Saros confirms release date, and its first gameplay footage makes it clear: Returnal fans already have their GOTY 2026

It was the first official announcement confirmed as soon as the existence of State of Play was revealed, so it comes as no surprise: Saros dropped by the event and did so with the two things everyone wanted to see, which are none other than its release date (March 20, 2026) and spectacular first gameplay footage. The developers confirmed that this new project will continue their tradition of creating challenging and dynamic experiences, but with a few key differences.

Saros is confirmed to be a roguelike, a genre the studio is well-known for. However, unlike Returnal, their previous work, Saros introduces a critical distinction: permanent progression elements. While each run will present players with a changing world and new challenges, certain improvements and abilities will be kept forever. This is a significant shift from the pure roguelike formula, and it promises to make the game more accessible and rewarding for a broader audience.

Evolving and Persistent Progression

Housemarque explained their new philosophy, stating, “After each death, you will face a changing world, but in Saros, you can permanently choose and upgrade your equipment from a constantly evolving set of weapons and suit upgrades to ‘come back stronger’ and overcome the challenges in Carcosa.”

This design decision is a huge benefit for players. It means that even after a failed run, the time invested isn’t lost. Players will have a tangible sense of growth and power, allowing them to tackle increasingly difficult obstacles with a better chance of success. This blend of procedural generation and permanent upgrades aims to provide the best of both worlds: the unpredictable excitement of a roguelike combined with the satisfying, long-term reward system of a traditional RPG. The game’s focus on letting players “come back stronger” suggests a more forgiving yet still challenging experience that encourages experimentation and strategic gear choices.

Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!