Blade Shift's DLC Update Blunders

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

Stellar Blade's highly anticipated update, Patch 1.009, delivered both exciting additions and frustrating setbacks. While the update brought the much-requested Photo Mode and a collaborative DLC featuring NieR: Automata, it also introduced several game-breaking bugs.

Unexpected Glitches Mar the Update

Players have encountered significant issues, including softlocks during a specific main quest within an earlier dungeon. The new Photo Mode selfie camera has also proven problematic, causing crashes for some users. Furthermore, some players report issues with newly added cosmetic items failing to render correctly on the main character, Eve.

Shift Up, the developers, are actively working on a hotfix to address these critical bugs. They strongly advise against attempting to circumvent the softlock issues, as forcing progression may lead to permanent game breakage, even after the hotfix is deployed. Patience is key while awaiting the patch.

NieR: Automata Collaboration and Enhanced Photo Mode

The update's positive aspects include the long-awaited Photo Mode, allowing players to capture stunning images of Eve and her companions. The addition of new photo challenges encourages exploration of this feature. The collaboration with NieR: Automata introduces 11 exclusive items, obtainable by interacting with Emil within the game world. This collaboration, as stated on the PlayStation Blog, stemmed from the mutual respect and creative synergy between Director Kim Hyung Tae and Director Yoko Taro.

Further enhancements include four new outfits for Eve, a new accessory altering Tachy Mode's appearance (unlocked after completing a specific ending), and the addition of a "No Ponytail" option for increased character customization. Improved projectile auto-aim, bullet magnet functionality for the instant death skill, and several minor bug fixes round out the update, aiming for a more polished gameplay experience. Lip-sync support has also been expanded to six additional languages.

Despite the initial setbacks, the developers' swift response and commitment to a hotfix demonstrate their dedication to resolving these issues and ensuring a smoother experience for players.