NieR: Automata Game Tips guide screenshot

Game Tips

Game Tips for NieR: Automata



This guide compiles essential tips for every stage of NieR: Automata, from your first hour to post-game optimizations. Tips are grouped by category and marked with difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

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1. Combat Tips



#### Master the Perfect Dodge (Beginner)
  • What: Press the dodge button (R2/RT on controller, Shift on keyboard) right before an enemy lands a hit. You'll see a blue flash and briefly slow down time.

  • Why: It's the safest way to avoid damage and creates a huge window to counterattack. Almost all attacks are dodgeable, including unblockable ones.

  • When: Use it against every enemy type. Practice on the first few Goliath-class machines.


    • #### Use Pod Programs Liberally (Intermediate)
  • What: Pods can be assigned special abilities (e.g., Laser, Wire, Hammer, Blade). Hold L1/LB (or R1 for some versions) to activate.

  • Why: Many programs stagger enemies, break shields, or clear groups. Laser is great for long-range chip damage; Wire pulls small enemies in for finishers; Hammer stuns heavy foes.

  • When: Use Laser on flying enemies before they get close. Hammer on bosses to interrupt charge attacks. Wire on robots that run away.


    • #### Weapon Combo Canceling (Advanced)
  • What: After a light attack chain, dash or dodge immediately to reset the combo and extend it.

  • Why: This lets you stay aggressive without pausing. Combine with a heavy attack for a powerful finisher before the enemy recovers.

  • When: Use this on staggered enemies or during the slowed time after a Perfect Dodge.


    • #### Switch Weapons Mid-Combo (Intermediate)
  • What: Press the weapon swap button (arrow up/down or LB/L1) between attack sequences.

  • Why: Different weapons have different attack speeds and ranges. A fast weapon (e.g., Small Sword) can launch enemies, then a slow heavy weapon (e.g., Great Sword) can smash them down.

  • When: After a launcher (upward slash) from a small sword, swap to a large sword for the ground slam.


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    2. Exploration Tips



    #### Unlock Fast Travel ASAP (Beginner)
  • What: In the early game, find and activate the access points (green glowing pillars) in each zone. They grant instant travel between discovered points.

  • Why: The world is large, and backtracking on foot is tedious. Fast travel saves hours.

  • Where: The City Ruins has several near the Resistance Camp and amusement park entrance.


    • #### Scan with the Pod (Beginner)
  • What: Hold R1/RB (or tap L3) to have your Pod scan the environment. It will highlight items, enemies, and quest objectives.

  • Why: Many materials and hidden chests are hard to spot. The scanner also reveals breakable walls and underground passages.

  • When: Always keep scanning as you enter a new area.


    • #### Explore Every Corner for Lore (Intermediate)
  • What: NieR: Automata hides story fragments, memories, and side quests in seemingly empty spaces. Check behind buildings, inside pipes, and on rooftops.

  • Why: These often reward rare chips, unique weapons, or lore that deepens the narrative.

  • Example: In the Flooded City, climb the broken highway pillars to find a weapon and a side quest trigger.


    • #### Use the Pod Jump / Glide (Intermediate)
  • What: Hold jump + dash midair to get a small boost from your Pod. You can also glide by holding jump.

  • Why: It lets you reach higher ledges and cross gaps without taking damage. Many optional areas are only accessible this way.

  • When: Always try a Pod-assisted jump when you see a glowing ledge above.


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    3. Resource Management Tips



    #### Don't Sell All Your Components (Beginner)
  • What: Items like “Small Gear,” “Copper Ore,” and “Machine Oil” are used for upgrading Pods and weapons.

  • Why: Selling a stack of 99 may give quick cash, but you'll regret it later when you need 50 for an upgrade. Keep at least 30 of each common material.

  • Tip: Check the upgrade requirements at the Resistance Camp vendor before selling.


    • #### Fish for Rare Items (Intermediate)
  • What: Fishing at designated spots (shown on map) can yield rare fish that sell for high G (Gil) or are used in quests.

  • Why: Some fish are required for side quests (e.g., “The Great Desert Fishing Tournament”) and cannot be bought.

  • Where: Best spots are the Desert: Oasis and the City Ruins: Coast.


    • #### Farming Golden Machines (Advanced)
  • What: Golden machines are rare, high-level enemies that drop large amounts of G and rare chips.

  • Why: They are the best source of endgame money and high-tier chips.

  • Where: They spawn randomly in the Desert and Forest zones. Use a high luck build (Luck Up chips) to increase drop rate.


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    4. Build Customization Tips



    #### Prioritize Your First Plug-in Chips (Beginner)
  • What: Chips like “Melee Attack Up,” “Shockwave,” and “Auto-Heal” are extremely valuable early on.

  • Why: Shockwave adds damage to every melee hit at no extra cost. Auto-Heal saves healing items. Melee Attack Up doubles your damage output.

  • Where: Buy from Resistance Camp vendor or find as loot.


    • #### Balance Your Chip Memory (Intermediate)
  • What: You have limited memory (space) for chips. Some chips cost more than others.

  • Why: You cannot equip everything. Focus on 2-3 categories (e.g., Offense, Defense, Utility). Swap sets for different scenarios.

  • Strategy: Have a “Boss” set with more HP/Defense chips, and a “Farming” set with loot-related chips (Drop Rate Up, EXP Up).


