NieR Automata: Characters you can play as

This section of the guide for NieR Automata lists the characters you can play as. We will discuss who you can control and the abilities that each character has.

This part of the NieR Automata guide has information about the playable characters. You will learn who they are, when you can take control of them, and the requirements to temporarily control other machines in the game world.

Knowing about the availability of playable characters can be a spoiler since you unlock them as you progress through the story. However, we will avoid revealing any major plot events that lead to gaining access to new characters.

• 2B
• 9S
• A2
• Remote-controlled machines

2B

2B (YoRHa no.2 Type B) is the first playable character in NieR Automata. She is a female android from the YoRHa squad who specializes in hand-to-hand combat. 2B is playable during Route A and partially during Route C/D.

In combat, 2B can use two types of melee weapons to deliver quick and powerful attacks.

9S

9S (YoRHa no.9 Type S) is the second playable character in NieR Automata. He is a male android from the YoRHa squad who specializes in scanning and reconnaissance. 9S is playable during the entire Route B and partially during Route C/D.

9S only uses one melee weapon in combat, but he can hack enemy machines, crates, and devices. This ability offers many new ways to eliminate or dominate opponents and gain additional loot. We have described this mechanic in detail on our Hacking page.

A2

A2 (YoRHa no.2 Type A) is the third playable character in NieR Automata. She is a female android who was a former member of YoRHa. Interestingly, A2 appears as a boss in Routes A and B. You can only play as her in selected chapters and scenes during Route C/D.

A2 can use two types of melee weapons during combat (similar to 2B). Additionally, she can activate a Berserker Mode that allows her to deal significantly more damage with a melee weapon. We have described it in detail on our Berserker Mode page – how to use it?

Remote-controlled machines

Thanks to 9S’s hacking ability, you can use the remote control option on selected machines – Remote Control. This option is available in three situations:

1. as one of the choices after successfully completing the hacking mini-game on the enemy,
2. as part of the main storyline,
3. as part of the fight in the arena in the Underground Colosseum in the forest.

The interesting thing is that each machine moves and attacks differently, even at a distance. During the game, you will be able to control small machines and much larger goliaths.

FAQ

1. Who are the playable characters in NieR Automata?

The primary playable characters in NieR Automata are 2B, 9S, and A2. 2B is a combat android created to fight against the machine lifeforms that threaten humanity. She is skilled with swords and can also use ranged attacks. 9S is a reconnaissance android who specializes in hacking and can assist 2B in combat. A2 is a rogue combat android who has her own agenda and fighting style. As the player progresses through the game, they will have the opportunity to play as all three characters.

2. Do the playable characters have unique abilities?

Yes, each playable character in NieR Automata has their own unique abilities and playstyle. For example, 2B is a close-range fighter who can use her sword to deal heavy damage and has access to a variety of ranged attacks. 9S, on the other hand, is more focused on hacking and can use his skills to take control of enemy units and turn them against their own side. A2 is a more balanced fighter, with a mix of close-range and ranged attacks at her disposal.

3. Can players switch between playable characters during gameplay?

Yes, players can switch between playable characters at certain points in the game. This allows them to experience each character’s unique abilities and playstyle and can be particularly useful in combat situations where a specific character’s skills may be more effective. Additionally, some parts of the game can only be accessed by certain characters, so switching between them is necessary to progress through the story.