Unraveling the Endings: How Many Endings Are in NieR?

I remember the first time I “finished” NieR: Automata. The credits rolled, a sense of accomplishment washed over me, and I figured, “Well, that was a wild ride!” I hopped online to see what other folks thought, only to stumble upon forums buzzing about “Ending B,” “Ending C,” and even “Ending E.” My jaw pretty much hit the floor. What in tarnation? I thought I was done. Turns out, I’d barely scratched the surface of what NieR has to offer. That’s the beauty, and sometimes the bewilderment, of these games. They don’t just have multiple endings; they demand you seek them out to truly grasp the full narrative.

So, let’s cut right to the chase for anyone wondering, “How many endings are in NieR?”

The answer isn’t a simple number, ’cause it depends on which NieR game we’re talking about, and whether you’re counting just the “main” story conclusions or every single quirky, often hilarious, “game over” screen that the developers playfully threw in. However, if you’re looking for the crucial, story-advancing endings necessary to fully understand the intricate plots:

• NieR: Automata features five primary, story-essential endings (A, B, C, D, and E), which are the ones you absolutely need to see to get the full picture. Beyond these, there are an additional 21 joke or non-canonical endings (F through Z), bringing the total to a whopping 26.
• NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… (and its original PS3/Xbox 360 counterpart, NieR Gestalt) similarly offers five critical, story-propelling endings (A, B, C, D, and E). Unlike Automata, Replicant doesn’t have the extensive roster of joke endings, but the path to its final conclusion is no less profound.

These games aren’t just giving you a choice at the very end; they’re crafting an entire narrative structure around revisiting the story from different angles, revealing layers of truth, and often pulling the rug out from under your expectations. It’s a design philosophy that makes the NieR series stand out in a big way.

The Labyrinth of Endings in NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata isn’t just a game; it’s an experience built on a foundation of shifting perspectives and hidden truths. When you first dive in, you play as 2B, an android soldier. You fight machines, unravel conspiracies, and probably think you’re on a straightforward hero’s journey. But oh, how wrong you are! Automata’s story is parceled out across multiple playthroughs, each one building on the last, offering new insights, and ultimately culminating in its true, mind-bending conclusion.

The Five Crucial Endings (A-E)

To truly understand NieR: Automata, you absolutely need to see endings A through E. These aren’t just alternative routes; they are sequential chapters of a larger story, each one essential to piecing together the overarching narrative and themes.

1. Ending A: flowers for m[A]chines

   This is where most players begin their journey. You primarily play as 2B, accompanied by 9S. You fight through the initial conflicts, confront various machine lifeforms, and follow the main objective of the YoRHa forces. Achieving Ending A requires you to complete the first full playthrough of the game. It presents a seemingly conclusive resolution from 2B’s perspective, wrapping up the initial conflict with the machine forces and setting the stage for what appears to be a new chapter. However, for those in the know, this is just the tip of the iceberg, a single facet of a much larger, more tragic truth.

   How to get it: Simply complete the main story route (Route A) playing primarily as 2B. After the final boss fight and credits, you’ll earn this ending and unlock the next route.

2. Ending B: or not to [B]e

   After completing Ending A, the game doesn’t just send you back to the title screen to start a New Game+. Instead, it seamlessly transitions you into Route B, where you primarily play as 9S, 2B’s Scanner Unit companion. This isn’t a mere replay; it’s a revelation. You experience the same events as Route A, but from 9S’s point of view, gaining access to his unique hacking abilities and, more importantly, his inner monologue and previously unseen cutscenes. This playthrough fills in crucial gaps, sheds light on the machines’ motivations, and hints at the deeper, darker secrets of the YoRHa project. It makes you question everything you thought you understood from Route A.

   How to get it: Complete Route B, playing primarily as 9S. This route becomes available immediately after you complete Ending A. Just follow the main story prompts.

