Saros is a new sci-fi action-driven adventure from Housemarque, the creators behind 2021's Returnal. The new single-player IP was first revealed during the February State of Play 2025 showcase, and in the last few months, we've since gotten to see a ton more of the new game and even played the first three hours of the game for ourselves.
So far, we've gotten updates from the dev team via PlayStation blogs, gameplay clips (thanks to the likes of the PlayStation State of Play September 2025 showcase), a deep story breakdown that has me particularly excited, and to speak with some of the developers about tackling this long-awaited spiritual successor to Returnal. Set to see us take on the role of a Soltari Enforcer known as Arjun Devraj, we can expect to explore a haunting, emotional story as we navigate the curious shape-shifting planet of Carcosa. While it's not a direct sequel to Returnal, it is setting out to build on the action and mysterious storytelling the studio has brought us before, with roguelike elements that will see us try out various runs.
There's a lot to keep track of, and that's why I decided to create an easy overview of all the most important and latest news surrounding what looks to be one of the best roguelike games in recent times. To learn more about the upcoming PS5 game (which will also be among the lineup of PS5 Pro-enhanced games), read on below as we guide you through everything you need to know about Saros.
Saros release date
The Saros release date is now due on April 30, 2026, for PS5 and PS5 Pro.
Initially, we expected the game to come out on March 20, 2026 (as Housemarque revealed during the September 2025 State of Play). However, during the 2025 Game Awards, the new release date was announced along with a brand new pre-order trailer. While the game is slightly delayed, we are still very excited to get our hands on it!
While you wait for Saros' arrival, you can head over to our list of the best space games to play today to get your sci-fi fix.
Saros platforms
So far, the only platforms confirmed for Saros are PS5 and PS5 Pro.
That's right, it looks like we have another PS5 exclusive on our hands! While some PS5 exclusives have eventually made their way to PC, such as Death Stranding and The Last of Us, we're still uncertain if we can expect to see Saros get the same treatment.
It may become another Bloodborne, which still hasn't made a PC appearance for years now. Returnal did come to PC, so hopefully Housemarque's new game also follows suit.
Saros trailer
The first cinematic trailer for Saros was shown during the February 2025 PlayStation State of Play showcase, and we're super intrigued by its brutal premise. In the clip, we see Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer, on the planet Carcosa. Looking out across a still ocean, a creature with multiple hands emerges in front of an ominous eclipse while Arjun gets his gun ready before the trailer cuts to the game's title card. It's a great mood-setter that keeps Saros mysterious.
The following trailer at The Game Awards once again emphasized the importance of Carcosa's Eclipses, while giving us a look at the fast-paced bullet hell roguelike gameplay Arjun will be tackling, dodging barraging of enemy shots while also using a new shield mechanic to absorb some of the attacks. Arjun isn't the only survivor of the Soltari shipwreck, either – but with personal stakes in tracking down the lost Carcosian colony, the cycle of life-and-death he's trapped in clearly has him on edge.
The gameplay overview trailer goes into deeper detail on the gameplay loop, focusing on how Saros has evolved on Returnal's similar mechanics. It highlights the "come back stronger" feature that has Arjun able to grow more powerful between runs, and the "Eclipse" that alters each biome he fights through to have stronger enemies and upgrades at greater risk.
Saros setting and story
According to Housemarque's website, Saros follows the "haunting story of a lost off-world colony on Carcosa under an ominous eclipse." You'll play as Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer who is desperately searching for someone in particular. The problem is that time on the "shape-shifting planet" is also messed up. While he might be away from his crew's base of operations for a short time on each run, days may pass for his coworkers.
In the cinematic trailer, we hear Arjun's actor, Rahul Kohli (of Midnight Mass fame), say the lines: "Every time the sun dies, madness reigns. Then everything begins again. But after every death, I always come back stronger." As a monster emerges in the teaser, Arjun then says a very clear message to an unknown person. "I know that you are here, and I will find you."
There's life on Carcosa, but it's home to a fallen civilization, with plenty of lore that Arjun can uncover if you stop to explore. Learning more about the Cult of the Eclipse that was core to Carcosian way of life. Murals, audio logs, and more will add dimension to the mysteries, while also leaving some room for interpretation. Arjun isn't alone, and speaking with crew members at his operating base and beyond can also add depth to the understanding of the story as he explores.
Saros gameplay
Described as "gameplay first" by Housemarque, this is where Saros really sings. With a similar structure to Returnal, this is a third-person shooter action roguelike that has Arjun setting out across multiple days to push deeper into Carcosa across multiple biomes. While he can power up between runs, Arjun loses gear upgrades and power-ups between each expedition, and the handcrafted chunks of levels are re-assembled and randomized through each run.
Saros' definitive power is the defensive Soltari Shield, which can be used by holding R1 to protect Arjun from damage, while also absorbing certain projectiles to convert back into power. Fully holding down the L2 adaptive trigger when overcharged allows the use of a special power weapon as well. Using the shield uses up energy, but sucking in enemy bullets can charge it up more than the amount used, which is how you get to use those powerful, overcharged shots. Blue enemy bullets can be safely sucked up, but corrupted yellow bullets will temporarily reduce Arjun's maximum armor to do so – restored and purged once you actually use the energy for a blast.
Like in Returnal, you'll be uncovering more powerful gear as you progress. Exploration is clearly marked, so you can focus on moving towards the main objective or exploring small side areas to get your mitts on further upgrades. Stats can be boosted, and different guns and power weapons acquired, across both Soltari and Carcosian in origin. Guns have alt-fire modes, from a shotgun that can be altered between a horizontal or vertical spread, or a high-impact pistol that can remove its auto-fire in exchange for removing the fire-rate cap – just mash that fire button.
All of the above is modified by The Eclipse, a world state you can activate partway through each biome (exactly when varies from level to level). This lunar phenomenon breathes new life into each area, such as a quiet, dead factory whirring to life, pistons opening up new paths and activated lasers adding new dangers. During the Eclipse is when enemies mix in corrupted bullets. It also means Arjun can find more powerful drops across weapons or stat boosters, but often with a cost – such as introducing fall damage or weakening him when he remains stationary too long.
Where Returnal featured very long runs each time, with little time to catch your breath, Saros is designed around 30-minute long play sessions. You can return to The Passage homebase for upgrades after each area, and also teleport directly to later zones (though you can still run them back-to-back if you want). It's also been teased that you will be able to further customize your starting loadout later on.
During the first February PlayStation State of Play showcase, Louden explained that "Saros is the ultimate evolution of the Housemarque gameplay-first experience." While the game "builds" on Returnal's action, it will offer more long-term progression systems, which we got a hint of with the Second Chance ability that's tied to its permanent progression system. This allows you to permanently upgrade your loadout and parts of your suit, and you'll keep those upgrades even should you fail, making Arjun stronger with every run.
Can you pre-order Saros?
Yes! The good news is that Saros pre-orders are now live. This update came our way on December 11, 2025, during The Game Awards, and we are already seeing fans race to grab their wallets.
The standard edition for the game is going for $69.99/£69.99, while the deluxe edition will cost you $79.99/£79.99. If you pick up the deluxe edition, you'll get the game along with a bunch of goodies such as several armour sets and 48 hours of early access before the official release date.
For more upcoming titles, check out our lists of all the new PC games and upcoming Xbox Series X games in the works.
