Housemarque's next title, Saros, a successor to the acclaimed 2022 roguelite shooter Returnal, is set to launch in 2026 exclusively for PlayStation 5, with enhanced features for the PS5 Pro.
Unveiled during the recent PlayStation State of Play, Saros retains the signature Housemarque style. Players assume the role of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer investigating a treacherous, ever-shifting planet shrouded in an eclipse and menaced by formidable entities. The game's atmosphere and overall feel strongly echo Returnal. The tagline "come back stronger" hints at the roguelike elements, while the fiery visuals showcase Housemarque's signature bullet-hell aesthetic.
Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the "ultimate evolution" of Housemarque's gameplay-focused approach. While a new single-player IP, it expands upon Returnal's engaging third-person action mechanics.
However, significant gameplay differences distinguish Saros from its predecessor. According to Louden on the PlayStation Blog, a core element is the introduction of persistent resources and progression. Although the game world dynamically alters upon player death, players will retain and permanently upgrade their weaponry and protective suits.
Further details and an extended gameplay preview are promised later this year. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the PlayStation State of Play, visit our recap.