"Stellar Blade PC Release: Denuvo and Region Lock Confirmed"

Stellar Blade is set to make its PC debut, bringing a host of enhancements to players. However, like other Sony-backed titles, it comes with regional restrictions. Here's what you need to know about the bonus content and the implications for countries 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 from Shift Up, is expanding its reach with a PC release that promises numerous enhancements. However, its journey to PC has been marked by Sony's premature posting of the game's trailer and unexpected regional restrictions.

Before the official announcement on May 15, Sony inadvertently revealed details about Stellar Blade's PC version, including its release date, through a trailer on the PlayStation YouTube channel. Although quickly removed, the internet preserved and spread the information.

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, which include support for NVIDIA DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 upscaling, unlocked framerates exceeding 120 FPS, and ultrawide aspect ratio compatibility 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.

The Bad: Stellar Blade PC Launch Marred by Regional Restrictions and Denuvo DRM

Data from SteamDB

While PS5 players receive a bonus, the PC launch of Stellar Blade has faced 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 confirmed that players do not need to connect their Steam profiles to 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 Sony, the game's publisher, is behind these restrictions.

The widespread regional blocks seem to be linked to Sony's approach to PC game releases and PSN integration. Sony has been porting its PlayStation exclusives to PC to reach a broader audience, but this has sometimes included a push for players to link their Steam profiles to their PSN accounts. This is not an issue for countries with PSN access, but it poses a problem in regions where the service is not supported.

Sony's Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki justified this requirement in their November 2024 Investor Call, stating it ensures players can "safely" enjoy live-service games. However, this explanation raises questions about its application to single-player titles like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series.

The extent of these blocks has surprised many, including the developers, as evidenced by their response on Twitter (X). When asked about the game's unavailability in certain regions, the Stellar Blade official X account replied, "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.

This issue mirrors previous controversies, such as the backlash against Helldivers 2's PSN requirement, which led to negative reviews and forced Sony to reverse its policy.

Player concerns about Denuvo, included in the PC release, also add to the controversy. Denuvo is intended to prevent piracy but is often criticized for potentially impacting performance and limiting how players can use their games.

However, the official Stellar Blade X account 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 Stellar Blade's PC release date approaches, fans are eager to see how Sony and Shift Up will address these issues. 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!