NieR: Automata | Meet the Playable Stars of the Saga

Quick Links

• All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata

• How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two playthroughs share significant overlap, the third playthrough reveals substantial additional story content beyond the initial credits.

While completing all three main playthroughs is recommended, the game features multiple endings, some more detailed than others. Accessing certain endings requires 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 revolves around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S are partners, and their screen time varies depending on the playthrough. Each character possesses a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with identical plug-in chips across playthroughs. All three—2B, 9S, and A2—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 assigned to each playthrough is:

• Playthrough 1: 2B
• Playthrough 2: 9S
• Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2, with the game switching characters as the narrative progresses.

Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, enabling character selection. Chapter Select 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 shows a number for a specific chapter, that chapter can be replayed as that character.

Note that later chapters, primarily in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. While Chapter Select allows character changes, it's limited to points in the story where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress made in Chapter Select carries over, allowing for leveling up all three characters' shared levels towards the maximum.