How to Upgrade Drone in Stellar Blade: Modules & Skills
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To upgrade your drone in Stellar Blade, you must interact with Lily at a Maintenance Console located within Supply Camps. These upgrades require Drone Upgrade Modules, which are specialized resources found by hunting small service robots and looting hidden chests throughout the game world.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Interact with Lily at Supply Camp Maintenance Consoles to access upgrades.
- Collect Drone Upgrade Modules from small flying robots and secret chests.
- Prioritize the Enhanced Scan upgrade to locate hidden items more effectively.
- Unlock diverse ammo types like Slugs and Stingers for ranged combat.
- Drone upgrades are permanent and cannot be reset like Eve’s skills.
To upgrade your drone in Stellar Blade, you must interact with a Maintenance Console found at Supply Camps or the Tetrapod. This system becomes available shortly after you meet Lily in Eidos 7. Unlike Eve’s personal skills which use SP, drone upgrades require a specific currency called Drone Upgrade Modules. These modules are scattered throughout the world, and spending them is the only way to transform your drone from a simple flashlight into a powerful combat and exploration tool.
Investing in your drone early is critical because it directly impacts your ability to navigate the environment and survive long-range encounters. While Eve handles the melee combat, the drone provides essential utility like enhanced scanning and ranged fire. Without these upgrades, you will struggle to find hidden chests, track invisible enemies, or deal with flying Naytibas that stay out of sword reach. Mastering the upgrade path early ensures you don’t miss out on the rare resources hidden in the Wasteland and Great Desert.
Understanding the Drone Skill Tree and Upgrade Modules
The drone upgrade menu is divided into three distinct branches: Environment, Combat, and Ammo. Each node on these trees requires a set number of Drone Upgrade Modules to unlock. Unlike other gear systems in the game, you cannot simply buy these upgrades with Gold. You must actively explore the world to find the physical parts Lily needs to tinker with the drone’s hardware. The further you progress down a specific branch, the more modules each individual upgrade will cost.
The Step-by-Step Upgrade Process
Once you have collected a few modules, follow these steps to apply your upgrades:
- Locate a Supply Camp: Look for the larger camps that feature a Maintenance Console (the terminal with the holographic screen). Small Waypoints do not offer drone services.
- Interact with the Console: Select the Drone option from the main menu. This will open the skill tree interface where Lily assists you.
- Select Your Node: Hover over the desired upgrade to see the cost. If you have enough modules, hold the confirm button to install the enhancement.
- Resetting if Needed: If you find you have invested in the wrong path, you can use a SP Initializer to reclaim your modules and redistribute them, though these items are rare in the early game.
How to Find Drone Upgrade Modules
Acquiring Drone Upgrade Modules is a core part of exploration. You won’t find them at standard shops; instead, you must hunt for them in the field. To maximize your upgrade speed, keep an eye out for these specific sources:
- Small Maintenance Robots: These are non-hostile, floating robots that scurry away when they see you. Destroying them usually rewards you with 1 to 3 Upgrade Modules.
- Hidden Chests: Many high-tier supply crates, especially those hidden behind environmental puzzles or in side alleys, contain modules as a secondary reward.
- Elite Naytiba Drops: Occasionally, defeating optional mini-bosses or elite enemies in the open world will grant you a bundle of modules.
- Body Cores and Human Remains: Always check the fallen soldiers found throughout the maps; some carry leftover drone parts.
How to Upgrade Your Drone Like a Pro: A Practical Walkthrough
In the high-octane world of Stellar Blade, your drone is far more than just a hovering companion; it is EVE’s most versatile tactical asset. Initially serving as a simple scanner, the drone can be transformed into a devastating multi-tool capable of long-range devastation, hacking complex security systems, and detecting hidden resources. Upgrading your drone is essential for surviving the increasingly difficult Naytiba encounters and uncovering the secrets hidden within the Wasteland and Great Desert. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to maximizing your drone’s potential, ensuring you have the firepower and utility needed to reach the top of the Spire.
Step 1: Progress the Story to Recruit Lily Artemis
What you need: Completion of the early-game missions in Eidos 7 and the boss fight against the Abaddon.
Instructions: You cannot begin upgrading your drone until you have met Lily Artemis, the genius engineer of the 5th Airborne Squad. Follow the main story quest until you reach the “Light of Hope” mission. After exploring the flooded city of Eidos 7 and defeating the boss at the construction site, you will eventually find Lily hiding in a safe house. Once she joins your team, she becomes your primary contact for all technical modifications. She will set up a workshop at the Xion safehouse and at various Supply Camps throughout the world. Simply speaking to her or interacting with her console at a camp will unlock the “Drone” upgrade menu, which is separate from EVE’s personal skill trees.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush into the Wasteland without speaking to Lily first; she provides the initial calibration that allows the drone to even accept upgrades.