3. Ending C: mortal [C]oil

   With both A and B under your belt, NieR: Automata opens up Route C, which is where the narrative truly explodes. This route introduces A2, a rogue YoRHa android, and branches the story into two distinct paths, forcing a crucial choice near the end. Ending C is achieved by making a specific choice in the game’s climactic final sequence. It delves deeper into the truth about Project YoRHa, the nature of android existence, and the perpetual cycle of conflict. The story here takes a much darker and more philosophical turn, often leaving players with a heavy heart and a lot to ponder about sacrifice and purpose.

   How to get it: After completing Route B, you’ll begin Route C/D. Progress through the story, playing as both 9S and A2 at different points. Towards the very end, after a significant boss battle, you will be presented with a choice between 9S and A2. Choose 9S to trigger Ending C.

4. Ending D: chil[D]hood’s end

   Like Ending C, Ending D is part of the final, branching narrative path that begins after completing Route B. It’s the alternative outcome to the choice you’re presented with in the endgame. While Ending C focuses on 9S’s fate, Ending D zeroes in on A2’s conclusion, presenting a different, equally poignant, and often heartbreaking resolution to the conflict. Both C and D are vital for getting a complete understanding of the characters’ ultimate sacrifices and the grim realities they face. The emotional weight of these choices is considerable, and the distinct outcomes showcase the differing philosophies and burdens carried by the protagonists.

   How to get it: Again, after completing Route B and reaching the final choice in Route C/D, select A2 to trigger Ending D.

5. Ending E: the end of y[E]orha

   This is it. The true, conclusive ending that ties everything together and provides a meta-narrative experience unlike almost any other game. Ending E doesn’t just happen after C and D; it’s a profound, interactive epilogue that directly addresses the player. After witnessing both Ending C and Ending D, you’ll be prompted with a unique opportunity to achieve Ending E. This involves a challenging bullet-hell sequence during the credits, where other players’ save data can come to your aid, highlighting themes of interconnectedness and hope. It’s a truly unique, fourth-wall-breaking conclusion that offers a glimmer of hope amidst the series’ characteristic despair, and it’s absolutely essential for anyone who wants to truly say they’ve “finished” NieR: Automata.

   How to get it: First, you must have seen both Ending C and Ending D. After watching one of these endings (it doesn’t matter which one you see last), stay through the credits. You will be prompted with a choice to sacrifice your save data to help other players or not. Accept this sacrifice, and then embark on a challenging shoot-em-up sequence during the credits. You can receive help from other players’ save data. Successfully complete this sequence, and you will unlock Ending E. Note: Choosing to sacrifice your save data will indeed delete all your NieR: Automata progress, though you’ll keep your trophies/achievements. It’s a powerful statement by the game, but thankfully, you can backup your saves manually beforehand if you’re not ready to let go.

Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re on the right track for the main endings:

• Complete Route A (first playthrough as 2B)
• Complete Route B (second playthrough as 9S)
• Complete Route C/D (third playthrough, where you choose between 9S or A2 for the final battle)
• Reload your save after C, play again and make the opposite choice for C/D
• Follow the prompts during the credits after seeing both C and D to trigger Ending E

The Myriad of Joke Endings (F-Z)

Beyond the primary narrative, NieR: Automata is famous, or perhaps infamous, for its plethora of joke or “game over” endings. These 21 additional endings are usually triggered by failing a specific objective, wandering off into forbidden zones, or simply making a boneheaded decision at a critical moment. They are often short, humorous, and completely non-canonical, providing a lighthearted break from the game’s otherwise heavy themes. While not necessary for understanding the plot, they are a fun Easter egg for completionists and those who appreciate Yoko Taro’s quirky sense of humor.

Here’s a taste of some of the more memorable joke endings:

• Ending F: mission [F]ail… Triggered if you fail the tutorial boss (Goliath) within the time limit at the very beginning of the game. A truly embarrassing way to go out!
• Ending G: cruelin[G] machine Achieved by attempting to leave the mission area during the opening 9S flight sequence in Route B. 9S might be a genius, but he ain’t above getting blown up for deserting.
• Ending H: a mountain too hi[H] You get this gem if you try to escape the Engels fight in the city ruins by running away. Commander won’t be happy.
• Ending K: aji wo kutt[K]a This one happens if you eat the “Mackerel” item that Jackass gives you. Turns out, it’s not good for androids. Whoops.
• Ending W: wall of death [W] A simple yet effective “game over” for falling into any bottomless pit.
• Ending Y: head dra[Y] This one is a bit more involved, requiring you to let Emil self-destruct during a certain side quest boss fight. It’s a powerful moment, even if it is technically a joke ending.

