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NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two share some common ground, the third playthrough reveals significant story elements unseen in earlier runs.
Although there are three main playthroughs, the game boasts multiple endings, 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, frequently sharing the most screen time, depending on the playthrough. Each character possesses a unique fighting style, adding depth to gameplay 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 isn't freely available during the initial playthrough. The character assignments are:
- 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. This allows 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 for a chapter, you can replay it as that character.
Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character choices. While Chapter Select allows character changes, you'll need to navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, enabling level-ups for all three characters towards the maximum level.