Table of Contents
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have a rapidly closing window to experience one of 2019's most acclaimed titles. Remedy Entertainment's Control Ultimate Edition is officially scheduled to leave the subscription service's game catalog on May 19. Available for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users, this departure removes a highly regarded Game of the Year contender from the library, meaning players who haven't yet explored the Federal Bureau of Control need to start their downloads immediately.
Originally released in August 2019, the supernatural action-adventure game earned a Metacritic score ranging from 82 to 85 and secured eight nominations at The Game Awards, ultimately winning Best Art Direction. The version currently available on PS Plus is the Ultimate Edition, which normally retails for $40 on the PlayStation Store and includes both of the game's post-launch expansions. It currently holds a strong 4.38 out of 5 user rating on the digital storefront.
Time Commitment and Playthrough Strategy
With the May 19 deadline approaching, subscribers need to manage their playtime efficiently. A standard playthrough focusing strictly on the main storyline takes approximately 10 to 15 hours to complete. For completionists looking to tackle side missions and explore the expansions included in the Ultimate Edition, the total playtime extends to around 25 hours. Players who can only dedicate a few hours a week to gaming should prioritize the main campaign to ensure they reach the credits before the game is delisted from the service.
The Expanding Remedy Universe
Control is no longer just a standalone sci-fi experiment; it serves as a foundational pillar for the broader Remedy Connected Universe, sharing deep narrative ties with the Alan Wake franchise. The series expanded recently with the 2025 multiplayer spin-off FBC: Firebreak, though that title struggled critically and commercially, becoming one of the notable flops of last year. However, anticipation remains high for the mainline sequel, Control Resonant, which is slated for release later this year.
The Strategic Timing of Catalog Rotations
The removal of Control Ultimate Edition from PlayStation Plus aligns perfectly with standard subscription catalog lifecycles, but the timing carries extra weight this year. With Control Resonant scheduled to launch in 2026, pulling the original game from the free tier is a calculated move. It forces players who discover the franchise late to purchase the $40 Ultimate Edition outright if they want to catch up on the lore before the sequel drops. For Sony and Remedy, this rotation maximizes late-stage sales of a seven-year-old game while simultaneously building hype for the next major installment.
