The highly anticipated Patch 1.009 for Stellar Blade, introducing Photo Mode and NieR: Automata DLC, has unfortunately also brought some significant issues. Developers Shift Up are working diligently on a hotfix.
Players are reporting game-breaking bugs, including softlocks during a specific main quest and crashes when using the Photo Mode's selfie camera. Some cosmetic items from the update are also not rendering correctly.
Shift Up advises against forcing quest progression. Attempting to circumvent the softlock may result in a permanent lock, even after the hotfix is released. Patience is key while awaiting the patch.
The collaboration with NieR: Automata is a major highlight of the update. Eleven exclusive items are available by interacting with Emil, who has established a shop within Stellar Blade's world. This collaboration, born from mutual respect between the directors of both games, has yielded impressive results.
The much-requested Photo Mode is finally here, allowing players to capture stunning images of Eve and her companions. New photo challenges add further incentive to explore this feature. Four new outfits for Eve and a new accessory (unlocked after a specific ending) that alters Tachy Mode appearance have also been added. A "No Ponytail" option provides more customization.
Additional improvements include lip-sync support for six more languages, enhanced projectile auto-aim and bullet magnet functionality for the instant death skill, and various minor bug fixes for a smoother gaming experience.