NieR: Automata, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its intricate storytelling, philosophical themes, and engaging gameplay. Released in March 2017, the action RPG has become a beloved classic, revered not just for its mechanics, but also for the multiple endings it offers. For those who are eager to dive deeper into the world of NieR: Automata and understand the multitude of conclusions that await its players, this article provides an exhaustive analysis of how many endings exist in the game and the significance of each.
Understanding the Structure of NieR: Automata
At first glance, NieR: Automata might appear as a conventional role-playing game featuring a post-apocalyptic setting populated by androids and mechanized foes. However, beneath its surface lies a complex narrative that raises profound questions about existence, free will, and the nature of consciousness. The game comprises a total of five main endings — endings A through E — as well as additional endings categorized as “joke” or “humor” endings, which add layers of complexity to its storytelling.
Overview of Main Endings
The main endings in NieR: Automata are structured around the journeys of three primary characters: 2B, 9S, and A2. Each character’s perspective shines a light on different facets of the overarching narrative. The players embark on multiple playthroughs, initially experiencing the game from the perspective of 2B and gradually unlocking deeper layers of the plot with each subsequent run.
Ending A: “City Ruins”
Ending A, also known as “City Ruins,” is the first conclusion reached by players through their initial playthrough with 2B. After battling through robots and uncovering some of the key mysteries surrounding the War between androids and machine lifeforms, players face a climactic showdown against the main antagonist, Adam. This ending provides a resolution to some immediate conflicts but leaves numerous questions unanswered, compelling players to continue their journey.
Ending B: “The Lost Girl”
After completing Ending A, the player can start a new game with the perspective of 9S in Ending B, “The Lost Girl.” With this playthrough, players gain access to new insights, particularly concerning the background of the androids and their relationship with the machines. This narrative provides 9S’s unique abilities, allowing for different combat styles and exploration, enriching the experience. The ending wraps up some of the threads from Ending A while hinting at deeper mysteries and character motivations.
Ending C: “The Tower”
Ending C, titled “The Tower,” signifies the beginning of a crucial turning point in the story. Players control A2, a character who offers a darker perspective on the ongoing conflict. Ending C diverges significantly from the previous endings, as choices made during gameplay drastically affect events. The culmination of this journey not only addresses previous conflicts but also presents players with a pivotal decision that can lead to two distinct conclusions: Ending C or Ending D.
Ending D: “The Tower”
Ending D is intrinsically connected to Ending C. After players complete Ending C, they are presented with an important choice. Opting for this path also leads players through various clashes against robotic adversaries while exploring deeper lore. The emotional weight of this ending is intense, as it addresses themes of sacrifice, loss, and the pursuit of hope against immense odds.
Ending E: “The Meaning of Life”
Ending E, referred to as “The Meaning of Life,” is often viewed as the true conclusion of NieR: Automata. To unlock this finale, players must meet specific criteria, including completing the game multiple times and engaging with various side content. Ending E serves as a culmination of the philosophical themes explored throughout the game, with profound implications that challenge players’ perceptions of identity and the future.
Exploring Additional Endings
Beyond the primary five endings, NieR: Automata also features a number of lesser-known and humorous endings that offer a playful take on the game’s lore.
Humorous and “Joke” Endings
In addition to the serious conclusions, NieR: Automata includes several humorous and quirky endings known as “joke” endings that players can stumble upon while exploring the world. While they don’t necessarily contribute to the overarching narrative, they highlight the game’s playful nature.
Ending F: “The Yoohoo Ending”
In Ending F, players can discover alternative scenarios by intentionally failing specific missions or defeating a particular enemy in a humorous fashion. This ending is less about lore and more about providing fun comic relief within the otherwise heavy narrative of the game.
Ending G: “The What is Life Ending”
Ending G can be achieved through unconventional gameplay decisions that lead to unexpected results. This ending serves as a nod to classic gaming tropes and seems to poke fun at the very concept of “endings” in video games.
The Importance of Multiple Playthroughs
A defining characteristic of NieR: Automata is its reliance on multiple playthroughs to experience the entirety of its narrative. Players often find themselves replaying key sections of the game, not only to unlock different endings but also to uncover hidden story elements and character development. This design choice emphasizes an exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and the consequences of choice, reflecting the philosophical underpinnings that the game is built upon.
Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Integration
The gameplay mechanics intricately weave with the narrative, ensuring that players remain immersed in the story throughout their multiple runs. As players progress, they glean new insights, connect with different characters’ emotional arcs, and experience contrasting viewpoints on the ongoing conflict. By embracing this repetition, NieR: Automata offers a richer experience that transcends the average RPG format, allowing players to engage dynamically with its themes.
Concluding Thoughts: The Legacy of NieR: Automata
Ultimately, the question of how many endings NieR: Automata has is a starting point for a much broader discussion surrounding its narrative depth and philosophical resonances. The game succeeds not only through its five main endings—A, B, C, D, and E—but also through the unique perspectives offered by its characters and the optional joke endings.
