It’s one thing to see an Xbox game pop up on a PlayStation chart. It’s another to see Xbox studios claim five spots in Sony’s list of May 2025 PS5 best-sellers. When PlayStation finally released its ranking for the ten best-selling PS5 titles that month, half of them came from Xbox-owned teams—an intriguing sign of just how blurred the lines between “console camps” have become. Let’s dive into how Forza Horizon 5, Doom: The Dark Ages, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 found themselves among Sony’s top ten. We’ll also talk about the PS4-side surprise—Star Wars Battlefront II’s return to the top—and wrap up by previewing what June might bring, from Death Stranding 2 to the Xbox Games Showcase.

Half the Chart, Half Xbox

Sony’s monthly PS5 top-seller lists usually lean heavily on PlayStation-published exclusives—games like God of War, Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, or Spider-Man. When you see Xbox studios filling five of those ten slots, it’s a bit of a head-turner. In May 2025, the five Xbox-affiliated titles that climbed into PS5’s top ten (in the United States and Canada) were:

1. Forza Horizon 5 (No. 1)
2. Doom: The Dark Ages (No. 4)
3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (No. 6)
4. Minecraft (No. 7)
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (No. 9)

These weren’t just random digital downloads. They were must-buys—games that PS5 owners actively added to shopping carts, filled out payment info, and pressed “Buy Now” for, despite ostensibly being “rival console” content. That fact alone speaks volumes about both how cross-platform synergy is evolving and how Xbox studios consistently deliver experiences that resonate beyond Microsoft’s own ecosystem.

Below, we’ll look at each of those five games to see why they remain irresistible, followed by a quick glance at the other five non-Xbox titles rounding out Sony’s May list. But first: a brief detour to a surprise resurgence on PS4.

Star Wars Battlefront II’s Comeback on PS4

When you think “PS4 best-seller in 2025,” your mind probably leans to titles like God of War Ragnarök or perhaps some blockbuster EA Sports title. Instead, May’s top spot on PS4 belonged to Star Wars Battlefront II—an eight-year-old release that, for a while, felt like it had faded into the background. Yet the timing was perfect. The overwhelming acclaim and buzz around Disney+’s Andor Season 2, which wrapped up in late April, sparked a wave of nostalgia that sent Battlefront II’s concurrent player counts soaring (even on Steam) and crashed player-count records not seen since 2021.

Quite a few fans launched petitions demanding EA green-light Battlefront III, but the more immediate impact was that legions of players—some who hadn’t logged on in years—dove back into Battlefront II’s multiplayer. Updated cosmetics and refinements, plus a renewed interest in Star Wars storytelling spurred by Andor’s gritty, human-scale narrative, meant that Battlefront II topped PS4’s May sales chart. It’s a perfect example of how a strong narrative tie-in (like a hit TV series) can reinvigorate a game that many assumed was “long past its prime.”

Xbox Titles in the May PS5 Top Ten

Below is a closer look at each Xbox-affiliated game that earned its place among Sony’s best-sellers for May 2025.

1. Forza Horizon 5 (Playground Games / Xbox Game Studios)

Rank: #1 (US & Canada)
Genre: Open-world Racing
Why It’s Here:
Forza Horizon 5 first launched on Xbox and PC in November 2021, instantly winning praise for its dazzling recreation of Mexico’s landscapes: winding desert canyons, lush jungles, and beachside highways. But it’s more than just eye candy; Playground Games committed to regular seasonal updates—adding new cars, festival-themed challenges, and captivating live events. When the PS5 version arrived, players experienced the same buttery 60 fps performance and quick load times, making it feel right at home on Sony’s console.

By May 2025, Forza Horizon 5 had become something of a cultural phenomenon: a cross-platform racing playground where fans share custom liveries, speed runs, and screenshot-worthy vistas on social media. The fact that PS5 owners were actively buying it—enough to keep it at the top spot for at least three months straight—shows that word of mouth can bridge console rivalries. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer enticed by stunning visuals and an easy-to-grasp, hard-to-master handling model, Forza Horizon 5 remains a bucket-list title.

