NieR: Automata - All Playable Characters

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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 playthroughs share significant overlap, the third playthrough reveals a wealth of additional story content beyond the initial credits.

While completing the three main playthroughs is crucial, numerous endings await discovery, each with varying degrees of detail. Some endings require 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 core of NieR: Automata's story centers around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S are partners, and their screen time varies depending on playthrough progression. Each character boasts a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with identical plug-in chips. 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 free-flowing during the initial playthrough. Character assignments are as follows:

• 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, allowing character selection. Chapter Select 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 has associated numbers in a chapter, you can replay that chapter 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 switching chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing you to level up all three characters' shared experience towards the maximum level.