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NieR: Automata allows extensive free-roaming and side-quest completion between main story missions. Much of the game's content might seem missable on a first playthrough. Completing the main story reveals that the game is far from over; accessing post-game content, including earlier side quests, requires finishing the game. Here's how to unlock and utilize Chapter Select.
This section contains minor spoilers related to achieving the true ending.
How To Unlock Chapter Select In NieR: Automata
Unlocking Chapter Select necessitates completing one of the game's true endings. This involves three playthroughs, culminating in an ending selection during the final confrontation of the third. While called playthroughs, many consider them chapters, given their individual narrative contributions to the overall story.
After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save the game. Reloading that save initiates the next section, featuring a different character. The final playthrough involves multiple character shifts. Completion unlocks Chapter Select for that save file.
How Chapter Select Functions In NieR: Automata
Access Chapter Select via:
- The main menu of the save file upon loading.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu allows selection of any game chapter, resuming the story from that point. All profile aspects—weapons, level, items—persist. When loading a chapter with multiple playable characters, the player can choose their character.
Completed side quests remain completed; they cannot be replayed regardless of chapter selection. Saving at an access point is crucial when switching chapters; otherwise, progress (levels, items) within the current chapter is lost. Chapter Select facilitates comprehensive content completion and allows revisiting choices to obtain all game endings.
