The PC version of Stellar Blade is just a few weeks away from its official release, but according to a recent presentation, developer Shift Up has already begun working on the next installment of this game, which is expected to launch next year.
This information was revealed during a press conference held on May 16, where Shift Up disclosed their long-term development plans. According to the timeline presented in the slides, Stellar Blade 2 – the sequel to this action-adventure game – is currently scheduled for release before 2027.
This is considered a relatively quick development cycle compared to the industry standard, especially given that the first installment just launched last summer and the PC version has yet to officially release (expected on June 11 this year).
Launching a high-quality AAA action game within a two-year timeframe is rare, which has left many in the community surprised. Additionally, while content details for Stellar Blade 2 are being revealed, the announcement of a sequel already in the pipeline is a clear signal that Shift Up does not intend to rest on their laurels. More importantly, the character Eve – the “goddess” in the game – is expected to retain her role, providing players with a unique cooperative gameplay experience in the sequel.
However, the timeline is still subject to change. Since this is internal information and not an official announcement, all dates are tentative and may vary depending on actual development progress. The planned release of Stellar Blade 2 in 2026 is ambitious, though it could be postponed if challenges arise during development. Alongside Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke, the presentation also introduced a completely new project named Project Witches. While specific details about this game are still scarce, many speculate it will follow the “anime girl” aesthetic that is a hallmark of Shift Up – a studio renowned for creating captivating female character designs with rich personalities and compelling narratives.
Launched in 2024, Stellar Blade received fairly positive reviews from both critics and players alike. On OpenCritic, the game currently holds an average score of 82 – a respectable score for a completely new IP. Although it has not reached the level of a blockbuster, Stellar Blade is still considered a significant step forward and the first successful venture of Shift Up into the AAA action-adventure genre – a challenging space that not every studio dares to enter.
