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

Although the game features three main playthroughs leading to multiple endings, 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 appearances will vary depending on your progress through each playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, adding depth and replayability even with identical plug-in chips. While all three are playable, switching isn't always immediate.

How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

Character selection isn't freely available during the initial playthrough. The character assignments are as follows:

• Playthrough 1: 2B
• Playthrough 2: 9S
• Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2 (switching is story-driven).

Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, enabling character selection. This mode allows revisiting any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers displayed next to a chapter indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character shows a number for a specific chapter, you can replay that chapter as that character.

Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. While Chapter Select allows character changes, you must navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before switching chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing for leveling up all three characters' shared experience towards the maximum level.