Shift Up is making waves with its decision to tailor Stellar Blade for the Steam Deck at launch. The game, which initially made a splash as a PS5 exclusive, is expected to hit the PC market soon, and the company anticipates even greater success there. It’s also worth keeping an eye on their upcoming project, known as Project Witches, which may be teased further in the first half of 2025.
Stellar Blade burst onto the scene in April 2024, making its mark as a PS5 exclusive. However, it wasn’t long before fans heard the exciting news—Shift Up plans to bring this action-packed adventure to PC sometime in 2025. The game, which was published by Sony, not only overcame pre-launch controversies about its protagonist’s design but also went on to secure top spots in sales charts across the US. After keeping fans guessing, the Korean studio finally confirmed its PC release ambitions in November 2024. Most recently, the company, active since 2013, has hinted at building a version optimized for handheld PCs, which is excellent news for Steam Deck enthusiasts.
Shift Up recently detailed its optimization plans for Stellar Blade in a Q&A from the latest financial report, as shared via GamingOnLinux. The company is focusing on ensuring that the game thrives on the PC, emphasizing smooth gameplay for ultra-portable PC systems like the Steam Deck. Not content with just optimization, they plan to boost user convenience, introduce additional content, and implement a targeted marketing strategy tailored for the PC audience. They’re confident the PC release will outshine the console’s performance due to the broader PC market reach. Alongside these developments, Shift Up might also surprise fans with insights into Project Witches, their next venture slated for a post-2027 release, with more details potentially arriving by mid-2025.
Steam Deck users have every reason to be excited about these optimization plans. At a time when running high-end games on such devices is becoming a challenge due to hardware constraints, Stellar Blade’s availability on this platform could be a formidable addition. As players await the chance to dive into Shift Up’s critically acclaimed title later this year, they might find solace in trying some of the lighter AAA games newly available on Steam, like Civilization 7, already verified for Steam Deck compatibility.
In Stellar Blade, players are drawn into a narrative where humanity fights for survival in a world overrun by powerful creatures. The story begins with EVE, a member of the 7th Airborne Squad, on a mission to reclaim Earth from the clutches of the Naytiba. As she unravels mysteries from a bygone human civilization, she understands that her mission isn’t as clear-cut as once thought. Nothing is quite what it seems in this gripping action-adventure.
With a release date of April 26, 2024, and developed by the talented team at Shift Up, Stellar Blade promises an enthralling experience for gamers across platforms. Initially thriving on the PS5 with an M for Mature rating, the game’s forthcoming expansion to PC only augments its potential, highlighting the studio’s adept use of Unreal Engine 4 in creating such compelling worlds.
