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NieR: Automata allows extensive free-roaming and side-quest completion between main story missions. Many opportunities for content completion might be missed during the initial playthrough. Upon viewing the credits for the first time, the game is far from complete. Accessing and completing all side quests within a single 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 game's true endings. This involves finishing all three playthroughs and selecting an ending during the final confrontation of the third playthrough. While referred to as playthroughs, some consider them chapters due to their individual narrative focus.
After viewing the credits at the end of a playthrough, save the game. Reloading that save initiates the next section, featuring a different character. The final playthrough involves multiple character switches. Completion unlocks Chapter Select for that save file.
How Chapter Select Functions In NieR: Automata
Access Chapter Select from two locations:
- The main menu of the save file upon loading.
- Any access point within the game world.
This menu allows selecting any chapter to load during its corresponding story segment. All profile aspects, including weapons, level, and items, are retained. When loading a chapter with multiple playable characters, you can choose your character.
Completed side quests are irretrievable, regardless of the chosen chapter. When transitioning between chapters, utilize the save function at an access point. Failure to do so results in lost progress (levels and items). Chapter Select facilitates comprehensive content completion and revisiting choices to obtain all endings.
