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.
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 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.
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.
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.
More in Story & Endings
Elsewhere in Nier Replicant
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