Quick Links
NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two share similarities, the third reveals significant story elements unseen in previous playthroughs.
Although three main playthroughs are required for completion, multiple endings exist, each with varying degrees of detail. Some endings necessitate playing as a specific character and performing particular actions. Below, we detail the three playable characters and the method for switching between them.
All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata
The story centers around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S, partners in the narrative, command significant screen time, depending on playthrough progression. Each character boasts a unique combat style, offering diverse gameplay experiences even with identical plug-in chips. While all three are playable, character switching isn't always immediate.
How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata
Character selection isn't freely available during the initial playthrough. The character assignments for each playthrough are:
- Playthrough 1: 2B
- Playthrough 2: 9S
- Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2, with the story dictating character changes.
Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select, allowing character selection. Chapter Select enables revisiting any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers displayed to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character shows numbers for a chapter, that chapter can be replayed as that character.
Note that later chapters, primarily in playthrough 3, restrict character choices. Chapter Select allows character changes, but story progression must align with the chosen character's availability in the main storyline. Saving before transitioning between chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing for leveling up all three characters' shared levels towards the maximum.
