Stellar Blade Photo Mode Update: How to Unlock Photo Mode
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Features: Stellar Blade’s new photo mode is a game-changer, with customizable lighting, character poses, and cinematic depth of field.
- Dynamic Creativity: The ability to manipulate light sources and character expressions ensures stunning visual storytelling opportunities.
- Exciting Additions: The update includes a Legacy form cosmetic, a selfie mode with side quests, and more setting the stage for the Nier Automata DLC release.
Stellar Blade’s Photo Mode: A Next-Level Update
Fans of Stellar Blade, rejoice! The long-awaited photo mode is finally here, and it’s everything we hoped for and then some. Originally expected alongside the Nier Automata DLC, this update dropped a day early, much to everyone’s delight. Let’s break down why this photo mode is not just another feature but a revolution in in-game photography.
1. Why Photo Mode Matters
Photo modes in games have become the playground for creativity, and Stellar Blade’s iteration takes it to the next level. With six core customization options, players can control everything from camera angles to lighting effects. Whether you’re capturing Eve in action or creating artistic masterpieces, this mode opens up endless possibilities.
2. Features That Steal the Show
Camera Controls
The camera tab focuses on essentials like tilt, field of view, and depth of field. Stellar Blade includes an automatic focus option that tracks Eve, ensuring she remains the star of the shot without you needing to tweak distances manually.
Lighting Adjustments
This feature is where the magic happens. Lighting makes up 90% of great photography, and Stellar Blade lets you place up to three light sources in any scene. Adjust the intensity, color, focus, and even shadow effects to create the perfect ambiance for your shot.
Character Customization
In the character tab, players can swap characters (where possible), adjust poses, and play with facial expressions. You can make Eve and others look at the camera, adding an emotional connection to your shots. While options for characters like Tacky and Ena aren’t available yet, the current selection is robust, offering over 20 poses and 15 facial expressions.
Artistic Decorations
Get creative with frames and logos. The decorations tab offers tools to add Stellar Blade branding or logos from shops in Zion, giving your photos a polished, thematic edge.
Selfie Mode
Unlocking selfie mode through a photography side quest in Zion adds another layer of fun. This mode encourages exploration, with missions that task you to find specific subjects, like hidden cats. It’s a refreshing departure from hand-holding gameplay.
3. Beyond Photo Mode: More Features in the Update
Cosmetics Upgrade: Legacy Earrings
The Symbol of Legacy earrings transform Eve’s appearance, unlocking her battle-ready “One-Winged Angel” form. This cosmetic change enhances immersion, even altering the soundtrack during gameplay.
Ponytail Toggle
Players now have more hairstyling options, including a ponytail-free look. This small but impactful addition allows for unique character customization.
Cutscenes and Boss Battles
What’s a photo mode worth if it’s restricted? Stellar Blade lets you activate photo mode during cutscenes and boss battles. While the camera is locked during some cinematic sequences, other customization options remain accessible.
4. Gripes and Wishes
No update is perfect. One downside of the photo mode is the inability to swap in fan-favorite characters like Ena or Tacky unless they’re already in the scene. Another limitation is the lack of camera control during cutscenes, which, while understandable, could have added a cinematic flair to your snapshots.
Still, these are minor hiccups in an otherwise stellar update.
5. A Gateway to the Nier Automata DLC
This update paves the way for the Nier Automata DLC, expected to drop soon as a paid expansion. The crossover promises new outfits, gameplay enhancements, and plenty of opportunities to flex your photo mode skills.
Fan Involvement: Share Your Shots
Want to showcase your in-game photography? The Stellar Blade team invites fans to submit their best shots. Whether it’s an intense battle moment or a serene landscape, your creativity could be featured in future updates.
How to Access Traditional Photo Mode
The traditional photo mode is the simpler of the two to access. Here’s how you can dive straight into it:
- Open Settings in the game menu.
- Navigate to Photo Mode and select Enter Photo Mode.
- Alternatively, you can quickly enter photo mode during gameplay by pressing R1 + Left on your controller.
Once activated, you can adjust the camera angle, zoom, and other settings to get the perfect shot. Experiment with filters and lighting options to make your captures truly stand out.
Unlocking Selfie Photo Mode: Step-by-Step Guide
The selfie photo mode requires a bit more effort to unlock, but it’s well worth the time. Follow these steps to access this feature and get ready to strike a pose:
1. Visit the Bulletin Board in Xion
Head to the central hub of Xion and look for the Bulletin Board. Here, you’ll find various tasks and quests available for completion.
2. Accept the Photography Club Request
Find and accept the request from the Photography Club. This questline is your ticket to unlocking selfie mode.
3. Follow the Waypoint to Memory Square
After accepting the request, a waypoint will guide you to Memory Square. This location plays a key role in the quest.
4. Equip the Camera
Once you reach Memory Square, equip the camera by holding Down on the D-pad and selecting it from the menu.
5. Snap a Selfie
With the camera equipped, press Down again to take a selfie. Feel free to experiment with poses and angles before capturing the perfect shot.
6. Turn in the Request
Return to the Bulletin Board in Xion and submit the completed request. Completing this questline unlocks not only the selfie mode but also some fantastic rewards.
Rewards for Completing the Photography Club Request
Finishing the Photography Club quest isn’t just about unlocking selfie mode it comes with some exciting bonuses:
- FourSeconds Everyday Wear Outfit: A stylish new outfit for your character.
- Camera Equipment: Essential for capturing those memorable selfies.
- Additional Requests: Completing the Photography Club request opens up further opportunities and missions in the game.
These rewards not only enhance your gameplay but also allow you to flex your creativity in new ways.
FAQs
Q: How do I unlock selfie mode in Stellar Blade?
A: Visit the bulletin board in Zion and start the photography club side quest. This unlocks the selfie mode for use in specific missions.
Q: Can I customize lighting during boss battles?
A: Yes! Photo mode is fully functional during boss battles, allowing for epic action shots with tailored lighting and camera settings.
Q: Are additional characters like Ena or Tacky planned for future updates?
A: Currently, only Eve, Adam, and Lily are swappable in photo mode. However, fans have requested more characters, and updates may include this feature.
Q: Is the photo mode free?
A: Yes, the photo mode is included in the free update. The Nier Automata DLC, however, will be a paid expansion.
