This guide provides a comprehensive list of all pod programs in NieR Automata, along with instructions on how to acquire and use them.
This page of the NieR Automata game guide contains a summary of all pod programs – special skills that allow you to perform various tasks. You will learn about the functionality of each program, the limitations associated with their use, and how to obtain or purchase new programs.
- Basic Information
- Program Summary
Basic Information
- You will start the game with the R010 Laser program, and you will need to obtain the others. We have provided instructions on how to obtain them below. We recommend unlocking at least three different programs as soon as possible.
- Each pod can be assigned one program at a time, and you can have a maximum of three pods. We have outlined how to acquire additional pods on the “All pods – how to unlock?” page. This means you can have three different programs ready to use and quickly switch between them using the directional buttons. An additional advantage of this method is that each program has its own cooldown period, allowing you to activate up to three different programs in a short period of time.
- You can customize the programs to your liking, but we recommend having at least one powerful offensive program available, such as the starter Laser program. As an example of a non-offensive program, there is the A170 Scanner found in Chapter 8, which can help you find secrets. We recommend testing each newly acquired program to make it easier to choose your favorites.
- The game permanently saves unlocked programs, so you won’t lose them when you progress to Route B and Route C/D in the later stages of the campaign. You will immediately be able to use them despite switching to different playable characters.
- You can charge programs by upgrading your pod. This may increase the program’s strength, but it will also extend its cooldown period.
Program Summary
The table below shows the name of each program and how to unlock it. The second column provides information on how the program works. If the program is linked to progressing the main story or a side quest, there may be references to one of the chapters of our walkthrough.
|
Program Name |
Description and Unlocking Method |
|
R010 Laser |
The pod can shoot a large laser beam and is an excellent program to use throughout the entire game. It becomes even better if you use the camera lock option on your opponents to reduce the chance of missing. You will receive this program automatically at the start of the game. |
|
R020 Mirage |
The pod can analyze opponents and allow the character to perform a series of attacks in melee combat to damage surrounding enemies. You can purchase this program from the Maintenance Shop Owner at the Resistance Camp. |
|
R030 Hammer |
This program calls upon the attacking power of a targeted nearby enemy. It is best used for attacking strong individual enemies. You can purchase this program in stores, with the first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner located in the Resistance Camp. |
|
R040 Blade |
This program causes the pod to rotate around the character, damaging all surrounding enemies. However, the pod cannot shoot while doing so. You can purchase this program in stores, with the first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner located in the Resistance Camp. |
|
R050 Spear |
This program causes the pod to create energy spears that come out of the ground and damage any enemies they hit, piercing through smaller enemies. It is best used for attacking groups of machines. You can purchase this program in stores, with the first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner located in the Resistance Camp. |
|
A060 P Shield |
This program generates a protective shield that can block melee attacks. However, it cannot block projectiles – for that, the R070 program is needed. You can purchase this program in stores, with the first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner located in the Resistance Camp. |
|
R070 M Shield |
This program generates a protective shield that can block projectiles. However, it cannot block melee attacks – for that, the A060 program is needed. You can purchase this program in stores, with the first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner located in the Resistance Camp. |
|
A080 Wave |
This program creates a powerful shock wave that deals heavy damage to all enemies in its range. It is best used when facing a group of enemies. You can obtain this program as a reward for completing The Wandering Couple side quest, which can be initiated in Machine Village. |
|
A090 Wire |
This program shoots a rope that, upon hitting an enemy, allows you to pull them towards you and engage in melee combat. It is important to note that you can lock onto enemies with the camera. You can obtain this program as a reward for completing the Amnesia side quest, which can be initiated in the City Ruins. |
|
A100 Decoy |
This program creates a copy of the main character that can shoot at enemies and distract them from the real character. You can find this program in one of the buildings in the City Ruins during Route C/D. Specifically, it is located in the building where the city gameplay begins at the start of the campaign. |
|
A110 Slow |
This program creates a dome that slows down all enemies caught within it or that enter it after it is activated. You can obtain this program as a reward for completing the Data Analysis Freak 2 side quest, which can be initiated in the Bunker. |
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A120 Repair The pods in NieR: Automata are incredibly useful tools that can be equipped to your character and provide various benefits in battle. One such benefit is the ability to generate healing energy, which can regenerate your character, but only if you are within range of the healing field. This particular program is a reward for completing the Sorting Trouble 3 side quest in the City Ruins. Another pod program is the A130 bomb, which shoots bombs that can explode throughout the area. This is a great area attack that is especially effective against groups of opponents. The program is a reward for completing the Find a Present side quest in the Desert. The A140 Gravity program generates a dome that pulls surrounding opponents towards it. While they do not receive damage from the program itself, you can immediately use other attacks against them. This program is a reward for completing the Retrieve the Confidential Intel side quest in the City Ruins. The A150 Volt program electrocutes nearby opponents, dealing both initial damage and additional damage over time. This program can be found in the Amusement Park near the YoRHa soldier corpse in Route C/D. The A160 Missile program turns the pod into a rocket that you can ride on to inflict damage on opponents. This program can be found in the Abandoned Factory during Route C/D. Finally, the A170 Scanner program equips the pod with a scanner that can be used to find hidden objects. It’s a good idea to always have this program assigned to one of your pods and frequently scan the area, even if the current quest doesn’t require it. You’ll automatically get this program in Chapter 8 of the game. FAQWhat are pod programs in NieR Automata? Pod programs are a set of abilities that can be used by the player in NieR Automata. They are small robots that can be summoned by the player to perform various tasks, such as attacking enemies, providing support, and even hacking into computers. There are a total of 8 different pod programs in the game, each with its own unique abilities and properties. What is the list of all pod programs in NieR Automata? The list of all pod programs in NieR Automata are:
How do you obtain pod programs in NieR Automata? Pod programs are obtained throughout the course of the game by completing certain missions or by purchasing them from the in-game shop using in-game currency. Some pod programs are also obtained as rewards for completing side quests or as drops from enemies. What are the best pod programs to use in NieR Automata? The best pod programs to use in NieR Automata depend on the player’s playstyle and preferences. However, some of the most useful pod programs include Pod B for its close-range attacks, Pod C for its support abilities, and Pod E for its hacking abilities. Pod A and Pod G are also useful for their long-range attacks. Ultimately, it is up to the player to experiment and find the pod programs that work best for them. Can pod programs be upgraded in NieR Automata? Yes, pod programs can be upgraded in NieR Automata. Upgrades can be purchased from the in-game shop using in-game currency or obtained as rewards for completing certain missions or side quests. Upgrades can increase the power, range, and effectiveness of pod programs, making them even more useful in combat.  James, a young and enthusiastic gamer. With a passion for gaming, he personally plays and experiences the games he writes about, providing authentic and insightful content to fellow gamers. |