GameTimeline

Release & story order

Returnal timeline

Returnal from the 2021 Housemarque PS5 debut through the Ascension free update and 2023 PC port—US release dates, Selene's loop campaign, Tower of Sisyphus and co-op modes, and FAQ for newcomers in 2026.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Housemarque shipped Returnal in the US—PS5 (April 2021), Ascension free update (March 2022), and PC (February 2023).

  • Newcomers 2026 → Returnal (PS5 or PC)—Ascension content is included in current builds
  • PC → Steam 1649240 includes Ascension features
  • Ascension = free update, not Returnal 2
  • No numbered sequel on this path as of 2026
Story order tips

One Selene loop campaign. Ascension adds Tower of Sisyphus and online co-op—it is not a sequel and does not replace the main story path.

  • One story: Returnal base campaign
  • Ascension co-op and Tower of Sisyphus are optional side modes
  • Do not wait for a sequel to finish Selene's arc—this page covers the full 2021–2023 package
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Returnal

    Returnal

    PS5PCActionRoguelikeMainline

    Returnal traps Selene on Atropos—rogue-like third-person shooting with a time-loop sci-fi tragedy.

    Overview
    Die-and-restart planet runs fused with a persistent house mystery and DualSense-focused gunplay. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Selene’s Atropos loop. Finish the story endings before treating Ascension as required. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Mainline start. Add Ascension for co-op tower content after the campaign. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US March 19, 2021 on PS5; PC February 15, 2023.
  2. Returnal: Ascension

    Returnal: Ascension

    PS5PCActionUpdateCo-op

    Returnal: Ascension adds co-op and the Tower of Sisyphus—live-service-style challenge modes free for owners.

    Overview
    Major post-launch mode drop with shared runs and a separate roguelike tower progression. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Co-op / Tower extras. Story tab still centers Selene’s base loop. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Optional after the base story. Not a new campaign ending. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US September 6, 2022 for PS5; PC support with the PC version.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Ascension modes, PC port, and related roguelikes.

Release order

Release order is when Returnal launched and when the Ascension update shipped (2021–2023). Story order is a single Selene campaign—Ascension adds Tower of Sisyphus and co-op, not a second main story.

Recommended: Play Returnal on PS5 or PC (Steam 1649240). Finish Selene's campaign, then try Ascension modes if you want co-op or the Tower. There is only one main story to complete.

Story path

Ascension (March 22, 2022) is a free update adding Tower of Sisyphus (endless challenge) and online co-op. It does not continue Selene's plot as Returnal 2—same story-order titles, optional modes on the side.

Ascension & PC

The PC port (February 15, 2023, Steam 1649240) includes Ascension features out of the box. Story is identical—pick the platform you own. This page keeps separate release-order titles for PS5 launch vs PC history.

Optional & related

As of August 2026, there is no released Returnal 2 on this timeline. Ascension refreshes the original game with modes only. Check official Housemarque / PlayStation channels for future sequel news.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.