Stellar Blade's Patch 1.009: A bittersweet update
The highly anticipated Photo Mode and NieR: Automata DLC have arrived in Stellar Blade via Patch 1.009, but unfortunately, not without some significant issues. Developers Shift Up have acknowledged game-breaking bugs impacting quest progression and Photo Mode functionality.
Game-Breaking Bugs and the Hotfix
Players are reporting softlocks in a main quest within an early dungeon, preventing further progress. Additionally, the new Photo Mode's selfie camera is causing crashes for some, and certain cosmetic items from the update aren't rendering correctly. Shift Up is actively developing a hotfix to address these problems. They urge players to avoid forcing quest progression until the hotfix is released, as attempts to circumvent the issue could lead to permanent softlocks.
NieR: Automata Collaboration and Photo Mode Enhancements
The NieR: Automata collaboration is a major highlight of the update, offering 11 exclusive items. Find Emil, the NieR character, in Stellar Blade's world to acquire these rewards. This collaboration, born from mutual respect between the directors of both games, is a testament to their shared creative vision.
The much-requested Photo Mode finally makes its debut, letting players capture stunning images of Eve and her companions. New photo challenges have also been added to encourage exploration of this feature. To further enhance customization, Eve receives four new outfits and a new accessory (unlocked after completing a specific ending) to alter her Tachy Mode appearance. A "No Ponytail" option has also been added to the settings. Other improvements include lip-sync support for six additional languages, refined projectile auto-aim and bullet magnet functions for the instant death skill, and various minor bug fixes.
