A new free game on PlayStation Plus is capturing players’ attention—and their sleep. Since its release on May 6, 2025, Balatro, a roguelike deck-builder with a poker twist, has become a sensation among PlayStation Plus subscribers. Available on both PS4 and PS5, it’s part of this month’s Essential tier lineup, alongside Ark: Survival Ascended and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun.
A Surprising Hit
Balatro blends poker mechanics with roguelike elements, challenging players to build high-scoring hands using unique Joker cards. Its simple premise hides deep strategic gameplay, leading to sessions that can stretch for hours.
One Reddit user shared, “Oh no, I’ve only just kicked my Slay the Spire addiction,” highlighting the game’s addictive nature. Another commented, “I’m already absolutely addicted.”
Community Buzz
The game’s popularity isn’t limited to Reddit. Gaming forums and social media are filled with discussions about strategies, high scores, and the game’s unexpected depth. Players are sharing their experiences, with many noting how the game has disrupted their daily routines.
A comment from a Reddit thread reads, “Ark is one of those games you either play it for 30 minutes and never play it again or you become a complete addict and you spend 3000 hours in it.”
Balatro was developed by LocalThunk and published by Playstack. The game’s success has been a pleasant surprise for the developers, who aimed to create a unique blend of card game mechanics and roguelike progression.
In an interview, a representative from Playstack mentioned, “We wanted to craft a game that was easy to pick up but hard to master. The community’s response has been overwhelming.”
Not Just a Fad
While some games enjoy brief moments of popularity, Balatro shows signs of staying power. Its combination of luck and strategy appeals to a broad audience, from casual gamers to hardcore strategists.
The game’s design encourages repeated playthroughs, with each run offering new challenges and opportunities. This replayability factor is a significant contributor to its ongoing popularity.
Other May 2025 PS Plus Titles
While Balatro steals the spotlight, the other May 2025 PlayStation Plus titles also offer engaging experiences:
- Ark: Survival Ascended: A remastered version of the popular survival game, featuring enhanced graphics and gameplay improvements.
- Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun: A retro-style first-person shooter set in the Warhammer universe, delivering fast-paced action reminiscent of classic shooters.
- These titles, available until June 2, 2025, provide a diverse gaming experience for subscribers.
Balatro’s unexpected rise highlights the potential of innovative game design and the power of community engagement. As players continue to share their experiences and strategies, the game’s popularity shows no signs of waning.
For those yet to try it, Balatro is available for free to PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers until June 2, 2025. Just be prepared—it might just consume your free time.
