Saros Sales Reportedly Lag Behind Returnal Despite PS5’s Massive Player Base

Early sales estimates suggest the PS5 exclusive is trailing behind Returnal, even with a much bigger audience this time around.

Not every PlayStation exclusive arrives with fireworks and record-breaking numbers. Sometimes a game quietly lands, earns solid reviews, builds a loyal fanbase, and slowly finds its place over time. Right now, Saros seems to be heading down that road — but the slower-than-expected launch has definitely caught people’s attention.

According to the sources, Housemarque’s newest PS5 exclusive has reportedly sold around 300,000 copies during its first two weeks on the market. The number is only an estimate, but it has already sparked discussion online because Saros appears to be selling slower than Returnal, the studio’s breakout sci-fi shooter from 2021.

That comparison is hard to ignore.

When Returnal launched, the PS5 was still incredibly difficult to find. Only around 8 million consoles were out there at the time, yet the game still managed to build momentum and become one of Sony’s most talked-about exclusives.

Saros, on the other hand, launched into a completely different situation, with more than 90 million PS5 systems reportedly already in players’ homes. Bigger install base, more visibility, more potential buyers — at least on paper. So why does it feel like Saros is struggling to take off?

Part of the issue may simply be familiarity. A lot of players seem to enjoy Saros, but many also describe it as “more Returnal” rather than something entirely new. The fast movement, intense shooting, and sci-fi atmosphere are all still there, and for fans of Housemarque, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

But Returnal felt fresh when it first appeared. It was unpredictable, brutally difficult, and unlike almost anything else on PlayStation at the time. Saros plays things a little safer. The game is reportedly less punishing, easier to finish, and far less frustrating for trophy hunters.

That could actually help more players stick with it long term. Returnal’s platinum trophy became infamous because of its grind and random collectible requirements, while Saros appears much more relaxed in comparison. For some players, that’s a huge improvement. For others, it may make the game feel less memorable.

Then there’s the budget conversation.

Saros reportedly cost around $76 million to develop. If the early sales estimates are even close to accurate, the game still has a long way to go before reaching profitability. Of course, Sony operates its own platform, meaning it keeps a larger share of digital sales compared to third-party publishers, but even then, expectations for first-party exclusives are always high.

Still, this doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for Housemarque. Sony has spent years building a reputation around unique first-party experiences, even if they are not always massive sellers.

Games like Returnal helped give the PS5 its own identity early in the generation, and Saros continues that strategy. It may not become the next God of War-sized hit, but exclusives like this still matter because they make the platform feel different from its competitors.

And honestly, some games just age well. Returnal didn’t explode overnight either. It slowly earned respect through word of mouth, updates, and a growing community. Saros could easily follow the same path if players continue recommending it.

For now, though, the spotlight is firmly on Housemarque. The studio made one of Sony’s most beloved modern sci-fi games, but with Saros already being compared to Returnal, the big question remains — can a sequel-like evolution succeed when fans were secretly hoping for another revolution?