    • #### Use Dedicated Chip Builds for 9S, A2, and 2B (Advanced)
  • What: Each android has unique combat styles. Build accordingly:

    • - 2B: Heavy melee focus – equip Melee Attack Up, Shockwave, and increased combo length chips.
    - 9S: Hacking focus – equip Hacking Attack Up, Decrease Hack Time, and Virus Resistance.
    - A2: Berserker – use Offensive Heal (heals on kill), Charge Attack Up, and low HP bonuses.
  • Why: These maximize each character's strengths, making fights much easier.


    • #### Overclocking Chips (Advanced)
  • What: Combine four identical +0 chips at a vendor to create a +1 version (up to +8). Each level reduces cost and increases effect.

  • Why: +8 chips are incredibly efficient, freeing up memory for more abilities. This is the key to endgame god-like builds.

  • How: Farm identical chips from enemies or buy in bulk from the Machine Village vendor after unlocking.


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    5. Economy & Money Tips



    #### Sell Unneeded Plug-in Chips (Beginner)
  • What: Chips you've outleveled or don't use can be sold for decent G.

  • Why: They accumulate quickly. But keep at least 2 of each type for future builds.

  • Better: Sell low-grade chips from low-level enemies, not the ones you might fuse later.


    • #### Complete Side Quests for Wealth (Intermediate)
  • What: Many side quests reward large sums of G and rare items. Some repeatable quests (like “The Wandering Couple”) are profitable.

  • Why: Main story gives little money. Side quests are your primary income source until late game.

  • Tip: Do “The Lover's Post” and “The Runaway Son” early for 8000+ G each.


    • #### Grind the Colosseum (Advanced)
  • What: After unlocking the Colosseum in the Forest Kingdom, you can fight waves of enemies for rewards.

  • Why: High-level Colosseum matches give 20,000+ G per run and rare weapon upgrade materials.

  • When: Best done around level 40+ with a strong chip set.


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    6. Side Quests & Story Tips



    #### Do Side Quests Before Major Main Missions (Beginner)
  • What: Main story chapters often lock you out of zones or advance time. Side quests can expire.

  • Why: Many quests have unique story implications and unlock permanent upgrades (e.g., Pod B, additional combat maneuvers).

  • Rule: Whenever you get a main objective that says “Proceed to…” finish all available side quests in that region first.


    • #### Pay Attention to Missable Quests (Intermediate)
  • What: Some quests are only available during specific chapters. For example, “The Wandering Swordsman” is only in Route A.

  • Why: Missing them means you lose unique weapons or lore.

  • How: Use a quest checklist or talk to all NPCs after story events.


    • #### Save Frequently and Use Multiple Slots (Intermediate)
  • What: NieR: Automata has a manual save system (access points). Keep at least 3 save slots rotated.

  • Why: Some decisions lock you out of content. If you accidentally trigger a point of no return, reload a backup save.

  • When: Before every major story boss or chapter transition.


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    7. Advanced & Endgame Tips



    #### Unlock All Endings for Full Story (Important!)
  • What: The game requires multiple playthroughs (Routes A, B, C, D, E). After Route A, start a new game as 9S (Route B) – don't delete saves.

  • Why: Ending E is the true ending and gives closure. Route C/D choices change which ending you get first.

  • Tip: After Route B, chapter select becomes available – use it to replay key moments for differing endings.


    • #### Maximize Experience Gain (Intermediate)
  • What: Equip EXP Up chips and kill high-level enemies in the Desert / Amusement Park.

  • Why: Higher level increases chip memory and damage scaling. Level 99 is the cap.

  • Method: Use the Colosseum’s “Kill x enemies” challenges for fast EXP.


    • #### Master Hacking as 9S (Advanced)
  • What: 9S hacking minigame can one-shot most enemies if timed right.

  • Why: Hacking ignores enemy defenses and deals massive damage. It's also required for some puzzles and optional bosses.

  • When: Use hacking on stunned enemies or from a distance with the Pod. Upgrade Hacking Attack chips.


    • #### Utilize the “Offensive Heal” Chip (Advanced)
  • What: This chip heals you for a percentage of damage dealt on kills.

  • Why: With a high-damage build, you can become nearly immortal in mob fights. Combine with low HP chips for extra attack.

  • Character: Best on A2 with her Charge Attack.


    • #### Endgame Chip Farming Locations (Advanced)
  • Desert: Upper level machines drop Drop Rate Up +6 chips.

  • Forest Castle: Knights and centaurs drop Melee Attack Up +8 chips.

  • Flooded City: Large mermaids drop Shockwave +5 chips.

    • Use these spots to build perfect gear.

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    8. Miscellaneous Power Tips



    #### Use the Item Bookmark (Beginner)
  • What: In the item menu, you can mark certain items as “favorites” so they don't get sold accidentally.

  • Why: Prevents loss of rare upgrade materials.

  • How: Highlight an item and press square/X to mark.


    • #### Take Breaks from Combat (Intermediate)
  • What: The game's philosophical themes and emotional weight can be draining. Side activities like fishing, exploring, or listening to music at the camp can reset your mood.

  • Why: NieR: Automata is designed to make you reflect. Rushing through may miss the point.


    • #### Customize Your Equipment with DLC (Optional)
  • What: The 3C3C1D119440927 DLC adds three colosseum battles that reward exclusive costumes and chips.

  • Why: Costumes change appearance, and chips like “Taunt” can be fun for challenge runs.

  • Tip: Tackle these at level 70+.


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Remember: Glory to Mankind, and enjoy one of the most profound gaming experiences ever created.