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NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two share similarities, the third reveals significant story elements unseen in previous playthroughs.
The game features three main playthroughs leading to multiple endings, some more detailed than others. Accessing certain endings requires playing as a specific character and completing particular actions. Below, we detail the three playable characters and the method for switching between them.
All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata
The story centers around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S, partners in the narrative, often dominate screen time, depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with identical plug-in chips. While all three are playable, switching isn't always straightforward.
How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata
Character selection is predetermined during the initial playthroughs:
- Playthrough 1: 2B
- Playthrough 2: 9S
- Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2, with the story dictating character changes.
Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select, allowing character selection. This mode lets you revisit any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character shows a number for a specific chapter, you can replay it as that character.
Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. Chapter Select allows character changes, but you must navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, enabling leveling up all three characters' shared levels towards the maximum.