Step 2: Scavenge for Drone Upgrade Modules
What you need: A keen eye for exploration and the ability to chase down “Loot Robots.”
Instructions: Unlike EVE’s skills which use SP, drone upgrades require a specific currency: Drone Upgrade Modules. These are rare items scattered throughout the game world. The most reliable way to find them is to locate small, hovering, rectangular robots that attempt to fly away and vanish when they spot you. You must destroy these “Loot Robots” before they disappear to claim the modules inside. Additionally, look for chests hidden behind destructible walls or at the end of platforming challenges in Eidos 7 and the Wasteland. Each upgrade tier typically costs between 1 to 5 modules, so exploring every nook and cranny of the environment is vital for maintaining a steady upgrade path.
Pro Tip: Listen for a distinct mechanical “chirping” sound; this indicates a Loot Robot is nearby, even if it is currently out of your line of sight.
Step 3: Access the Drone Upgrade Console at Supply Camps
What you need: A Vitcoin to activate a Supply Camp and enough Drone Upgrade Modules in your inventory.
Instructions: Once Lily is part of your crew, you don’t need to return to Xion every time you want an upgrade. Locate any Supply Camp (the larger camps with multiple vending machines and a chair) and look for the yellow-screened terminal specifically designated for drone maintenance. Interact with the terminal to bring up the Drone Skill Tree. The interface is divided into three main branches: Scanning/Utility, Ranged Weaponry, and Support. Take a moment to hover over each node to see the requirements and the tactical benefits. You must purchase lower-tier nodes to unlock the more advanced capabilities further down the branches.
Pro Tip: You can reset your drone upgrades if you feel you’ve made a mistake, but it requires a “Drone Reset Module,” so plan your build carefully early on.
Step 4: Prioritize the Scanner Expansion
What you need: 1-3 Drone Upgrade Modules and access to the first tier of the Utility branch.
Instructions: The very first upgrade you should invest in is the “Scanner Expansion.” In its base form, the drone’s pulse radius is quite small and the highlight duration for items is short. By upgrading the scanner, you significantly increase the distance at which you can detect enemies, crates, and collectible data banks. This is not just a convenience; it is a survival mechanic. A better scanner allows you to spot Naytiba ambushes through walls and find the highly valuable “Body Cores” and “Beta Cores” that increase EVE’s health and energy. Expanding the duration of the scan also ensures that items stay highlighted long enough for you to navigate complex environments without constantly spamming the touchpad.
Pro Tip: Pair the Scanner Expansion with the “Recharge Speed” upgrade to ensure your radar is almost always active during exploration.
Step 5: Unlock Ranged Weaponry Modes
What you need: Completion of the “Altess Levoire” or “Abyss Levoire” sections to unlock the drone’s combat mode.
Instructions: At a certain point in the story, the drone gains the ability to transform into a gun attached to EVE’s arm. This opens up the most expensive but powerful branch of the upgrade tree. You should prioritize unlocking the “Slugs” and “Blaster” modes first. Slugs provide high precision for hitting enemy weak points, while the Blaster acts like a shotgun for crowd control. Later, you can invest in “Stinger” missiles which have homing capabilities. To unlock these, navigate to the Weaponry tab in the drone menu and spend your modules on the central nodes. Each new weapon type drastically changes how you approach boss fights, allowing you to deal damage during phases where the boss is too dangerous to approach with a sword.
Pro Tip: The “Stinger” homing missiles are incredibly effective against flying Naytiba that are otherwise frustrating to hit with the sword.
Step 6: Enhance Magazine Capacity and Reload Speed
What you need: A minimum of 3-5 Drone Upgrade Modules per tier for advanced levels.
Instructions: Once you have unlocked your preferred weapon types, you will quickly realize that the drone’s default ammo capacity is severely limited. To make the drone a viable primary combat tool, you must invest in the “Magazine Capacity” nodes. Each upgrade increases the number of rounds you can carry for all unlocked ammo types (Slugs, Blast, Stingers, and the powerful Railgun). Following this, invest in “Reload Speed.” In the heat of battle, EVE is vulnerable while the drone’s energy cells are swapping. Reducing this window by even half a second can be the difference between successfully parrying a follow-up attack or taking a massive hit while stuck in a reload animation.
Pro Tip: Higher magazine capacity also increases the amount of ammo you receive when picking up drops from enemies, making your resource management much more efficient.
