In the vast and emotionally complex world ofNier: Automata, one of the most compelling elements that draws players in is its diverse cast of playable characters. Each character offers not only a unique gameplay style but also a rich narrative perspective that enhances the story’s themes of identity, consciousness, and purpose. With its multi-route structure,Nier: Automatainvites players to explore the post-apocalyptic Earth through the eyes of androids and machines struggling to understand the meaning of life. The game doesn’t simply let you control characters it immerses you in their emotional journeys.
Overview of Playable Characters in Nier: Automata
Nier: Automatafeatures several playable characters throughout its story arcs, but the most prominent ones are 2B, 9S, and A2. Each of these androids is part of the YoRHa organization, a military group created by humans to fight alien machines. As players progress through the game’s multiple endings, they switch between these characters, discovering different sides of the conflict and uncovering truths that change everything they thought they knew.
2B The Elegant Executioner
2B is the first playable character encountered inNier: Automata. Officially designated as YoRHa No.2 Type B, she is a combat android assigned to fight machine lifeforms. With her stoic demeanor, sleek black outfit, and signature blindfold visor, 2B has become one of the most iconic figures in modern action RPGs.
Her gameplay style is melee-focused, blending swordplay with agile movements and smooth dodges. 2B can equip light and heavy weapons, which players can switch between in real time. Her Pod companion provides ranged attacks, allowing for strategic versatility during combat. While she initially appears emotionally restrained, players soon learn there is more to 2B beneath the surface.
Through her route (Route A), players are introduced to the world’s main conflict and the haunting themes of war, duty, and repressed emotion. 2B’s journey is laced with mystery, and her relationship with 9S plays a crucial role in the emotional weight of the game.
9S The Curious Scanner
9S, or YoRHa No.9 Type S, becomes a playable character in Route B. Unlike 2B, who is built for direct combat, 9S is a Scanner-type android, specializing in intelligence gathering and hacking. He is curious, expressive, and deeply philosophical often questioning the purpose of the war and the nature of their existence.
In terms of gameplay, 9S offers a dramatically different experience. While he can engage in basic combat, his strength lies in his ability to hack enemies. Successful hacking can instantly destroy foes, disable them temporarily, or even take control of their systems. These sequences are presented in a twin-stick shooter mini-game format, adding variety to the gameplay loop.
Playing as 9S gives players access to new narrative perspectives, revealing events and hidden details that 2B did not witness. His emotional depth and existential ponderings provide some of the game’s most powerful moments. Through him, players begin to see the crumbling of the black-and-white morality that defined earlier parts of the story.
A2 The Rogue Prototype
A2, short for YoRHa Type A No.2, becomes a playable character later in the game, primarily during Route C. Initially introduced as a rogue android who betrayed YoRHa, A2 is mysterious, aggressive, and fiercely independent. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that her motivations are deeply personal and rooted in tragedy.
Gameplay as A2 combines elements of both 2B and 9S. She is primarily melee-based but introduces a unique mechanic called ‘Berserk Mode,’ where she can sacrifice defense for a significant boost in attack power. This mode drains health over time but rewards skilled players with devastating damage potential.
Unlike the more structured roles of 2B and 9S, A2’s path is raw and emotional. Her storyline focuses on revenge, grief, and eventual redemption. By controlling her, players witness the aftermath of YoRHa’s internal collapse and the shifting power dynamics between androids and machines. A2 adds a new layer to the narrative and shows that even the most hardened characters can find a sense of purpose beyond violence.
Switching Perspectives: Narrative and Gameplay Evolution
One of the most innovative features ofNier: Automatais its narrative structure. Rather than telling a linear story, the game encourages players to complete multiple playthroughs, each offering new insights and character perspectives. The shift between 2B, 9S, and A2 is not merely cosmetic it reshapes the way players interact with the world and interpret the plot.
- Route A: Players control 2B and follow her mission alongside 9S.
- Route B: Players revisit the same events through 9S’s perspective, uncovering hidden truths via hacking and data analysis.
- Route C/D: The story splits between A2 and 9S, with players alternating between them in a high-stakes continuation of the previous endings.
- Route E: Offers a surprise final conclusion that emphasizes unity and hope, driven by player choices and gameplay determination.
This structure makes each playable character more than just a vessel for action they are essential to the game’s unfolding layers of truth, emotion, and philosophical inquiry.
Supporting Playable Characters and Gameplay Segments
While the majority of the game focuses on 2B, 9S, and A2, there are short segments where players can briefly control other characters or entities. For instance, during hacking sequences, players may assume control of machines, allowing them to experience the game world from the perspective of enemies. These moments, while short, add surprising depth and blur the lines between hero and villain.
Another notable moment includes controlling the machine brothers Adam and Eve during specific cutscenes or combat encounters. These instances deepen the game’s theme of duality and personal identity.
Thematic Relevance of Character Control
Choosing which character is playable at different points in the story is a deliberate design decision. It reflects the game’s core themes: the fluidity of truth, the multiplicity of perspective, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. By forcing players to see through the eyes of different androids, the game challenges assumptions and creates empathy for all sides of the conflict even those initially seen as antagonists.
Gameplay and Emotional Investment
Each character’s unique gameplay mechanics reinforce their personalities. 2B’s balanced and elegant fighting style mirrors her disciplined nature. 9S’s reliance on hacking showcases his analytical mindset. A2’s aggressive and risky combat style matches her emotionally volatile journey. This blending of narrative and mechanics results in a rare level of immersion where the player not only controls the character but begins to feel and think like them.
The playable characters inNier: Automataare not just avatars for action they are central to the game’s emotional resonance and philosophical depth. 2B, 9S, and A2 each bring a distinct voice and perspective to a world defined by ambiguity and loss. Their intertwined stories explore questions about humanity, free will, and the legacy of war, making every playthrough a transformative experience. As the game unfolds through their eyes, players are invited to look beyond machines and see the fragile, beautiful chaos that defines existence itself.