Housemarque's New Roguelike “Saros” Unveiled for PS5

Dive into the Bullet-Hell: Saros Arrives on PS5 in 2026

Housemarque's New Creation: An Evolution of Roguelike Gaming

During a recent State of Play broadcast, developer Housemarque, in partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment, offered an extensive preview of its forthcoming game, Saros. Scheduled for release next year, this title continues the studio's tradition of bullet-hell roguelike experiences, akin to their previous hit, Returnal. Players can anticipate its launch on March 20, 2026, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.

Exploring Gameplay and Character Abilities in Saros

The latest trailer showcased the protagonist, Arjun Devraj, portrayed by actor Rahul Kohli, engaging in intense battles against various robotic and formidable foes on the mysterious planet Carcosa. Arjun will wield a Soltari Shield, a crucial ability designed to protect him and absorb incoming enemy projectiles, proving indispensable in the game's bullet-hell scenarios. Additionally, his Second Chance ability will grant him a revival after his initial defeat, ensuring that players' runs are not prematurely cut short. The game will also ingeniously utilize the DualSense controller's adaptive triggers, offering enhanced gunplay and "eclipse-driven weaponry" for a truly immersive combat experience.

Bridging Accessibility: Saros vs. Returnal

Housemarque has characterized Saros as the pinnacle of its "gameplay-first experience," as articulated on the PlayStation Blog during its initial announcement. A key aspect of this evolution is a deliberate move towards greater accessibility. A notable distinction from Returnal lies in Saros's implementation of permanent upgrades for Arjun between consecutive runs. Players will have the opportunity to continuously enhance Arjun's suit and weapons, suggesting that Saros might offer a more forgiving and approachable experience than its predecessor, without sacrificing the core challenge.

Returnal's Legacy and Impact on Next-Gen Gaming

Returnal, released early in the PlayStation 5's lifecycle, captivated players with its immersive "next-gen" features. As astronaut Selene, players navigated a hostile alien world, experiencing the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and ray tracing effects that truly brought the environment to life. The game further expanded its offerings in 2022 with a complimentary Ascension update, introducing a co-op mode and the challenging, endless Tower of Sisyphus mode, enhancing its replayability and community engagement.

Anticipating the Launch: Saros on PlayStation 5

The highly anticipated release of Saros is set for March 20, 2026, exclusively on the PlayStation 5, promising a new chapter in Housemarque's celebrated roguelike saga.