Housemarque, the Finnish studio renowned for its mastery of arcade-inspired action games like Returnal and Resogun, is taking a bold leap into new territory with its latest project—Saros. Announced during the February 2025 PlayStation State of Play, Saros promises to be more than just another sci-fi shooter. It’s a narrative-rich, atmospheric action game that merges Housemarque’s signature combat style with deep world-building and a fresh approach to player progression.
Set for release in 2026 as a PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro exclusive, Saros is already one of the most talked-about reveals of the year.
A New Era for Housemarque on Its 30th Anniversary
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Housemarque is using Saros as a statement piece—proof that the studio isn’t afraid to evolve. Known for its high-octane, bullet-hell experiences, Housemarque redefined itself with 2021’s Returnal, which combined intense combat with a haunting, time-loop narrative. Saros takes this evolution a step further, shifting away from the roguelike genre and embracing a more traditional—but still dynamic—progression system.
This change marks a significant moment for the studio. After the massive success of Returnal, which won a BAFTA for Best Game and was praised for its risk-taking design, expectations for Saros are sky-high. And based on what we’ve seen so far, Housemarque is ready to deliver.
Welcome to Carcosa: A World Caught in Eternal Eclipse
The cinematic reveal trailer thrusts viewers into Saros’ haunting setting—the planet Carcosa, a name that sci-fi and horror fans will recognize from literature and pop culture, from Ambrose Bierce’s An Inhabitant of Carcosa to its eerie references in True Detective. In Housemarque’s vision, Carcosa is a sprawling off-world colony, long-abandoned and now locked in a state of perpetual twilight beneath a never-ending eclipse.
This isn’t just window dressing. The eclipse influences both the gameplay and the narrative. In Saros, light is more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a core mechanic. Players will need to navigate the shadows carefully, using limited sources of illumination to reveal hidden paths, avoid dangers, and solve environmental puzzles. The constant darkness adds a layer of tension reminiscent of horror games like Alan Wake 2, where light becomes both a tool and a weapon.
At the heart of the story is Arjun Devraj, a Soltari Enforcer brought to life by Rahul Kohli (Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Bly Manor). Known for his dynamic performances and deep connection to the gaming community, Kohli brings emotional depth to Arjun, who’s not just another hardened space marine. The trailer hints at themes of isolation, loss, and redemption, setting the stage for a narrative that dives deep into the psychological struggles of its protagonist.
Death Isn’t the End—It’s Evolution
One of Saros’ standout features is its departure from the roguelike mechanics of Returnal. Instead, Housemarque introduces a permanent progression system, addressing one of the most divisive elements of Returnal—its punishing loop that forced players to start over completely after each death.
In Saros, death is still part of the gameplay, but with a twist: each death reshapes the world, altering the environment and enemy behaviors while preserving the player’s weapons, suit upgrades, and abilities. It’s a hybrid approach, blending the evolving landscapes of games like Dead Cells with the character growth found in more traditional action RPGs.
The trailer teases this mechanic subtly—flashes of Carcosa’s changing terrain, new enemy types emerging from the shadows, and Arjun’s suit evolving with new augmentations. It’s a system that encourages players to take risks, knowing that every setback brings the chance to come back stronger.
Cinematic Storytelling Meets Classic Housemarque Action
Visually, Saros is a showpiece for what the PS5 and PS5 Pro can do. The trailer showcases detailed alien architecture, dense foliage swaying under dark winds, and ethereal lighting effects that cut through the gloom. Housemarque is leveraging ray tracing, advanced particle systems, and adaptive trigger feedback to make the world feel tactile and alive.
But the real hook is how Saros blends its cinematic storytelling with the studio’s signature action gameplay. The bullet-hell DNA is still here—tight combat, screen-filling projectiles, and quick reflexes remain key—but it’s now layered within larger, open environments, encouraging exploration and strategic thinking.
Musically, the trailer’s haunting score echoes the atmospheric brilliance of Returnal while adding tribal drums and choral arrangements, giving Carcosa a distinct, alien identity. Fans of Dead Space and Mass Effect will feel right at home with the mix of isolation and grand sci-fi adventure.
How Saros Fits into PlayStation’s 2026 Lineup
Sony’s 2026 lineup is already looking stacked, with Ghost of Tsushima 2 and Marvel’s Wolverine on the horizon, but Saros is carving its own niche as the dark horse—an atmospheric, combat-heavy narrative that could become the next cult classic.
Its release timing is strategic, aligning with the full rollout of the PS5 Pro. Housemarque has confirmed that Saros will include enhanced graphical features for the new hardware, promising 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and deeper draw distances. For players still on the base PS5, the experience will remain optimized, but the PS5 Pro promises added visual fidelity and smoother performance.
The Verdict: Why Saros Deserves Your Attention
While the Saros trailer leaves plenty of questions unanswered, it successfully sets the tone for what could be Housemarque’s most ambitious game yet. It’s a departure from the fast-paced arcade shooters the studio is known for, but it carries forward their passion for dynamic gameplay while embracing more narrative depth and player agency.
