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

Housemarque unveils Saros, the highly anticipated successor to their 2022 hit, Returnal. Starring Rahul Kohli, Saros is slated for a 2026 release on PlayStation 5, with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.

Unveiled during the recent PlayStation State of Play, Saros carries the unmistakable Housemarque signature. Players step into the shoes of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer embarking on a perilous quest for answers on a volatile, ever-changing planet, shadowed by an eclipse and a formidable, colossal entity. The game's atmosphere strongly echoes Returnal, with the recurring phrase "come back stronger" hinting at its roguelike elements, and the fiery spectacle hinting at Housemarque's signature bullet-hell style.

Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-focused approach. While a new single-player IP, it builds upon the foundation of Returnal's third-person action.

However, Saros introduces key gameplay divergences from its predecessor. According to Louden's PlayStation Blog post, a significant difference lies in the implementation of permanent resources and progression. While the game world dynamically shifts upon player death, players will retain and permanently upgrade their weaponry and suits.

Housemarque promises a more extensive gameplay reveal later this year. For a comprehensive overview of the PlayStation State of Play announcements, check out our complete recap.