It looks like a large Returnal update is currently being tested

Housemarque is seemingly preparing a large game update for Returnal.

According to reliable PlayStation patch tracker PlayStation Game Size, a 6GB update was recently uploaded to Sony’s servers for the development version of the game.

Because standard users can’t access this version, it’s not clear what the patch contains. However, its large size suggests it could potentially add new features, including a much-requested save option.

Housemarque said in May that it hadn’t yet decided how best to resolve the game’s criticised lack of save options, with the issue said to be complicated by different players having different expectations.

As a rogue-like, the PS5 exclusive does not allow players to save their progress during gameplay, as the risk-reward dynamic – which upon death sees players sent back to the beginning of the game with virtually none of their items – is considered a key part of the genre.

Shortly after Returnal’s release, the Finnish studio acknowledged criticism from fans over the issue, with some complaining that gameplay sessions can last too long – sometimes several hours – and there’s no means to stop and save, outside of keeping the PS5 console in sleep mode.

In an interview with Axios Gaming, marketing director Mikael Havari said Housemarque was still considering how it would solve the save issue.

“We understand that there are some systems in place that are currently a hindering factor,” he said, adding that the developer’s intent was to get players into a focused, hardcore mindset when playing the game, but that the feedback has been heard.

Housemarque hadn’t decided what its next steps are, he added, “but currently, we just don’t know exactly what it is. So it’s very difficult to announce anything, because I think there’s a lot of different people looking for different things.”