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NieR: Automata allows players extensive 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 game is only the beginning; accessing post-game content and completing earlier side quests requires unlocking Chapter Select. This guide explains how.
This section contains minor spoilers related to achieving the true ending.
How To Unlock Chapter Select In NieR: Automata
Unlocking Chapter Select necessitates completing one of the game's true endings. This involves three playthroughs, culminating in a choice during the final confrontation of the third. While often referred to as playthroughs, these are sometimes called chapters, reflecting their individual narrative contributions to the overall story.
After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save your game. Load that save to begin the next section, playing as the designated character. The final playthrough involves multiple character switches. Completing it 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.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu allows selection of any chapter within the game's main story. All aspects of your profile, including weapons, level, and items, are retained. When loading a chapter, you can choose your character, provided that chapter featured multiple playable characters.
Note that completed side quests remain completed and cannot be repeated. Save frequently at access points when transitioning between chapters to prevent loss of progress, levels, and items. Chapter Select is invaluable for completing all content and exploring different choices to obtain all game endings.