While I won’t list all 26 here (that’s a list for another day!), suffice it to say, if you’re a completionist or just enjoy a good laugh at your own expense, hunting down these absurd conclusions can be a delightful detour from the main story’s emotional rollercoaster. They truly highlight the game’s playful side, often acting as a pressure release valve for the heavy narrative.

To summarize NieR: Automata’s endings in a table format for clarity:

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… and Its Emotional Resonance

NieR Replicant, especially the updated ver.1.22474487139…, is the origin story that sets the stage for Automata’s world. Like its successor, Replicant isn’t content with just one ending. Its narrative design is deeply intertwined with multiple playthroughs, each one unearthing more of the tragic, heart-wrenching truth behind its seemingly simple quest. This game masterfully uses its ending structure to deliver gut punches, reveal profound character motivations, and ultimately, present a story of immense sacrifice.

The Five Foundational Endings (A-E)

Just like Automata, NieR Replicant requires you to complete the game multiple times to unlock its true and complete narrative. These aren’t just minor variations; they are essential revelations that redefine your understanding of the characters, their enemies, and the world itself. If you only see Ending A, you’re missing out on about 70% of the game’s emotional impact and story depth, no joke.

1. Ending A: Gratitude

   This is your first trip through the story as the titular protagonist, a young man desperately trying to save his sister, Yonah, from a mysterious illness called the Black Scrawl. You’ll battle terrifying creatures, forge bonds with an unlikely crew of companions, and slowly uncover the grim realities of your desolate world. Ending A provides a relatively hopeful, if bittersweet, conclusion to this initial journey. It wraps up the immediate threat and feels like a complete story on its own, which is precisely why it’s so cunningly misleading. Most players will feel a sense of accomplishment, thinking they’ve seen the tale unfold. Oh, if only they knew!

   How to get it: Simply complete the game for the first time. Finish the main story from Part 1 through Part 2 (post-timeskip).

2. Ending B: Thank You

   Upon completing Ending A, you’ll be able to load your cleared save file. The game then lets you continue from the second half of the game (Part 2), but this time, significant new cutscenes and dialogue are integrated into the existing narrative. You’ll get glimpses into the perspectives of your enemies, the Shades, and understand their tragic existence in a way that the first playthrough completely obscures. This playthrough adds immense depth and moral ambiguity to the conflicts, making you question who the “good guys” and “bad guys” truly are. It’s an eye-opener that recontextualizes much of what you experienced.

   How to get it: Load your cleared save file after Ending A. You will start at the beginning of Part 2. Play through the game again, and you’ll experience new scenes that lead to Ending B. No major changes in gameplay path, just added narrative.

3. Ending C: Something Very Special

   To unlock Ending C, you need to have collected all 30 unique weapons in the game. This isn’t a trivial task; it requires meticulous exploration, completing many side quests, and progressing through the main story. Once you have all weapons and are on your third playthrough (starting again from Part 2 after Ending B), you’ll encounter a crucial choice in the final battle. Ending C is one of two extremely dark, self-sacrificial conclusions, deeply impacting the protagonist and those he holds dear. It’s a gut-wrenching experience that fully embraces the NieR series’ penchant for tragedy.

   How to get it: After achieving Ending B, load your cleared save again to begin your third playthrough from Part 2. Critically, you must have collected all 30 weapons in the game. In the final battle, you’ll face a new, challenging boss (the Shadowlord, but with an added layer of complexity). After this, you’ll be given a choice: make a sacrifice for Kaine or refuse. Choose to sacrifice yourself for Kaine to achieve Ending C.

