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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 additional story elements, extending 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. This guide details 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, partners in the narrative, command significant screen time, depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, offering diverse gameplay experiences 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 is fixed 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 enables 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 changing chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing leveling across all three characters towards the maximum level.