NieR: Automata: Complete Beginner's Guide

Understanding NieR: Automata's Structure

NieR: Automata is intentionally designed to be played multiple times. After completing Route A (playing as 2B), you unlock Route B (playing as 9S through most of the same events with new perspectives and scenes). After completing Route B, you unlock Route C — the true finale. Do not stop after Route A no matter how complete it felt. The game's entire point becomes clear only after Route C.

Combat Basics

Light attacks are fast and build combos; heavy attacks are slower but deal more damage and break enemy guard. Evade with the dodge button — a well-timed dodge (just before an attack lands) triggers Witch Time, slowing time briefly for free damage. Your Pod provides ranged support — switch Pod programs (lock-on laser, hammer smash, volt blast) to match the encounter. In aerial combat, use jump-cancel combos to extend airborne strings.

The Chip System

Chips modify your android operating systems. You can slot them into a grid with limited total memory. Prioritize chips that increase max HP, attack power, and drop rate early on. Mid-game, consider adding Auto-Heal (slow HP regen), Overclock (ATB charge speed), and Weapon Attack Up. You can remove HUD chips (Mini Map, HP Display) for a challenge run — but only do this intentionally, as the game provides no warning.

Side Quest Priority

NieR: Automata's side quests are worth completing — many contain unique character moments and lore that expand the world's themes meaningfully. Key questlines: the machine village questlines (follow Pascal and the peaceful machine community), the Resistance Camp quests (unlock vendor options), and the Emil questlines (multiple stages, reveals significant story content). Many side quests are only available during certain routes, so complete them before progressing the main story.

Essential Tips

1. Buy the Hacking Tutorial from the shop early — hacking is 9S's primary attack mechanic in Route B and understanding it early makes Route B significantly more enjoyable.
2. Upgrade your weapons at the blacksmith using materials from enemy drops. Maxed weapons deal dramatically more damage.
3. Save at access points frequently. The game auto-saves at major story beats but not mid-dungeon.
4. Check every ending path — NieR: Automata has 26 named endings from A to Z, many triggered by specific choices or failures. Look up a list after completing Routes A-C to find them all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to play the original NieR before Automata?
A: No — Automata is set in the same universe but tells a standalone story. Playing the original (or NieR Replicant) adds context for some references but is not required.

Q: The PC version is broken — is there a fix?
A: Yes. Install the FAR (Fix Automata Resolution) community patch, which fixes borderless windowed mode, frame rate, and various graphical issues. It is widely recommended and simple to install.

Q: How many endings are there?
A: 26 named endings (A through Z). Endings A-E are the main story routes. The rest are joke or secret endings triggered by specific actions.