4. Ending D: farewell

   Ending D is the other side of the coin to Ending C. It also requires all 30 weapons and is triggered by making the opposite choice in the game’s ultimate dilemma during your third playthrough (or fourth, if you’re just reloading after C). This ending is infamous for a very specific, meta-narrative consequence: accepting it permanently deletes your save data. Yep, gone. The game asks you multiple times if you’re sure, explaining the gravity of the choice. It’s a powerful, devastating conclusion that reinforces the themes of sacrifice and memory, forcing the player to confront the true cost of their actions in a uniquely personal way. Many players find this one particularly impactful due to its permanence.

   How to get it: Like Ending C, you must have all 30 weapons and be on a playthrough after Ending B. At the final choice, choose to sacrifice Kaine instead of yourself (or rather, “erase yourself from existence to save her”). The game will warn you multiple times that choosing this will delete your save data. If you proceed, you get Ending D, and your save file is indeed erased. Consider backing up your save manually if you’re not ready to lose all your progress, though many find going through with it part of the intended experience.

5. Ending E: the Lost World (Exclusive to NieR Replicant ver.1.22…)

   This is the newest addition, exclusive to the ver.1.22474487139… re-release, and it’s a significant one. Ending E provides a substantial new narrative arc that directly follows the events of Ending D. It acts as an epilogue to the original game’s story, picking up from the consequences of that devastating choice. This route focuses on Kaine and offers surprising connections to NieR: Automata, filling in some lore gaps and expanding the universe. It’s an absolute must-see for long-time fans and newcomers alike, providing a sense of closure and an expanded understanding of the NieR lore that wasn’t available in the original game.

   How to get it: This one is a bit more involved. First, you need to have completed Ending D (yes, the one that deletes your save data). After your save data is gone, start a brand-new game from the very beginning. Play until you reach the second fight with the giant Hook Shade in the Junk Heap (where you first meet Kaine). After this specific fight, the story will unexpectedly diverge, leading you into the new Ending E content. This route continues as a separate mini-arc, culminating in its unique conclusion.

Here’s a simplified checklist for NieR Replicant’s main endings:

• Complete the game for the first time (Route A)
• Load cleared save, play from Part 2 again for new scenes (Route B)
• Collect all 30 weapons. Load cleared save, play from Part 2, make the sacrifice for Kaine choice in the final battle (Route C)
• Reload save (or start new if you went with D first), collect all 30 weapons, play from Part 2, make the other sacrifice choice in the final battle (Route D). *Warning: This will delete your save data.*
• After experiencing Ending D (and its save deletion), start a brand-new game and play until the second Hook fight in the Junk Heap. The story will diverge for Ending E.

NieR Replicant’s structure is a masterclass in how multiple playthroughs can profoundly alter perception and emotional impact. Each subsequent ending isn’t just an alternative; it’s a layer peeled back, revealing a deeper, often more painful, truth that irrevocably changes how you view the characters and their struggles.

The Philosophy Behind Yoko Taro’s Multi-Ending Masterpiece

It’s fair to say that the NieR series, under the unique vision of director Yoko Taro, isn’t just about delivering a compelling story; it’s about deconstructing the very idea of storytelling in video games. The extensive, multi-ending structure is central to this philosophy, a signature element that makes NieR truly stand out from the pack. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s the very fabric of the narrative experience.

Truth Through Multiple Perspectives

One of the core tenets of NieR’s storytelling is the idea that “truth” is rarely singular or absolute. Instead, it’s a tapestry woven from countless individual experiences and perspectives. By forcing players to revisit the same events through different characters’ eyes (like 2B, 9S, and A2 in Automata, or the revelations about the Shades in Replicant), the games slowly dismantle your initial assumptions. What seemed like clear-cut heroism in one playthrough might appear as tragic irony or even unwitting cruelty in another.

This isn’t just about showing you an alternative “what if” scenario; it’s about revealing that the “what if” was always happening simultaneously, just beyond your current character’s field of vision. It’s a brilliant way to make players feel the weight of their ignorance and the complexity of the world they inhabit.

