NieR: Automata
Action-RPG (PlatinumGames + Square Enix, Feb 23, 2017 PS4/PC; June 2018 Xbox; Oct 2022 Switch) — post-apocalyptic dystopia; androids 2B, 9S, A2 fight machines. Director Yoko Taro's masterpiece with multiple endings (A-Z), philosophy themes. 8M+ units sold; 2022 anime + Ver 1.1a series.
What is NieR: Automata?
NieR: Automata is a critically-acclaimed action-RPG developed by PlatinumGames + published by Square Enix — released February 23, 2017 for PS4/PC, June 2018 for Xbox, October 2022 for Switch. Directed by Yoko Taro, composed by Keiichi Okabe. Post-apocalyptic Earth invaded by alien Machine Lifeforms; androids 2B (combat), 9S (scanner), A2 (attacker) fight to reclaim planet for humanity. Blends fast-paced Platinum combat (like Bayonetta) with RPG progression, bullet-hell shooter sequences, top-down + side-scrolling perspective shifts, and RPG loot + chip skill customisation. Famous for narrative structure: 26 possible endings labelled A-Z, with first playthrough (Ending A) being the surface layer; full story requires 3+ full playthroughs (Endings A, B, C/D). Explores philosophy themes: existentialism, absurdism, meaning of consciousness. 8M+ units sold as of 2024. 2022 NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a anime adaptation (A-1 Pictures).
Quick facts
Category
Video Games
Type
Individual
Players
1–1
Duration
~25 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇯🇵 Japan
Estimated origin
Released Feb 23, 2017 (PS4/PC); Xbox June 2018; Switch Oct 2022; 2022 Ver 1.1a anime adaptation
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
Complete all main endings (A, B, C/D) to experience full narrative; optional 100% for all 26 endings + weapons + records.
Match structure
Single-player 3-route campaign — Route A (2B), Route B (9S same events new perspective), Routes C+D (A2/9S post-Route B narrative continuation).
Rules
Basic rules
3 playable characters
2B (combat, first route), 9S (scanner, second route), A2 (attacker, endgame).
Chip system customisation
Equip chips (HP boost, auto-heal, damage boost) with limited slots — critical: HUD/UI chips optional.
26 endings A-Z
Endings A/B/C/D are main story; E-Z are joke endings triggered by specific actions.
Advanced rules
New Game+ features (Chapter Select)
After beating Ending A, can Chapter Select to specific points for joke endings.
Bullet-hell shooter sequences
Regular Platinum combat interrupted by top-down or side-scrolling bullet-hell sections.
Scoring
Story routes A/B/C/D completion; 100% = all 26 endings + all weapons + all records + all documents.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Ending unlock | 1 of 26 total endings |
Win condition · Complete Endings A + B + C + D for full canonical story.
Equipment
PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, PC, Switch
Multi-platform (Switch runs 60 FPS docked).
DualSense/DualShock 4/Xbox controller
Standard controllers; PC keyboard+mouse supported.
Positions & roles
Android (2B / 9S / A2)
×1YoRHa combat android.
Officiating
Single-player only.
- Speedrun.com moderators for community leaderboards
Penalties & fouls
Penalties
Death (Game Over)
Reload autosave; can retrieve dropped chips from body.
OS chip removal
Removing OS chip = instant death (joke ending W).
Strategies
Chip loadout optimization
Balance HP/damage/utility chips within limited slots; strip HUD chips for slot space if experienced.
Pod ability chaining
Pod fires vary (laser, hammer, gravity) — swap between fights for optimum vs enemy type.
Route order for full narrative
Play A → B → C/D in order; joke endings (E-Z) can be done via Chapter Select after Ending A.
Terminology
- YoRHa
- Android military organisation
- Machine Lifeform
- Enemy alien invaders
- Pod
- Support drone attached to android
- Chip
- Customisation module for android abilities
Major competitions
Speedrun.com NieR: Automata leaderboards
ongoing · global (community) · since 2017
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Square Enix Holdings
Founded 2003 · Tokyo, Japan
PlatinumGames
Founded 2006 · Osaka, Japan
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Community speedrunners establishing Any% + Ending A/B/C/D routes
Records
Total sales as of 2024
PlatinumGames + Square Enix — 8+ million units sold worldwide across all platforms (2024)
2022 anime adaptation
A-1 Pictures — Ver 1.1a anime adaptation aired 2022; season 2 confirmed (2022)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
Route A (2B first playthrough)
Learn basic combat, pod attacks, chip system, first bosses.
intermediate
- 1
Route B (9S second playthrough)
Same events new perspective + hacking sequences.
advanced
- 1
Routes C+D + all 26 endings
Narrative continuation + joke ending chapter-select run.
Frequently asked
Do I need to play prior NieR games?+
No — NieR: Automata is a standalone sequel; prior NieR (2010) knowledge enriches but not required.
How many endings are there really?+
26 endings labelled A-Z. Main story = A + B + C + D (~50 hrs); E-Z are joke endings triggered by specific actions.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Nier: Automata— Wikipedia