Saros: Housemarque’s Ambitious Leap into a Darker, Deadlier Cosmos

Finnish developer Housemarque, renowned for its bullet-hell brilliance and the critically acclaimed sci-fi roguelike Returnal, is once again preparing to plunge players into a cosmic nightmare. Their next major title, Saros, promises to be nothing less than the “ultimate evolution” of their distinctive gameplay-first philosophy. Slated for a release in early 2026, Saros isn`t merely a successor; it’s an ambitious reinterpretation, building on established foundations while forging a uniquely treacherous path.

Carcosa: A World Veiled in Shadow

The stage for this existential drama is set on Carcosa, an off-world colony lost to the silent, oppressive embrace of a perpetual eclipse. This isn`t your vibrant, neon-lit cyberpunk future; Carcosa is a world steeped in ominous gloom, a haunting backdrop for the unfolding narrative. Housemarque has crafted a story described as genuinely chilling, populated by nightmarish entities that lurk in the shadowed corners of this desolate planet.

Players will piece together the planet`s grim history through a rich tapestry of storytelling elements: grounded voice-overs, cinematic sequences, audio logs, and crucial conversations with non-playable characters. Furthermore, collecting Soltari Holograms scattered across Carcosa will serve as a digital archaeological dig, slowly unveiling the catastrophic events that transpired. Expect a blend of direct narrative and more “surreal and mysterious” sequences, a hallmark of Housemarque’s ability to weave compelling, enigmatic lore.

Arjun Devraj: The Enforcer, The Haunted

Stepping into the advanced combat suit of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer, players embark on a perilous quest for answers. Arjun`s journey through the eclipse-ridden Carcosa is not one of casual exploration but a desperate hunt for truth amidst pervasive madness. His internal struggle and external resilience are central to Saros`s narrative.

Rahul Kohli: Bringing Depth to the Desolation

Adding a significant layer of gravitas to Arjun Devraj is the undeniable talent of actor Rahul Kohli. Known for his compelling performances in series like Midnight Mass, Kohli lends both his voice and likeness to the protagonist. Housemarque emphasizes his “grounded” portrayal, suggesting a nuanced character beneath the combat armor. As Devraj himself states in the trailer, reflecting the game`s core loop:

“Every time the sun dies, madness reigns, then everything begins again. But after every death, I always come back stronger.”

This single line encapsulates the harrowing yet empowering cycle awaiting players.

Gameplay Evolution: Dying to Thrive

If Returnal taught us anything, it`s that Housemarque relishes making you work for your victories, often through a cycle of intense challenge and learning. Saros elevates this philosophy by actively making death a component of progress, a macabre embrace of the roguelike genre`s often unforgiving nature. Upon an initial defeat, Arjun discovers how to harness the planet`s enigmatic eclipse corruption energy, granting him a “second chance” to cheat death and return to the fray. More importantly, subsequent runs unlock permanent upgrades for his Soltari advanced combat suit and abilities.

This means that instead of merely resetting, each “death” in Saros provides a tangible pathway to enhancement, making the promise of “coming back stronger” a literal gameplay mechanic. The world may change with each run, but your personal arsenal and capabilities will grow, offering a more personalized and persistent sense of progression.

The Art of Aggression: Shield, Corruption, and Power

Combat in Saros, much like its predecessor, demands aggressive engagement. Arjun`s advanced combat suit isn`t just for show; it`s a versatile toolkit designed for dynamic encounters. Players can choose their loadout from a diverse mix of Soltari human weaponry and Carcosan alien armaments, ensuring varied approaches to the monstrous threats. The September 2025 State of Play deep dive highlighted the Soltari Phosphorous Shotgun, hinting at the visceral, enemy-melting power available.

The true innovation, however, lies in the Soltari Shield. By holding R1, Arjun can absorb lethal projectile energy, charging up a formidable Carcosan Power Weapon. This ingenious mechanic transforms enemy attacks into your own devastating counter-offense. However, this power comes at a cost: wielding these Power Weapons corrupts Arjun`s right arm, transforming it into an “eclipse-fueled weapon.” It’s a classic double-edged sword scenario, offering immense power in exchange for a tangible, if temporary, personal toll. It’s an elegant design choice that merges narrative with mechanical risk-reward.

Technical Grandeur: A Visual Feast on PS5 and PS5 Pro

Housemarque has a sterling reputation for pushing graphical boundaries, and Saros is set to continue this tradition. Confirmed to be PS5 Pro-enhanced, players can anticipate breathtaking monster designs, dazzling particle effects, and an overall level of visual fidelity that leverages Sony`s latest hardware. If Returnal was any indication, expect a game that not only plays smoothly but looks absolutely stunning, making the horrific beauty of Carcosa truly pop (or, perhaps more accurately, depress).

While launching exclusively on PS5, the current trend of PlayStation Studios titles eventually making their way to PC suggests that Saros, too, will likely grace the master race platform a couple of years down the line. But for now, PlayStation 5 owners can look forward to a premium, optimized experience.

Anticipation Builds: The Road to March 2026

With a release window set for March 20, 2026, the wait for Saros might feel long, but the glimpses offered so far paint a picture of a game well worth the patience. Housemarque is not content to rest on its laurels; instead, they are meticulously crafting a spiritual successor that seeks to evolve their unique brand of roguelike action into something even more profound and punishingly rewarding. As Arjun Devraj prepares to face the madness of a dying sun, players worldwide will soon be able to join him in a cosmic dance with death and resurrection.