The Emotional Rollercoaster and Meta-Narrative

The emotional impact of NieR’s endings is amplified precisely because you earn them. You invest dozens of hours, grow attached to characters, and make tough choices, only for the game to reveal that there’s more to the story, often in ways that challenge your prior understanding. This constant re-evaluation of characters and motives creates a profound sense of empathy, forcing you to reconsider your judgment of friends and foes alike.

Furthermore, Yoko Taro frequently employs meta-narrative elements, breaking the fourth wall and directly addressing the player. Ending E in both Automata and Replicant are prime examples. Automata’s Ending E, where you risk your own save data, transforms the game into a shared, collective experience, blurring the lines between player and avatar. Replicant’s Ending D, with its save data deletion, makes the ultimate sacrifice a personal cost to the player, not just the character. These elements are not just shocking; they are deeply philosophical, prompting reflections on the nature of choice, sacrifice, and memory within and beyond the game world.

Challenging Conventional Game Design

NieR’s approach actively defies the conventional “play once, get one ending” model prevalent in many RPGs. It’s a commitment, almost a demand, that you engage with the narrative on a deeper level. This can be jarring for some players, but for those who embrace it, it leads to an unparalleled narrative satisfaction. It’s a testament to Yoko Taro’s belief that games can be more than just entertainment; they can be powerful vehicles for exploring complex philosophical questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the meaning of existence.

The fact that these games require multiple playthroughs, not merely to see different outcomes, but to complete the *actual* story, is a bold move. It trusts the player to be patient, to be curious, and to be open to having their preconceived notions shattered. And for many of us, that trust is richly rewarded with some of the most memorable and emotionally resonant storytelling in gaming history.

Frequently Asked Questions About NieR Endings

Do I need to play all the endings to truly understand the NieR story?

Absolutely, 100%, without a shadow of a doubt, yes! For both NieR: Automata and NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, the “full” story isn’t contained within a single playthrough or even a single ending. The developers specifically designed these games to reveal the complete narrative through sequential playthroughs, with each “main” ending (A, B, C, D, and E) unlocking new information, perspectives, and critical plot points that are entirely absent in earlier routes.

Think of it like reading a complex novel where each chapter gives you a different character’s perspective on the same events, gradually building towards a complete, and often vastly different, understanding of the overall truth. If you only see Ending A, you’ve barely scratched the surface. You’ll miss out on crucial character motivations, the true nature of the conflicts, and the philosophical depth that makes NieR so renowned. To get the full emotional impact and intellectual satisfaction, experiencing all the main endings is not just recommended, it’s essential.

Is NieR Replicant’s new Ending E important, or just a bonus?

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…’s Ending E is far from just a bonus; it’s a profoundly important addition to the NieR lore, especially for fans of NieR: Automata. This entirely new narrative route picks up directly after the devastating events of Ending D and offers a critical epilogue that wasn’t present in the original game.

Ending E provides significant closure for some of Replicant’s most beloved characters and, more crucially, establishes direct narrative bridges and lore connections to NieR: Automata. It helps to fill in gaps in the overarching NieR universe, clarifying certain events and character origins that were previously left ambiguous. For anyone invested in the full saga of NieR, seeing Ending E is absolutely essential for a complete and comprehensive understanding of the entire timeline and its tragic history.

Are the joke endings in NieR: Automata worth seeing?

The joke endings (F through Z) in NieR: Automata are definitely worth seeing if you’re a completionist, a trophy hunter, or simply someone who appreciates the unique, often dark, humor of Yoko Taro. They don’t contribute anything to the main plot or philosophical themes of the game; they are purely non-canonical “game over” screens that typically occur when you fail a mission, abandon a crucial objective, or make a very silly in-game choice.

While not required for understanding the story, they offer a delightful break from the game’s otherwise heavy and somber atmosphere. Some are genuinely hilarious, others are surprisingly poignant in their brevity, and many showcase the developers’ playful spirit. So, while they’re not story-critical, they certainly add to the overall NieR: Automata experience and are a fun little challenge to discover for those who enjoy exploring every nook and cranny of a game.

