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

    Selene's time loop on Atropos—third-person roguelike shooter.

    Overview
    Housemarque's PS5 showcase—fast combat, procedural runs, and DualSense haptics.
    In-game setting
    Franchise (and only mainline) opener. Ascension update ships free later—FAQ.
    Should you play it?
    Series start—current PC / digital PS5 builds include Ascension.
    Release date
    US PS5 April 30, 2021; PC February 15, 2023 (Steam 1649240).
  2. Returnal: Ascension

    Returnal: Ascension

    PS5PCActionUpdateCo-op

    Free update—Tower of Sisyphus endless mode and online co-op.

    Overview
    Major post-launch pack with a roguelike tower and two-player co-op—not a new campaign.
    In-game setting
    Same Story slot as Returnal—adds modes, not a sequel timeline.
    Should you play it?
    Included in modern Returnal purchases—no separate buy required.
    Release date
    US PS5 March 22, 2022; rolled into the PC release and later patches.

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 row, 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 rows 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.