plus-free-games-may-2025/
  4. https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/playstation-ps-plus-ps5-free-game-may-2025-until-dawn/
  5. https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-announces-playstation-plus-monthly-games-for-may-2025