TechnologyApr 2, 2026· 2 min read

Saros Has Entered Gold Phase: Housemarque's New Roguelike Shooter Ready for PS5 Debut

Housemarque has announced that Saros has officially entered the "gold" phase, marking the conclusion of primary development. This means that the game is ready for distribution and will meet the release date set for April 30, 2026, exclusively on PlayStation 5.

The development team wanted to clarify that the announcement is not an April Fools' joke, reassuring fans who are eagerly awaiting the title. Despite the project's completion, developers will continue to work on potential updates, including a day one patch that could further improve performance and balance.

Saros acts as the spiritual successor to Returnal, one of the studio's most acclaimed titles. The new game maintains the rogue-lite approach and the intensity typical of third-person shooters with bullet hell elements, while also introducing various innovations that promise to refresh the experience.

Gone Gold

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Additional details about Saros entering the gold phase: what can we expect?
The story follows Arjun Devraj, a Soltari enforcer, on a mission on the planet Carcosa alongside other characters. The atmosphere is characterized by an increasing sense of tension and mystery, elements that contribute to building an immersive and engaging experience.

From a gameplay perspective, Saros introduces innovative mechanics. The protagonist is equipped with a special shield, the Soltari Shield, which allows him to absorb energy from enemy blue projectiles. This system encourages a more aggressive playstyle, turning defense into an offensive opportunity. The accumulated energy can be used to power special weapons capable of dealing high damage.

However, the game also presents increasing challenges: during events like the Eclipse, enemies shoot corrupted projectiles that can reduce the player's maximum health, raising difficulty and tension.

Another important element is permanent progression. Unlike other games in the genre, Saros offers advancement systems that allow players to improve their abilities over time, including the ability to unlock skills like "Second Chance", which offers a second opportunity during runs.