"Stellar Blade PC Release: Denuvo Included, Region-Locked"

Stellar Blade is set to make its much-anticipated debut on PC, bringing with it a range of exciting enhancements. However, this release isn't without its challenges, including regional restrictions that impact players in certain countries. Let's dive into the details about the new content, the free update for PS5 players, and the implications for those without access to PSN.

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 visually stunning action RPG developed by Shift Up, is expanding its horizon with a PC release that promises a wealth of enhancements. However, the path to PC hasn't been entirely smooth, with Sony's premature posting of the game's trailer and unforeseen regional restrictions.

Before the official announcement on May 15, an early glimpse of Stellar Blade's PC version was revealed through a trailer that Sony accidentally uploaded to the official PlayStation YouTube channel. This trailer, quickly taken down, included details such as the release date and was shared widely across the internet.

Fans of the game will be thrilled to know that PS5 players will also enjoy the new content introduced with the PC version. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post, Shift Up’s technical director, DongKi Lee, outlined the enhancements coming to both platforms. These include support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling technologies, unlocked framerates surpassing 120 FPS, and compatibility with ultrawide aspect ratios from 5:4 to 32:9. Additional features include high-resolution textures, full keyboard and mouse remapping, DualSense controller support with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, and new voiceover options in Japanese and Chinese.

The PC version also introduces exciting new content, such as a challenging boss battle against Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, and 25 additional costumes for the protagonist, Eve. This content will be available to PS5 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

Date from SteamDB

While PS5 players receive additional benefits, the PC launch of Stellar Blade is facing significant challenges due to 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 clarified that playing Stellar Blade on PC does not require linking a Steam profile to a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. 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.

Sony's strategy of integrating PSN with its PC game releases aims to broaden its audience, but it poses challenges in regions where PSN is not officially supported. Sony's Chief Financial Officer, Hiroki Totoki, explained in a November 2024 Investor Call that this requirement is to ensure "safe" enjoyment of their live-service games. Yet, this justification raises questions when applied to single-player titles like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series.

The extent of these regional blocks has surprised many, including the developers at Shift Up, who responded to fan inquiries on Twitter (X) with confusion and concern. When asked about the game's unavailability 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?" followed by a "face screaming in fear" emoji. Similar responses were given to other inquiries.

This situation echoes the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2’s PSN requirement, which led to widespread negative reviews and forced Sony to reverse its policy.

Adding to the concerns, the inclusion of Denuvo DRM in the PC version has stirred discontent among players. Denuvo is intended to combat piracy but is often criticized for potentially affecting game performance and limiting player freedoms.

However, the Stellar Blade X account has reassured 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 the release date of June 11 approaches, the gaming community eagerly awaits how Sony and Shift Up will address these issues. Whether Stellar Blade will remain locked behind numerous restrictions remains to be seen. For more insights on Stellar Blade, check out our article below!