Androids Unite: Unveiling the Heroes of NieR: Automata

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• 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 share significant overlap, the third playthrough reveals substantial additional story content beyond the initial credits.

Although the game features three main playthroughs leading to multiple endings, some endings require 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 are partners, dominating screen time depending on the playthrough. 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 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 choice. Chapter Select allows revisiting any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character displays numbers for a chapter, you can replay it as that character.

Note that later chapters, especially in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. While Chapter Select allows character changes, you must navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing shared level progression for all three characters.