Housemarque is back! Saros was the biggest reveal of the latest State of Play Showcase.
The upcoming sci-fi action game is the next outing for Housemarque. While a Returnal sequel is likely, Saros is not that. Instead, Saros is a brand-new IP set on a dangerous planet as it experiences an unexpected eclipse. We have a few details about the developer’s next entry, but most of it does seem to be being kept close to the chest. What do we know so far?
When is Saros coming out?
Saros is slated for a 2026 release according to the announcement trailer. As this year progresses, we will receive a more concrete release date. Its development doesn’t seem to be experiencing any issues, so the likelihood of the 2026 release window being moved back is extremely low. Housemarque don’t often experience delays in development but if and when they do, they are very vocal and communicable with players.
Which consoles will Saros be available for?
As the title was unveiled at the PlayStation Showcase, it is unlikely that we will see the game release on any other console but the PS5 and PS5 Pro. As time goes on, however, it is highly likely that the game will be ported over onto PC as we saw with Returnal.
What is Saros about?
Unveiled February’s State Of Play, the trailer shows Soltari Enforcer, Arjun Devraj, on the planet Carcosa. The trailer depicts them looking out over a still water body, a grotesque creature with multiple hands emerges from the body, and Arjun readies his gun before the title card for the game appears. As a long-time sci-fi fan, I am intrigued by this trailer, especially considering what we know Housemarque are capable of.
According to Housemarque’s website, Saros follows the “haunting story of a lost off-world colony on Carcosa under an ominous eclipse”.
Throughout the game, you play as Arjun Devraj. Arjun is a powerful Soltari Enforcer who is searching for something(or someone). Unfortunately, it appears he is stuck in a time loop.
In the trailer, Arjun, voiced by Rahul Kohli (of Midnight Mass and iZombie fame), says: “Everytime the sun dies, madness reigns. Then everything begins again. But after every death, I always come back stronger.” A creature emerges from the ocean in front of him and as it does, Arjun says directly to an (as-yet) unknown being: “I know that you are here, and I will find you.”
Arjun’s quest seems to be one of recovery/rescue but at this time, we have no further details. Housemarque has said that further information about the game’s NPC cast and narrative will become available in the future.
What’s it like?
On the face of it, Saros is an action game. The narrative will see the player living out innumerable multiple days on the planet of Carcosa. The gameplay details revealed so far highlight a departure from the familiarity of Returnal.
Creative director Gregory Louden said at the last PS State of Play showcase: “Saros is the ultimate evolution of the Housemarque gameplay-first experience.” Unlike Returnal, Saros features permanent resource progression. Each time you regenerate from the previous death, you are able to upgrade your suit and loadout components. These will in turn make Arjun stronger and more resilient.
The focus seems to be Souls-like in its presentation, with every death teaching a valuable lesson and offering, otherwise, unavailable upgrade options.
Can I pre-order Saros?
Usually one to dissuade from pre-orders as they tend to breed complacency, I would baulk at this question. However, Housemarque, have proven themselves time and time again to be a developer like no other. Unfortunately however, I am not able to disclose any details regarding an advance purchase of the game, because -as of yet – it is not available for preorder.
More information will be forthcoming in the following months, but for now this is all we know. In the meantime, why not check out the developer’s back catalogue?
