Stellar Blade is preparing for its highly anticipated PC launch with significant upgrades. Yet, mirroring other Sony-published games, it comes with geographical limitations. Discover what bonus features await players and how restrictions affect regions without PSN support.
Stellar Blade's PC Launch: Highlights and Challenges
Positive Update: PlayStation 5 Owners Receive Free Expansion
Shift Up's visually striking action RPG, Stellar Blade, is coming to PC with numerous technical improvements. However, its transition hasn't been flawless, with Sony accidentally leaking launch details and surprising regional barriers that even caught the development team off guard.
Before the official May 15 announcement, Sony unintentionally revealed Stellar Blade's PC trailer early via PlayStation's YouTube channel. Though quickly removed, the trailer had already spread across the internet, disclosing crucial information like the release window.
PlayStation 5 users have reason to celebrate - Shift Up confirmed they'll receive all new PC content via a complimentary update.
Technical director DongKi Lee outlined the upgrades in a PlayStation Blog post. Both platforms will benefit from NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 support, uncapped frame rates beyond 120 FPS, and ultra-wide monitor compatibility (5:4 to 32:9). Additional enhancements include high-res textures, fully customizable keyboard/mouse controls, DualSense integration with advanced haptics, plus Japanese and Chinese voiceovers.
The PC edition introduces fresh challenges like confronting Mann, leader of the Sentinels, alongside 25 new outfits for protagonist Eve. PS5 players gain access to this content simultaneously through a free update.
Launch Hurdles: Region Locks and Denuvo Controversy
While PS5 players enjoy new content, the PC version faces criticism over accessibility issues. SteamDB data shows Stellar Blade is currently unavailable in over 100 territories, compounded by Denuvo's inclusion.
Shift Up clarified that Steam-PSN account linking isn't mandatory. However, blocked regions largely coincide with areas lacking PSN services, leading fans to suspect Sony's involvement.
This situation stems from Sony's PC strategy increasingly requiring Steam-PSN integration. While logical for live-service titles per CFO Hiroki Totoki's November 2024 statement, extending this to single-player games like Stellar Blade puzzles many players.
Developers appeared unaware of these restrictions, responding to fan queries on X (formerly Twitter) with surprised reactions when asked about regional availability.
The controversy recalls Helldivers 2's PSN backlash, which prompted Sony to reverse its account-linking policy after massive negative feedback.
Denuvo's inclusion further frustrates PC gamers, who often criticize the anti-piracy tech for performance impacts. Shift Up's X account countered these concerns, stating optimized performance achieves 45-50 FPS on Steam Deck with proper settings.
As June 11 approaches, players await potential policy changes regarding these restrictions. Whether Stellar Blade launches with these limitations remains uncertain. For additional details, explore our related coverage below.
