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NieR: Automata - All Playable Characters

Author:Kristen Update:Feb 27,2025

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NieR: Automata's narrative unfolds across three distinct playthroughs. While the first two playthroughs share significant overlap, the third playthrough reveals a wealth of additional story content beyond the initial credits.

Although the game features three main playthroughs leading to multiple endings, accessing certain endings requires playing as a specific character and completing particular actions. This guide details the three playable characters and explains how to switch between them.

All Playable Characters In NieR: Automata

The core characters of NieR: Automata are 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B and 9S are partners, and their appearances will vary depending on your progress through each playthrough. Each character boasts a unique combat style, ensuring a fresh experience even with the same plug-in chips. While all three are playable, switching isn't always straightforward.

How To Switch Characters In NieR: Automata

Character selection is fixed during the initial playthroughs:

  • Playthrough 1: 2B
  • Playthrough 2: 9S
  • Playthrough 3: 2B/9S/A2 (switching is story-driven).

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

Note that later chapters, particularly in playthrough 3, restrict character selection. While Chapter Select allows switching, you must navigate to points in the story where that character was originally playable. Saving before changing chapters ensures progress carries over, enabling leveling up all three characters simultaneously.