Following its PlayStation 5-exclusive launch in April 2024, Stellar Blade was released for PC in 2025, allowing more players to follow protagonist Eve's journey. The PC version also marked the launch of Stellar Blade mods, which focus on everything from more customization, to performance improvements, to some absolutely NSFW content.With the news that Stellar Blade sold more than 1 million copies in just three days on Steam, modders have been hard at work creating adjustments and tweaks to Shift Up's action RPG, which follows Eve on her mission to save humanity from a war against monsters called Naytiba in the distant future. Here are the best Stellar Blade mods you should install right now. Ultimate Engine TweaksThe Ultimate Engine Tweaks mod by P40L0 addresses performance issues in Unreal Engine, including stuttering, stability, input latency, and picture clarity. The modder's goal was to include as many optimizations as possible in order to remove these issues, without suffering visual losses or introducing glitches or crashes.There are so many improvements that it's hard to list them all in one place, but P40L0 has compiled a useful spreadsheet that details all of the areas that have been adjusted. It's quite the read, but the most important thing to know is that your Stellar Blade experience will be an improved one with this mod installed. Improved Perfect DefenseThe Improved Perfect Defense mod by Andrew Creekmore increases the Perfect Parry and Perfect Dodge windows from nine frames to 12, while decreasing the guard cooldown duration from 24 frames to 21. The guard cooldown duration removes the frustrating buffer between inputs during fights. The window and cooldown time changes are subtle, but make a noticeable difference during combat compared to the vanilla experience. At the same time, the Perfect Parry and Dodge mechanics aren't trivialized, and fights can still be challenging. Eve Eye Color And Makeup CompendiumThe Eve Eye Color And Makeup Compendium mod by Bourbibouze is one of the rare Stellar Blade mods that doesn't focus on Eve's other ... assets. There's an almost unfathomable amount of eye color and makeup options available for Eve now. While it's no secret that the Stellar Blade outfits are one of the standout features of the game, adding further customization options can only be a fun little addition. Stellar Blade Mod ManagerThe Stellar Blade Mod Manager by Huaisha2049 isn't necessarily a mod in its own right, but it is required in order to install most Stellar Blade mods. It also adds the ability to update and download mods online, running them through compatibility tests to automatically detect any potential dependency issues.It'll automatically find the location of your Stellar Blade install and add mods to the corresponding directory. The only limiting factor is that the game cannot be installed in the Chinese directory. Turn On And Off CheatsThe Turn On and Off Cheats mod by ArkhamXxX pretty much does what it says on the tin. The mod allows you to turn on and off certain cheats, including God Mode, infinite Beta energy, infinite Burst energy, infinite jump, 69 Skill Points, and infinite Tachy energy. You can use it in the full version of the game or the demo, and loading into story mode or boss challenges enables the functionality. You can modify the hotkeys used to activate or deactivate each cheat, too. First-PersonThe fairly self-explanatory First-Person mod from MJ allows you to play Stellar Blade from a first-person perspective. That's it. That's the mod. Thomas the Tank Engine as StalkerWe've seen it all before. Your favorite RPG has no doubt had Thomas the Tank Engine modded into it, and this creation by Tenshiken1 replaces Stalker from the boss challenge mode with the menacing engine himself. While the mod has a simple drag-and-drop installation method, the creator notes that it "should" be compatible with other clothing mods for Eve--but if you have issues, change the alphabetical order the mods load in. It's not a guaranteed fix, but has been noted to work. All Outfit UnlocksThe All Outfit Unlocks mod from Prophe33 gives you a save file with all outfits unlocked. You'll no longer have to grind for your favorite fashion for Eve, and can even jump straight into New Game Plus if you'd like. Faster FishingThe Faster Fishing mod from T4ke respects your time. After all, who has a moment to waste in a post-apocalyptic world? This mod speeds up fishing by up to 10 times the original speed. It's also customizable to twice as fast, or four times as fast. Blood Edge Weapon RecolorsThere are many, many, many aesthetic customization options for Eve, some of them less savory than others. One that's definitely safe and adds new levels of customization is this Blood Edge Weapon Recolors mod by NimbusNathan. The Blood Edge Sword and hair pin get more color options to match her nanosuits. It's a simple drag-and-drop installation, too, so you can soon enjoy the extra personalization.

