NIKKE Tracing the Stars Stage Decoration Guide: Albums, Notes, Backgrounds & Customization
A complete guide to the new Tracing the Stars Stage Decoration feature in NIKKE's July 2026 update covering background customization, character selection, note skins, album packs including the new T.T.S. SUMMER PACK V.1, and all customization options.
What Is Tracing the Stars Stage Decoration?
The Tracing the Stars Stage Decoration feature is a new customization system added to NIKKE's rhythm game mode in the July 2, 2026 version update. It allows commanders to personalize the visual appearance of their Tracing the Stars (T.T.S.) gameplay experience by changing backgrounds, characters, and note skins during rhythm game sessions.
According to the official NIKKE July 2, 2026 patch notes on nikke.gg, the Stage Decoration feature is accessed through the Tracing the Stars menu under: Lobby → TRACING THE STARS → T.T.S. Stage Decoration → Background / Character / Notes.
This feature builds on the Tracing the Stars mode that was originally introduced during the 3.5th Anniversary (STAR ANIS event) in April 2026. Since then, T.T.S. has evolved from a limited-time mini-game into a permanent mode with ongoing content support, including new songs, the Special Shop, difficulty-based rankings (added in July), and now full stage customization.
How to Access Stage Decoration
Navigating to the Stage Decoration feature:
The feature is available to all commanders regardless of story progression or account level. There are no unlock requirements — you can customize your T.T.S. stage immediately after the July 2 update.
Backgrounds, Characters, and Note Skins: All Customization Options
Backgrounds
Stage backgrounds change the visual environment behind the note highway during rhythm game sessions. The July 2026 update added new summer-themed backgrounds tied to the Wave to You event, alongside backgrounds from previous T.T.S. updates.
Available background themes include:
Default T.T. STAR concert stage
Summer-themed backgrounds (Wave to You event)
Event-specific backgrounds from past T.T.S. updates
Characters
The character customization option changes which animated chibi Nikkes appear on stage during your rhythm game performance. The July 2026 update added three new selectable characters.
Confirmed character options:
Default T.T. STAR members (Anis, Prika, Mint)
New summer-themed character chibis
Characters unlocked through album pack purchases
Note Skins
Note skins change the visual appearance of the falling notes in the rhythm game. Different skins can alter note color, shape, and effects — purely cosmetic but can affect personal readability preferences.
Available note skins:
Default note style
Event-themed note skins from album packs
Special note skins tied to specific tracks or challenges
According to the patch note specification: "Customize in Lobby → TRACING THE STARS → T.T.S. Stage Decoration → Background/Character/Notes" — all three categories are independently customizable, allowing you to mix and match backgrounds, characters, and note skins freely.
T.T.S. SUMMER PACK V.1: Full Track List
The T.T.S. SUMMER PACK V.1 is a premium album pack released alongside the July 2, 2026 update. It features 9 tracks including Marciana: Marine Study's theme song.
Full Track List
How to Purchase
The album pack does not contribute to main game progression and is not mandatory for progressing within Tracing the Stars. It is designed for players who enjoy T.T.S. as a standalone rhythm game experience.
Other Album Packs Available
T.T.S. EXTENSION PACK V.1
Released earlier in 2026 (during the B-SIDE IDOL update), this pack added 9 tracks including the 3rd Anniversary theme song Hurricanes, Pretty STAR, and Boogie Night.
Free vs Premium Tracks
SHIFT UP has maintained a model where:
Base T.T.S. tracks are available for free
Premium Album Packs add 9 additional tracks each as paid DLC
Event-themed tracks (like Hurricanes) are sometimes available for free through events
Special Shop
A Special Shop was added to T.T.S. in mid-2026, offering Music Packs that function as standalone DLC for the rhythm game mode. These packs do not affect main game progression and exist purely for T.T.S. enthusiasts.
How to Unlock Additional Customization Options
The primary method for expanding your T.T.S. library and customization options is through Album Pack purchases. Free players have access to the base game mode and any event-distributed customization items, while paying players can expand their track library and stage visuals through premium packs.
Tracing the Stars: The Rhythm Game Mode Explained
For commanders unfamiliar with Tracing the Stars, here is a brief overview of the mode itself:
The mode was originally introduced alongside the STAR ANIS 3.5th Anniversary event, featuring Prika, Mint, and Anis as the core T.T. STAR idol group. Since becoming permanent, SHIFT UP has continued to add tracks, features, and — most recently — full stage decoration customization.
Conclusion
The Tracing the Stars Stage Decoration feature adds a welcome layer of personalization to NIKKE's rhythm game mode. Whether you are a dedicated T.T.S. player climbing the difficulty rankings or a casual commander who enjoys the occasional music break between campaign pushes, the ability to customize backgrounds, characters, and note skins makes the experience feel more personal.
The T.T.S. SUMMER PACK V.1, with its 9-track lineup headlined by Marciana's theme song "Mo Sho Chu☆it," is the centerpiece of the July 2026 T.T.S. content update. Combined with difficulty-based rankings and the ongoing expansion of the track library, Tracing the Stars continues to grow from its 3.5th Anniversary origins into a fully-featured rhythm game within NIKKE.
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FAQ
Q: How do I access the Tracing the Stars Stage Decoration feature?
A: Go to Lobby → TRACING THE STARS → T.T.S. Stage Decoration → select Background, Character, or Notes to customize.
Q: When was Stage Decoration added?
A: In the July 2, 2026 version update, alongside the Wave to You summer event.
Q: What can I customize in Stage Decoration?
A: Three categories: Backgrounds (stage visuals), Characters (animated chibi Nikkes on stage), and Note Skins (falling note appearance).
Q: How many tracks are in the T.T.S. SUMMER PACK V.1?
A: 9 tracks, including Marciana: Marine Study's theme song "Mo Sho Chu☆it," SO PLAYFUL, Summer Seaside, Set Sail, Midnight Memories, It's VOLT TIME, HOLY CRAB, BASS BOMB, and Kraken (VIP).
Q: How do I buy the T.T.S. SUMMER PACK V.1?
A: Through the in-game Album Pack Shop at Lobby → TRACING THE STARS → Shop → Album Pack Shop. It is a premium (paid) pack.
Q: Does the Album Pack affect main game progression?
A: No. Album Packs are standalone DLC for the rhythm game mode and do not contribute to main game content.
Q: Are T.T.S. tracks free?
A: Base tracks are free. Premium Album Packs (9 tracks each) require purchase. Some event tracks are distributed for free during events.
Q: What difficulty levels are available?
A: Easy, Normal, and Hard. Difficulty-based rankings were added in July 2026.
Q: Is Tracing the Stars a permanent mode?
A: Yes. Originally introduced as a limited-time 3.5th Anniversary mode, it became permanent content after the event ended.
