Housemarque's follow-up to Returnal is almost here, and before you can tear through its bullet-hell gauntlet, you need to make sure your PS5 is actually ready for it. Saros has a confirmed file size and pre-load window, and both are worth knowing ahead of launch. Here's everything confirmed so far, straight from PlayStation Game Size.
How big is the Saros file size on PS5?
According to PlayStation Game Size, a reliable tracker for PlayStation download data, Saros weighs in at 83.440 GB on PS5 at version 01.002.002. That puts it just under the 100 GB mark, which is worth keeping in mind when you're eyeing your storage dashboard.
The base PS5 ships with an 825 GB SSD, but available space after the system partition is closer to 667 GB. If you're running a full library of live-service titles, you'll want to do some housekeeping before April 21.
info
Clear at least 90-100 GB rather than the bare minimum 83 GB. Future patches will need room too, and Housemarque has a history of post-launch updates.
Free up space before pre-load
For a game of this scope, 83 GB is actually on the leaner side. Housemarque's optimization track record with Returnal suggests that number reflects a tight, well-compressed build rather than filler assets.
When can you pre-load Saros?
Pre-load timing depends on which edition you purchased. According to PlayStation Game Size's confirmed data, the two editions have different pre-load and release dates:
Both editions release at midnight, so the Deluxe Edition gets you into the game two full days before Standard buyers. If you're planning to play day one and want the earliest possible access, the $10 premium for the Deluxe Edition also buys you a two-day head start on the pre-load.
info
Pre-loading lets you download the full game ahead of release so it's ready to launch the moment the clock hits midnight. You won't be able to play until the release time unlocks, but you avoid any day-one download queues.
Is the Deluxe Edition worth the extra cost?
At $10 more than Standard, the Deluxe Edition at $79.99 offers a two-day early release window (April 28 vs. April 30) and an earlier pre-load start (April 21 vs. April 23). Based on available information from PlayStation Game Size, those are the confirmed differences in timing. Whether additional Deluxe content exists beyond the early access window has not been detailed in the available sources.
For players who want to avoid spoilers and jump in before the broader conversation starts, the early access alone can justify the price. For everyone else, Standard on April 30 is perfectly fine.
warning
Do not wait until release day to start your download if you're on Standard. An 83 GB file on a congested network can take hours. Pre-load on April 23 and you'll be ready at midnight.
How to prepare your PS5 storage before pre-load
With the pre-load window opening April 21 for Deluxe buyers, you have a narrow runway to sort your storage. Here's a straightforward approach:
- Navigate to Settings > Storage > Console Storage on your PS5 to see exactly what's taking up space.
- Sort installed games by size. Large open-world titles and live-service games are usually the easiest cuts if you haven't played them recently.
- Move games you want to keep but aren't actively playing to an external USB drive (though note that PS5 games must be on the internal SSD or an M.2 expansion to run).
- Target at least 100 GB of free space to account for the 83.440 GB download plus room for patches.
Saros has already gone gold, confirmed a month ahead of its release date, so the version you're downloading on pre-load day is the finished product. That said, a day-one patch on top of the base file is always possible.
For more on what's coming to PS5 this year, browse more guides on GAMES.GG to stay ahead of every major release.