Stellar Blade: 2025 PC Release Confirmed – But with a Potential PSN Catch?

Initially a PlayStation exclusive, Stellar Blade is officially coming to PC in 2025! This article details the announcement and explores potential concerns surrounding the PC release.

PC Release Confirmed for 2025

Following hints earlier this year, developer SHIFT UP has confirmed a 2025 PC launch. The decision stems from the rising popularity of PC gaming on platforms like Steam and the success of titles such as Black Myth: Wukong. While a precise release date is yet to be announced, SHIFT UP plans to maintain the game's popularity through ongoing marketing, including a November 20th collaboration DLC with NieR: Automata and the highly anticipated Photo Mode.

Potential PSN Requirement Raises Concerns

Stellar Blade's PC release joins a growing trend of PlayStation exclusives making their way to PC. However, this trend has also introduced a controversial practice: requiring players to link their Steam accounts to their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts. This could exclude players in regions without PSN access.

Sony's stated reason for this requirement is to ensure the "safe" enjoyment of their live-service games. While this might be acceptable for games with online components, it's less clear why it applies to single-player titles.

The need for a PSN account for Stellar Blade's PC version remains uncertain. Since SHIFT UP retains ownership of the IP, a PSN link 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!