Saros Is Housemarque’s Successor to Returnal, Arriving in 2026

Housemarque has unveiled Saros, the much-anticipated successor to their 2022 roguelite hit, Returnal. This new title, set to launch in 2026 exclusively for PlayStation 5 and optimized for the PS5 Pro, was showcased during the recent PlayStation State of Play event. Starring Rahul Kohli, Saros introduces players to Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer on a quest for truth on a mysterious, ever-changing planet overshadowed by an eclipse and home to at least one formidable entity.

The game's aesthetic and thematic elements strongly echo Returnal's style, with phrases like "come back stronger" hinting at its roguelite nature, and the visual spectacle of spreading fireballs reflecting Housemarque's penchant for bullet-hell challenges. Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-centric approach, emphasizing a new single-player experience that builds upon Returnal's third-person action foundation.

While Saros shares DNA with Returnal, it introduces a significant gameplay divergence. According to Louden's insights on the PlayStation Blog, Saros allows players to permanently upgrade their arsenal of weapons and suits, despite the world altering upon death. This mechanic promises to add a new layer of strategy and progression to the game.

Fans can look forward to a more in-depth look at Saros's gameplay later this year, as Housemarque plans to release an extended gameplay demonstration. For those eager to catch up on all the announcements from the PlayStation State of Play, a comprehensive recap is available [ttpp].