In Nier: Automata, side quests play a crucial role in both enhancing gameplay and enriching the overarching narrative, contributing to the game’s unique blend of action and philosophical inquiry. With a total of 60 side quests categorized by the characters that can participate in them, these quests provide players with a deeper look into the world and its inhabitants, facilitating a broader understanding of the themes explored throughout the game.

Side Quest Overview

The side quests are distributed among the characters as follows:

| Character | Number of Side Quests | Playthrough Timing |
|——————-|———————-|———————————-|
| Shared (2B & 9S) | 31 | Throughout main and second playthrough |
| 2B only | 4 | First playthrough |
| 9S only | 13 | Mostly second playthrough with some third playthrough |
| A2 only | 3 | Third playthrough |
| A2 & 9S | 5 | Third playthrough |
| All Three | 4 | All through chapter select, some require highest weapon upgrades |

Players must be mindful of the availability of these quests, as many become inaccessible after specific main missions, such as the “Missile Supply Mission.” This adds an element of urgency to completing these side quests within the narrative’s progression, encouraging players to explore the world more thoroughly.

Notable Side Quests

Several side quests stand out for their narrative depth and emotional resonance:

– “11B’s Memento”: This quest delves into the backstory of the android 11B, revealing complex themes of betrayal and the moral dimensions of the YoRHa androids. As players navigate this quest, they encounter choices that can alter dialogue and deepen their understanding of the characters’ motivations, effectively enhancing the lore surrounding the androids and their existential struggles.

– “The Wandering Couple”: Involving an aging android couple, this quest highlights the fragility and emotional depth of android life against a backdrop of post-apocalyptic survival. It paints a poignant picture of longing and the human-like desires of mechanical beings, thus enriching the world through the exploration of relationships and the day-to-day realities faced by these characters.

– Shared quests: Many of the shared quests focus on various Resistance members or machine lifeforms. These interactions reveal the unique histories, personalities, and philosophical perspectives of both androids and machines, showcasing their complexities and differing views on existence, conflict, and purpose.

Contribution to World and Lore

The side quests in Nier: Automata extend far beyond simple side activities; they are integral to the game’s exploration of profound themes concerning consciousness, identity, and mortality. By engaging with these quests, players gain insights into the everyday lives of both androids and machines, uncovering deep-rooted struggles and ethical dilemmas that contrast sharply with the game’s broader narrative of war and survival.

Through these quests, players become more invested in the post-apocalyptic setting, learning about the residue of human society and the emotional challenges faced by the characters. They offer critical commentary on the nature of existence and the quest for meaning in a world ravaged by conflict, thus reflecting Nier: Automata’s philosophical underpinnings and encouraging players to reflect on their own life choices and the nature of their identities.

Conclusion

Overall, the side quests in Nier: Automata not only amplify gameplay but also serve as a narrative vehicle that deepens the player’s immersion and understanding of the game’s philosophical storytelling. Through these quests, players not only encounter hidden truths about the world but also engage with the emotional cores of characters who grapple with their identities and existence amidst an eternal war. The complexities presented in these side quests ultimately enrich the player experience, making each character’s journey both a personal and universally relatable exploration of life, purpose, and understanding.