Lily Artemis II is far more than a secondary character in Stellar Blade. While Eve is the blade that cuts through the Naytiba threat, Lily is the strategic mind and technical backbone that makes that blade sharper. As a member of the 5th Airborne Squad, her presence shifts the game from a lonely survival trek into a collaborative mission with deep narrative stakes. Understanding how to maximize your relationship with Lily is not just a cosmetic choice—it is the literal gatekeeper to the game's most complete ending and an entire hidden region of the map.

The Engineer of the 5th Airborne Squad

Lily’s introduction in Stellar Blade provides a much-needed tonal shift. Separated from her unit during a disastrous descent, she survived in isolation on Earth for two years before Eve tracked her signal. Her background as an engineering supporter is not just flavor text; it dictates her entire interaction with the world. Unlike the combat-hardened Eve, Lily views Earth through the lens of technology and salvage.

Her history is marked by the tragedy at the Atelier in Eidos 9. This location, which players can eventually visit, houses the remains of her sister-in-arms, Iberis. This backstory explains Lily's fierce loyalty to Eve. To Lily, Eve represents a second chance to fulfill her mission and a surrogate family member in a world that has stripped everything else away. This emotional tether is the foundation of the Affinity system, a mechanic that every player needs to track carefully if they want to see everything the game has to offer.

Deciphering the Lily Affinity System

In Stellar Blade, Lily has a hidden progress bar, often referred to as the Affinity Meter. This is represented by a small icon that appears in the top right of the screen whenever you perform an action that earns her trust. Reaching 100% Affinity with Lily is the most critical non-combat objective in the game.

How to Maximize Affinity

Increasing Lily’s Affinity is achieved through three primary methods:

  1. Collecting Memory Sticks and Documents: Not every collectible counts, but many data logs related to Mother Sphere, the history of the Airborne Squads, and the truth of the Eidos cities provide a percentage boost. Each time you pick up a relevant item, the Lily icon will pulse, indicating progress.
  2. Side Quests: Specific missions are tied directly to Lily’s interests. Completing tasks that involve salvaging technology or investigating old human settlements often provides a significant jump in her meter. For instance, the "Overheat" mission in Chapter 6 is a major milestone for her character development.
  3. Main Story Milestones: Certain mandatory cutscenes will naturally progress her Affinity, but these alone are rarely enough to hit the 100% threshold before the point of no return.

Why 100% Matters: The Eidos 9 Gate

The consequences of your relationship with Lily manifest when you prepare to leave for the final areas of the game. If Lily’s Affinity is at 100%, she will request a detour to Eidos 9 to retrieve something from her old workshop. This unlocks an entirely new biome with unique bosses, high-tier loot, and critical lore revelations.

Crucially, if you do not hit 100%, you skip Eidos 9 entirely. This doesn't just mean missing out on gameplay; it locks you out of the "Making New Memories" ending. Without the context and items found in Eidos 9, the final choice Eve makes with Adam cannot reach its full potential. To ensure success, players should aim to finish all side content in Xion and the Wastelands before completing the Abyss Levoire section.

Technical Support: Upgrading the Drone and Gear

From a gameplay perspective, Lily serves as your primary upgrade hub. While Eve handles the combat, Lily handles the hardware. Her role in managing the Tetrapod and upgrading Eve’s equipment makes her indispensable for high-difficulty runs.

The Drone Overhaul

Initially, the drone is a simple scanning tool. However, under Lily’s guidance, it becomes a versatile weapon system. Players should prioritize the following upgrades through Lily’s workshop:

  • Ranged Modules: Upgrading the drone’s firing modes (Slug, Blast, and Stinger) is essential for dealing with flying Naytibas and specific environmental puzzles that Eve’s blade cannot reach.
  • Scanner Enhancement: This allows for faster detection of crates and enemies, which is vital for gathering the materials Lily needs for further upgrades.
  • Hacking Tool: This is a quality-of-life upgrade that simplifies the chest-opening mini-games found throughout the ruined cities.

Exospine and Nano Suit Maintenance

Lily is also responsible for the refinement of Exospines. These items define Eve’s build, offering bonuses to parry timing, attack speed, or damage reduction. Because Lily can only upgrade these at specific camps or in the Tetrapod, players must plan their resource spending. Advanced Nano Elements are rare, so focusing on one or two Exospines that match your playstyle—such as the Reflex Exospine for parry-heavy combat—is generally more effective than spreading resources thin.

