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NieR: Automata allows extensive free-roaming and side-quest completion between main story missions. Much content might seem missable on a first playthrough. Completing the main storyline is only the beginning; accessing post-game content requires finishing the game to unlock the Chapter Select feature. This allows revisiting earlier areas and completing missed side quests within the same save file.
This section contains minor spoilers related to achieving the true ending.
How To Unlock Chapter Select In NieR: Automata
Unlocking Chapter Select requires completing one of the game's true endings. This involves three playthroughs, culminating in a final choice during the third playthrough's concluding confrontation. While referred to as playthroughs, many consider each as a distinct chapter within the overarching narrative.
After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save your game. Load that save to begin the next section, playing as a different character. The final playthrough involves multiple character switches; its completion unlocks Chapter Select for that save file.
How Chapter Select Functions In NieR: Automata
Access Chapter Select from two locations:
- The main menu of your save file upon loading.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu lets you select any chapter to revisit. Your progress, including weapons, level, and items, carries over. When loading a chapter with multiple playable characters, you can choose your character.
Note that completed side quests remain completed; they cannot be replayed. Always save at an access point before switching chapters to preserve progress; otherwise, any gains (levels, items) made in the current chapter will be lost. Chapter Select is invaluable for completing all content and exploring alternative choices to unlock all endings.
