Quick TakeArticle at a glance
- Housemarque released the Saros Zenith update for free on PS5 on October 19, 2026, as patch 2.000.001.
- It adds a New Game+ mode called Eclipse Layers, a leaderboard boss-rush mode called Overlord Rush, and 20 new Carcosan Modifiers.
- Accessibility additions include a Slow Game Speed option, auto-fire, motion-sensor aiming, and a High Contrast display mode.
The Saros Zenith update is live now on PS5, a free patch from developer Housemarque that adds a New Game+ mode, a competitive boss-rush mode with online leaderboards, and new accessibility settings like a Slow Game Speed toggle, more than 5 months after Saros first launched on April 30, 2026.
What Is the Saros Zenith Update?
Zenith is Housemarque’s biggest post-launch update for Saros, the sci-fi bullet-hell roguelike it released for PS5 on April 30, 2026. The studio, best known for 2023’s Returnal, shipped the update as patch 2.000.001 on October 19, 2026, and it’s free to every player who already owns the game — no DLC purchase required.
New Game+: Eclipse Layers
Players who finish the main story can now start Eclipse Layers, Saros’ New Game+ mode. Each Layer stacks on additional Trial Modifiers on top of the run, and players choose which Trials they want active rather than having the difficulty forced on them. Half of the game’s 20 new Carcosan Modifiers are available from the start of a normal run; the other half only unlock once a player reaches New Game+.
Overlord Rush: A New Boss-Rush Mode
Overlord Rush is a standalone training mode built around speed-running Saros’ boss encounters, Housemarque’s version of the Arjun Devraj gauntlet. Players race to clear the game’s Overlords as fast as possible and compete on a new online leaderboard against friends and the wider Saros community, with the update’s balance notes specifically re-tuning how fast the mode’s Overdrive meter charges during a run.
Accessibility: Slow Game Speed and Auto-Fire
Zenith’s accessibility pass is built around a new Slow Game Speed setting that lets players slow down Saros’ bullet-hell combat without reducing the number of projectiles on screen, giving more time to read an attack and decide whether to dash, shield, or parry. Players can set it to trigger automatically in combat or toggle it by hand. The update pairs that with an auto-fire option that shoots automatically at a targeted enemy, a motion-sensor aiming function, and a new High Contrast display mode.
Everything New in Patch 2.000.001
| Addition | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Eclipse Layers | New Game+ mode; stacks extra Trial Modifiers per completed Layer |
| Overlord Rush | Standalone boss-rush mode with online leaderboards |
| Carcosan Modifiers | 20 new Protection and Trial modifiers, 10 available at launch, 10 in NG+ |
| Slow Game Speed | Accessibility option that slows combat pacing without cutting projectile count |
| Auto-Fire | Automatically fires the equipped weapon at a targeted enemy |
| High Contrast mode | New display option for visibility |
| 6 new Trophies | Tied to Eclipse Layers and Overlord Rush completion |
Is the Saros Zenith Update Free?
Yes. Zenith is a free update for everyone who already owns Saros on PS5 — there’s no separate purchase, expansion pass, or paid DLC tied to any of patch 2.000.001’s new content.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Saros Zenith update come out?
Housemarque released the Zenith update for Saros on October 19, 2026, as patch 2.000.001.
Is the Saros Zenith update free?
Yes. Zenith is free for everyone who already owns Saros on PS5, with no additional purchase required.
What is Eclipse Layers in Saros?
Eclipse Layers is the New Game+ mode added in the Zenith update. Each Layer stacks additional Trial Modifiers on top of a completed run, and players choose which Trials to activate.
What is Overlord Rush in Saros?
Overlord Rush is a standalone boss-rush mode added in Zenith where players race to defeat Saros’ Overlords as fast as possible and compete on an online leaderboard.
Does the Saros Zenith update add new accessibility options?
Yes. It adds a Slow Game Speed setting, an auto-fire option, motion-sensor aiming, and a High Contrast display mode.
For more on what else is new in PS5 exclusives this fall, see our breakdown of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse’s launch reception, or check our PS6 release date tracker for what Sony has planned next.
Full patch notes are available from PlayStation Blog and were also detailed by TheSixthAxis.
