NieR: Automata - Meet the Playable Cast

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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.

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 specific 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 are partners, and their screen time varies depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with the same equipped chips across playthroughs. All three are playable, but character switching isn't always straightforward.

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 which character is active.

Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, allowing character selection. This mode lets you revisit any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers displayed to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character shows numbers for 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 changing chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing you to level up all three characters' shared levels towards the maximum.