Don’t blame yourself if you haven’t kept track of the major May video games. With The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom inbound, it’s hard to see the video game woods past the bokoblin-ridden trees. But while, yes, we are gleefully excited to try Link’s next outing, there are also plenty of other interesting releases on the way this month. So pack away that green tunic for now, because here come the biggest video games of May 2023, and all of them are looking to steal time from your Hyrulean adventures.
The biggest video games of May 2023
© Nintendo
Redfall (PC, Xbox Series X/S)
Release date: May 3
The vampiric gods have descended upon the island town of Redfall. Its people are now dead, blood bags to feed their masters, zealous cultists desperate to be converted, or arrogant vampires themselves. With the sun permanently smothered, Redfall is in need of help. That’s where your team of weird and characterful cryptid hunters comes in. This open-world, co-op first-person shooter blends tricks from Arkane’s other series into a looter shooter in which the stakes aren’t just high but many. Choose from one of four characters with unique skills and weapons as you fight back against the fanged threat.
Ravenlok (PC, Xbox)
Release date: May 5
A magical mirror has transported young heroine Ravenlok to a world of fairytale adventure and a story in which she’ll take center stage. This action RPG features a uniquely entrancing visual style described as a “3D pixel art aesthetic with a cinematic touch”. Battle monsters and bosses working for the tyrannical queen as you befriend unusual creatures and rescue the land from unjust rule.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)
Release date: May 12
It’s the sequel to Breath of the Wild. Need we really write more? Oh, go on then. Link returns to the open world of Hyrule, but this time there are mysterious sky islands to explore. Ganondorf is back too, and our hero will need to make use of new Zonai powers like the ability to rewind time for some objects or a new crafting system which lets him stick items together to build entertaining weapons and machines. Yeah, we’re just as excited as you to dive in.
LEGO 2K Drive (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
Release date: May 16
Put pedal to the, well, bricks in this new open-world LEGO racer. Your car is capable of transforming on the fly so you can tear across land, water, and beyond in the playground of Brickland. You’ll be able to make your ride your own by slapping together bricks in the garage before hopping in to give it a test drive. The story mode sees you rising from rookie racer to champion, but you can also explore freely in solo play, online multiplayer, and even split-screen co-op!
Amnesia: The Bunker
Release date: May 16
Oh no, not again. Developer Frictional Games is back with another harrowing tale of terror and torment. This time the story takes place in a World War 1 bunker, where a French soldier faces a desperate bid for survival. You’ll be hunted by a reactive and ever-present threat with unpredictable behavior that makes each playthrough unique. Scavenge limited supplies to keep the lights on and the noise down to avoid detection. The Bunker promises a semi-open world with multiple possible solutions to the difference puzzles and problems you’ll face.
After Us (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
Release date: May 23
This platforming adventure casts you as Gaia, a young spirit tasked with revitalizing a world ravaged by human overexploitation of natural resources. Grant the world a second chance as you salvage the souls of animals to return them to your ark. On her journey, Gaia will learn the human actions which led to such devastation, clear the toxic oil choking the land, and face terrifying Devourers which hunger to consume all life.
Warhammer 40K: Boltgun (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
Release date: May 23
The relentless conflict of the 40K universe pays homage to the past in this ‘90s-inspired retro-style FPS. Blast demons and cultists into pixelated pulp with your titular boltgun as you head into battle. The game promises “frenetic” gameplay with “visceral combat” and “buckets of blood.” A good combo, if you ask us.
Bread & Fred (PC)
Release date: May 23
Penguins may not be able to fly, but thanks to the power of teamwork they can certainly climb! Pair up with a pal to scale a snowy summit in this cooperative 2D physics-based platformer. You and your teammate are tied together. Time your swings and jumps to build up momentum and leap between platforms. Get it right and you might make it to a checkpoint. Get it wrong and you’ll tumble all the way back down. It sounds ideal for couch co-op sessions, but you can also play solo with a reliable rock as your partner. A console version is on the way at a later date.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
Release date: May 25
Gollum has lost his Precious, and he wants it back. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum tells the tale of one of Tolkien’s most tragic characters. The once-hobbit will need to travel across the lands of Middle Earth and outwit creatures far more powerful as he tracks the One Ring. Stealth-based exploration promises to pair with difficult decisions as Gollum and Smeagol’s natures wrestle within his mind.
Got any other March games you’re looking forward to? Share them with us so we can get in on the action! Whenever we manage to pull ourselves away from Zelda, that is.
