Saros: Housemarque's New Game Post-Returnal, Set for 2026

Housemarque has unveiled Saros, the much-anticipated sequel to their 2022 roguelite shooter, Returnal. Featuring Rahul Kohli, Saros is slated for a 2026 release on PlayStation 5, with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.

The announcement came during the recent PlayStation State of Play event, and Saros distinctly bears the hallmark of a Housemarque production. Players will step into the shoes of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer on a quest for answers on a treacherous, ever-changing planet. This planet is shrouded in mystery, haunted by an eclipse and dominated by at least one formidable entity. The thematic essence and the phrase "come back stronger" hint strongly at its roguelike nature, while the visual spectacle of cascading fireballs is a nod to Housemarque's signature bullet-hell style.

Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-centric approach. Although a new single-player IP, it builds upon the third-person action framework established by Returnal. However, Saros introduces a significant gameplay divergence with its system of permanent resources and progression. While the world of Saros shifts upon the player's death, players can now permanently enhance their weapons and suits, adding a new layer of strategy and progression to the experience.

Fans can look forward to more details later this year, as Housemarque plans to showcase an extended gameplay demonstration.

To catch up on all the exciting reveals from the PlayStation State of Play, make sure to visit our comprehensive recap [ttpp].