Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata is an action role-playing game from 2017, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. It follows up on the 2010 game *Nier*. The story takes place during a proxy war between Machines built by aliens and androids created by humans, centering on the combat android 2B, the scanner android 9S, and the rogue prototype A2. It first launched on PlayStation 4 and Windows via Steam, with an Xbox One port arriving in June 2018 and a Nintendo Switch port in October 2022.

Development started in 2014, with series creator Yoko Taro, producer Yosuke Saito, and lead composer Keiichi Okabe returning from the original *Nier*. Akihiko Yoshida, known for his work on the *Final Fantasy* series, led character design. The aim was to create a sequel that stayed true to *Nier* while refining the combat system. Since PlatinumGames was new to the project, its staff faced several challenges building the gameplay and open-world environment. The story, written by Yoko, examines themes of finding meaning in life and the reasons people kill. Localization was handled by 8-4, the same team that translated *Nier*.

The game was announced at E3 2015. It received stage plays and novels that expanded its narrative, as well as downloadable content and crossovers with other games. Critics praised the story, themes, gameplay, music, and characters, but noted some visual and technical issues. The PC release drew mixed reactions due to technical problems that were not fixed until 2021. Sales exceeded expectations; by February 2026, *Nier: Automata* had sold over ten million copies worldwide.

**Gameplay**

*Nier: Automata* is an action role-playing game where players explore an open world. Besides standard on-foot movement, the game includes flying mech battles and a special item that summons wild animals to ride. Non-playable characters offer quest objectives, and shops in hub locations sell items such as consumables that restore health.

Combat is real-time, action-based hack and slash, using light and heavy attacks that can be combined into different combos. The player can evade incoming attacks, gaining invulnerability or counterattack bonuses depending on timing. A flying "Pod" robot assists the player, launching customizable ranged attacks that range from simple gunfire to heavy hammer strikes.