NieR Automata: Controls

This section of the guide presents the available controls and control settings in Nier Automata. Familiarizing yourself with the controls will aid in performing various actions, including those not covered in the default tutorials.

• PS4 and PS5
• Additional control settings

PS4 and PS5

	Movement.
	Activating Pod’s flashlight – useful when exploring dimly lit areas such as sewers.
	Looking around. When the view is top-down, the analog stick can be utilized to choose the firing direction.
	Resetting camera position.
	Activating the Pod Program – an active skill set for a specific Pod (a robot that follows the main character). At the start of the game, it is a powerful laser attack, but later on, additional pods can be unlocked and set as active in the inventory menu.
	Lock-on – this option enables the camera to focus on the enemy you were facing when you pressed the button. This function is only functional at easy and normal difficulty levels and is beneficial in delivering more effective attacks (especially long-range) and evading enemy attacks.
	Light attack – combos can also be executed.
	Heavy attack – combos can also be executed and holding the triangle charges a powerful attack.
	Jump – pressing the button again mid-air performs a double jump. Holding the button down during flight initiates a slow descent.
	Interact – employed for lifting loot, initiating conversations, scrolling through dialogues, confirming choices, and interacting with objects in the environment.
	Evade – a crucial function. Evade can be used during battles (preferably just before the enemy finishes the attack), in flight, and to start sprinting. After a perfect evade, Square, Triangle, or R1 can be quickly pressed for a counter.
	Long-range attack – the Pod will fire from its installed gun. This type of attack is unlimited but initially quite weak. Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended technique to safely weaken many enemies.
	Weapon selection menu – a shortcut for quickly selecting a new weapon or Weapon Set without opening a separate inventory menu.
	To use the Previous Pod action, a new Pod must be available (only one is available at the start of the game).
	To use the Next Pod action, a new Pod must be available (only one is available at the start of the game).
	The Disposable item menu is a shortcut that allows you to quickly select items such as medicine without opening a separate inventory menu.
	Pressing the left side of the touchpad triggers the shortcut menu. Pressing the right side of the touchpad triggers the System Menu, which includes the map, inventory, skills tab, and game options.
	Use this option to activate the System Menu (same as pressing the right side of the touchpad).

Additional control settings

The above table displays the default controls for console versions, specifically Type A. You can also choose alternative control options (Type B and Type C) and customize them to your liking.

Due to the game’s dynamic nature and its console roots, we highly recommend using a controller to play on PC as well.

In the Game tab, you can turn controller vibrations on or off.

The Camera tab contains all camera settings. You can, for example, invert the X-axis and Y-axis, adjust camera sensitivity, change its position and zoom level.

FAQ

1. What are the basic controls in NieR Automata?

The basic controls in NieR Automata include movement using the left analog stick, camera control using the right analog stick, and attacking using the square button. You can also jump with the X button and evade using the R2 button. Additionally, you can use your pod’s ranged attacks with the triangle button and switch between lock-on targets with the L2 button.

2. Can I customize the controls in NieR Automata?

Yes, you can customize the controls in NieR Automata to your liking. You can access the options menu from the title screen or pause menu and select “Controls” to change the button mapping. You can also adjust camera sensitivity and other settings to improve your gameplay experience.

3. How do I perform special attacks in NieR Automata?

To perform special attacks in NieR Automata, you need to equip them in your Pods menu. You can access this menu from the pause menu or by pressing the touchpad on the PS4 controller. Once you have a special attack equipped, you can activate it by pressing and holding down the R1 button and then pressing the corresponding button for the special attack. Different special attacks have different effects and cooldowns, so experiment to find the ones that work best for your playstyle.

4. What are the controls for riding animals in NieR Automata?

To ride animals in NieR Automata, you need to first approach them and press the circle button to mount them. Once you are riding an animal, you can move with the left analog stick and attack with the square button. You can also dismount by pressing the circle button again, or perform a special attack by holding down the R1 button and pressing the triangle button.

5. How do I use the Pod Programs in NieR Automata?

To use the Pod Programs in NieR Automata, you need to equip them in your Pods menu like special attacks. Once you have a Pod Program equipped, you can activate it by pressing and holding down the L1 button and then pressing the corresponding button for the program. Pod Programs have different effects and cooldowns, so choose the ones that best suit your playstyle and the situation you are in.