2. Doom: The Dark Ages (id Software / Bethesda)

Rank: #4 (US & Canada)
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Why It’s Here:
Doom has always been synonymous with relentless action and demon-slaying mayhem. The Dark Ages, released in March 2025, takes that formula and drops it into a medieval setting—think plague-ravaged villages, rain-slicked castle courtyards, and Gothic cathedrals infested with hellish beasts. Instead of plasma rifles, players wield a cross-mounted shotgun that fires blessed rounds, swinging a “crucible” sword in vicious glory kills. It’s a bold twist on the classic Doom template.

PS5 owners, many of whom picked up Doom Eternal on day one, were eager to see how id Software meshed “medieval horror” with the series’ trademark breakneck pace. Reviewers praised The Dark Ages for maintaining the core “run, gun, shred demons” feel while layering in environmental puzzles and new enemy types. The audio design—a brooding choral score punctuated by heavy percussion—complements the visual flair, making every level feel like a nightmarish cathedral opera. May’s sales data shows that fans of fast, brutal shooters didn’t hesitate to snap it up.

3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (Bethesda Game Studios / Bethesda)

Rank: #6 (US & Canada)
Genre: Open-world RPG
Why It’s Here:
Originally released in 2006, Oblivion was part of Bethesda’s rise to open-world greatness—polished world-building, a vast central map of Cyrodiil, and the freedom to become whoever you wanted: mage, thief, or gallant knight. The Remastered edition (early 2025) didn’t just add shiny new textures and 4K support; it smoothed out clunky menus, tightened up combat, and even restored questlines that didn’t make the original cut. For PS5 players who came of age on Skyrim or Fallout 4, Oblivion Remastered offered a chance to experience what set the template for modern Bethesda RPGs.

Nostalgia definitely played a role—who hasn’t felt a twinge of longing to roam the Imperial City or delve into Infernal City’s burning depths? Yet the real draw was seeing those sprawling vistas rendered at high resolution, with buttery frame rates that make traversing Cyrodiil feel fresh. It’s not a simple “port”; it’s a proper restoration that invites a new generation to discover (or re-discover) why so many modders and fans still talk about Oblivion as a high point in the series. The PS5 audience responded by making it one of May’s most-purchased digital downloads.

4. Minecraft (Mojang / Xbox Game Studios)

Rank: #7 (US & Canada)
Genre: Sandbox / Survival
Why It’s Here:
Minecraft has been around in some form since 2009, but it somehow remains one of the most cross-generational, cross-platform games ever—and that includes PS5. Even players who bought it years ago often find reason to repurchase when a major update hits. In spring 2025, Mojang rolled out new nether biomes, overhauled ocean features, and even introduced a limited-time multiplayer event based on real-world seasonal celebrations. These additions—combined with PS5-exclusive ray tracing, speedier load times, and silky frame rates—gave Sony owners fresh incentive to hit “Buy.”

Plus, Minecraft’s appeal isn’t limited to solo play. Parents buying for kids, streamers looking for co-op content, and creative builders wanting the latest blocks all keep the sales ticker ticking. By May, it was obvious that even though you can grab Minecraft on almost any device under the sun, PS5 remains a prime platform for a polished, high-performance experience. As a result, it reclaimed a spot among the month’s biggest sellers.

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Treyarch / Activision)

Rank: #9 (US & Canada)
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Why It’s Here:
The Call of Duty franchise has dominated console shooter charts for years. Black Ops 6 launched in late March 2025 with a global multiplayer rollout, a cinematic single-player campaign spanning covert missions on a fictionalized Eastern bloc, and an expanded Zombies mode featuring new characters and fiendish map designs. On PS5, Treyarch introduced cross-generational play (allowing PS4 and PS5 owners to squad up), plus enhanced haptic feedback on DualSense controllers, which made every gun reload, grenade throw, and zombie stomp feel more visceral.

By May, word-of-mouth about killer netcode (less lag, faster matchmaking) and robust anti-cheat efforts convinced many PS5 owners to either pick it up for the first time or upgrade from older entries. With no competing shooter drop in May (no new Battlefield or Halo to contend with), Black Ops 6 enjoyed a window where it could dominate conversations in forums and social feeds. That translated into strong digital purchases—strong enough to land at number nine on Sony’s list.

