Claims about modders unlocking a hidden multiplayer mode in Stellar Blade are misleading, according to the player who initially shared a viral split-screen gameplay video on social media.
While recent rumors suggested developer Shift Up had integrated an abandoned multiplayer feature into the game, the modder behind the discovery clarified this isn’t true. In a Discord clip showing two-player gameplay, they emphasized the footage was misinterpreted.
"I woke up to everyone sharing my Discord clips completely out of context—this is why I avoided posting them publicly," PhantomSomnus stated on X/Twitter. They clarified that split-screen functionality is a default feature of Unreal Engine, not a mode created by Shift Up.
The modder managed to spawn a second Eve character by leveraging Unreal Engine’s built-in local multiplayer support, not Shift Up’s development. "I tried experimenting with split-screen to see if it would function, but as the video shows, it didn’t work," PhantomSomnus elaborated on Reddit.
Modder @phantomSomnus uncovered references to multiplayer in Stellar Blade’s files.
— Stellar Blade Brasil (@StellarBladeBR) June 1, 2025
In this clip, spawning a second Eve unexpectedly splits the screen, suggesting latent local co-op support (dual controllers).#StellarBlade #StellarBladePC https://t.co/QIeiu5lKSI pic.twitter.com/rp7oudcnV2
"There *are* traces of multiplayer in the game," PhantomSomnus noted, "but it’s online-only." Their earlier post included a backend screenshot revealing remnants of what they describe as a "scrapped PvP mode"—non-functional but with lingering menu assets.
Could this lead to future multiplayer updates or mods? "Highly improbable," PhantomSomnus concluded.
The PC version of Stellar Blade releases on Steam June 11, packed with PC-exclusive enhancements: Nvidia DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3 AI upscaling, uncapped framerates, Japanese/Chinese VO, ultrawide support, upgraded environment textures, and DualSense haptics. Initially blocked in 100+ countries, it’s now available for pre-order across 250+ regions.
IGN’s review scored Stellar Blade 7/10, praising its core action gameplay while critiquing weak storytelling and RPG mechanics: "A visually striking combat experience hampered by forgettable characters and convoluted systems."
