EA Sports FC 26 Leads PlayStation Plus May 2026 Lineup as Sony Adds Wuchang and Nine Sols

Key facts

• EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Nine Sols join PlayStation Plus Essential tier on May 5, 2026.
• EA Sports FC 26 received a 7/10 score from IGN, praising gameplay but criticizing its aggressive Season Pass.
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers scored 8/10, noted for excellent combat, level design, skill tree, and bosses but with difficulty spikes.
• Nine Sols is a hand-drawn 2D action-platformer with Sekiro-inspired deflection combat, released in 2024.
• April's games—Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream—are available until May 4.
• The new games are available to claim from May 5 for Essential subscribers in Australia.
• Higher tiers (Extra, Deluxe, Premium) will have additional additions and removals announced later.

May's Headliner: EA Sports FC 26 Arrives with Mixed Reviews

Sony has confirmed that EA Sports FC 26 will headline the PlayStation Plus Essential monthly games for May 2026, alongside Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Nine Sols. The football title, which launched to a 7/10 review score, was praised for delivering the best on-pitch gameplay in years but drew criticism for an overly aggressive Season Pass that reviewers described as 'EA at its most money-hungry yet.' The inclusion of a major sports franchise reflects Sony's strategy of balancing blockbuster appeal with niche titles. EA Sports FC 26 joins a lineup that offers variety across genres, from action-RPG to platformer.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Brings Soulslike Depth to the Service

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, set during China's Ming Dynasty, casts players as the pirate warrior Wuchang investigating a mysterious mutation plague. The game has distinguished itself in the crowded Soulslike genre with flexible character builds and a well-crafted world, earning an 8/10 review score. Critics highlighted its excellent combat, wonderful level design, incredible skill tree, and fearsome bosses, though they noted steep difficulty dips and spikes as well as a reliance on cheap-feeling ambushes. For Souls fans who have not yet tried it, the May addition offers a timely opportunity.

Nine Sols: A Hand-Drawn Platformer with Sekiro-Inspired Combat

Rounding out the trio is Nine Sols, a lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer that launched in 2024. Its deflection-focused combat draws clear inspiration from Sekiro, and the game has maintained positive reviews since release. The title adds a distinct artistic and gameplay flavor to the May lineup, appealing to fans of challenging platformers and tight combat systems. Its inclusion underscores Sony's effort to cater to diverse tastes within the Essential tier.

April's Games Expire May 4—Subscribers Must Act Fast

As Sony adds new titles, it also removes the previous month's offerings. April's PlayStation Plus Essential games—Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream—will remain available to claim only until May 4. After that date, they will no longer be accessible to subscribers who have not added them to their libraries. This monthly cycle creates a recurring deadline for members, encouraging regular engagement with the service. The April lineup featured a mix of action-RPG, classic remasters, and anime-inspired adventure.

Availability and Tier Structure: What Subscribers Can Expect

The May 2026 Essential monthly games will be available to claim starting May 5 in Australia, with a global rollout expected on the same date. These titles are accessible to all PlayStation Plus subscribers, including those on the Essential tier, which is the base level. Higher tiers—Extra, Deluxe, and Premium—will receive additional game additions and removals later in the month, though Sony has not yet detailed those lists. The tiered system means Extra subscribers also get the Essential games, while Deluxe and Premium tiers include everything below them. The full May lineup for higher tiers is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

A Balanced Lineup with Broad Appeal

The May selection demonstrates Sony's ongoing approach to curate a mix of high-profile releases and critically acclaimed indies. EA Sports FC 26 targets the mass market, while Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Nine Sols cater to dedicated gaming communities. With the gaming industry increasingly reliant on subscription services, each month's lineup can influence subscriber retention and acquisition. The inclusion of a recent sports title suggests Sony is willing to invest in marquee names to maintain interest, even as it continues to support smaller, innovative games.

The bottom line

• PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers can claim EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Nine Sols from May 5, 2026.
• EA Sports FC 26 received a 7/10 review, with praise for gameplay but criticism of its Season Pass monetization.
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers scored 8/10, noted for flexible builds and world design but with difficulty inconsistencies.
• Nine Sols, a 2024 hand-drawn platformer with Sekiro-like combat, joins the lineup with positive reviews.
• April's games—Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream—expire on May 4.
• Higher PlayStation Plus tiers (Extra, Deluxe, Premium) will have additional games announced later in May.