Most of what happens within the video games we play is invisible to us. Even the elements we're looking straight at work because of what's happening behind the scenes. If you've ever watched a behind-the-scenes video about game development, you might've seen these versions of flat, gray game worlds filled with lines and icons pointing every which way, with multiple grids and layers. These are the visual representations of all the systems that make the game work.Assassin's Creed ShadowsThis is an especially weird dichotomy to consider when it comes to lighting in any game with a 3D perspective, but especially so in high-fidelity games. We don't see light so much as we see everything it touches; it's invisible, but it gives us most of our information about game worlds. And it's a lot more complex than "turn on lamp, room light up." Reflection, absorption, diffusion, subsurface scattering--the movement of light is a complex thing that has been explored by physicists in the real world for literally centuries, and will likely be studied for centuries more. In the middle of all of that are game designers, applying the science of light to video games in practical ways, balanced with the limitations of even today's powerful GPUs, just to show all us nerds a good time.If you've wondered why many games seem to be like static amusement parks waiting for you to interact with a few specific things, lighting is often the reason. But it's also the reason more and more game worlds look vibrant and lifelike. Game developers have gotten good at simulating static lighting, but making it move is harder. Dynamic lighting has long been computationally expensive, potentially tanking game performance, and we're finally starting to see that change.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The Stan Lee Story $78.57 (was $100) | Releases July 1 Preorder at Amazon It's not unfair to say that the late Stan Lee was not only one of Marvel Comics' most important creators, but also one of the most recognizable ambassadors for the entire comic book industry. If you're interested in his life story, then you'll want to check out the upcoming book, The Stan Lee Story. The chronicles his work, starting from his early days in 1940 at Timely Comics, his work in Hollywood, and his impact on other comic creators. The Stan Lee Story launches soon on July 1 for $100, but if you act fast, you can grab is at a discount for just $78.47 at Amazon. The Stan Lee Story $78.57 (was $100) | Releases July 1 Published by Taschen and overseen by legendary comics writer Roy Thomas, this 576-page deluxe book features a foreword written by Lee. It includes never-before-seen art and photographs sourced straight from Lee's family archives, a novel-length essay, an epilogue by Thomas, and an appendix covering all of the comics Lee worked on across multiple decades. Preorder at Amazon While this deal on The Stan Lee Story is a great opportunity to learn more about one of the medium's legendary figures, there are plenty of other books available that explore Marvel's history. One notable release is the Origins of Marvel Comics, which was first published in 1974 and was reissued in a deluxe edition last year. Written by Lee, Origins of Marvel Comics highlights the comic book characters that helped turn Marvel into a dominant force, as well as the talented creators who brought them to life. There's also Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, which chronicles the publishing company's early years through the accounts of the people who worked there.Another great pick is Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics, which recounts Kirby's life and prolific career as one of Marvel's most recognizable illustrators. Unlike the prose books we've mentioned, this is a graphic novel written by Eisner Award-winning author Tom Scioli.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Time for another European flavoured Hackaday Podcast this week, as Elliot Williams is joined by Jenny List, two writers sweltering in the humidity of a Central European summer. Both of …read more

