Shift Up's Stellar Blade: Unexpected DLC Update Blunder

Stellar Blade's eagerly awaited Patch 1.009 has brought the much-anticipated Photo Mode and a thrilling NieR: Automata collaboration DLC to the game. However, this update has also introduced some game-breaking bugs that have left players frustrated. Shift Up, the developers behind Stellar Blade, are now diligently working on a hotfix patch to address these issues. Let's dive into the details of the bugs and what you can expect from the upcoming patch.

Stellar Blade Update Causes Game-Breaking Bugs

Patch 1.009 has not only added exciting new content but has also brought some significant challenges. Players have reported being softlocked when trying to progress through a specific main quest in an earlier dungeon. Additionally, some have experienced game crashes when using the selfie cam in Photo Mode, and there have been issues with new cosmetic items not rendering correctly on Eve.

Shift Up is actively working on a hotfix patch to resolve these issues. They advise players against forcing quest progression, as this could lead to permanent softlocks even after the patch is applied. It's best to wait patiently for the hotfix to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

NieR: Automata DLC and Photo Mode

Patch 1.009 introduces a wealth of new content, including the NieR: Automata collaboration. The developers at Shift Up have expressed that NieR: Automata was a significant inspiration for Stellar Blade. This collaboration, a result of the mutual respect and creativity between Director Kim Hyung Tae and Director Yoko Taro, has brought 11 exclusive items to the game. To access these items, players need to find NieR character Emil, who has set up shop within Stellar Blade's world.

The addition of Photo Mode has been a long-awaited feature for many players, allowing them to capture personalized snapshots of their favorite characters. With Stellar Blade's stunning graphics and beautiful cast, Photo Mode lets players pose protagonist Eve and her companions for memorable photos. The update also includes new photo challenge requests to encourage players to explore this feature fully.

To enhance the Photo Mode experience, Eve now has four new outfits and a new accessory that changes the appearance of Tachy Mode, available after completing a specific ending. Additionally, a "No Ponytail" option has been added to the ponytail length settings, offering more customization for Eve's appearance. Other improvements include lip-sync support for six additional voice-over languages, enhanced projectile auto-aim and bullet magnet functions for the instant death skill, and various minor bug fixes to ensure a smoother gameplay experience.