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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 requires finishing the game and utilizing Chapter Select. This guide explains how to unlock and use this feature.
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 finishing all three playthroughs and selecting a specific ending during the final confrontation of the third playthrough. While referred to as playthroughs, many consider each as a distinct chapter within the overarching narrative.
After viewing the credits of a playthrough, save the game. Reloading that save file initiates the next section, often with a different playable character. The final playthrough involves multiple character switches; completing it 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 the main story from that point. All aspects of your profile, including weapons, level, and items, carry over. When loading a chapter involving multiple characters, you can choose which character to play as.
Note that completed side quests cannot be replayed regardless of the selected chapter. Saving at an access point is crucial when switching chapters; failing to do so results in the loss of any progress, levels, and items acquired during the previous chapter. Chapter Select is ideal for completing all content and revisiting past choices to experience different endings.
