NieR: Automata is built on a recursive narrative structure where the credits are rarely the end. To see the full scope of what this game offers, you need to navigate through 26 alphabetical endings and one hidden DLC conclusion. While most of these are "joke" endings triggered by mission failure or odd choices, the core experience is contained within the first five major letters. Understanding how these paths intersect is essential for anyone looking to complete the journey of 2B, 9S, and A2.

the core narrative arc: endings a through e

The main story of NieR: Automata is divided into three distinct "Routes." You haven't finished the game until you've reached Ending E. Here is how the primary sequence unfolds.

ending a: flowers for m[a]chines

This is your first playthrough. You control 2B through the standard campaign. The story concludes after the final battle against Eve in the City Ruins. Once the credits roll, the game tells you that there is more to see. This ending is mandatory and unmissable if you complete the main objectives.

ending b: or not to [b]e

After completing Route A, load your cleared save file. You will play through the same timeline as Route A, but from the perspective of 9S. While many events overlap, the gameplay shifts to a hacking-focused style, and you gain access to new cutscenes and lore that explain the machine network's inner workings. Completing this route unlocks the third and final act of the game.

ending c: meaningless [c]ode

Once you have both Ending A and B, loading your save file starts Route C, which is a direct sequel to the previous events. This is entirely new content. Near the climax of this route, you will reach the top of the Tower. You will be given a choice to control either A2 or 9S for the final duel. To get Ending C, select A2. In this conclusion, A2 takes a path of sacrifice to save 9S from the logic virus.

ending d: chil[d]hood’s end

This ending is the alternative to Ending C. Using Chapter Select (which unlocks after finishing Route C or D for the first time), return to the final battle at Chapter 17-09. This time, choose 9S. During the final dialogue, you will have choices regarding whether to stay or go with the machine ark; regardless of that choice, you will trigger Ending D. To unlock the true finale, you must have seen both Ending C and Ending D on the same save profile.

ending e: the [e] end of yorha

This is the definitive conclusion. After seeing both C and D, replay the final battle one more time (or watch the credits of whichever one you did second). During the credits, Pod 153 will ask if you wish to save the data of the androids. You must answer "Yes" to all prompts. This triggers a meta-narrative bullet-hell mini-game where you fight the credits themselves.

Note that this section is notoriously difficult if played offline. If you are connected to the network, other players' data will eventually offer assistance. Upon completion, you are offered the choice to delete your save data to help other struggling players. This is not a requirement for the achievement, but it is the intended thematic conclusion to the game's message.

the alphabetical joke endings: f through z

The remaining endings are mostly "what-if" scenarios that occur when you abandon your mission, kill vital NPCs, or die in specific ways. They serve as humorous or dark commentary on the rigid nature of android programming.

early game failures (f - j)

  • Ending F (mission [f]ailed): In Chapter 01-03_2, when playing as 9S, you must repair your system after the Engels fight. Let the timer run out without completing the hacking mini-game.
  • Ending G (hun[g]ry for knowledge): At the very start of Route B, when you take control of 9S on the crane, ignore your flight suit and walk away from the mission area.
  • Ending H (a mountain too [h]igh): In Chapter 05-02, when the Goliaths attack the City Ruins, do not go to the intercept point. Instead, run toward the path leading to the Amusement Park or the Forest Zone.
  • Ending I (no [i] in team): In Chapter 08-01_2, after defeating the boss in the Copied City, walk away from 9S instead of checking on him.
  • Ending J (bad [j]udgment): In Chapter 09-01_3, when you enter the Factory with the peaceful machines, attack and kill any of the robots in the entrance hall.

item and combat mishaps (k - p)

  • Ending K (aji wo [k]utta): After completing the "Jackass's Research" quest or receiving an email from her, she will give you a Mackerel. Go to your inventory and eat it. Androids and biological fish do not mix.
  • Ending L ([l]one wolf): In Chapter 10-01_3, when the Resistance Camp is under attack, run away from the camp instead of helping the NPCs.
  • Ending M (break ti[m]e): In Chapter 14-03, while playing as A2, the game tells you to go to Pascal’s Village because it is under attack. Ignore this and head toward the Factory or the Forest Zone.
  • Ending N ([n]o man’s village): In Chapter 05-01, go to Pascal’s Village and destroy every single machine inhabitant. This includes the ones waving white flags.
  • Ending O (just y[o]u and me): In Chapter 11-04, during the massive invasion, instead of hacking into 2B as 9S, simply run away from the battlefield toward the Factory.
  • Ending P (corru[p]tion): In Chapter 11-06, 2B is infected with the logic virus. Allow the infection meter to reach 100% before reaching the destination.