Step 7: Invest in the Hacking Tool Upgrade
What you need: Advanced Drone Upgrade Modules and access to the mid-tier Utility branch.
Instructions: As you explore later areas like the Great Desert, you will encounter high-security chests and sealed doors that cannot be opened with standard codes. These require the “Hacking Tool” upgrade for your drone. By spending modules on this node, the drone will automatically interface with locked terminals, triggering a mini-game that, when completed, grants access to some of the best loot in the game, including rare Nano Elements and high-tier Exospines. This upgrade pays for itself quickly, as the resources found in hacked chests are often required for EVE’s suit upgrades and weapon enhancements. Without this, you will find yourself backtracking significantly later in the game.
Pro Tip: If you find the hacking mini-game too difficult, there is a further upgrade node that increases the time limit for these puzzles.
Step 8: Field Testing and Resource Management
What you need: Nano Elements and gold to purchase ammo at Vending Machines.
Instructions: The final step in upgrading your drone is mastering its usage in the field. Upgrades are only as good as the ammo you have. Use the Vending Machines at Supply Camps to keep your Slug and Stinger counts topped off. Note that the drone uses “Energy” for some shots and “Physical Ammo” for others. Test your upgraded scanner and weapons in the Wasteland. Practice “Quick-Firing” by tapping the L2 button to aim and R2 to fire immediately. Observe how the upgraded targeting reticle settles faster and how the increased damage from your upgrades allows you to break the posture of larger Naytiba from a distance. Once you are comfortable with the drone’s new power, you are ready for the endgame challenges.
Pro Tip: You can actually craft ammo in the field using resources if you find yourself running low during a long dungeon crawl where no Vending Machines are available.
✅ Final Checklist
- Lily Artemis has been rescued and is available at the Supply Camp workshop.
- The Scanner pulse radius has been expanded to detect hidden loot bots and ambushes.
- At least two ranged fire modes (Slugs and Stingers) are unlocked and tested.
- Magazine capacity has been increased to at least Tier 2 for sustained combat.
- The Hacking Tool is active to ensure no high-tier chests are left behind.
Important Notes:
- Combat Warning: Using the drone slows EVE’s movement; never attempt to aim or reload when a boss is in the middle of a red-glow “unblockable” attack sequence.
- Resource Scarcity: Drone Upgrade Modules are finite in a single playthrough. If you want to max out every single node, you must explore nearly 100% of the map or wait for New Game Plus.
- Estimated Time: Unlocking the full potential of the drone usually takes 15-20 hours of gameplay, depending on how much exploration you perform in the open zones.
Key Benefits of Enhanced Scanning and Utility Upgrades
While the urge to jump straight into heavy weaponry is strong, the Environment branch of the drone tree is often the most valuable for a first playthrough. These upgrades focus on the drone’s Scanner function. By default, the scan has a short duration and a long cooldown. Upgrading this system allows you to see through walls more effectively and identify threats before they ambush you. It also highlights interactable objects like ladders, crates, and levers from a much greater distance.
Maximizing the Scanner Range and Speed
The most immediate benefit of upgrading your drone is reducing the downtime between scans. In the later regions like the Great Desert, visibility can be poor, and enemies often hide beneath the sand. An upgraded scanner allows you to pulse the area constantly. Key benefits include:
- Increased Detection Radius: See items and enemies from twice the starting distance.
- Extended Duration: Outlines of enemies and loot stay visible on your HUD for several extra seconds.
- Resource Highlighting: Advanced nodes allow the drone to categorize loot, making it easier to distinguish between common trash and rare crafting materials.
Utility Upgrades for Faster Exploration
Beyond scanning, the drone provides utility that makes traversing the ruined cities of Earth much smoother. For example, the Hacking Tool upgrade is mandatory for opening specific high-security chests that contain Nano Suits and Exospines. If you ignore the drone tree, you will find yourself constantly backtracking to chests you couldn’t open previously. Prioritizing these utility nodes early saves you hours of travel time and ensures you are always geared up for the next boss fight.
Analysis of Combat Modules: Slug, Stinger, and Blaster Capabilities
Once you begin unlocking different ammunition types, the drone ceases to be a mere scanner and transforms into a versatile weapon. Each combat module serves a specific tactical purpose, allowing Eve to handle threats from a distance without depleting her Beta or Burst energy. Understanding the nuances of these fire modes is the difference between a wasted shot and a decisive victory.
Choosing Your Fire Mode: Precision vs. Power
The drone’s offensive capabilities are divided into distinct modules, each requiring specific ammo types. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the enemy’s movement patterns and armor density.
