Following one of the standout announcements during Sony’s recent State of Play, where it was revealed that Stellar Blade would receive a collaborative DLC with NieR: Automata by the year’s end, developers SHIFT UP continue to surprise audiences.
The latest update to Stellar Blade introduces realistic breast physics changes, further enhancing gameplay.
The newly released 1.07 patch brings several key additions, including the ability to activate the recent Summer Event option at your own leisure. This feature allows players to revisit what was initially a time-limited event, while also introducing new equipment and outfits, along with general quality-of-life improvements.
Notably, visual tweaks have also been implemented in this patch.
The Summer Event, originally added to Stellar Blade through a July 2024 patch, takes place at the Great Desert Oasis and introduces a new activity along with bikini-themed outfits. Although the seasonal event has officially ended, players now have the option to toggle it on or off at their convenience.
Additionally, the event’s soundtrack, including the song “Don’t Forget Me,” can be played at your in-game camp.
Regarding the quality-of-life improvements, many focus on streamlining preparations for Eve and navigation. For instance, after the latest Stellar Blade update, players can now favorite specific outfits and equipment through the menu for quick access. Navigating the game world has also been enhanced, with the map now allowing players to place pins to mark important locations.
Two key changes affect the in-game store. First, a new feature provides a warning when you’re about to make a significant purchase, helping players manage their in-game currency more effectively. Additionally, a new option allows players to reload ammo using an Ammo Package, offering more convenience during combat.
Obviously, the most notorious improvement for many players is the revamped physics model applied to equipped outfits.
Stellar Blade faced controversy at launch due to Sony pushing a day-one censorship update, which toned down the game’s gore and modified multiple outfits to be less revealing. These outfits were later reintroduced in a subsequent update as additional content that had to be reacquired.
Despite the initial backlash, SHIFT UP has worked diligently to win over the player base who were previously disgruntled, building goodwill and excitement, particularly as the community eagerly awaits Stellar Blade‘s eventual PC release.
SHIFT UP has declined to provide specific details about the physics changes in the official patch notes, the accompanying videos highlight the “visual conflicts” resolved in the 1.07 patch.
The studio has clearly gone above and beyond when it comes to fan service by focusing on enhancing the game’s sex appeal. Notably, they’ve made significant adjustments to Eve’s breast physics and collision mechanics.
These updates allow for more realistic and natural movement across different outfits. For instance, when Eve presses her arms against her chest, her breasts now respond more accurately by compressing against her body, and outfits with low-cut tops better depict her cleavage being pushed together.
SHIFT UP has gone the extra mile in refining these visual elements to meet audience expectations.
Players have also noted how strong winds and updrafts now affect Eve’s costumes more realistically, especially for outfits that are frillier rather than skintight. These changes add a new level of immersion, with skirts and loose parts of her clothing responding much more dynamically to environmental conditions like wind.
Initially, I had reservations about supporting SHIFT UP after their partnership with Sony led to the controversial day-one censorship update. However, the Korean studio has shown a strong commitment to listening to player feedback with Stellar Blade, their first major release.
Despite not being a live service game, SHIFT UP continues to introduce new content, such as the recent summer-themed event, which has now become a permanent feature, along with the eagerly anticipated NieR: Automata collaboration. Their dedication to detail and consistent quality-of-life improvements have successfully kept players engaged, solidifying Stellar Blade‘s appeal.
I had already been won over by Stellar Blade and SHIFT UP some time ago, but now I’m completely convinced. The latest update, with its improvements to how outfits react to wind and the efforts to make Eve’s bust physics as realistic as possible across the wide array of outfits, is truly impressive. Especially considering how the update was published on PlayStation as Sony are notorious for hating fan service and all things heterosexual.
It’s also remarkable to see such consistent enhancements for a single-player game.
Unfortunately, the game still lacks a true photo mode and doesn’t yet have an official PC release date. However, the photo mode is set to be included in an upcoming update, and the PC release is just a matter of time.
When it finally arrives on PC, Stellar Blade is poised to become one of Sony’s most popular titles on the platform. Though the inevitable PSN requirement will hinder some players, it’s likely that will be bypassed quickly, especially given the flood of mods that are sure to surface within days of release, which is something I actually can’t wait for.
