Shift happens. If you've been following the saga of Shift Up’s action-adventure hit, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Stellar Blade keyhole suit—officially known in-game as the "Cybernetic Bondage" outfit—became a lightning rod for controversy, developer transparency discussions, and a massive "Free Stellar Blade" movement practically overnight. It's wild how one piece of digital fabric can cause such a stir.
Honestly, it wasn't just about the aesthetics. It was about what the community perceived as a bait-and-switch. When the game launched, players noticed that the Day One patch subtly altered a few outfits. The Cybernetic Bondage suit, which previously featured a more open "keyhole" design on the chest, was suddenly partially covered with a lace insert. It’s a small detail, sure, but in the world of high-fidelity character action games, small details are everything.
What Actually Changed With the Cybernetic Bondage Nano Suit?
Let's get the facts straight. The suit in question is the Cybernetic Bondage Nano Suit. In the pre-release promotional material and the unpatched version of the game (Version 1.000), the suit was a minimalist, high-tech piece of gear that featured a prominent open section.
After the 1.002 patch, the Stellar Blade keyhole suit was modified. Shift Up added a dark, translucent lace layer over the cleavage area. They did the same thing to the "Holiday Rabbit" outfit, adding a bit more coverage to the midriff and chest. Director Hyung-Tae Kim eventually addressed this, stating that the final version of the outfits was what the studio intended to show, but the fan response was loud. Like, really loud.
People were scouring every corner of Eidos 7 and the Wasteland just to see if the original design was tucked away somewhere as a secret unlockable. It wasn't. At least, not at first. The "censorship" debate raged on Reddit and X for weeks, with some players even refusing to update their physical copies of the game just to keep the original designs.
How to Get the Suit (The Standard Way)
If you’re just looking to add the Cybernetic Bondage suit to your wardrobe, you don't need to do anything too crazy. You can buy the crafting blueprint for this specific Stellar Blade keyhole suit from Roxanne’s shop in Xion.
You’ll need to increase your affinity with her first.
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- Talk to her.
- Buy stuff.
- Finish her side quests.
Once your affinity is high enough, the shop inventory expands. It’s not free, though. You’ll need the materials to craft it at a Repair Console once you have the design. Specifically, you're looking at a handful of Polymer Materials and some Advanced Polymer Materials. It’s a Tier 3 outfit, so it’s relatively easy to get once you hit the mid-game.
The "Summer Update" and the Return of the Design
Here is where it gets interesting. Shift Up actually listens. They didn't just ignore the noise. In a later update (around the time the Summer outfits were added), the developers introduced new variants of existing suits.
While they didn't technically "revert" the Cybernetic Bondage suit to its unpatched state, they added new outfits that leaned back into that original design philosophy. They realized that the "Keyhole" look was what the fans wanted. They even added a Boss Challenge mode that rewarded players with even more skimpy—or "tactically streamlined"—gear.
It’s rare to see a developer navigate this kind of friction so smoothly. Usually, studios dig their heels in. Shift Up basically said, "Okay, we hear you," and gave players more options instead of just fighting over one specific lace texture.
Why the Community Obsessed Over This Specific Outfit
It sounds superficial, but it’s deeper than just "looking at EVE." Stellar Blade was marketed as a return to the unapologetic character designs of the PS2 and PS3 eras. Think Bayonetta or Nier: Automata. When the Stellar Blade keyhole suit was altered, some fans felt it was a sign that Sony (the publisher) was forcing Western sensibilities on a Korean developer.
The suit became a symbol.
Whether you think the lace looks better or the original was superior, the "Keyhole-gate" drama defined the game's launch window. It also proved that players value consistency. If you show a suit in a trailer, players expect that suit in the box. Period.
Finding Similar "Keyhole" Style Outfits
If you’re a completionist and you want that specific aesthetic, there are other suits in the game that scratch that itch without needing a time machine to Version 1.000.
The "Black Full Dress" has a similar vibe, though it's much more formal. Then there's the "Motivation" suit, which you get by finding a specific chest in the Wasteland. It doesn't have the exact keyhole cut, but it shares the high-contrast, minimalist tech-wear look that the Cybernetic Bondage suit popularized.
Also, don't sleep on the "Blue Monsoon." It was part of the summer update and is arguably more "revealing" than the original Stellar Blade keyhole suit ever was. It’s funny—the "censorship" ended up being a temporary speed bump. By the time the game had been out for three months, EVE had more outfits than most RPG protagonists get in an entire trilogy.
Technical Glitches and the "Skin Suit"
Some players try to bypass the suit search entirely by using the Skin Suit.
Pro tip: don't.
If you unequip all of EVE’s Nano Suits, she defaults to her base layer. It looks cool, but it disables your shields. You will get absolutely wrecked by the first Naytiba that sneezes in your direction. The Stellar Blade keyhole suit—even the patched version—actually offers protection. The Skin Suit is basically "Hard Mode." Unless you’re a parry god, keep the clothes on.
How to Unlock Outfits Faster in New Game Plus
If you’ve already beaten the game once, New Game Plus (NG+) is where the real fashion happens. Most of the suits you already found will have "Recolor" or "Evolved" versions available in the second playthrough.
The Stellar Blade keyhole suit (Cybernetic Bondage) gets a variant too.
To find these, you usually return to the exact same chest where the original was located. If you already have the first one, the chest will now contain the variant. This is great because it adds a lot of replay value to areas like the Great Desert, which can feel a bit empty once the main quests are done.
Final Practical Advice for Collectors
Don't spend all your Vitcoins at once. I made that mistake. You’ll find that as you progress, the cost of crafting materials for these suits scales up. Save your resources for the suits you actually plan to wear.
If you are specifically hunting for the Stellar Blade keyhole suit vibe:
- Max out Roxanne’s affinity early by buying all her "Information" documents.
- Farm Polymer Materials in the Wasteland by destroying every crate you see.
- Check the shop frequently after major boss fights.
The game is a masterpiece of action design, regardless of how much lace is on a specific suit. The combat is tight, the world is beautiful, and the music is some of the best in the genre. Whether you're rocking the original design, the patched version, or a swimsuit, the gameplay remains the star of the show.
Go to the Wasteland, find the "Scrap Plains" fast travel point, and start hunting for those chests. The best way to experience the fashion in this game is to see it in motion during a perfect dodge.
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The Next Steps for Your EVE Build
To get the most out of your collection, head back to Xion and speak with Roxanne. If you haven't unlocked the "Cybernetic Bondage" suit yet, start purchasing her "Research Reports" to boost your affinity. Once the shop hits Level 3, the blueprint is yours. From there, it's just a matter of gathering 30 Polymer Materials and 15 Advanced Polymer Materials at any camp.
Once you have the suit equipped, try pairing it with the "Silver Eyewear" to complete the high-tech aesthetic. It’s one of the most cohesive looks in the game.