The Other Five: May’s Non-Xbox PS5 Best-Sellers

Of course, the remaining five spots in Sony’s ten are homegrown or from non-Xbox publishers:

1. Elden Ring: Nightreign (Bandai Namco / FromSoftware) – An expansive “mid-tier” expansion to 2022’s game of the year. Nightreign delivers a new region in the Lands Between, fresh bosses, and a storyline that weaves neatly into the original’s tapestry. Fans still can’t get enough of “hard but rewarding” Soulsborne-style action.
2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Indie Studio A) – A 2.5D Metroidvania with dimension-shifting mechanics, hand-drawn art, and a haunting synth score. Released in early 2025, it caught fire on social media thanks to streamers showcasing its clever puzzles and dual-realm exploration.
3. Grand Theft Auto V (Rockstar Games) – Originally from 2013, GTA V has somehow remained a best-seller into 2025. Why? GTA Online. Day-one PS5 players appreciate the 4K visuals, faster load times, and Rockstar’s steady drip of new content—heists, special events, and character customization options.
4. MLB The Show 25 (San Diego Studio / Sony) – One of the few must-buys in the sports genre exclusive to PlayStation. Baseball fans flocked to the latest edition for updated rosters, refined hitting mechanics, and a revamped Franchise Mode that lets you “choose your own path” from Double-A to the majors.
5. EA Sports FC 25 (EA Vancouver / Electronic Arts) – EA’s post-FIFA soccer franchise remains a top seller. FC 25 enticed players with new club partnerships, women’s league content, and “Dynamic Tactics” that let you simulate real-time coaching decisions. With European club seasons winding down and international fixtures ahead, virtual managers saw May as the moment to build dream squads.

The fact that these non-Xbox games shared the list with those five Microsoft-owned juggernauts underscores the idea that, in 2025, gamers simply vote with their wallets for what looks and feels fun—regardless of platform origin.

Looking Ahead: What June Promises

May’s charts are now locked in, but June’s calendar is already jam-packed. A trio of big-name releases and the looming Xbox Games Showcase have everyone buzzing. Here’s what to circle on your June planner:

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions)

• Launch Date: June 26, 2025 (PS5 first, PC to follow three months later)
• What We Know So Far: Hideo Kojima’s first Death Stranding divided opinions back in 2019—some hailed it as a masterpiece of cinematic world-building; others called it “walking simulator with baby in a bathtub.” Death Stranding 2: On the Beach promises to double down on the surreal aspects: glimpses of ghostly whales suspended in midair, spectral bridges dissolving into the tide, and that ever-present BB (Bridge Baby) giving you ominous hints. If you loved the original’s atmospheric tone and risked it for a first-class ticket to “Kojima weird,” June 26 is your date.
• Premiere Event: June 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT)
  Kojima Productions will host a livestream “Premiere” showcasing extended gameplay, behind-the-scenes commentary, and possibly a few tantalizing story beats. If you’re even remotely curious how Kojima plans to merge “beach vibes” with “interdimensional horror,” don’t miss this.

MindsEye (Ivory Crown Studios)

• Launch Date: June 10, 2025
• Genre: Psychological Horror / Puzzle
• Why It Matters: MindsEye drops you into the mind of an investigative journalist on a mission to reconstruct lost memories. You navigate shifting mental landscapes, solve logic-bending puzzles, and dodge manifestations of trauma that learn from your moves. Early teasers boast an AI-driven antagonist that adapts to your in-game behavior—making each playthrough feel unpredictable. Horror fans who crave atmosphere over gore have already placed pre-orders based on whispers that MindsEye blends the dread of Amnesia: The Dark Descent with Resident Evil’s intricate puzzles.

FBC Firebreak (Firestorm Interactive / FBC Publishing)

• Launch Date: June 17, 2025
• Genre: Battle Royale / Tactical Shooter
• Why It Matters: FBC Firebreak wants to be “Battle Royale, reimagined.” Picture a quarantined metropolis where opposing squads forage for supplies—medicine, ammunition, makeshift armor—while fending off both infected civilians and rival teams. FBC Firebreak emphasizes a slower, more tactical pace than the usual drop-and-die-a-thousand-times model. Destructible environments, “medical supply” objectives, and a shrinking safe zone tied to an approaching gas cloud all force teams to balance aggression with caution. Tactical-squad fans uneasy about chaotic bullet-swarms might find Firebreak’s methodical take refreshing.

