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• All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata

• How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata's compelling narrative unfolds across three playthroughs. While the first two share some story elements, the third playthrough reveals significant new content, extending the experience far beyond the initial credits. Although there are three main playthroughs, multiple endings await, each with varying degrees of detail. Some endings require playing as a specific character and completing unique tasks. Below, we detail the three playable characters and explain how to switch between them.

All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata

The story centers around 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S are partners, and their screen time varies depending on the playthrough. Each character boasts a distinct combat style, offering unique gameplay experiences even with identical chip configurations. While all three are playable, switching isn't always straightforward.

How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

Character selection is not freely available in the initial playthrough. The character assignments are as follows:

• Playthrough 1: 2B
• Playthrough 2: 9S
• Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2 (switching as the story progresses).

Completing a main ending unlocks Chapter Select mode, allowing character selection. Chapter Select lets you revisit any of the game's 17 chapters. Numbers to the right of the screen indicate completed/incomplete side quests. If a character shows numbers for a chapter, you can replay it as that character.

Note that later chapters, particularly in Playthrough 3, restrict character selection. Chapter Select enables character changes, but you must navigate to story points where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, allowing you to level up all three characters' shared levels to the maximum.