Look, let's be real for a second. We’ve all seen "Complete Editions" that are basically just the base game with a digital artbook nobody looks at and a single ugly skin. It’s a cash grab. But Shift Up isn’t really playing that game. If you’ve been hovering over the "buy" button wondering if Stellar Blade Complete Edition is worth it, the short answer is: yeah, mostly because of how much they actually crammed into this package.
I’m not just talking about a couple of new suits. We’re looking at a full-blown technical overhaul, especially if you’re coming from the original PS5 launch version. Between the NieR: Automata crossover and the massive PC optimization, there is a lot to chew on here.
What is Actually in the Box?
When you pick up the Stellar Blade Complete Edition, you aren't just getting the base game. It’s essentially a bundle of everything released up to early 2026. If you're a new player, this is the version you want. No question.
Here is the breakdown of what is actually included:
- The Full Game: Obviously.
- NieR: Automata DLC: This is the big one. It adds Emil’s shop to the Wasteland, where you can get 2B and A2-themed outfits.
- Goddess of Victory: NIKKE DLC: Another collaboration that brings some... distinctive designs to the wardrobe.
- The Deluxe Pack Content: This includes the Stargazer suit for Eve, the Stargazer wear for Adam and Lily, and some half-rim glasses.
- New Game+ Extras: Specifically the "Captain" version of the Planet Diving Suit and the "Fluffy Bear" drone pack.
- Technical Updates: Integrated Photo Mode, Boss Challenge Mode, and the new battle against Mann, leader of the Sentinels.
Honestly, the sheer volume of "Nano Suits" (costumes) is a bit ridiculous. We’re talking over 60 different looks for Eve at this point. If you like digital dress-up between bouts of high-octane violence, you’re going to be busy for a long time.
The PC vs. PS5 Pro Dilemma
If you’re a console purist, the PS5 version still holds up incredibly well. But if you have a high-end rig, the PC version of the Complete Edition is objectively the "Definitive" way to play.
The optimization is stellar. Shift Up worked some kind of magic with the PC port. You’re getting native 4K, unlocked framerates that can push past 120 FPS if your GPU is beefy enough, and support for NVIDIA DLSS 4. On a 40-series card, the game feels buttery smooth in a way the original PS5 Performance Mode just couldn't quite hit during some of the more chaotic boss fights.
There’s also the ultrawide support. Playing this in 21:9 or 32:9 changes the vibe of the Great Desert sections entirely. It feels way more cinematic.
Why the NieR: Automata DLC Matters
A lot of people think the NieR collab is just a costume pack. It's more than that, but less than a full expansion. You get Emil’s shop, which is a mobile shop that roams the Wasteland. You have to hunt down "Stellar Tears" to buy the collaboration items. It adds a nice little scavenger hunt layer to the exploration that wasn't there before.
Plus, let’s be honest. Eve in 2B’s outfit? It’s what the fans wanted since day one. The animations even feel like they have a slightly different flair when you're wearing the collab gear.
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Is Stellar Blade Complete Edition Worth It for Returning Players?
This is the trickiest part. If you already platinumed the game on PS5, is it worth double-dipping?
If you are a PC gamer who played it on console first, yes. The jump in visual clarity and the addition of community mods (on Nexus Mods) adds dozens of hours of replayability. People are already making custom suits and quality-of-life tweaks that Sony would never officially sanction.
However, if you already own the base game on PS5, you might be better off just buying the "Twin Expansion Pack" separately. The Complete Edition doesn't add a "new" story campaign. It’s the same 30-hour journey. You get the new boss, Mann, but he’s also available via a free update for base game owners in the Boss Challenge mode.
Don't buy the whole thing twice if you just want the outfits. Just get the DLC bundle.
Combat and Content: The 2026 Perspective
Looking back at the original release, the combat was always the star. It's that perfect middle ground between Sekiro’s parry-heavy rhythm and Devil May Cry’s stylish aggression.
In the Complete Edition, the "Tachy Mode" feels more refined. They’ve added a new accessory called the "Symbol of Legacy" which actually changes how Tachy Mode looks and plays. It makes the endgame feel a bit fresher.
The story is still... well, it’s fine. It’s a bit predictable. Eve is a bit of a blank slate. But the world-building in the "Complete" package feels more cohesive. Having the Japanese and Chinese voiceovers available with full lip-sync from the start (which wasn't the case at launch) makes a big difference for the atmosphere.
How to Get the Most Out of It
If you decide to dive in, don't just rush the main story. Stellar Blade Complete Edition shines when you actually engage with the side content.
- Do the "Singing Android" questline. It’s one of the few side stories that actually has some emotional weight.
- Hunt the Cans. Collecting all 49 cans unlocks a specific suit that is arguably the best in the game for combat stats.
- Use Photo Mode early. Some of the environments in the Eidos 7 area are incredible for screenshots, but you can’t easily go back to some of them once the story progresses past a certain point.
- Try the Boss Challenge Mode. It’s the best way to practice parry timings without the stress of losing progress.
Final Verdict: The Bottom Line
If you haven't played the game yet, Stellar Blade Complete Edition is absolutely worth it. It is one of the most polished action-RPGs of the last few years, and the sheer amount of content you get for $79.99 (or less on sale) is massive compared to most modern "Triple-A" releases.
If you already own the game, skip the full edition and just grab the DLC expansion pack. You’ll save about forty bucks and get the same experience.
Next Steps for You:
Check your platform's store for the "Twin Expansion Pack" if you already own the base game. If you're on PC, make sure you have at least 75 GB of SSD space free—this game is a texture hog and will stutter on an old-school HDD.