- Slug: This is your bread-and-butter precision tool. It is perfect for targeting the glowing weak points of large Naytiba or picking off pesky flying enemies from a distance. Its high stagger potential makes it a reliable choice for interrupting enemy telegraphs.
- Stinger: This module excels at crowd control and high-mobility targets. With its multi-lock-on capability, you can fire a volley of homing missiles that track enemies, ensuring hits even when your aim isn’t pixel-perfect.
- Blaster: When you need raw explosive power, the Blaster is your go-to. It deals significant area-of-effect damage, making it ideal for groups of small enemies or breaking through the heavy physical shields of elite bosses.
- Heat Cell: This sustained laser beam is designed for maximum damage over time. It is best used when an enemy is stunned or incapacitated, allowing you to melt their health bar without fear of retaliation.
Tactical Synergies in High-Stakes Combat
The real magic happens when you weave drone fire into Eve’s melee combos. For example, using a Slug shot to knock an enemy out of the air before following up with a heavy melee strike creates a seamless flow of aggression. In boss fights, saving your Blaster shots for when the boss is charging a massive attack can force a stagger, giving you a precious window to heal or reposition. Always remember that while the drone is powerful, its ammo is finite; treat it as a tactical “finisher” or a tool to bridge the gap between sword strikes.
Resource Management: Finding and Prioritizing Upgrade Modules
Upgrading the drone isn’t free. You will need a steady supply of Drone Upgrade Modules, which are scattered throughout the semi-open world environments of Stellar Blade. Because these resources are limited in the early game, being strategic about where you invest them is crucial for maintaining a combat edge.
Scouring the Wasteland for Upgrade Modules
Upgrade modules are typically found in small, boxy robots that scurry away when they see you. If you don’t destroy them quickly, they vanish, taking the precious modules with them. You can also find them tucked away in high-tier loot chests or as rewards for completing specific side quests in Xion.
- Listen for the Chime: These “loot droids” make a distinct mechanical chirping sound. When you hear it, stop exploring and prioritize hunting it down.
- Check Behind the Crates: In areas like the Wasteland or the Great Desert, modules are often hidden behind breakable environment objects or at the end of platforming puzzles.
- Vendor Exchanges: Occasionally, certain NPCs may offer modules in exchange for other rare materials. Check back with Lily frequently to see if new options have opened up.
Smart Spending: What to Maximize First
It is tempting to unlock every flashy new ammo type immediately, but focusing on utility first often yields better results. Increasing your Ammo Capacity should be your top priority. Having the most powerful Blaster in the world won’t help if you can only fire it twice. After capacity, focus on Damage Increase for the Slug and Stinger, as these are the tools you will use most frequently during standard exploration. Leave the specialized Heat Cell upgrades for the late game when your resource pool is much deeper.
Conclusion
The drone is far more than a companion; it is a modular extension of Eve’s combat prowess. By carefully analyzing which combat modules fit your playstyle—whether it’s the homing precision of the Stinger or the raw power of the Blaster—you can dominate the Naytiba from any range. Remember that smart resource management is key. Prioritize your ammo capacity early to ensure you always have a “Plan B” when a fight turns sour.
Now that you know how to maximize your drone’s potential, head back into the Wasteland and start hunting for those elusive upgrade modules. Your next big boss fight will be a lot easier with a fully decked-out arsenal at your side. Happy hunting, and keep Eve’s blades—and sensors—sharp!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Drone Upgrade Modules typically hidden?
Drone Upgrade Modules are often dropped by small ‘service robots’ that flee when they see you. They can also be found in high-tier loot chests or as rewards for completing specific side quests involving Lily.
What role does Lily play in the drone upgrade process?
Lily acts as the engineer for the team; you cannot access the drone upgrade menu until she is officially part of your crew and present at a Supply Camp. She provides the technical expertise to install the modules you find.
What are the different ammo types available for the drone?
The drone can be upgraded to fire several types of ammunition, including Slugs for high impact, Stingers for homing attacks, and Explosive Shells for area-of-effect damage. Each type must be unlocked individually in the skill tree.
Is it possible to reset drone upgrades once they are purchased?
Unlike Eve’s combat skills, which can be reset using an SP Initializer, drone upgrades are permanent. Because modules are limited in the early game, you should choose your upgrades based on your immediate needs.
How does the Enhanced Scan upgrade change gameplay?
Upgrading the scanner increases its pulse radius, reveals enemies through walls, and highlights lootable objects for a longer duration. This is essential for players looking to find all collectibles and Nano Suits.
What is the Hacking Tool upgrade for the drone?
The Hacking Tool is a utility upgrade that allows the drone to bypass security locks on certain chests. This opens up high-level loot opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible throughout the wasteland.
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