Saros

Saros is an upcoming action game developed by Housemarque, the studio renowned for its critically acclaimed sci-fi roguelike, Returnal. Set to release on PlayStation 5 in 2026, Saros promises a haunting and intense experience centered around a lost off-world colony on the mysterious planet Carcosa, perpetually shadowed by an ominous eclipse.

Players will step into the role of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer driven by an unwavering determination to find someone or something he has lost. The game aims to be an emotional and powerful character study, exploring the immense cost of forging a new future amidst a hostile and ever-changing environment. Actor Rahul Kohli, known for his roles in Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher, lends his talent to bring Arjun to life, promising a grounded and compelling performance.

While Saros shares some thematic similarities with Returnal, such as a hostile alien planet and a focus on intense third-person combat, Housemarque emphasizes that Saros is a new IP designed to evolve their signature gameplay-first approach. A key distinction lies in the implementation of permanent progression systems, making each death a valuable learning experience rather than a complete reset.

After each demise, players will find themselves in a transformed world, but unlike Returnal, they will have the opportunity to permanently upgrade their loadout. This involves selecting from a dynamic array of weaponry and suit improvements, allowing Arjun to "come back stronger" and better equipped to face the trials that await him on Carcosa. This permanent resource progression is a significant departure from Returnal's roguelike structure, where death meant starting almost entirely from scratch.

The narrative of Saros revolves around the mystery of the lost off-world colony on Carcosa. Players will unravel the haunting story as they explore the planet, encounter its strange inhabitants, and confront the forces that led to the colony's disappearance. Housemarque has hinted at a compelling cast of non-player characters (NPCs) who will play a role in Arjun's journey, promising to reveal more information about them in the future. The game appears to delve into themes of cosmic horror, as suggested by the planet's name, "Carcosa," a location often associated with unsettling and otherworldly narratives.

Saros is designed to push the boundaries of the PlayStation 5 hardware, promising stunning visuals, immersive audio, and a seamless gameplay experience. While specific gameplay details are still under wraps, Housemarque has confirmed that Saros will build upon the satisfying core combat mechanics introduced in Returnal, delivering intense third-person action with a focus on player skill and strategic decision-making.

The developers aim to strike a balance between challenge and accessibility, making Saros a less punishing experience than Returnal while still retaining the core elements that made their previous game so engaging. The permanent progression system is a key component of this approach, ensuring that players always feel like they are making progress, even in the face of defeat. By providing players with the tools to overcome obstacles and adapt to the changing world, Saros seeks to create a more rewarding and less frustrating gameplay loop.

Overall, Saros is shaping up to be a compelling action game that blends Housemarque's signature gameplay style with a haunting narrative, intriguing setting, and innovative progression systems. With its focus on character development, exploration, and intense combat, Saros aims to deliver a unique and unforgettable experience for PlayStation 5 players in 2026.