So, you’re looking to turn Eve into 2B. Honestly, it was only a matter of time before Shift Up and Yoko Taro made this happen. The Stellar Blade x NieR:Automata DLC isn't some massive story expansion that adds ten hours of lore, but for fans of the "buttery smooth" action genre, it’s basically mandatory.
You’ve probably seen the screenshots. The outfits look incredible. But if you’re jumping back into the game after a few months away, it isn't immediately obvious how to actually get the stuff. You don't just buy the DLC and have the clothes show up in your inventory. There is a bit of a scavenger hunt involved.
How the Stellar Blade NieR:Automata DLC Actually Works
Basically, this DLC costs $9.99. It launched alongside a free update that added the long-requested Photo Mode, but the NieR stuff is definitely a paid extra. Instead of just a menu unlock, Shift Up integrated it into the game world through a specific character: Emil.
If you've played NieR:Automata, you know Emil as the creepy yet endearing rolling head with the loud music. He’s here too. He functions as a mobile shop that wanders around the open-world areas of the game.
Where to Find Emil’s Shop
You can’t find Emil just anywhere. He specifically haunts two zones:
- The Wasteland: He usually hangs out near the Junkyard Supply Camp.
- The Great Desert: He rolls around the open sands here as well.
Here is the thing: he’s fast. You’ll hear that iconic, slightly annoying "Every day is a sale!" music before you see him. To get him to actually stop so you can browse his wares, you have to shoot him with your drone. One hit and he’ll park his shop, allowing you to talk to him.
Hunting for Stellar Tears
You don't buy the 2B or A2 outfits with Gold. That would be too easy. Instead, you need a new currency called Stellar Tears.
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There are 15 Stellar Tears hidden across the map—8 in the Wasteland and 7 in the Great Desert. They look like little glowing pick-ups. Some are tucked away in caves, others are sitting on top of ruins or near the Solar Towers. You’ll need to collect these to "buy" the following from Emil:
- Four Nanosuits for Eve (including the classic 2B and A2 looks).
- One Face Accessory (the iconic blindfold).
- Three Hairstyles (so you can get that white bob just right).
- Cosmetics for the Drone, Adam, and Lily (to give the whole squad that YoRHa vibe).
One really cool detail—and something most people miss—is that the NieR outfits actually change the background music. If you're wearing the 2B suit, the ambient music in the Wasteland or Great Desert swaps over to tracks from the NieR:Automata soundtrack. It completely changes the vibe of the grind.
Is the DLC Worth Your Ten Bucks?
Look, if you’re looking for a new chapter of the story, you’re going to be disappointed. This is purely a cosmetic and "vibe" update.
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However, the quality of the models is top-tier. Shift Up didn't just slap a 2B skin on Eve; they adjusted the physics and added the self-destruct gimmick. Just like in Automata, if you use certain items or take enough damage, the outfits can show "battle wear."
If you're already planning a New Game+ run or you're obsessed with the new Photo Mode, it’s worth it. The Photo Mode itself (which is free) is surprisingly deep. You can change Eve’s poses, adjust the lighting scatter (basically the bloom), and even add filters. Taking shots of "2B" in the ruins of Xion is basically the endgame for a lot of players right now.
Actionable Steps for Players
- Check your version: Make sure you've downloaded the latest patch (and purchased the DLC from the PS Store or Steam).
- Unlock Photo Mode first: Go to the request board in Xion and take the "Photography Club" quest. It’s a simple "go here, take this specific photo" mission that unlocks the camera permanently.
- Head to the Wasteland: Fast travel to the Junkyard. Listen for the music. Shoot the rolling head.
- Search for the Tears: Use your scanner often. The Stellar Tears don't show up on the map automatically, so you'll need to do some old-school exploring or look up a map for the final few.
If you’re a fan of the aesthetic and want to support the devs, grab it. If you only care about combat and boss fights, you might want to skip this and look into the Nikke Collab DLC instead, which actually adds a boss fight against Scarlet.