Having recently transitioned from PlayStation exclusivity, the 2024 action title Stellar Blade has made a remarkable entrance into the PC gaming landscape, eclipsing its predecessors in impressive fashion. With its launch now complete across all regions, the game has reached a peak of 183,830 concurrent players on Steam, a figure that not only sets a new benchmark for former PlayStation exclusives but also signifies a significant achievement for its developer, SHIFTUP.
Record-Breaking Performance
To put this achievement into perspective, Stellar Blade has more than doubled the previous record for single-player games on PC, previously held by Ghost of Tsushima at 77,154 players. As the weekend approaches, the potential for this number to grow even further remains tantalizing. Here’s a snapshot of the major PC releases from Sony, showcasing how Stellar Blade stands out:
- Stellar Blade – 183,830
- Ghost of Tsushima – 77,154
- God of War – 73,529
- Spider-Man Remastered – 66,436
- Horizon Zero Dawn – 56,557
- The Last of Us Part I – 36,496
- The Last of Us Part II – 30,690
- Spider-Man 2 – 28,189
While the majority of these titles have taken years to make their way to PC, Stellar Blade has achieved this remarkable success in just over a year. However, it’s important to note that Sony does not own the intellectual property for this title, leaving the future of its partnership with PlayStation somewhat uncertain. A sequel has been confirmed, with a tentative release date set for 2027, as indicated in a recent SHIFTUP presentation.
In a notable contrast, if we expand our view beyond single-player experiences, Helldivers 2 emerges as a standout, boasting a peak of 458,709 players. Even after a substantial update, it maintains a robust player base of around 100,000 nightly, surpassing its PlayStation numbers.
In terms of sales, Stellar Blade reported an impressive milestone of 1 million copies sold within the first month of its release. Given the current momentum on PC, further sales news is anticipated soon, especially as it currently holds the title of the #1 seller on Steam. The recent addition of a content pack alongside the PC launch, coupled with a free demo that likely attracted many new players, has undoubtedly contributed to its success.
On a personal note, I found Stellar Blade to be one of my favorite games of 2024, having invested 50 hours across two playthroughs. The game has since introduced various updates, including a photo mode and an impressive array of new outfits—nearing 100, perhaps—enhancing the overall experience. It’s a thrilling action game that I wholeheartedly recommend, and I eagerly await the sequel. If you missed out on the PlayStation version, now is the perfect time to dive in.