The Ultimate Lily Outfit Guide

Customization is a core pillar of the Stellar Blade experience, and Lily is not left behind. While Eve has the most options, Lily’s wardrobe includes some of the most detailed and lore-significant outfits in the game. Here is how to track down her complete collection:

  1. Tactical Engineer Suit: This is her default attire. It’s a functional, high-tech leotard and cargo pants combo that reflects her status as a field technician.
  2. Stellar Support Uniform: This military-grade armor is automatically unlocked as you progress through the early chapters. It’s a more rugged look that matches Eve’s early-game aesthetics.
  3. Crimson Protocol: A striking red and black jumpsuit. To get this, you must complete the side mission "Overheat" in Chapter 6. It’s often considered her best tactical look.
  4. Midnight Hack Tress: For players who prefer the cyberpunk aesthetic, this neon-accented stealth suit can be purchased from the in-game cosmetic shop once you have accumulated 1,200 Stellar Points.
  5. Neo-Kit Casual Wear: This urban streetwear outfit was originally a bonus for Digital Deluxe Edition owners. It trades the tactical gear for a layered hoodie and high-waisted shorts.
  6. Resistance Recon Suit: Unlocked by achieving 100% completion in the Relic Scan challenge in Zone D-07. This suit features reconnaissance goggles and a more utilitarian silhouette.
  7. Sakura Spirit: A seasonal reward that incorporates traditional motifs with holographic technology. It was introduced during the Spring 2025 event and remains a fan favorite for its unique visual flair.
  8. Nier Crossover (Lily Type-21O): Part of the Nier: Automata collaboration, this outfit transforms Lily into the image of Operator 21O. It is available through the crossover DLC pack and is a must-have for fans of the genre.
  9. Stargazer Support Set: A celestial-themed white and silver suit that glows with blue circuits. This is usually found in the Stargazer DLC or as a rare reward for late-game exploration.
  10. Prototype Alpha Lily: Though rare, this minimalist exosuit look can be found by those who explore the deepest hidden corners of the late-game regions, showcasing an early concept of the Airborne technology.

Lily’s Philosophical Conflict: Mother Sphere and the Truth

One of the most compelling aspects of Lily’s character is her unwavering devotion to Mother Sphere. Unlike Adam, who is skeptical from the start, or Eve, who begins to question her mission as she sees the devastation on Earth, Lily is a true believer. She views Mother Sphere as a benevolent deity and the savior of humanity.

As the story progresses and the truth about the Andro-Eidos and the Naytiba is revealed, Lily undergoes significant emotional turmoil. Her denial is a defensive mechanism; accepting that Mother Sphere lied would mean accepting that her life’s purpose—and the death of her comrades—was based on a fabrication.

This makes her arc one of the most relatable in the game. Watching her transition from a cheerful, somewhat naive technician into a woman who has to reconcile her faith with the harsh reality of Earth’s history provides the emotional weight that balances the high-octane combat. In the endings where Lily survives and grows, she represents the potential for the new humanity to forge a path that isn't dictated by pre-programmed lies.

Impact on the Endings: Making New Memories

Without spoiling the specific cinematics, it is important to understand how Lily dictates the final moments of Stellar Blade. There are three primary endings, and Lily's Affinity is the toggle for the best one.

  • The Default Path: If you do not reach 100% Affinity and choose to fuse with the Elder Naytiba, you receive one version of the ending. In this scenario, Lily’s journey feels incomplete, as she hasn't fully processed the truth found in Eidos 9.
  • The Making New Memories Path: If you hit 100% Affinity, visit Eidos 9, and then choose to fuse with the Elder, Lily’s role in the final battle changes. She uses the Providence exoskeleton to assist Eve, and the post-credit scenes reflect a more hopeful, unified future.
  • The Alternative Path: If you choose not to fuse, Lily’s reaction and the subsequent boss fight create a completely different narrative tone. In this path, her loyalty to the Colony and Mother Sphere is put to the ultimate test against her loyalty to Eve.

Essential Tips for Managing Lily in Your Playthrough

To get the most out of your time with Lily, consider these strategic pointers:

  • Check the Meter Early: Don't wait until the end of the game to start caring about Affinity. If you enter the final sequence without 100%, there is no way to go back and fix it without a previous save or starting New Game+.
  • Prioritize Engineering Skills: When spending points in the skill tree, look for those that synergize with the drone. Since Lily upgrades the drone's physical capabilities, having the skills to use them effectively creates a powerful loop.
  • Explore Eidos 9 Thoroughly: Once you unlock this area, don't rush to the objective. It contains some of the best upgrade materials for Lily’s workshop and unique Nano Suits for Eve that cannot be found anywhere else.
  • Listen to the Banter: The dialogue between Lily and Adam provides subtle clues about the world's state. While it might seem like simple bickering, it often foreshadows the major plot twists regarding Mother Sphere.

Lily Artemis II is the heart of Stellar Blade. She provides the technical tools to survive, the emotional stakes to care, and the narrative complexity to keep players thinking long after the credits roll. Whether you are aiming for the platinum trophy or just want to see the best possible ending, your journey begins and ends with the engineer of the 5th Airborne Squad. Make sure you treat her Affinity with the same respect you treat your sword skills.