Stellar Blade is set to make its much-anticipated debut on PC, bringing with it a range of exciting enhancements. However, the journey to PC hasn't been entirely smooth, with regional restrictions and the inclusion of Denuvo DRM casting a shadow over the launch. Let's delve into the details of what players can expect from the PC version, as well as the implications for those in regions without PSN access.
Stellar Blade’s PC Release: The Good and The Bad
The Good: PS5 Players Get Free Update with New Content and Features
Stellar Blade, the stylish action RPG developed by Shift Up, is expanding its reach to PC with a host of enhancements. Before the official announcement on May 15, a prematurely uploaded trailer on the PlayStation YouTube channel gave fans an early look at the PC version's release date and features.
Shift Up has confirmed that PlayStation 5 players will also benefit from the new content introduced with the PC release. In a PlayStation Blog post, technical director DongKi Lee detailed the enhancements coming to both platforms. These include support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling, unlocked framerates exceeding 120 FPS, and ultrawide aspect ratio compatibility ranging from 5:4 to 32:9. Players can also expect high-resolution textures, full keyboard and mouse remapping, DualSense controller support with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and additional voiceover options in Japanese and Chinese.
The PC version introduces new content, such as a boss battle against Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, and 25 additional costumes for protagonist Eve. This content will be available to PlayStation 5 users through a free update on the same day as the PC release.
The Bad: Stellar Blade PC Launch Marred by Regional Restrictions and Denuvo DRM
While PS5 players are set to receive a bonus, the PC launch of Stellar Blade has been overshadowed by significant regional restrictions and the inclusion of Denuvo DRM. According to SteamDB, the game is currently unavailable for purchase on Steam in over 100 countries.
Shift Up has confirmed that players do not need to connect their Steam profiles with their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to play the RPG. However, there is a significant overlap between the countries where Stellar Blade is blocked on Steam and regions without PSN services, leading many to believe that Sony, the game's publisher, is behind these restrictions.
The reason behind these widespread regional blocks seems to be linked to Sony's approach to its PC game releases and the integration of the PSN. Sony has been porting its PlayStation exclusives to PC to broaden its audience, but this expansion has sometimes included a push for players to connect their Steam profiles to their PSN accounts. While this may not be an issue in countries with access to PSN, it creates a problem in regions where the service is not officially supported.
Sony's Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki justified this requirement in a November 2024 Investor Call, stating that it ensures everyone can "safely" enjoy their live-service games. This explanation is somewhat understandable for games like Helldivers 2, but it raises questions about why single-player titles like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series are also subject to such restrictions.
The extent of these blocks has caught many off guard, including the developers themselves, as evident from their reply to players on Twitter (X). When asked why the game was not available in certain regions, the Stellar Blade official X account stated, "The PC version of Stellar Blade does not require a PSN account. May I ask where you live?" accompanied by a "face screaming in fear" emoji. Subsequent replies to similar inquiries were similar.
This issue echoes previous controversies surrounding PSN account linking, most notably the backlash against Helldivers 2's PSN requirement, which led to widespread negative reviews and forced Sony to backtrack on its policy.
Player animosity towards Denuvo, which the game's PC release includes, is another significant concern. Denuvo is a technology designed to prevent piracy, but it is often criticized by PC gamers for potentially impacting performance and restricting how players can use their games. However, the official Stellar Blade X account has assured players that "After extensive testing and relentless optimization, the game delivers high frame rates on a variety of setups. Even on the Steam Deck, you can reach 45-50 FPS with the right settings!"
As Stellar Blade’s PC release date approaches, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Sony and Shift Up will address these issues. For now, it remains to be seen whether June 11 will see Stellar Blade still locked behind numerous restrictions. For more on Stellar Blade, check out our article below!
