Gaming enthusiasts, mark your calendars. The highly anticipated next title from Finnish studio Housemarque, Saros, finally has a confirmed release date. The game, revealed earlier this year, is poised to be one of the standout releases of 2026 and is being touted as a spiritual successor to the acclaimed 2021 roguelike, Returnal.
Saros Release Date and Platform Availability
The developers have locked in March 20, 2026, as the day players can dive into the mysterious world of Saros. At launch, the game will be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, available solely on Sony's current-generation console. This strategy mirrors the initial release of Returnal, which later saw a PC port. Following that pattern, industry observers speculate that Saros could potentially make its way to PC platforms around 2027 or 2028.
Story, Setting, and a Star-Studded Protagonist
Saros transports players to the lost off-world colony of Carcosa, a place perpetually haunted by an ominous eclipse. You will step into the boots of Arjun Devraj, a Soltari Enforcer on a critical mission to find a crucial person. Adding a layer of recognition for fans, Arjun Devraj is portrayed through the performance and likeness of the talented actor Rahul Kohli, renowned for his roles in 'iZombie' and 'Midnight Mass'. The world is filled with ancient Soltari ruins and terrifying enemies, with some designs drawing direct inspiration from Hindu mythology, promising a unique aesthetic blend.
Evolving the Returnal Gameplay Formula
While Saros maintains the intense, fast-paced third-person action that defined Returnal, it introduces a significant refinement to its roguelite core. Unlike the punishing cycle of its predecessor, protagonist Devraj will retain permanent upgrades and resources after death. This key change is designed to ensure players make meaningful progress with each attempt and return to the fight stronger, smoothing the difficulty curve while preserving the challenge.
The recent gameplay trailer showcased a suite of new combat abilities. A highlight is the Soltari shield, which not only blocks incoming attacks but can also absorb enemy projectiles to charge up devastating explosive bursts from Devraj's power weapon. Exploration will also be rewarded, as scattered Soltari holologs (data caches) will help players piece together the rich and tragic history of Carcosa.
With its compelling setting, recognizable lead, and smart evolution of a winning formula, Saros has successfully built substantial anticipation. All eyes are now on March 2026 to see if Housemarque can deliver another genre-defining experience.
