- Key Update: Shift Up’s new teaser has fans convinced Stellar Blade 2 could be inspired by Chongqing, China.
- Last Update: January 20, 2026
- Shift Up shared concept art after a “location scout” for its next title, widely believed to be Stellar Blade 2.
- The studio followed up with a post implying a “slip-up” and shared a real-world reference image, fueling the Chongqing theory.
- The sequel’s setting remains unconfirmed, but the scout tease points to early production momentum.
Shift Up has sparked fresh speculation that Stellar Blade 2 could be set in China, or at least heavily inspired by it, after teasing that it recently completed a “location scout” for its next title, which most fans believe is the sequel.
The tease came in the form of bleak concept art showing a ruined, overgrown district filled with abandoned high-rise buildings.
It immediately led eagle-eyed players to compare the skyline to Chongqing, a massive Chinese megacity known for its unique vertical layout, neon-lit atmosphere, and “stacked” architecture that’s earned it a reputation as a real-life cyberpunk city.
How Did Fans Connect The Concept Art To Chongqing?
Not long after the concept image was posted, Shift Up appeared to play into the discovery, following up with a message implying a “slip-up” and then sharing a real-world photo reference, making it clear the art wasn’t just generic post-apocalyptic scenery but based on an identifiable location.
Online chatter didn’t waste time identifying real-world landmarks, with leak-centric groups flagging what looks like the Kuixing Building and theorizing the devs were scouting around the Yuzhong Peninsula, while others joked that places like Bai Xiang Ju and Hongya Cave should be included if Chongqing is really the inspiration.
Why Would A China-Inspired Location Make Sense For Stellar Blade 2?
The setting tease stands out because it fits neatly with the sequel’s larger trajectory: Stellar Blade was always likely to get a follow-up after its strong commercial run (including record-setting success on PC) and Shift Up confirmed in May 2025 that it had begun work on a new franchise-related project.
The director later conceded that the first game’s story wasn’t as strong as it should’ve been, and signaled that Stellar Blade 2 could aim for deeper worldbuilding and improved storytelling.
Is China A Big Market For Stellar Blade?
From a business angle, a China-themed location is a logical move, since Stellar Blade is believed to have built a strong fanbase in the region and drew a significant portion of its PC sales from China.
Still, while the Chongqing connection is one of the clearest early hints about Stellar Blade 2 so far, it’s worth noting that Shift Up hasn’t officially confirmed the sequel’s full setting yet; this could easily be one major region rather than the entire game.
Even so, the fact that the studio is openly teasing location scouting this early makes it feel like Stellar Blade 2 is entering visible production, and that more concrete reveals could arrive sooner than expected.
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