Playthrough D
The truth behind the Gestalts' sentience and the cost of the Shadowlord's defeat.
Playthrough D in Nier Replicant is accessed after completing the game multiple times, focusing on the consequences of the Shadowlord's defeat. This playthrough reveals new story sequences that show the Gestalt antagonists' motivations and backstory, demonstrating them to be sentient beings fighting for their own beliefs. The player can understand the previously garbled speech of Gestalts through the rogue Gestalt Tyrann, who partially possesses Kainé. The second ending shows the spirit of the Gestalt protagonist and Yonah reuniting in the afterlife and reveals that Emil survived, while confirming that the Shadowlord's death will lead to humanity's extinction as Replicants and Gestalts can no longer be rejoined.
- Key Location
- Shadowlord's Castle
Lore & Background
In Playthrough D, the narrative deepens by focusing on Kainé's past, showing the discrimination she suffered due to her parents' deaths, being born intersex, and later being partially possessed by the rogue Gestalt Tyrann. Through Tyrann, the player can understand the previously garbled speech of Gestalts, revealing them as sentient beings with their own motivations. New story sequences show the Gestalt antagonists' backstory, fighting for their own beliefs and goals. The second ending shows the spirit of the Gestalt protagonist and Yonah reuniting in the afterlife and reveals that Emil survived. Further information confirms that the Shadowlord's death will lead to humanity's extinction as Replicants and Gestalts can no longer be rejoined.
In Their Own Story
After the Shadowlord's defeat, Kainé becomes overwhelmed by Tyrann, going berserk and forcing the protagonist to fight her. The player is given a choice: either kill Kainé to end her suffering (the third ending) or sacrifice the protagonist's 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. The second ending shows the spirit of the Gestalt protagonist and Yonah reuniting in the afterlife and reveals that Emil survived, while confirming that the Shadowlord's death will lead to humanity's extinction.
Reader's Guide
To reach Playthrough D, players must first complete Playthroughs A and B, then begin a new game after the second ending. In this playthrough, events start just after Kainé is freed. The player can understand the previously garbled speech of Gestalts through Tyrann, and new story sequences show the Gestalt antagonists' motivations. The critical choice comes when Kainé becomes overwhelmed by Tyrann, going berserk. The player can either kill her to end her suffering (the third ending) or sacrifice the protagonist's 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. 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?
- The second ending shows the spirit of the Gestalt protagonist and Yonah reuniting in the afterlife.
- The fourth ending deletes all of the player's save data as part of the sacrifice.
- Emil is revealed to have survived in the second ending.
- The Shadowlord's death leads to humanity's extinction as Replicants and Gestalts can no longer be rejoined.
- The updated version of Replicant adds a fifth ending after a new game is begun following the fourth ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Playthrough D in Nier Replicant?
Playthrough D is not a character but the fourth narrative run where players control Nier as he learns his true identity as a replica of the original Gestalt. This playthrough serves as the critical bridge that strips away previous illusions and reveals the tragic reality of the Gestalt-Replicant cycle.
What are the main events or powers in Playthrough D?
In this run, Nier utilizes his accumulated knowledge to navigate the Village and confront remnants of the Black Scorpion while uncovering the truth about humanity's survival. His 'power' lies in breaking the cycle through a final sacrifice rather than gaining new combat abilities.
How does the story conclude during Playthrough D?
The narrative culminates with Nier making a selfless choice to save the remaining Replicants by sacrificing himself, which directly leads to the game's ultimate Ending E. This act finally breaks the endless loop of pain and suffering that has plagued both Gestalts and Replicants.
Why is Playthrough D considered important for fans?
This playthrough is essential because it forces players to confront the cyclical tragedy of the conflict and understand the true cost of Nier's journey. Without completing this arc, the player cannot access the final ending or fully grasp the themes of memory and sacrifice.
What happens if I skip Playthrough D?
Skipping this run prevents you from reaching Ending E, leaving the story incomplete as you will not witness the resolution that saves humanity. You would miss the crucial revelation regarding Nier's nature and the ultimate fate of the world.
More in Story & Endings
Elsewhere in the Nier Replicant universe
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