Returnal

Sony Interactive Entertainment
PS5
Released 04/30/2021
  • 1 player
Game Overview

Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet.

After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies.

Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time.

Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fueled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move.

Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth.

Key features

Intense combat

  • Fight to survive in this third-person roguelike shooter.
  • Take on ruthless enemies in explosive, bullet hell-fueled combat.

Thrilling exploration

  • Manage equipment and resources carefully – every time you die, you restart from the beginning.
  • Scavenge alien tech for upgrades to enhance your abilities in future cycles.

Haunting narrative

  • Piece together fragments of Selene’s memories as she seeks out answers.
  • Forge a personal connection with the planet as you explore its constantly evolving and decaying terrain.

8 ways Returnal pushes gameplay boundaries on PS5

Delve deeper into the innovative design of Housemarque's spectacular shooter.

PS5™ features

  • Fast loading:  Jump through portals between worlds with the PS5™ system’s ultra-high speed SSD. Get back into the action with near-instant load speeds that won’t leave you waiting to restart after you die.
  • Adaptive triggers: Switch instinctively between firing modes by using a single adaptive trigger – go straight from aiming down sights to your gun’s alternative fire.
  • Haptic feedback: Sense in-game actions big and small – while exploring fragments of Selene’s memories, or when firing visceral alien weapons.
  • Tempest 3D AudioTech on compatible headphones: Hear the action from every direction in 3D Audio – bullets flying past you, enemies circling overhead, or unseen foes creeping up behind you.

The making of Returnal

An inside look at Returnal developer, Housemarque – the people, the games, the journey to Returnal – and everything in between.

HouseCast - Ep.1 Introduction

Welcome to HouseCast! On this first episode of HouseCast, we sit down and talk to Game Director, Harry Krueger about Housemarque's most ambitious title yet, Returnal.

HouseCast - Ep.2 Origins

In this episode of HouseCast, Harry Krueger, Game Director of Returnal, talks about the origins of Returnal and discuss what kind of experience players can expect.

HouseCast - Ep.3 Action!

Uncover the process of transforming explosive action into 3D and how we stay true to our motto "Gameplay First."

HouseCast - Ep.4 The Cycle
We talk with the Narrative Director, Gregory Louden, on the storytelling in Returnal and the driving forces behind Selene's story.
HouseCast - Ep.5 Threats
A deep dive to uncover the enemies of Returnal with the Game Director, Harry Krueger

Available on PlayStation Store

Editions

Standard Edition

  • Returnal™

Digital Deluxe Edition

  • Returnal™
  • Electropylon Driver weapon
  • Hollowseeker weapon
  • 1 Reflex Stimulant consumable
  • 1 Pulsating Mass artefact
  • 1 Adrenaline Booster
  • Digital soundtrack
  • PSN avatars for PS5™

Buy Returnal on Blu-ray disc

More from the creators of Returnal

Explore more great titles from Housemarque, the acclaimed Finnish studio famous for explosive arcade gameplay.

Resogun

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Alienation

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Nex Machina

Machines have surpassed human intelligence and start eradicating all human life. Survive the mechanical onslaught in this ultimate top-down voxel shooter.

Dead Nation™ Apocalypse Edition

Dare you enter the city of the dead? Fight for your life as you step onto the streets of a city overrun with undead flesh-eaters.

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Platform:
PS5
Release:
4/30/2021
Publisher:
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre:
Shooter
Voice:
English, French (France), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Mexico)
Screen Languages:
English, French (France), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Mexico)
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©2021 Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe. Developed by Housemarque Oy. Returnal is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Appearance in this game does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.
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