Overview of Endings in NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata, renowned for its intricate narrative and multi-faceted gameplay, features a total of 26 distinct endings, categorized as A through Z. The endings not only provide multiple conclusions to the story but also embody a blend of serious narrative, humorous scenarios, and thought-provoking meta-commentary. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to unlock these endings and their contextual significance.

Main Story Endings (A-E)
The game’s core narrative culminates in five primary endings, achieved through a combination of playthroughs that follow different character perspectives.

– Ending A: Players complete the game from 2B’s perspective. This marks the first encounter with the game’s main themes and primary characters.

– Ending B: Players finish the game from 9S’s perspective. This route offers deeper insights into the story, character motivations, and plot developments from a different viewpoint.

– Ending C: In the third playthrough, players navigate primarily through A2 and 9S. This route explores a significant resolution arc for the main characters.

– Ending D: This alternate conclusion emerges from Route C based on critical decisions made during the climax, particularly concerning the fate of 9S and A2.

– Ending E: Known as the true ending, it requires players to make specific decisions during Route C. This ending reveals the deeper thematic layers of the game and emphasizes the character’s moral choices.

Joke and Alternative Endings (F-Z)
The remaining endings encompass a variety of scenarios that evoke humor, surprise, or unconventional outcomes. These outcomes often hinge on unexpected choices or gameplay mechanics:

– Ending F: Triggered by failing specific actions during gameplay, leading to unexpected ‘game over’ scenarios.

– Ending M (“break ti[M]e”): Leaving the Resistance Camp or Pascal’s Village under attack results in an early humorous ending.

– Ending N (“[N]o Man’s Village”): As A2 in Chapter 14, avoiding Pascal’s Village during an attack leads to this early variant.

– Ending O (“just y[O]u and me”): In Chapter 11-04, failing to assist the YoRHa forces results in an alternative outcome.

– Ending P (“corru[P]tion”): Allowing 2B to die from a virus during the third playthrough also unlocks a unique ending.

– Ending Q (“[Q]uestionable actions”): A variation that results from key character death decisions.

These endings underscore the game’s design philosophy, where playful experimentation with gameplay mechanics leads to a wide array of narrative possibilities.

Additional Notes
– Players can utilize Chapter Select after completing the game to unlock different endings without starting new save files.
– Collecting and fully upgrading every weapon is a prerequisite to unlock a special Ending Y.
– Achieving all 26 endings on a single save file is necessary for the “Transcendent Being” trophy, encouraging players to engage deeply with all aspects of the game.
– The endings’ diversity reflects Yoko Taro’s signature narrative style, combining humor, impactful choices, and introspection about existence and consequence.

Overall, NieR: Automata’s endings not only deepen player engagement but also invite exploration of thematic elements, making each playthrough a unique narrative journey.