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 distinctive Housemarque style. Players assume the role of Arjun Devraj, a Solatri enforcer investigating a volatile, ever-changing planet shrouded in eclipse and menaced by formidable entities. The game's emphasis on "coming back stronger" and its fiery, bullet-hell action sequences strongly suggest a roguelite experience reminiscent of Returnal.

Creative director Gregory Louden describes Saros as the pinnacle of Housemarque's gameplay-focused design philosophy. While a new single-player IP, it expands upon Returnal's third-person action mechanics.

However, Saros introduces significant gameplay differences. According to Louden's PlayStation Blog post, a key departure from Returnal lies in its system of permanent progression and resources. While the game world dynamically alters upon player death, players will retain and upgrade their weaponry and equipment permanently.

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