PS Plus Premium Adds Free Trial for One of 2024's Best PS5 Exclusives

Stellar Blade

By Brett Byll

Published Jun 13, 2024

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Stellar Blade

Highlights

PlayStation Plus Premium members can try out Stellar Blade with a two-hour trial, with progress carrying over if they decide to purchase.
Stellar Blade has become a big hit for Sony, potentially leading to a PC port for wider success.
Developer Shift Up has plans for a sequel, which could expand upon the deep combat mechanics and address underdeveloped story elements.

PlayStation Plus Premium members now have access to a two-hour trial of Stellar Blade. The third person action game has gained a lot of traction as a PlayStation exclusive, and players have come to appreciate the deep combat mechanics and stunning visuals the game offers. Many fans of Stellar Blade appear to be in agreement that they would like to see much more of the IP in some form, whether it is DLC or a sequel.

Stellar Blade has quickly become one of Sony's biggest hits. In the week of May 4, the game was able to climb the charts and outsell Helldivers 2, the other hit PlayStation release. Stellar Blade's status as a hit appears to be leading it towards a similar path as Helldivers 2, with developer Shift Up considering a PC port for the release. The PC release of Helldivers 2 was crucial in the game becoming as popular as it has, which could mean a boost for Stellar Blade's success if Shift Up does decide to port the game.

Stellar Blade: 7 Best Gear, Ranked

Stellar Blade players can take down the strongest Naytibas in next to no time with the best gear.

A two-hour trial of Stellar Blade is live for PlayStation Plus Premium members. If players decide to purchase the game after the trial, their save data will carry over, and fans recommend trying out the demo for Stellar Blade first, since progress between it and the trial carries over as well. This may be the best strategy for players who are interested in maximizing their experience, since PlayStation Plus Premium members will be able to get about four hours worth of free content by playing this way.

Stellar Blade Shows Promise for the Future

Developer Shift Up appears to be just getting started when it comes to capitalizing on the success of its hit title. Shift Up is planning a sequel, which has players excited. In addition to even more Stellar Blade or a PC port, the developer is working on a separate release titled Project Witches, which may combine the gameplay of a release like Stellar Blade with the lucrative and popular gacha format.

For a sequel, there seems to be plenty of room to build upon Stellar Blade. Some players want even more depth to the combat, but in terms of critical reception, plenty of reviews for Stellar Blade noted that the story felt underdeveloped. Some of this emphasis on its story could be because much of Stellar Blade is inspired by the Nier series, which tends to be praised for its complex narratives. A sequel provides the perfect opportunity for improvement all around.