Meet the Automata: Unveiling Playable Heroes in Nier

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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 some common ground, the third playthrough reveals significant story elements not seen in earlier playthroughs.

While completing the three main playthroughs is crucial, numerous endings await, each with varying levels of detail. Some endings require playing as a specific character and completing particular actions. Below, we detail the three playable characters and how to switch 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 the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with the same equipped plug-in chips. All three are playable, but character switching isn't always straightforward.

How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

Character selection is restricted during the initial playthrough:

• Playthrough 1: 2B
• Playthrough 2: 9S
• Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2, with character changes dictated by the storyline.

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 next to a chapter 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 switching, you must navigate to points in the story where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing you to level up all three characters' shared experience towards the maximum level.