This GFN Thursday rolls out a new reward and games for GeForce NOW members. Whether hunting for hot new releases or rediscovering timeless classics, members can always find more ways to play, games to stream and perks to enjoy. Gamers can score major discounts on the titles they’ve been eyeing — perfect for streaming in the cloud — during the Steam Summer Sale, running until Thursday, July 10, at 10 a.m. PT. This week also brings unforgettable adventures to the cloud: We Happy Few and Broken Age are part of the five additions to the GeForce NOW library this week. The fun doesn’t stop there. A new in-game reward for Elder Scrolls Online is now available for members to claim. And SteelSeries has launched a new mobile controller that transforms phones into cloud gaming devices with GeForce NOW. Add it to the roster of on-the-go gaming devices — including the recently launched GeForce NOW app on Steam Deck for seamless 4K streaming. Scroll Into Power GeForce NOW Premium members receive exclusive 24-hour early access to a new mythical reward in The Elder Scrolls Online — Bethesda’s award-winning role-playing game — before it opens to all members. Sharpen the sword, ready the staff and chase glory across the vast, immersive world of Tamriel. Fortune favors the bold. Claim the mythical Grand Gold Coast Experience Scrolls reward, a rare item that grants a bonus of 150% Experience Points from all sources for one hour. The scroll’s effect pauses while players are offline and resumes upon return, ensuring every minute counts. Whether tackling dungeon runs, completing epic quests or leveling a new character, the scrolls provide a powerful edge. Claim the reward, harness its power and scroll into the next adventure. Members who’ve opted into the GeForce NOW Rewards program can check their emails for redemption instructions. The offer runs through Saturday, July 26, while supplies last. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a legend in Tamriel. Steam Up Summer The Steam Summer Sale is in full swing. Snag games at discounted prices and stream them instantly from the cloud — no downloads, no waiting, just pure gaming bliss. Treat yourself. Check out the “Steam Summer Sale” row in the GeForce NOW app to find deals on the next adventure. With GeForce NOW, gaming favorites are always just a click away. While picking up discounted games, don’t miss the chance to get a GeForce NOW six-month Performance membership at 40% off. This is also the last opportunity to take advantage of the Performance Day Pass sale, ending Friday, June 27 — which lets gamers access cloud gaming for 24 hours — before diving into the 6-month Performance membership. Find Adventure Two distinct worlds — where secrets simmer and imagination runs wild — are streaming onto the cloud this week. Keep calm and blend in (or else). Step into the surreal, retro-futuristic streets of We Happy Few, where a society obsessed with happiness hides its secrets behind a mask of forced cheer and a haze of “Joy.” This darkly whimsical adventure invites players to blend in, break out and uncover the truth lurking beneath the surface of Wellington Wells. Two worlds, one wild destiny. Broken Age spins a charming, hand-painted tale of two teenagers leading parallel lives in worlds at once strange and familiar. One of the teens yearns to escape a stifling spaceship, and the other is destined to challenge ancient traditions. With witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, Broken Age is a storybook come to life, brimming with quirky characters and clever puzzles. Each of these unforgettable adventures brings its own flavor — be it dark satire, whimsical wonder or pulse-pounding suspense — offering a taste of gaming at its imaginative peaks. Stream these captivating worlds straight from the cloud and enjoy seamless gameplay, no downloads or high-end hardware required. An Ultimate Controller Elevated gaming. Get ready for the SteelSeries Nimbus Cloud, a new dual-mode cloud controller. When paired with GeForce NOW, this new controller reaches new heights. Designed for versatility and comfort, and crafted specifically for cloud gaming, the SteelSeries Nimbus Cloud effortlessly shifts from a mobile device controller to a full-sized wireless controller, delivering top-notch performance and broad compatibility across devices. The Nimbus Cloud enables gamers to play wherever they are, as it easily adapts to fit iPhones and Android phones. Or collapse and connect the controller via Bluetooth to a gaming rig or smart TV. Transform any space into a personal gaming station with GeForce NOW and the Nimbus Cloud, part of the list of recommended products for an elevated cloud gaming experience. Gaming Never Sleeps “System Shock 2” — now with 100% more existential dread. System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is an overhaul of the acclaimed sci-fi horror classic, rebuilt by Nightdive Studios with enhanced visuals, refined gameplay and features such as cross-play co-op multiplayer. Face the sinister AI SHODAN and her mutant army aboard the starship Von Braun as a cybernetically enhanced soldier with upgradable skills, powerful weapons and psionic abilities. Stream the title from the cloud with GeForce NOW for ultimate flexibility and performance. Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week: System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster (New release on Steam, June 26) Broken Age (Steam) Easy Red 2 (Steam) Sandwich Simulator (Steam) We Happy Few (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. The official GFN summer bucket list Play anywhere Stream on every screen you own Finally crush that backlog Skip every single download bar Drop the emoji for the one you’re tackling right now — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) June 25, 2025

For as versatile and inexpensive as switch-mode power supplies are at all kinds of different tasks, they’re not always the ideal choice for every DC-DC circuit. Although they can do …read more

Ironheart creator Chinaka Hodge assuaged any fears newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe may have by letting the world know you don’t need to watch any of the previous Marvel movies to enjoy Ironheart. That’s true—but if you’re a Marvel diehard,

USB audio is great, but what if you needed to use it and had no budget? Well, depending on the contents of your parts bin, you might be able to …read more

Never made a zine? Haven’t made one since 1999? We made one, and so can you.

Enjoy seeing how the VFX in The Snow Sister were created. As always, the best VFX are the ones you can't spot! Source