Stellar Blade PC Performance Review: The Ultimate Way to Experience EVE’s Adventures

TL;DR

  • Stellar Blade delivers exceptional PC performance with 1080p averaging 195 FPS native and 345 FPS with DLSS+Frame Generation
  • 1440p performance remains strong at 140 FPS native, scaling to 260 FPS with optimization features enabled
  • 4K gaming requires DLSS for smooth 60+ FPS experience, hitting 155 FPS with full optimization
  • The game transitions beautifully from console to PC with excellent upscaling support and minimal performance issues
  • Optimized settings provide significant performance gains without noticeable visual quality degradation

Shift Up’s acclaimed action-adventure Stellar Blade has successfully made its transition from PlayStation exclusivity to the PC platform. Originally captivating audiences with its compelling protagonist and polished combat mechanics, the game now brings its visual splendor to desktop gaming rigs. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the initial console release, I’ve been eager to evaluate how this technically demanding title performs on PC hardware.

Through extensive testing with a review copy provided by Sony, I’ve compiled comprehensive performance data across multiple resolutions. This analysis will help you determine if your current system configuration can handle EVE’s visually stunning journey through a post-apocalyptic Earth.

EVE absorbing a power up
Image Credit: Shift UP (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

PC gaming presents unique performance challenges compared to console optimization, making thorough testing essential for understanding real-world performance expectations.

Before diving into the technical performance metrics, let’s briefly explore the narrative foundation that makes Stellar Blade so compelling. Players assume the role of EVE, an exceptionally skilled combat specialist deployed to a devastated Earth overrun by the monstrous Naytiba creatures. These formidable adversaries have decimated human civilization, leaving EVE as one of the last hopes for reclaiming the planet.

The mission begins as a straightforward extermination operation but rapidly evolves into a much deeper and more complex narrative. EVE encounters various allies who provide crucial support throughout her journey, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of Earth’s collapse and humanity’s future.

Eve fighting Naytibas
Image Credit: Shift UP (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

For those seeking a more detailed analysis of the game’s narrative structure and character development, our comprehensive Stellar Blade review offers extensive insights into the storytelling excellence that complements the technical achievements.

When Stellar Blade debuted on PlayStation platforms, critics universally praised its outstanding visual quality and consistently smooth performance. However, PC gaming environments introduce significantly more variables that can impact performance outcomes.

Our evaluation methodology involved comprehensive testing across three primary resolution tiers: 1080p (FHD), 1440p (QHD), and 2160p (4K UHD). Each resolution was tested using maximum quality settings (Very High preset) to establish performance baselines.

We conducted assessments using native rendering alongside NVIDIA’s DLSS technology in Quality mode, both with and without Frame Generation enabled. This multi-faceted approach provides valuable insights into how different hardware configurations and optimization features affect the gaming experience.

Eve near a machine
Image Credit: Shift UP (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

Utilizing a high-performance gaming system, Stellar Blade delivered exceptionally fluid performance at 1080p resolution with Very High settings configured. Running the game natively produced outstanding results, with frame rates consistently reaching approximately 200 FPS and maintaining averages between 190-195 FPS during intensive gameplay sequences.

The graphics processor operated at approximately 67 degrees Celsius with utilization hovering around 95% consistently. Meanwhile, the central processor demonstrated efficient performance with utilization ranging between 30-33%, indicating minimal CPU bottlenecking at this resolution.

FPS Native (DLAA) DLSS (Quality) DLSS (Quality) + Frame Generation ON
Average 195 210 345
Maximum 201 230 368
Minimum 167 197 314

Activating DLSS upscaling in Quality mode provided additional performance headroom, pushing average frame rates beyond 200 FPS to settle between 210-220 FPS. The most substantial improvement emerged when enabling Frame Generation technology, which dramatically increased performance to extraordinary levels averaging 345-360 FPS.

Interestingly, implementing these optimization features actually reduced GPU thermal output to approximately 65 degrees Celsius while decreasing utilization to 90-92%. CPU usage patterns remained consistent with native rendering performance.

