Stellar Blade is preparing for its PC launch with a series of optimizations. Still, like other Sony-published games, it will be subject to geo-blocking. Discover the exclusive bonuses and how this affects players in regions without PlayStation Network support.
Stellar Blade's PC Launch: Highlights and Concerns
PS5 Players to Receive Free Update with Fresh Content and Upgrades
Shift Up's stylish action RPG, Stellar Blade, is coming to PC with a range of performance upgrades. However, its transition hasn't been seamless—marked by Sony accidentally publishing the trailer early and imposing regional restrictions that surprised even the developers.
Before the official announcement on May 15, fans caught an early look at Stellar Blade's PC debut when Sony uploaded the trailer prematurely to the official PlayStation YouTube account. The video gave away key details, such as the release date. Although removed quickly, the clip was already saved and shared across the web.
PlayStation 5 owners will be glad to learn that Shift Up is rolling out the same new content for them via a complimentary update.
In a PlayStation Blog post, technical director DongKi Lee outlined the features coming to both versions. These include support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling, unlocked frame rates beyond 120 FPS, and ultrawide display support from 5:4 to 32:9. Players can also expect enhanced textures, full keyboard and mouse customization, DualSense controller integration with haptics and adaptive triggers, plus Japanese and Chinese voiceovers.
The PC edition also introduces a new boss fight with Mann, leader of the Sentinels, along with 25 new outfits for the heroine Eve. All of this content arrives as a free update for PS5 users on launch day.
Regional Restrictions and Denuvo DRM Cloud Stellar Blade PC Launch
Although PS5 users receive extra content, the PC launch faces challenges due to strict regional limitations and the inclusion of Denuvo anti-piracy software. SteamDB data reveals the game cannot be bought in over 100 countries.
Shift Up stated that Steam players don't need to link a PSN account to play. Yet, the list of restricted countries largely overlaps with regions lacking PSN coverage. Many believe Sony, the game's publisher, is behind these restrictions.
The sweeping geo-blocks seem tied to Sony's PC release strategy and PSN integration. Sony has been bringing more of its console exclusives to PC to expand its player base. However, this push sometimes includes encouraging users to link Steam and PSN accounts. This isn't a barrier in areas with PSN access, but it locks out gamers in unsupported territories.
According to CFO Hiroki Totoki during a November 2024 investor call, Sony claims this policy ensures "safe" gameplay in live-service titles. While understandable for multiplayer games like Helldivers 2, it's less clear why single-player experiences such as Stellar Blade and the Horizon series are affected.
The scale of these restrictions took many by surprise, including—it appears—the developers. In a response on X (formerly Twitter), the Stellar Blade account replied to a user asking why the game wasn't available in their region: "The PC version of Stellar Blade does not require a PSN account. May I ask where you live?" along with a frightened-face emoji. Other user inquiries received similar replies.
This situation mirrors past controversies involving PSN linking, most notably the Helldivers 2 PSN requirement, which triggered massive review bombing and led Sony to reverse the policy.
Adding to fan frustration is the game's use of Denuvo, a digital rights management tool designed to combat piracy. Many PC players criticize Denuvo for potentially hurting performance and limiting user control over purchased games.
However, the official Stellar Blade X account reassured the community, saying, "After extensive testing and optimization, the game achieves high frame rates across various hardware. Even on Steam Deck, players can hit 45-50 FPS with appropriate settings!"
As Stellar Blade’s June 11 PC launch draws near, the community is watching to see if Sony and Shift Up will lift these restrictions. For the latest Stellar Blade updates, explore our coverage below.
