Stellar Blade is preparing for its PC launch with several technical upgrades. However, similar to other Sony-published titles, the game will implement geographical limitations. Discover what exclusive content awaits players and how the restrictions affect regions without PlayStation Network availability.
Stellar Blade's PC Debut: The Pros and Cons
The Advantages: PS5 Owners Receive Complimentary Update with New Features
Stellar Blade, the visually striking action RPG developed by Shift Up, is expanding to PC with numerous enhancements. But the transition hasn't been seamless, with Sony accidentally leaking the announcement trailer and unexpected regional limitations that reportedly surprised even the developers.
Before the official reveal on May 15, Sony unintentionally published the PC version trailer on PlayStation's YouTube channel, exposing key details including the release date. Though quickly removed, the information spread rapidly across gaming communities.
PlayStation 5 players will enjoy added benefits through a free update coinciding with the PC release.
In an official PlayStation Blog post, Shift Up's technical director DongKi Lee outlined improvements coming to both platforms. These include NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 support, unlocked framerates beyond 120 FPS, and ultrawide monitor compatibility from 5:4 to 32:9 ratios. Additional upgrades encompass high-resolution textures, customizable keyboard controls, DualSense integration with advanced haptics, plus new Japanese and Chinese voiceovers.
The PC edition introduces fresh content including a confrontation with Sentinel leader Mann and 25 additional outfits for protagonist Eve - all available to PS5 users via the complimentary update.
The Challenges: PC Launch Faces Geography-Based Limitations and DRM Concerns
Data from SteamDB reveals complications with the PC version's availability.
While Shift Up clarified that Steam accounts don't require PSN linking, Stellar Blade remains unavailable in over 100 countries - many coinciding with regions lacking PlayStation Network access. This has led players to suspect Sony's involvement in these restrictions.
The apparent connection between blocked regions and PSN unavailability suggests Sony's approach to PC releases involves account integration where possible. The company has expanded its publishing strategy to bring former exclusives to PC, sometimes mandating PSN connections - problematic in territories without service access.
Sony executives previously justified PSN requirements for multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 during a 2024 investor call, citing security and service quality concerns. However, single-player games like Stellar Blade being subject to similar limitations puzzles many players.
The restrictions appear to have caught developers off guard, as evidenced by responses from Stellar Blade's official social media. When questioned about regional unavailability, their account replied with surprise: "The PC version doesn't need PSN. Where are you located?" followed by an alarmed emoji.
The situation recalls the Helldivers 2 PSN controversy that sparked review bombing before Sony reversed its policy. Additionally, the confirmed inclusion of Denuvo anti-piracy software has raised performance concerns among PC gamers, though developers assure optimization maintains performance across various hardware, including Steam Deck compatibility at 45-50 FPS.
With the June 11 release approaching, attention focuses on whether Sony and Shift Up will address these accessibility issues. The gaming community awaits to see if regional restrictions will persist at launch. For additional Stellar Blade coverage, explore our related articles below.
