Ending E

Lore & Background

Ending E emphasizes the interconnectedness of players within the system. By erasing their own progress, individuals contribute to a global counter that helps others defeat the final enemies in their respective timelines. This serves as a poignant reminder that while one world may fall, hope persists through shared sacrifice and digital communion among strangers. The Nier series, a spin-off from Drakengard stemming from the last of Drakengard's five possible endings, has always focused on the fortunes and personalities of a small group of protagonists affected by the events of the story. This ending extends that focus to the player themselves, making them part of the narrative.

In Their Own Story

The screen flickered with static, the silence of the wasteland pressing against Nier's ears. He stood before the console, not as a warrior, but as a vessel for something greater. The choice hung in the air, heavy and final. To save them, he had to cease being himself here. With a quiet resolve that transcended code, he reached out. His memories dissolved into light, traveling across the void to kindle hope in another world. This moment echoes the themes of the original Nier, where Yoko Taro focused on writing a story where everyone believed they were in the right whatever their actions.

Reader's Guide

To unlock this secret finale, players must first complete the harrowing journey of Ending D, where Nier accepts his mortality and the truth of his existence. Only after defeating the final boss does the game present a unique prompt directly addressing the player outside the narrative frame. You are asked if you wish to sacrifice your save data to help another world fight the Black Scrawl. If you choose yes, the console warns that all progress will be erased permanently. Upon confirmation, your file resets completely, removing items and achievements gained throughout the campaign. This action requires an active internet connection in modern versions to transmit the aid signal globally. In exchange for this loss, other players receive a notification thanking them for their contribution to saving multiple worlds. The ending does not offer gameplay rewards but provides profound narrative closure regarding sacrifice. It is widely regarded as the thematic peak of the experience, highlighting connection over victory. Fans often debate whether losing progress is worth the message, yet many choose it to honor the spirit of the game.

Did You Know?

• Ending E was added in Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139..., released in April 2021 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.
• The Nier series is a spin-off from Drakengard, stemming from the last of Drakengard's five possible endings.
• Yoko Taro, the director of the original Nier, focused on writing a story where everyone believed they were in the right whatever their actions.
• The original Nier was released in April 2010 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with different protagonist designs for Japan (Nier Replicant) and the west (Nier Gestalt).
• Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139... was a remaster that received substantially better sales than the original Nier.