What’s the hardest ending to get in the NieR series?

Pinpointing the “hardest” ending can be subjective, as difficulty can stem from various factors – gameplay challenge, emotional toll, or meta-requirements. However, two endings often come up in this discussion:

In NieR: Automata, Ending E might be considered the most challenging from a pure gameplay perspective. It requires completing a surprisingly difficult bullet-hell sequence during the credits, which can test the reflexes and patience of many players. While you can receive assistance from other players’ save data, successfully navigating it on your own can be quite the feat. The emotional weight of the decision to sacrifice your own save data for others also adds a unique layer of “difficulty” to reaching this final conclusion.

In NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…, Ending D presents a different kind of challenge. While the combat leading up to it isn’t necessarily harder than Ending C, the true “difficulty” lies in the irreversible decision to allow the game to delete your save data. This is a significant meta-challenge, asking the player to truly commit to the narrative’s themes of sacrifice and impermanence. For many, the emotional and psychological hurdle of intentionally erasing all their hard-earned progress is far tougher than any in-game boss battle.

How long does it typically take to get all the main endings in NieR: Automata?

Getting all five main endings (A, B, C, D, and E) in NieR: Automata is a substantial time investment, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one. For most players, a complete journey through all the primary routes will likely take anywhere from 40 to 60 hours. This estimate includes exploring some side content, as some of it ties into character development and world-building that enriches the main story experience.

Breaking it down, your first playthrough (Ending A) might take around 15-20 hours. The second playthrough (Ending B) runs through similar content but offers new perspectives and scenes, typically taking another 10-15 hours. The third major route (leading to Endings C and D) then introduces entirely new story content and characters, adding another 10-15 hours. Finally, setting up and achieving Ending E is a relatively short sequence but requires the prior completion of C and D. If you aim to discover all 26 endings, including the numerous joke endings, your playtime could easily stretch much further, as some of those require specific failures or niche triggers.

Can I avoid losing my save data in NieR Replicant Ending D?

Yes, you can absolutely avoid losing your NieR Replicant save data when experiencing Ending D, though it somewhat sidesteps the intended emotional impact of the choice. The game is very clear that selecting the option to achieve Ending D will permanently delete your save file. However, if you want to see the ending without sacrificing your progress, you have a couple of common options:

One popular method is to manually back up your save file before making the final choice for Ending D. For PC players, this usually involves locating the save folder (often in your Documents or AppData directories) and copying its contents to another location. On consoles, you might be able to use cloud saves or a USB drive to back up your data, though specific methods vary by platform. After viewing Ending D and having your save deleted by the game, you can then restore your backed-up save file and continue playing from before that final decision, allowing you to pursue Ending C or prepare for Ending E.

Alternatively, you could always watch a playthrough of Ending D online. While this doesn’t offer the same personal immersion and meta-narrative impact as experiencing it firsthand, it will still convey the story beats and the emotional weight of that particular conclusion without costing you your progress. However, to truly get the full NieR Replicant experience, many players argue that grappling with the save deletion is part of the game’s powerful design.

The Enduring Legacy of NieR’s Endings

The NieR series isn’t just a couple of great games; it’s a testament to bold storytelling and unconventional game design. The intricate web of endings, far from being a mere checklist, is the very heart of its narrative genius. It transforms each playthrough into a vital piece of a larger puzzle, demanding player engagement and rewarding it with profound emotional and intellectual revelations.

From the androids fighting for purpose in Automata to the desperate struggle for survival and identity in Replicant, the multi-ending structure ensures that no stone is left unturned, no perspective unheard. It challenges players to look beyond the surface, to question their assumptions, and to truly feel the weight of every choice and consequence. In a gaming landscape often dominated by clear-cut heroes and villains, NieR dares to present a world of grays, where truth is elusive and sacrifice is often the only path to a deeper understanding. And for that, NieR’s unique approach to endings will forever stand out as a masterclass in interactive storytelling.