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

Stellar Blade is gearing up for its PC debut with a suite of enhancements. However, like other Sony-backed titles, the game faces regional restrictions. Read on to learn 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 a host of enhancements. However, its journey to PC hasn't been entirely smooth, marked by Sony prematurely posting 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 through a trailer uploaded prematurely to the official PlayStation YouTube channel. This trailer disclosed the game's release date before being swiftly removed, but not before the internet captured and spread the information.

Fans will be pleased to know that Shift Up has confirmed that PlayStation 5 players will also benefit from the new content introduced with the PC release. 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, unlocked framerates exceeding 120 FPS, and ultrawide aspect ratio compatibility ranging from 5:4 to 32:9. Additionally, players can expect 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 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

Date from SteamDB

While PS5 players receive a bonus, the PC launch of Stellar Blade has been less than stellar, complicated by significant 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 confirmed that players do not need to connect their Steam profiles with their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to play the RPG. However, there is a significant overlap between the countries where Stellar Blade is currently blocked on Steam and regions without PSN services. This has led many to speculate that Sony, the game's publisher, is behind these restrictions.

The widespread regional blocks seem to be tied to Sony’s approach to its PC game releases and the integration of the PSN. Sony has been increasingly porting its PlayStation exclusives to PC to broaden its audience. However, this expansion has sometimes required players to link their Steam profiles to their PSN accounts, which creates issues in regions where PSN is not officially supported.

Sony's Chief Financial Officer, Hiroki Totoki, justified this requirement during a November 2024 Investor Call, stating it ensures players can "safely" enjoy their live-service games. This reasoning may be understandable for games like Helldivers 2, but it raises questions about why single-player titles like Stellar Blade and the Horizon series face similar restrictions.

The extent of these blocks has surprised many, including the developers themselves, as evident from their responses on Twitter (X). When asked why the game was not available 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?" accompanied by a "face screaming in fear" emoji. Subsequent replies to similar inquiries were similar.

This issue mirrors past controversies surrounding PSN account linking, notably the backlash against Helldivers 2's PSN requirement, which led to widespread negative reviews and forced Sony to reverse its policy.

Player concerns about Denuvo, included in the game’s PC release, are also significant. Denuvo aims to prevent piracy but is often criticized for potentially impacting performance and restricting gameplay.

However, the official Stellar Blade X account has reassured players, stating, "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!