Cheats & Secrets - NieR: Automata

Cheats & Secrets Guide for NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata does not contain traditional cheat codes (e.g., invincibility, level skip, item spawning) commonly found in other games. However, it is packed with developer-intended secrets, hidden content, Easter eggs, and gameplay exploits that can feel like cheats. This guide covers everything from alternate endings and secret bosses to exploitable mechanics and deep-cut references.

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1. Hidden Endings & Secrets

#### The 26 Endings (A–Z)
The game features 26 distinct endings, labeled A through Z. Only endings A–E are story-critical. The rest are joke/game-over endings triggered by specific actions during the campaign. To see them all, you must deliberately fail or act unexpectedly:

Letter	How to Unlock
F	Let the bridge collapse on 2B during the prologue (refuse to move).
G	Fail the hacking sequence in the Abandoned Factory (or let 9S die during hacking tutorial).
H	Refuse to complete the side quest "The Wandering Couple" by abandoning it.
K	Repeatedly pick up and drop the same fish in front of the fishing pond vendor.
L	Eat a Mackerel from your inventory at the beginning of Route B (9S will mime eating).
M	Let 9S die from the boss fight against the Book of Prophecy (ignore the prompts).
N	Fall into the pit in the Flooded City during the side quest "The Flooded City Rescue."
O	Repeatedly fail the escape sequence in the Bunker (when it explodes).
P	Defeat the game's final boss but don't accept the gift of knowledge (ending P).
Q	Die to the very first enemy in the Forest Castle (the little robot).
R	Attempt to leave the Amusement Park arena before defeating the boss.
S	Let the credits run without shooting during Ending E.
T	Refuse to fight in the colosseum DLC.
U	Die to the hidden Emil boss.
V	Let 9S die to the infected machine in the Bunker's server room.
W	Fail the escort mission in the Copied City.
X	Stay in the Bunker's hallway after Pod 042 gives you the flight unit.
Y	During the final battle with A2/9S, choose to spare your opponent repeatedly.
Z	Delete your save file at the end of Ending E.

Note: Ending E (the true ending) is unlocked after completing routes A, B, and C, and then playing the secret final chapter. It includes a bullet-hell credit sequence where you must survive to restore another player's save data.

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2. Secret Bosses & Hidden Encounters

#### Emil (The Wandering Merchant's True Form)

Condition: Complete the side quest "The Wandering Merchant" (Emil's Memories) from Route B onward. Afterward, fast travel to the Commercial Facility (the desert area). Emil will be there as a giant head. Talk to him repeatedly until he asks for a fight.

Reward: The Emil Heads weapon (a pair of rare blunt weapons) and the Precious Boots accessory.

Tip: This fight is extremely tough. Bring high-level chips and the "Auto-Heal" chip.

Condition: During Route C, after the Copied City sequence, return to the same location after the story. A massive golden robot (similar to the one from the DLC) appears.

Reward: Large amounts of EXP and rare chips.

Note: This is a high-level enemy (level 80+). Not required for any achievement.

3. Exploit-Safe Secrets & Hidden Features

Required: Pod Program "Wire" (obtained from the desert area in Route A).

Method: Jump, then press the Pod Program button while in the air. You can then jump again immediately. Repeat to gain altitude indefinitely.

Use: Access hidden ledges, skip sections, or simply explore vertically. This is entirely intentional—a reward for exploration.

Location: The flooded city has a rare gold-colored machine enemy that appears in the underground area after completing the main story. It spawns every few in-game hours.

Method: Equip +EXP chips and farm this enemy. It yields massive experience (up to 500,000 per kill at high levels).

Warning: The gold machine is very strong—consider using the "Auto-Heal" chip and ranged attacks.

How to Access: There is no official debug room in the retail version. However, on PC, you can mod the game or use Cheat Engine to teleport to unused maps. This is not recommended for first-playthrough as it breaks progression.

Console: Not possible without hacks.

Pod Design: You can change the color and design of your Pod by purchasing the Pod Color items from the Resistance Camp's vendor (after completing certain side quests).

2B's Dress: The Amusement Park has a secret dress code: If you wear the Machine Mask (from the quest "Machine Mask") while talking to the NPCs, they will react differently.

4. Easter Eggs & References

Location: The bunker's secret office (accessible after completing the game and loading your clear data). Walk into the wall near the bunker's entrance—there's a hidden corridor leading to a room with Taro's mask and a message.

Grimoire Weiss: In the Resistance Camp, after completing the game, you can see a book that looks exactly like Weiss from the original NieR.

The Shadowlord's Castle: The final area of the game is heavily inspired by the Shadowlord's castle from NieR Replicant.

Kainé's Story: The side quest "The Lost Girl" and the enemy design (the red-eyed girl) are direct references to Kainé.

Location: In the Amusement Park, find the hidden room with the glowing vending machine. Interact with it to see a message from the developers.

During Ending E: The bullet-hell sequence is a reference to classic shooter games. If you die, you can accept help from other players (their names appear as encouragement). The music is a chiptune remix of the game's themes.

5. Developer-Intended "Cheats" (Gameplay Exploits)

Mechanic: You can equip multiple copies of the same plug-in chip to stack effects. For example, equipping two +30% Movement Speed chips gives +60% speed.

Best Use: Combine with the "Auto-Heal" and "Offensive Heal" chips to become nearly invulnerable in any difficulty.

Tip: While locked onto an enemy, certain Pod programs (like "Mirage" or "P-Shield") can be spammed faster because the target stays centered.

Method: Equip the "Counter" chip and alternate between light attack and heavy attack while guarding. This animation cancels can keep enemies stun-locked.

6. Unlockable Content

Conditions: After beating the game once, you can replay the prologue on Very Hard. This unlocks the "Level 99" trophy/achievement.

Note: Very Hard mode is not recommended for new players—enemies can kill you in one hit.

Secret: The paid DLC "Become as Gods" adds three colosseums. Each has a hidden boss (the three sisters) and rewards unique weapons and outfits.

Free DLC: The 4YoRHa Edition includes the colosseums without extra purchase.

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7. Conclusion

NieR: Automata rewards curiosity and perseverance. The lack of traditional cheat codes is offset by a wealth of hidden content designed to make players feel like they've discovered something special. Whether you're chasing every ending, farming the secret golden machine, or unlocking Emil's true form, the game offers plenty of secrets for the dedicated explorer. Remember: save often, and don't forget to shoot the credits during Ending E.