The blend of atmospheric exploration, refined combat mechanics, and a permanent progression system positions Saros as a unique offering in the PS5’s growing library. It’s also a testament to Housemarque’s willingness to evolve, pushing beyond their comfort zone without abandoning the core elements that made them a fan-favorite developer.
If you haven’t watched the cinematic reveal trailer yet, do yourself a favor and check it out here. With its haunting visuals, intriguing premise, and promise of gameplay innovation, Saros is already one of the most compelling titles to keep an eye on for 2026.
The eclipse over Carcosa might be endless—but the wait for Saros won’t be.
Key Takeaways
- Saros launches in 2026 exclusively for PS5 with PS5 Pro enhancements
- Housemarque’s new IP features Rahul Kohli and takes place on planet Carcosa
- The game builds on the studio’s signature action-packed, bullet-hell combat style
Revealing Saros: A New Sci-Fi Adventure
Housemarque’s latest project Saros takes players to the enigmatic planet Carcosa in 2026, featuring a powerful protagonist named Arjun Devraj on a mission as a Soltari Enforcer.
Housemarque’s Creative Vision
Saros marks a new direction for Housemarque after their success with Returnal. The studio continues their signature arcade-style action gameplay while introducing fresh mechanics and storytelling elements.
The game promises a more accessible experience compared to Returnal’s challenging roguelike structure. This design choice aims to welcome new players while maintaining the studio’s reputation for intense action sequences.
PlayStation showcased Saros during their State of Play presentation with a cinematic trailer that highlighted the game’s sci-fi atmosphere and action elements.
Carcosa: The Mysterious Setting
The game takes place on Carcosa, a planet shrouded in mystery. An ominous eclipse looms over this lost off-world colony, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the story.
Players step into the role of Arjun Devraj, a Soltari Enforcer. His mission centers on finding someone important on this dangerous world.
The environment combines advanced technology with otherworldly elements, creating a distinct visual style that sets it apart from typical sci-fi settings.
Anticipated Release and Platform Availability
Saros will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 in 2026. The timing suggests potential optimization for the PS5 Pro.
The development team is using the extra time to polish the game’s systems and ensure a smooth technical performance on the PS5 hardware.
The 2026 release window places Saros in a strategic position as one of PlayStation’s major new IPs for that year.
Gameplay Mechanics & Evolution
Saros builds upon Housemarque’s signature arcade-style combat with new third-person action mechanics and sophisticated roguelite systems. The game introduces enhanced bullet-hell elements and permanent progression features that set it apart from traditional shooters.
Gameplay Distinction and Combat Features
Players control Arjun Devraj, a Soltari Enforcer equipped with advanced combat abilities. The game features precise twin-stick shooting mechanics combined with fluid third-person movement.
Combat integrates bullet-hell patterns with tactical positioning. Players must navigate through intricate enemy attack sequences while managing their own firepower.
The weapon system includes multiple primary and secondary weapons that can be switched mid-combat. Each weapon has unique firing patterns and special abilities.
Progression and Roguelite Elements
Players collect permanent resources during each run that unlock new suit upgrades and weapon modifications. These improvements remain available even after death.
The loadout system lets players customize their approach before each mission. New equipment and abilities become accessible as players advance through the game.
Suit upgrades modify core abilities like movement speed, shield capacity, and special weapon effectiveness. Players can respec their builds to try different combat strategies.
Challenges and Replayability
Dynamic enemy patterns and procedurally generated combat encounters ensure each playthrough feels fresh. The difficulty scales with player progression.
The game features multiple paths through each area, encouraging exploration and different tactical approaches. Secret areas reward thorough investigation.
Elite enemies and boss battles test players’ mastery of combat mechanics. These encounters require precise timing and strategic use of abilities.
Players can unlock additional challenge modes that modify game rules and enemy behavior for increased difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saros brings new gameplay elements to PS5 while building on Housemarque’s signature action-focused design philosophy. Players step into the role of Soltari Enforcer Arjun Devraj on the mysterious colony planet of Carcosa.
What are the key features of Saros by Housemarque?
Saros features a sci-fi action story centered on Arjun Devraj, portrayed by actor Rahul Kohli. The game takes place on Carcosa, an off-world colony with hidden secrets.
The game incorporates Housemarque’s signature action-focused design philosophy with new gameplay mechanics.
What platforms will Saros be available on upon release?
Saros will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5. The game includes specific optimizations for PS5 Pro hardware.
Has Housemarque released any teasers or gameplay trailers for Saros?
Sony and Housemarque have released an announcement trailer introducing the game’s setting and main character. No extended gameplay footage has been shown yet.
Will Saros include multiplayer or cooperative gameplay modes?
No official information about multiplayer or cooperative features has been announced for Saros at this time.
How does Saros gameplay compare to that of Returnal?
Saros represents a new IP separate from Returnal. While specific gameplay details remain limited, the game builds upon Housemarque’s experience with action-focused game design.
The studio aims to create a distinct experience that stands apart from their previous works.
Are there any special editions or pre-order bonuses announced for Saros?
No special editions or pre-order incentives have been announced for Saros yet. The game’s 2026 release date suggests these details will come closer to launch.
