Home >  News >  Uncover the Diverse Cast: Meet Every Playable Character in NieR: Automata

Uncover the Diverse Cast: Meet Every Playable Character in NieR: Automata

by Brooklyn Feb 08,2025

Quick Links

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 unseen in previous playthroughs.

The game features three main playthroughs, leading to multiple endings, 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 the method for switching between them.

All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata

The core story of NieR: Automata centers around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S are partners, and their appearances will vary depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, offering diverse gameplay experiences even with identical 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 the story dictating character changes.

Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, allowing character selection. This mode enables revisiting any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers displayed beside chapters indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character has associated numbers for a chapter, that chapter can be replayed as that character.

Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. Chapter Select allows character changes, but the player must navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing for leveling up all three characters simultaneously.