late game and desertion (q - z)

  • Ending Q ([q]uestionable actions): In Chapter 11-07, as 9S, do not go to 2B’s location. Run away from the mission marker toward the Desert or the Resistance Camp.
  • Ending R (mav[r]ick): In Chapter 14-05, inside the Factory with Pascal and the machine children, attack the peaceful machines in the room.
  • Ending S (city e[s]cape): In Chapter 17-01, when Devola and Popola are defending you at the Tower entrance, run away from the battle instead of hacking the sub-units.
  • Ending T (fa[t]al error): This is one of the easiest to get. Open your inventory, go to the Plug-in Chips menu, and unequip your OS Chip. This results in instant death.
  • Ending U (deb[u]nked): While inside the Bunker (the orbital station), use the Self-Destruct command (L3 + R3 by default).
  • Ending V (reckless bra[v]ery): In Chapter 17-01, stay and fight alongside Devola and Popola at the Tower entrance without hacking the nodes. Eventually, the battle ends in your failure.
  • Ending W (broken [w]ings): Die during the very first flying sequence in the Prologue (Chapter 01-01_1).
  • Ending X (time to rela[x]): In Chapter 11-06, when you take control of A2 near the Commercial Facility, run across the bridge away from the infected 2B.
  • Ending Y (head[y] battle): This is the only missable ending in the game. It occurs during the secret boss fight "Emil’s Determination." You must let the boss self-destruct at the end of the fight. If you kill him before he explodes, the quest ends, and you cannot get this ending on that save file without a full restart. It is recommended to save at the Desert: Center before attempting this.
  • Ending Z (over[z]ealous): In Chapter 14-01, after rescuing Pascal outside the Resistance Camp, choose the option to kill him instead of showing mercy.

the dlc conclusion: ending ◬

If you have the "3C3C1D119440927" DLC installed, there is a 27th ending denoted by a triangle symbol (◬). To unlock this, you must complete the S-Rank challenges in all three battle arenas (Desert, Flooded City, and Forest Zone). After finishing these, you will receive an anonymous invite to an underground location. Following the sequence of events there—which includes a surreal music video sequence—will grant you this hidden ending. It serves as a final piece of commentary on the cycle of violence between machines and androids.

strategic advice for completionists

To efficiently gather all NieR: Automata endings, you should rely heavily on the Chapter Select feature unlocked after your third playthrough. Here are the technical nuances to keep in mind:

the use of chapter select

Chapter Select allows you to jump to specific points in the story with your current level, weapons, and items. This is essential for the joke endings. Most of them take less than five minutes to trigger if you choose the correct starting point. For example, for Ending K (eating the fish), you can jump to any chapter where the Resistance Camp is accessible.

managing save files

Always maintain at least one separate save file before major branching points, especially for Ending Y. Since the game saves your "Ending List" (the letters A-Z displayed on your save file) globally, you don't need to finish the game after getting a joke ending. Once the text for Ending T or Ending K fades to the title screen, the letter is permanently saved to your profile.

the ending y warning

Because Ending Y is tied to a level 99 superboss and a unique side quest, it is often the last one players get. The mistake many make is defeating the boss too quickly. You must consciously wait for the self-destruct countdown to finish. If you complete the quest without seeing the explosion, the quest is marked as "Clear," and the boss disappears forever. This will lock you out of the "Transcendent Being" achievement/trophy unless you start a completely new game.

the ending e dilemma

When you reach Ending E, the game will ask you several times to delete your data. It is important to know that this is a literal deletion. Your items, levels, weapons, and save slots will be wiped. However, you will receive a unique title screen as a reward. Many players choose to get all other endings (A-Y) and finish every side quest before finally committing to Ending E and the data deletion as a final act of closure.

conclusion on the multi-ending system

The endings in NieR: Automata are more than just collectibles; they are a subversion of the traditional game-over screen. Whether it's the tragic weight of Ending D or the absurdity of Ending T, each conclusion adds a layer to the world-building. By following this guide, you can ensure that you've seen every facet of the machine war, from its grand philosophical heights to its most minor, mackerel-related failures.