As players delve further into the rich tapestry of NieR: Automata’s world, they uncover a complex interplay between narrative choices, character experiences, and thematic explorations. The various endings and layers of storytelling create a sense of discovery, ensuring that each player’s journey is uniquely gratifying.
As the game continues to influence and inspire the gaming community, its ending and the questions it raises regarding existence, artificial intelligence, and human consciousness remain relevant. Whether players are drawn to the emotional weight of Ending E or the levity of joke endings, NieR: Automata proves that in its world, the journey is just as important as the conclusion.
What are the different endings in NieR: Automata?
The game NieR: Automata features five major endings, labeled from A to E. Each ending presents a unique conclusion to the story, offering different perspectives and emotional resolutions for the characters involved. In addition to these primary endings, there are also several minor endings, typically labeled with letters like F through Z. These minor endings can be achieved through various choices and actions throughout the gameplay.
Each ending allows players to experience the narrative from different angles, deepening the lore and themes of the game. Ending A presents the conclusion from 2B’s perspective, while Ending B shifts to 9S’s viewpoint, thereby showcasing different aspects of the overarching narrative. The remaining endings further unravel the complexities of their world and the nature of the conflict between androids and machines.
How do players achieve each ending?
To achieve Ending A, players complete Route A, which involves playing through the game from 2B’s perspective until the climactic point of the story. For Ending B, players must go through Route B, replaying the game with 9S as the protagonist while experiencing some story shifts and new revelations. Ending C and D diverge significantly based on the choices made towards the end of the game, particularly regarding the fate of various characters and their affiliations.
Ending E, often considered the most significant, requires players to make a specific choice after completing both Ending C and Ending D. This involves a moral decision that impacts the fates of the characters and the world around them, inviting players to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, connection, and the cycle of violence. Each ending builds on the previous narrative threads, encouraging players to explore the complexities of their choices throughout the game.
What themes are explored in NieR: Automata’s endings?
NieR: Automata explores myriad themes throughout its endings, including the nature of existence, the search for meaning, and the connections between beings. The game delves into existential questions, prompting players to contemplate what it means to be sentient and the implications of such consciousness. The series of endings reflects on the struggles between androids and machines, examining the cycles of conflict and the potential for understanding and empathy within and across species.
Another profound theme is the concept of memory and the impact of past experiences on identity. As players traverse through different endings, they come to realize how the characters’ memories shape their motivations and decisions. This theme resonates deeply in the game, highlighting the importance of understanding oneself and others as integral parts of the overarching narrative.
What is the significance of Ending E?
Ending E is often characterized as the most meaningful and emotionally impactful ending in NieR: Automata. It requires players to face a crucial decision that affects not only their own journey but also the fate of the other characters. This ending serves as a poignant commentary on sacrifice, communal support, and the need for collective effort in overcoming despair and fragmentation in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Ending E encapsulates the overall message of the game, emphasizing hope, solidarity, and the fight against nihilism. It urges players to reflect on their actions and the experiences of others, fostering a sense of connection that transcends individual narratives. By engaging with this ending, players are invited to consider the broader implications of their choices within the game’s world and beyond.
Are there any secret endings in NieR: Automata?
Yes, in addition to the five main endings, players can also unlock various secret endings that add further depth to the game. Minor endings, usually ranging from F to Z, can be achieved through unconventional or careless gameplay choices, such as dying in specific situations or failing to complete objectives. These endings often come with humorous or poignant twists, providing diverse experiences for players who explore different routes.
These secret endings serve to enrich the lore and character backgrounds, highlighting the consequences of seemingly trivial actions. They also enhance the game’s replay value by encouraging players to experiment with different approaches and outcomes, fostering a sense of discovery and curiosity within the expansive narrative landscape of NieR: Automata.
How do the endings connect to the game’s overall narrative?
The endings in NieR: Automata are intricately woven together, creating a cohesive narrative that connects the experiences of different characters and their struggles. Each ending builds on the choices made in previous routes, offering new insights into the complex relationship dynamics between androids and machines. By revisiting the same storyline from multiple perspectives, players gain a multifaceted understanding of the overarching conflict.
Additionally, the endings highlight the themes of cyclicality and the eternal return of conflict and suffering. They suggest that the consequences of actions and choices reverberate throughout time, perpetuating a loop of struggle and growth. This interconnectedness between endings invites players to reflect on their own experiences and the broader implications of their decisions, making the journey through the game both engaging and thought-provoking.
What do the endings say about the nature of free will?
The endings of NieR: Automata provoke profound questions about the nature of free will and predestination. Throughout the game, androids grapple with their own autonomy and the extent to which they can forge their destinies beyond their programming. As players explore the various endings, they are prompted to consider whether the characters are truly free in their choices or if they are merely following a predetermined path shaped by external forces.
This exploration of free will resonates deeply with the player experience, emphasizing the impact of choices on individual lives and the fate of the world. The game’s conclusion suggests that while characters may operate within constraints, the struggle for agency remains vital to their identity and purpose. Ultimately, NieR: Automata presents a nuanced perspective on free will, inviting players to ponder its complexity in the context of self-discovery and existential inquiry.