PS Plus Essential: May 2026 Line-Up

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May’s Essential lineup doesn’t ease you in gently. Between a football sim that will consume your weekends, a soulslike set in a plague-ravaged Ming Dynasty, and one of the most acclaimed indie action games of recent years, PS Plus is serving up genuine playtime this month. All three are available from May 5 until June 2.

EA SPORTS FC™ 26 | PS4, PS5

The latest entry in EA’s annual football simulation franchise, FC 26’s biggest addition is a dual gameplay preset system. Authentic mode slows things down for a realistic, tactical experience suited to Career Mode, while Competitive mode keeps the faster arcade pace for Ultimate Team and Clubs. Over 20,000 players across 750+ clubs and 120+ stadiums, with a fully licensed Premier League among 35+ competitions. Whether you’re grinding FUT, building a dynasty in Manager Career, or playing casual kick-offs, there’s plenty here to keep you busy.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers | PS5

A PS5-exclusive soulslike set in an alternate-history version of China’s late Ming Dynasty. You play as Bai Wuchang, a female pirate warrior who awakens with amnesia in a region torn apart by warring factions and a supernatural plague called the Feathering, a disease that mutates people into grotesque creatures. The Skyborn Might combat system rewards precise timing with enhanced attacks, and you can harvest skills from defeated enemies to gradually expand your arsenal. A sprawling interconnected world, multiple endings, and striking visual design make this one of the more ambitious soulslikes to land on PS Plus in a while.

Nine Sols | PS4, PS5

From Red Candle Games – the Taiwanese studio behind the acclaimed horror games Detention and Devotion – comes a hand-drawn 2D action platformer that blends Sekiro-style deflection combat with Metroidvania exploration. Nine Sols is set in New Kunlun, a “Taopunk” world where Eastern mythology collides with cyberpunk technology. You play as Yi, a warrior from the past who awakens seeking revenge against nine powerful deities. The parry-and-counter combat system demands precision and patience, the boss fights are brutal and memorable, and the lore runs remarkably deep for an indie title. One of the most critically praised 2D games of 2024.