Stellar Blade Heads to PC in 2025: A Look at the Upcoming Release
Following its PlayStation exclusive launch in April, action RPG Stellar Blade is making its way to PC in 2025! This announcement follows earlier speculation and confirms a plan to expand the game's reach.
PC Release Confirmed for 2025
SHIFT UP, the developer, officially confirmed the PC release during a recent financial report. The decision is driven by the growing popularity of PC gaming on platforms like Steam and the success of similar titles. While a specific release date is yet to be announced, SHIFT UP aims to maintain the game's momentum through continued marketing and upcoming content. This includes a collaboration DLC with NieR:Automata and a Photo Mode, both launching November 20th.
Potential PSN Requirement Raises Concerns
Stellar Blade's PC release joins a trend of PlayStation exclusives coming to PC. However, this trend has also introduced a potential obstacle. As a Sony-published title and with SHIFT UP's second-party status with Sony, there's a possibility that players will need to link their Steam accounts to their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts. This would unfortunately exclude players in regions without PSN access.
Sony's stated reason for this requirement is to ensure the "safe" enjoyment of its live-service games. However, this justification has drawn criticism, especially regarding its application to single-player titles.
The need for a PSN account for Stellar Blade's PC version remains uncertain. SHIFT UP's ownership of the IP suggests it might not be mandatory. However, such a requirement could significantly impact PC sales, potentially hindering SHIFT UP's goal of surpassing console sales.
For more on Stellar Blade's initial release, check out our review!