Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about NieR Automata.
What is NieR Automata?
NieR Automata is an action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, set in a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by machines. It blends hack-and-slash combat with deep philosophical themes regarding consciousness, existence, and the nature of humanity.
Who are the main playable characters?
Players primarily control three androids: 2B, a stoic battle unit; 9S, an inquisitive scanner; and A2, a rogue veteran. Each character offers unique combat styles and perspectives on the ongoing war against machine lifeforms.
Where should I start if I am new to the series?
NieR Automata is designed as a standalone entry that does not require prior knowledge of previous games in the NieR or Drakengard franchises. Newcomers can jump straight into this title without missing essential context for its story.
What makes the ending structure unique?
The game features multiple distinct endings, with the true conclusion only accessible after completing the main narrative twice and then playing a third playthrough as character A2. This design emphasizes repetition and sacrifice, mirroring the cyclical nature of the war depicted in the story.
Who is the mysterious figure known as Adam?
Adam is one of two powerful machine leaders created by an unknown alien force to lead the mechanical army against humanity's androids. He serves as a primary antagonist who seeks to prove his superiority and destroy all organic life.
What is the significance of the YoRHa project?
YoRHa is a secret military organization established by humanity to fight back against machines using advanced android units that possess artificial intelligence. The project's true purpose involves complex manipulations regarding the fate of both humans and machines.
Are there any real-world musical influences in the soundtrack?
The game's score, composed by Keiichi Okabe, famously blends electronic music with orchestral arrangements and features vocal performances by emma (Aoi Eir) that are integral to the narrative. The soundtrack is widely celebrated for enhancing emotional moments and defining the game's melancholic atmosphere.
What happens during the 'Bunker' scenes?
The Bunker serves as a central hub where androids receive missions, upgrade equipment, and interact with their artificial intelligence supervisors like Pascal or Pod 042. These interactions often reveal crucial lore about the world's history and the true state of humanity.
Is there a connection between NieR Automata and Drakengard?
While not directly required to understand the plot, NieR Automata shares a distant narrative lineage with the Drakengard series through shared creators and subtle thematic echoes regarding tragedy and fate. The games exist in separate timelines but explore similar existential questions.
What is the 'Project YoRHa' twist?
A major revelation involves the truth that humanity likely went extinct long before the events of the game, meaning the androids are fighting a war for a master race that no longer exists. This discovery fundamentally shifts the motivation and purpose behind the endless conflict.