Saros Revealed: The Successor to Returnal Embraces “Permanent Progression”

For many gamers, “Returnal” stands as one of the defining titles of the PlayStation 5. Its blend of relentless third-person bullet hell action and a cryptic, haunting narrative was a masterclass in challenging, arcade-style gameplay. However, for some, the punishing roguelike loop—where death meant losing almost all progress—was a point of frustration. Now, Housemarque is back with its spiritual successor, “Saros,” and it promises to address that very concern by introducing a new “permanent progression” system, making every death feel valuable.

The new game, which was officially revealed with its first gameplay trailer during a recent PlayStation State of Play, looks like a natural evolution of “Returnal’s” DNA. Set for release on March 20, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and with enhancements for the PlayStation 5 Pro, “Saros” is not just a retread of old ideas. It’s a re-imagination of the roguelike formula with a focus on making the player feel like they are always moving forward, even after a fatal run.

A New World, A New Hero, and a Clear Path to Growth

In “Saros,” players will take on the role of Arjun Devraj, a Soltari enforcer on a lost colony world called Carcosa. As he navigates this shape-shifting alien planet, he must contend with hostile creatures and a mysterious, perpetual eclipse. While the core gameplay of dodging, dashing, and shooting will feel familiar to “Returnal” veterans, the new game adds a suite of mechanics designed to ease the frustration of losing a great run.

The “permanent progression” is at the heart of this new design philosophy. Creative Director Gregory Louden explained that this system will allow players to “always come back stronger.” This includes the ability to permanently upgrade Arjun’s advanced combat suit and abilities, as well as an “evolving set of weapons.” The game also introduces a “Second Chance” system, which gives the player a one-time revive per run, offering a valuable safety net for those high-stakes encounters. This change is a welcome one for players who have a limited amount of time to play, as it ensures that their time invested will always result in a tangible reward.

• The Soltari Shield: A new mechanic that allows players to absorb enemy projectiles by holding a button. This absorbed energy can then be used to power a new “Carcosan Power Weapon,” a high-damage ultimate attack.
• A New Arsenal: Players will be able to choose their loadout at the start of each run from a mix of human and alien weaponry, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.
• Deeper Narrative: “Saros” is set to have a more cinematic and character-driven story than “Returnal,” with a larger cast of characters, extensive voice acting, and more prominent lore to discover.

The budget for “Saros” is reportedly in the tens of millions of Euros, a clear sign of the confidence Sony has in Housemarque’s ability to create a new flagship franchise. The developers have stated that the game’s development was only made possible thanks to their acquisition by Sony in 2021, and the added resources have allowed them to be more ambitious in their vision. The game’s stunning visuals, fast-paced action, and new permanent progression systems are all reasons to be excited. “Saros” is a game that promises to deliver the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a roguelike with a more rewarding and player-friendly experience, making it a must-buy for any fan of the genre.