Saros: a look at gameplay, features and launch date

Saros, Housemarque’s latest title and the studio behind the acclaimed roguelike Returnal, is a third-person sci-fi roguelike set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5. The release is scheduled for April 30, 2026, following a short one-month delay. The game promises a range of improvements, gameplay options and a rich visual experience.

Gameplay and customization

Saros retains the fast-paced and challenging gameplay design of its predecessor, while adding new features that let players tailor the experience. One of the key additions to Saros is the Carcosan Modifiers, which allow players to adjust the game’s difficulty. These modifiers offer both benefits and drawbacks, and players can unlock them in the game’s safe zones.

One notable option is that players can choose to lower the difficulty by creating their own ‘easy mode’ through certain adjustments, such as increasing weapon damage or disabling specific punishment mechanics. This makes Saros more accessible for those who may be put off by the high difficulty often associated with the genre.

With the new gameplay modifiers, players can choose to raise or lower the challenge based on their preferences, repositioning the game as a player-friendly experience without compromising the integrity of its roguelike mechanics.

Technical specs and PS5 Pro enhancements

Saros will take full advantage of PlayStation 5 hardware. The game runs at 60 frames per second (FPS) and uses advanced PSSR technology for sharper visuals. For PS5 Pro owners, there are additional graphical improvements, including a higher base resolution, making the image look nearly indistinguishable from 4K.

Players will also be able to experience the benefits of the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, further deepening the soundscape; audio cues around the character help heighten tension during gameplay.

The PS5 DualSense controller will also provide unique haptic feedback, described as ‘very special haptics’, delivering an even more intense gameplay experience.

File size and pre-order information

Saros has a substantial file size, estimated at 83.440 GB. For players planning to pre-order the game, preload begins on April 21, 2026 for Deluxe Edition owners, while regular players can start two days later. This gives fans a good chance to prepare their storage space ahead of launch.