Quick Links
NieR: Automata allows extensive free-roaming and side-quest completion between main story missions. Much of the game's content might seem missable on a first playthrough. Completing the main story reveals that the game is far from over; post-game access to earlier side quests is available within the same save file. Here's how to unlock and utilize Chapter Select.
This section contains minor spoilers regarding 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 an ending choice during the final confrontation of the third. While called playthroughs, many consider each a distinct chapter within the overarching narrative.
After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save the game. Reloading that save initiates the next section, featuring a new playable 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 the save file upon loading the game.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu lets you select any chapter to load, retaining all profile aspects like weapons, level, and items. When loading a chapter featuring multiple playable characters, you can choose your character.
Completed side quests remain completed; they cannot be replayed regardless of the selected chapter. Saving at an access point is crucial when transitioning between chapters. Failing to save results in the loss of any progress (levels and items) made within the current chapter. Chapter Select provides a convenient method to explore all content and revisit choices to obtain every ending.
