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NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two playthroughs share considerable overlap, the third playthrough reveals a wealth of additional story content beyond the initial credits.
While completing all three main playthroughs is crucial, the game boasts multiple endings, each varying in depth and requiring specific character choices and actions. This guide details 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 around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S form a partnership, and their screen time significantly varies depending on the playthrough. Each character possesses a unique combat style, enriching the gameplay experience even with consistent plug-in chip setups. All three – 2B, 9S, and A2 – are playable, but character switching isn't always straightforward.
How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata
Character selection is fixed during the initial playthrough:
- Playthrough 1: 2B
- Playthrough 2: 9S
- Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2, with the story dictating character changes.
Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, enabling character selection. This mode allows revisiting any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers displayed to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character has associated numbers for a chapter, that chapter can be replayed as that character.
Note that later chapters, primarily in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. Chapter Select allows for character changes, but players must navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before chapter changes ensures progress carries over, allowing for leveling up all three characters' shared levels towards the maximum.
