NieR Automata - How To Unlock & Use Chapter Select

Quick Links

• How To Unlock Chapter Select In NieR: Automata

• How Chapter Select Functions In NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata allows extensive free-roaming and side-quest completion between main story missions. Many activities may appear missable on the initial playthrough. Completing the main story reveals that the game is far from over; access to earlier side quests within the same save file is only granted after true completion. This guide explains how to unlock and utilize Chapter Select.

This article 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 selection during the final confrontation of the third. While termed "playthroughs," many consider each a "chapter" due to its self-contained narrative.

After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save the game and reload 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

Chapter Select is accessible from two locations:

• The main menu of the save file upon loading the game.
• Any access point within the game world.

This menu allows selection of any game chapter to resume from that point in the main story. All profile aspects, including weapons, level, and items, persist. When loading a chapter featuring multiple characters, you can choose your playable character.

Note that completed side quests cannot be repeated, regardless of the selected chapter. Saving at an access point is crucial when transitioning between chapters; failure to do so results in the loss of any progress (levels and items) made during the previous chapter. Chapter Select is ideal for completing all content and exploring different choices to obtain all possible endings.