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NieR: Automata allows players considerable freedom to explore the world and tackle numerous side quests between main story missions. Much of the game's content might seem missable on a first playthrough. Even after seeing the credits for the first time, the game is far from complete. Only after finishing the game entirely can you revisit earlier areas and complete those missed side quests within the same save file. Here's how to unlock and utilize Chapter Select to achieve this.
This section contains minor spoilers regarding the game's true endings
How To Unlock Chapter Select In NieR: Automata
Unlocking Chapter Select requires completing one of the game's true endings. This involves finishing all three playthroughs and selecting a specific ending during the final confrontation of the third playthrough. While referred to as playthroughs, many consider each as a distinct chapter, given their individual narrative contributions to the overarching story.
Upon viewing the credits at the end of a playthrough, save your game. Reload that save to begin the next section, playing as the designated character. The final playthrough involves switching between multiple characters. Completing this final playthrough unlocks Chapter Select for that save file.
How Chapter Select Functions In NieR: Automata
Chapter Select is accessible from two locations:
- The main menu of your save file upon loading the game.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu allows selection of any chapter to load, resuming at that point in the main story. All aspects of your profile, including weapons, level, and items, are retained. When loading a chapter involving multiple characters, you can choose which character to play as.
It's important to note that completed side quests cannot be repeated, regardless of the chapter loaded. When transitioning between chapters, always save at an access point; otherwise, progress made within that chapter (levels gained, items acquired) will be lost. Chapter Select is invaluable for exploring all content and revisiting choices to obtain every possible ending.