Rematch (Neon Carbon Studios)

• Launch Date: June 19, 2025
• Genre: Fighting
• Why It Matters: Fighting-game aficionados are notoriously picky, but Neon Carbon Studios has all but sealed the deal for Rematch. Its cinematic combo system—where you string together attacks into elaborate “showtime” sequences—blends fluid animation with arcade-level responsiveness. There’s also a heavy emphasis on narrative in the single-player mode: rivalries, betrayals, and a “crisis tournament” that threatens to plunge the entire fighting world into chaos. If you own a fight stick, you’ll appreciate Rematch’s direct arcade-cabinet compatibility. If you want to test your mettle online, its rollback netcode (so far) has drawn praise from high-level competitors.

Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase: June 8, 2025

Beyond new releases, Microsoft’s annual Xbox Games Showcase always has the potential to reshape the conversation. Scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET), the event typically highlights upcoming first-party Xbox exclusives, teases major partnerships, and sometimes throws out surprise announcements that reverberate through the industry.

• Confirmed So Far: The Outer Worlds 2 (Obsidian Entertainment)
  The sequel to 2019’s critically acclaimed open-world RPG. Obsidian’s blend of dark humor, branching narratives, and freedom-of-choice gameplay left players begging for a follow-up. We’ve already seen a few concept art snippets, but the Showcase may give us proper gameplay trailers or even a release window.
• Credible Rumors (Unconfirmed):
  • Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry): The fan-favorite sequel to Hollow Knight, which launched in 2017 to rave reviews. If licensing agreements allow, it might land on Xbox consoles—marking a major get for Microsoft’s platform.
  • Ninja Gaiden 4 (Team Ninja): After the success of Nioh and the remastered Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, a return to Ryu Hayabusa’s world is highly anticipated. Live-action teasers or sizzle reels could surface.
  • Persona 4 Remake (Atlus): Following Persona 5 Royal’s release on Xbox/PC, many hope that Persona 4 Golden (originally a PS Vita exclusive, later on PC) will finally get an official console edition. Microsoft’s push into Japanese RPGs might facilitate this.
  • Other Potential Surprises: New IPs, third-party collaborations—maybe even a glimpse at Forza Horizon 6 or Halo Infinite’s next major season. If you’re an Xbox fan—or simply enjoy seeing where the wind blows next in game development—tune in on June 8. The stream runs about ninety minutes and will be available on Xbox.com, YouTube, and Twitch.

Why May’s Results Matter

You don’t have to dig too deep to see that PlayStation owners are increasingly platform-agnostic. Xbox studios’ continued success on PS5 speaks to the quality and ongoing content support those studios provide. When a game like Forza Horizon 5—first out on Xbox—can top Sony’s charts three years post-launch, it raises questions about the traditional “exclusives war.” Meanwhile, longtime classics like Grand Theft Auto V or “new nostalgia” titles like Oblivion Remastered remind us that gamers love returning to familiar worlds when the price and experience feel right. Notably, five of May’s ten biggest PS5 sellers being Xbox-related underscores a broader shift: premium, well-supported games will find their audiences regardless of which console brand they originate from.

On the other hand, Star Wars Battlefront II’s PS4 surge illustrates how narrative momentum—like Andor Season 2—can breathe new life into a game that seemed to be behind us. It’s a powerful example of how cross-media storytelling can reawaken fan communities. If you’re a publisher looking to build a long-term IP, it’s a reminder to invest in quality narratives (whether on TV, film, or in-game) and be ready to capitalize on surges of interest.

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Final Thoughts

Sony’s May 2025 PS5 best-seller list offers a snapshot of the industry’s evolving dynamics. Half of those ten games came from Xbox’s stables, signaling that “platform loyalty” is no longer as binary as it once was. Whether you’re racing across Mexican highways in Forza Horizon 5, hacking through plague-ridden castles in Doom: The Dark Ages, or piecing together old memories in MindsEye, it’s clear that players want memorable experiences more than they want console bragging rights.

As we approach June, anticipation builds. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach beckons as one of Kojima’s most enigmatic visions yet. New indies like MindsEye and FBC Firebreak look to push genre boundaries. And the Xbox Games Showcase looms large, with promises of sequels, remakes, and brand-new franchises.

So, what will June’s lists look like? Will Death Stranding 2 crack the top five on PS5? Will The Outer Worlds 2 or Hollow Knight: Silksong recontextualize how “indie” and “big studio” games compete? Only time—and, of course, our wallets—will tell. But if May taught us anything, it’s this: when a game is genuinely good, players will find a way to buy it—no matter which logo’s on the startup screen.