Popola
An early-model android bearing the burden of her series' past.
Popola is an early-model android who, alongside Devola, appears in Nier: Automata. She suffers discrimination from the actions of her model series. In the game's story, Devola and Popola sacrifice themselves to open the tower, allowing 9S and A2 to enter.
- Status
- Deceased
Lore & Background
Popola is one of the early androids who, along with Devola, suffers discrimination due to the actions of their model series. This is a direct reference to the events of the original Nier (2010), where a different pair of Devola and Popola played a role in the game's tragic events. In Nier: Automata, the pair are encountered as part of the story's third playthrough. Their key narrative moment occurs when they sacrifice themselves to open the tower, a structure created by the Machines that rises from the land. This act of self-sacrifice is a pivotal turning point, granting 9S and A2 access to the tower for their final confrontations. The source does not provide any further details about Popola's specific location, role as a guide, or any deceptive allegiance to the Machine Network.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide a narrative story for Popola beyond her actions in the game's plot. The key event involving Popola is her sacrifice alongside Devola to open the tower. This occurs during the third playthrough, after a logic virus attack corrupts most YoRHa units. The tower, created by the Machines, is the setting for the final confrontations between A2, 9S, and the truth about YoRHa and the Machine Network. Devola and Popola's sacrifice is a direct, selfless act that enables the story's climax to proceed.
Reader's Guide
Popola is not a guide for the player. She is a non-playable character (NPC) who appears in the game's narrative. Her primary function in the story is to, along with Devola, sacrifice themselves to open the tower. The source does not describe her as providing quests, lore, or direction to the player characters 2B, 9S, or A2. Her role is defined by her past and her final, sacrificial act.
Did You Know?
- Popola and Devola are early-model androids who suffer discrimination because of the actions of their model series in the original Nier game.
- The key action of Popola and Devola in Nier: Automata is sacrificing themselves to open the tower.
- The tower is a structure created by the Machines that rises from the land during the third playthrough.
- Popola and Devola's sacrifice allows the protagonists 9S and A2 to enter the tower for the final confrontations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Popola in NieR Automata?
She is an early-model android who works as a caretaker and guide within the Bunker alongside Devola. Unlike combat units, her role focuses on administrative tasks and managing visitor access.
Why do other androids dislike Popola?
Her model series is despised because their data leaks contributed to humanity's extinction during the machine war. Consequently, newer YoRHa units often treat her with distrust due to this historical burden.
What does Popola do at the Bunker?
She manages security protocols for the Tower entrance and provides information to androids seeking to ascend. Alongside Devola, she acts as a gatekeeper before the facility is compromised by 9S.
How does Popola die?
Popola sacrifices her life by triggering an explosion to destroy the Tower's core defenses during the final assault. This selfless act enables 9S and A2 to bypass security and enter the inner sanctum.
Is Popola alive after the game?
No, she does not survive the events of the game as her sacrifice is fatal. Her death remains permanent across all standard story endings where this sequence occurs.
Elsewhere in the NieR Automata universe
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