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NieR: Automata allows players considerable freedom to explore the world and tackle numerous side quests between main story missions. Many elements might seem missable on a first playthrough. Completing the main story isn't the end; accessing all content requires finishing the game completely. Here's how to unlock and utilize Chapter Select.
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 true endings. This involves finishing all three playthroughs and selecting a specific ending during the final confrontation of the third playthrough. While referred to as playthroughs, many consider each 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 shifts; 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 the game.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu lets you select any chapter to load, retaining all progress (weapons, level, items). When loading a chapter with multiple playable characters, you can choose your character.
It's important to note that completed side quests cannot be replayed, regardless of the chapter loaded. If switching chapters mid-playthrough, always save at an access point; otherwise, unsaved progress (levels, items) will be lost. Chapter Select facilitates completion of all content and allows revisiting chapters to explore alternative choices and endings.
