Stellar Blade DLC Update Unveiled

Stellar Blade's Patch 1.009: A Double-Edged Sword of Content and Bugs

Stellar Blade's highly anticipated update, Patch 1.009, delivered the promised Photo Mode and NieR: Automata crossover DLC. However, it also introduced several game-breaking glitches, leaving players temporarily frustrated. These issues include softlocks during a specific main quest in an earlier dungeon and crashes when utilizing the Photo Mode's selfie camera. Additionally, some players reported visual glitches with new cosmetic items.

Developer Shift Up is actively working on a hotfix to address these problems. Players are advised to avoid forcing quest progression until the hotfix is released to prevent permanent softlocks.

A Celebration of Collaboration and Customization

The NieR: Automata collaboration is a significant highlight of this update. The developers, on the PlayStation Blog, emphasized the mutual inspiration and respect between directors Kim Hyung Tae and Yoko Taro, resulting in 11 exclusive collaboration items. Players can find these items by interacting with Emil, the iconic NieR character, within Stellar Blade's world.

The long-requested Photo Mode has finally arrived, allowing players to capture stunning images of Eve and her companions. This feature is complemented by new photo challenges, encouraging creative use of the mode. Further enhancing customization, Eve now boasts four new outfits and a new accessory (obtained after completing a specific ending) affecting Tachy Mode's appearance. A "No Ponytail" option has also been added to the settings.

Beyond the new additions, Patch 1.009 includes various improvements, such as lip-sync support for six additional languages, enhanced projectile auto-aim and bullet magnet functions for the instant death skill, and numerous smaller bug fixes to improve overall gameplay. While the initial release contained significant bugs, the swift response from Shift Up and the substantial content additions suggest a positive outlook for the game's future.