Ending D
The protagonist sacrifices his life for Kainé, erasing all memory of himself and deleting the player's save data.
Ending D is a secret conclusion in Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139... that can be reached after completing Ending C. The player must reload the save file and then make a different choice at the final boss fight. In this ending, the protagonist sacrifices his life for Kainé, erasing memory of him from Kainé and Yonah and deleting all of the player's save data. This ending is the culmination of the game's exploration of sacrifice and the consequences of the conflict between Replicants and Gestalts.
- Subject
- Ending D
- Game Version
- NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139...
- Unlock Condition
- Complete Ending C, reload the save, then make a different choice at the final bo
- Antagonist
- Gestalt Nier (Shadowlord)
- Narrative Theme
- Sacrifice and Truth
- Status
- Secret Conclusion
Lore & Background
Ending D is the conclusion reached when the player chooses to sacrifice the protagonist's life for Kainé. This occurs after Kainé becomes overwhelmed by Tyrann, going berserk and forcing the protagonist to fight her. The player can either kill her to end her suffering (the third ending) or sacrifice his life for her (the fourth ending). The latter choice erases memory of him from Kainé and Yonah and deletes all of the player's save data. This ending is a direct consequence of the game's narrative, where the protagonist's actions are driven by the wish to save those he cares about, mirroring the Shadowlord's own motivations. The updated version of Replicant adds a fifth ending after a new game is begun following the fourth ending, beginning after the defeat of Kainé's Shade nemesis Hook.
In Their Own Story
After Kainé becomes overwhelmed by Tyrann and goes berserk, the protagonist is forced to fight her. The player is given a choice: kill Kainé to end her suffering (Ending C) or sacrifice the protagonist's life for her (Ending D). Choosing to sacrifice the protagonist erases all memory of him from Kainé and Yonah and deletes all of the player's save data. This act of sacrifice is the ultimate expression of the protagonist's love and devotion, mirroring the Shadowlord's own desperate attempts to save his Yonah. The ending is a tragic conclusion that emphasizes the cost of breaking the cycle of suffering.
Reader's Guide
To reach Ending D, the player must first complete Ending C. After the credits roll and the save data is deleted, the player must start a new game. The player must then play through the game again, making the same choices as before, until they reach the final boss fight. At the final boss fight, the player must choose to sacrifice the protagonist's life for Kainé. This will trigger Ending D, which will delete all of the player's save data. The updated version of Replicant adds a fifth ending after a new game is begun following the fourth ending, beginning after the defeat of Kainé's Shade nemesis Hook.
Did You Know?
- Ending D is the fourth ending in Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...
- Choosing to sacrifice the protagonist for Kainé erases all memory of him from Kainé and Yonah.
- Ending D deletes all of the player's save data.
- The updated version of Replicant adds a fifth ending after a new game is begun following the fourth ending.
- The fifth ending begins after the defeat of Kainé's Shade nemesis Hook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do players unlock Ending D in NieR Replicant?
You must first complete Endings A, B, and C to access this secret route within version v1.22 of the game.
Who is the antagonist revealed during Ending D?
The main enemy is the White Shadow, who is ultimately identified as a Gestalt version of Nier from a different timeline.
What narrative themes does Ending D explore?
This chapter moves beyond simple survival to examine deep philosophical questions regarding memory, sacrifice, and immortality.
Why is Ending D considered pivotal for the story?
It serves as the critical bridge that exposes the tragic origins of the Black Scrawl pandemic and solidifies the game's emotional weight.
Does Ending D provide a final resolution to Nier's journey?
While it resolves the conflict with the Shadow, it often leads players toward Ending E for a more complete conclusion regarding the protagonist's fate.
More in Story & Endings
Elsewhere in the Nier Replicant universe
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