Transitioning to 1440p resolution, which represents my display’s native specification, revealed expected performance reductions alongside noticeable enhancements in visual clarity and detail rendering. Operating at native 2K resolution without any upscaling assistance still delivered impressively smooth performance, averaging around 140 FPS throughout testing.

At this elevated resolution, the workload distribution shifts significantly toward graphics processing. GPU utilization peaked at 99% while maintaining thermal levels around 70 degrees Celsius. Correspondingly, CPU utilization decreased to approximately 24%, confirming the transition to a GPU-bound scenario.

FPS Native (DLAA) DLSS (Quality) DLSS (Quality) + Frame Generation ON
Average 140 190 260
Maximum 148 200 290
Minimum 126 178 248
Eve defeating a monster
Image Credit: Shift UP (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

The performance scaling demonstrates excellent optimization for mid-range gaming systems, providing ample frame rates for high-refresh-rate displays while maintaining superior visual fidelity.

4K gaming represents the pinnacle of visual fidelity and performance demands. At native ultra-high-definition resolution without optimization features, Stellar Blade averaged approximately 70 FPS, which remains playable but may not satisfy users with high-refresh-rate monitors.

FPS Native (DLAA) DLSS (Quality) DLSS (Quality) + Frame Generation ON
Average 70 108 155
Maximum 73 112 166
Minimum 62 103 151

Implementing DLSS Quality mode provided a substantial performance uplift, increasing averages to 108 FPS. The most impressive results emerged with Frame Generation activated, pushing performance to 155 FPS averages – more than doubling the native rendering performance while maintaining exceptional image quality.

EVE travelling in a train
Image Credit: Shift UP (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

Based on our comprehensive testing across multiple resolutions and optimization configurations, we’ve identified the most effective settings for different hardware tiers. These recommendations balance visual quality and performance to ensure the best possible gaming experience.

FPS 1080p Native+ Frame Generation ON 2K Native+ Frame Generation ON 4K Native+ Frame Generation ON
Average 290 200 106
Maximum 312 212 115
Minimum 284 167 102

Budget System Optimization: For systems with entry-level graphics cards, prioritize 1080p resolution with DLSS Quality mode enabled. Consider reducing shadow quality and post-processing effects for additional performance gains without significant visual compromise.

Mid-Range Configuration: 1440p gaming delivers the ideal balance, especially when combined with Frame Generation for high-refresh-rate displays.

Eve posing for a picture
Image Credit: Shift UP (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Beebom)

High-End System Recommendations: For premium gaming rigs, 4K gaming with DLSS and Frame Generation provides an exceptional experience that maximizes both visual fidelity and performance.

After extensive performance evaluation across multiple resolution tiers and optimization configurations, Stellar Blade demonstrates outstanding performance on PC platforms. The developers at Shift Up have successfully translated the console optimization excellence to the more variable PC gaming environment.

The game’s robust support for modern upscaling technologies like DLSS and Frame Generation ensures that players with compatible hardware can achieve exceptional frame rates without sacrificing visual quality.

For those considering diving into EVE’s adventure on PC, the performance metrics confirm that the game scales beautifully across different hardware configurations. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p, 1440p, or 4K resolutions, Stellar Blade delivers a polished, high-performance experience that justifies the platform transition.

The combination of engaging combat mechanics, compelling narrative, and now proven PC performance makes this title a strong recommendation for action-adventure enthusiasts seeking a technically accomplished gaming experience.

Action Checklist

  • Benchmark your system at native resolution to establish performance baseline
  • Enable DLSS Quality mode for immediate performance improvement without visual compromise
  • Activate Frame Generation if supported for maximum FPS enhancement
  • Monitor GPU temperatures and utilization to identify potential thermal limitations
  • Adjust shadow quality and post-processing settings based on your performance targets

No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Stellar Blade PC Performance Review: The Ultimate Way to Experience EVE’s Adventures Comprehensive PC performance analysis and optimization guide for Stellar Blade's PC release