Stellar Blade was released in April 2024 for the PlayStation 5 and remains exclusive to the console – becoming one of the 50 titles to benefit from enhanced features on the PS5 Pro at launch. And while we don’t have a specific release date for the PC version, the game has already been confirmed for a Windows port in 2025.

The game’s developers, Shift Up, recently released a business performance results report which gives us a closer look at its plans for the PC release moving forward. Better yet, it specifically mentions Steam Deck optimization, with “smooth gameplay” a target for the Valve handheld.

Stellar Blade will be optimized for PC, including the Steam Deck

According to a report published by Shift Up, the game is expected to enjoy an even better market share on PC, exceeding that of the console version. The company observes significant growth in the Asian market in particular, and plans to ensure “continued success in the PC market”. This will be achieved via optimization, which is great news considering PC ports for console exclusives aren’t always received very well in the performance department.

“In the AAA game market, PC devices have a higher market share than consoles, so we expect the performance of the PC version to exceed that of the console version. We are particularly observing trends such as the significant expansion of the single-player action game market in the Asian gaming industry.

We have identified and analyzed both successful and underperforming cases of console exclusives released on PC, and we are preparing to release the game in a way that ensures continued success in the PC market. This will include optimization, enhancing user convenience, adding supplementary content, and tailored marketing strategies unique to Shift Up. In particular, we plan to optimize the game to ensure smooth gameplay even in UMPC (Steam Deck) environments.”

Shift Up, Q4 2024 Business Performance Results

While this doesn’t confirm full Steam Deck Verified status, it does suggest that Shift Up is well aware of the large audience of handheld gamers, especially for a game tailored for controllers. Optimizing for the Steam Deck should also open up excellent performance for a wider range of handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. The latter is getting its own SteamOS-powered device in a variant of the Legion Go S later this year (May), which could arrive just in time for the Stellar Blade PC release.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.