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NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two playthroughs share some common ground, the third reveals significant story elements not seen in earlier playthroughs, extending the experience beyond the initial credits.
While three main playthroughs are essential for completion, multiple endings await, each with varying degrees of detail. Some endings require playing as a specific character and completing specific actions. Below, we detail the three playable characters and the method for switching between them.
All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata
The core of NieR: Automata's story centers on 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S are partners, and their screen time varies depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with identical plugin chips across playthroughs. All three are playable, but character switching isn't always straightforward.
How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata
Character selection isn't freely available during the initial playthrough. The character assignments are:
- Playthrough 1: 2B
- Playthrough 2: 9S
- Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2, with the story dictating which character is active.
Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select. This mode allows you to choose any of the game's 17 chapters and replay them. Numbers displayed to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character has associated numbers for a chapter, you can replay that chapter as that character.
Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. Chapter Select allows for character changes, but you're limited to sections where that character was playable in the main story. Saving before switching chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing you to level up all three characters' shared levels towards the maximum.
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