Housemarque, the PlayStation-owned studio that developed the critically acclaimed sci-fi roguelike Returnal, has officially announced its next game, Saros. The new shooter is set to launch on PS5 and PS5 Pro in 2026, and promises to deliver a haunting story, deep third-person action, and a unique gameplay experience.

According to the game's reveal trailer, Saros takes place on the planet Carcosa, where players will assume the role of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer searching for answers on a lost off-world colony. The game's narrative is shrouded in mystery, with an ominous eclipse looming over the planet, setting the tone for a thrilling and unsettling adventure.

One of the key features that sets Saros apart from its predecessor, Returnal, is its permanent progression system. In Saros, every death will reshape the world, offering new upgrades and opportunities to overcome challenges. This mechanic allows players to choose and permanently upgrade their loadout from an evolving set of weapons and suit upgrades, making every death valuable and allowing players to "come back stronger" to face the challenges on Carcosa.

In a blog post, Housemarque's Gregory Louden provided additional insight into the game's design, highlighting the importance of permanent resources and progression. This approach marks a significant departure from Returnal's more traditional roguelike gameplay, and suggests that Saros will offer a more dynamic and responsive experience.

As a fan of Returnal, the news of Saros is undoubtedly exciting. With Housemarque's proven track record of delivering engaging and visually stunning games, expectations are high for Saros. The game's unique blend of sci-fi elements, haunting narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics makes it a highly anticipated title in the gaming community.

The announcement of Saros is a significant development in the gaming industry, particularly for fans of sci-fi shooters and roguelike games. With its 2026 release date, Saros is likely to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, and will undoubtedly be a major player in the gaming landscape.

As more information becomes available, it will be interesting to see how Saros builds upon the success of Returnal, and how Housemarque's innovative gameplay mechanics will shape the gaming experience. For now, fans can eagerly anticipate the release of Saros, and look forward to exploring the haunting world of Carcosa.