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NieR: Automata allows extensive free-roaming and side-quest completion between main story missions. Much of the game's content might seem missable on a first playthrough. Completing the main story reveals that the game is far from over; accessing and completing earlier side quests within the same save file requires finishing the game. Here's how to unlock and utilize Chapter Select.
This section contains minor spoilers regarding achieving the true ending.
How To Unlock Chapter Select In NieR: Automata
Unlocking Chapter Select necessitates completing one of the true endings. This involves three playthroughs, culminating in an ending selection during the final confrontation of the third playthrough. While referred to as playthroughs, many consider each a "chapter" due to its self-contained narrative.
After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save the game. Reloading that save initiates the next section, featuring a new playable 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 game loading.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu allows selection of any game chapter to load during its corresponding story segment. All profile aspects—weapons, level, and items—carry over. When loading a chapter featuring multiple playable characters, you can choose which character to play as.
Completed side quests remain completed and cannot be repeated, regardless of the loaded chapter. Saving at an access point is crucial when switching chapters; otherwise, progress within the current chapter (levels and items) is lost. Chapter Select facilitates comprehensive content completion and revisiting choices to obtain all possible endings.
