NieR Automata: Chapter 1, Route B – walkthrough

On this page, you will find a guide to complete the first chapter of Route B in NieR Automata, which includes Prologue and Factory. Our guide will help you to hack opponents and objects in your surroundings, assist 2B in defeating the Engels goliath, and provide more tips.

• Route B – basic information
• Prologue – machine controls
• Breaking Through – using the Flight Suit
• Defense System – hacking enemy defenses
• The Engels boss
• Rescuing 9S
• Reboot – visit to the Bunker

Route B – basic information

Route B can only be accessed after completing all 10 chapters of Route A. Once you have watched the end credits, create a save file that confirms your accomplishments, including unlocking ending A. Then, select “Continue” from the main menu and load the save file where you finished Route A. Although you will need to complete 10 more chapters, you will play as 9S in Route B, and the events in some chapters will be different from Route A. In Chapter 1, you will take part in completely new events.

If you want to import your progress from Route A to Route B, check out the “Route B – what can be transferred?” page in our guide.

Prologue – machine controls

The beginning of Route B is unique because you control a machine. Your objective is to revive another machine by filling a bucket with a flowing substance and bringing it to the other robot. Be cautious while returning, as the machine may trip over small obstacles and force you to refill the bucket.

Breaking Through – using the Flight Suit

For the first time, you will play as 9S. Remember to select a melee weapon and set pod programs before you start. You will also have a chance to unlock the hidden ending G by running to the end of the crane’s arm. However, you will have to repeat the prologue with the machine upon restarting the game.

To make progress, follow the directions on the mini-map to reach the Flight Suit. Interact with it to begin the (lengthy) flight section.

The Flight Suit functions the same way as it did during Route A. You can shoot regular projectiles and rockets (which are best for taking out large groups of enemies due to their long cooldown) and you can also dodge while in mid-air.

Defense System – hacking enemy defenses

Soon, your quest objective will update and icons marking the locations of 4 defense systems will appear – you can visit them in any order. Machines, wall-mounted miniguns, and streams of red energy will impede your progress towards the systems (you can avoid them by flying close to the walls).

For the first time, you’ll learn about hacking, which is 9S’ unique ability. You can hack enemy machines and certain devices by holding down the Triangle button.

The hacking mini-game has different difficulty levels. Hacking more elite enemies will trigger more difficult versions of the mini-game. The general rules are similar – you need to destroy the black sphere or spheres. Here are some quick tips:

1. Avoid getting hit, as a few hits will cause you to fail the mini-game and lose some health points.
2. In many mini-games, you need to destroy black objects to disable the force field around the black sphere.
3. You can treat white objects as cover, but avoid orange objects.

For more information on this 9S skill, check out the Hacking page in our game guide.

The hacking game is slightly different when hacking devices connected to the current quest objective. During these, the screen will resemble an obstacle course – you need to quickly destroy the black blocks and pave your way to the sphere at the end of the “race” path. You need to destroy the black sphere before time runs out. Some offshoots are dead ends, so plan your route in advance.

Repeat this process with the other three defense systems. Hacking each of them is easier once you have dealt with nearby machines.

Destroying the defense systems will initiate another “regular” flight. From now on, you can use hacking in all battles, although you can still use the standard Flight Suit weapons.

Finally, you will reach a cut-scene depicting the encounter with 2B near the Buzzsaw machines she defeated. After the conversation, you need to complete one more flight through tunnels filled with foes.

The Engels boss

You can attack the goliath you know from Route A with the Flight Suit gear, but we recommend weakening the boss by hacking. Stand in spots that trigger the triangle icon to appear. Each mini-game that you complete correctly will take away a significant chunk of the boss’ hit points.

Weak points that can be hacked are not only located above the head of the giant, but also above its upper limbs. Take advantage of this opportunity to hack and weaken the boss.

You can attempt multiple hacks on the big machine, but be prepared for increased difficulty in the mini-game with each attempt. In the more difficult versions, focus on destroying the black targets quickly to avoid getting hit by the black spheres for too long. You can also destroy certain projectiles in mid-air to avoid damage.

Rescuing 9S

After 9S takes serious damage, a new section in “virtual reality” will begin. If you want to unlock the hidden ending F, you must give up on saving 9S and wait for the allotted time to pass. However, this means repeating the entire prologue without saving.

To save 9S, reach the white squares and hold the Triangle button to restore his systems. You have 3 minutes to do this, which is plenty of time as this section can be completed in about 40 seconds.

The second part of this section requires you to control the pod and destroy approaching machines. Try not to miss too often to prevent too many machines from spawning. You can also hack machines while protecting 9S, but focus on easier versions of the mini-game. Defend yourself until the cut-scene plays.

Reboot – visit to the Bunker

During the first visit to the Bunker from 9S’ perspective, go to 2B’s room to adjust basic settings. Then visit the command center to talk to the Commander. Save your game for the first time since taking control of the Flight Suit. To proceed to Chapter 2, go to the hangar and depart for the City Ruins.

FAQ

1. What is NieR Automata?

NieR Automata is an action role-playing video game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. The game was released in February 2017 for PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows, and later in June 2018 for Xbox One. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players control combat androids from the YoRHa units to fight against machines that have taken over Earth. The gameplay consists of fast-paced combat, exploration, and RPG elements, with multiple endings that vary depending on the player’s choices.

2. What is Chapter 1, Route B in NieR Automata?

Chapter 1, Route B is the second playthrough of NieR Automata, following the first playthrough as Route A. In Route B, players take control of a different character, 9S, who has a different perspective and gameplay style than the first character, 2B. The storyline is mostly the same as Route A, but with additional cutscenes and dialogue that reveal more about the game’s world and characters. Players can also access new areas and side quests that were not available in Route A.

3. What are some tips for completing Chapter 1, Route B?

To complete Chapter 1, Route B in NieR Automata, players should focus on upgrading their character’s abilities and weapons, as well as completing side quests for additional rewards. It is also important to pay attention to the game’s storyline and dialogue, as Route B reveals more about the game’s world and characters. Players should also be prepared for challenging boss battles and combat encounters, and use a variety of techniques and strategies to overcome them. Finally, players should explore the game’s open world and take advantage of its various hidden secrets and Easter eggs.