Nier Automata wowed the world by having one of the best plots and combat systems - not to mention the soundtrack - in videogame history. Both aspects of the game defy tradition. The genre-hopping gameplay kept things fresh and forced players to adjust to multiple play styles. The plot brought laughter, tears, and a beautiful sense of oddity that felt both authentic and unique.
This game wouldn't be so successful if it were not for its amazing cast. The player assumes the role of three different Yorha androids: 2B, 9S, and A2. Each of these characters plays a pivotal role in the story, and also has unique battle mechanics that make them interesting to control. There might be no definitive best character, but it's still a lot of fun to speculate on.
3 2B
Familiarity
Before Nier Automata launched, 2B seemed like the genuine main character. Players start the game controlling 2B and she remains the main protagonist throughout all of Route A. Players will learn the fundamentals, gain their chips, and become engrossed with the world of Nier Automata while controlling her.
The sense of nostalgia and familiarity that starting the game with 2B brings is hard to shake off. Starting the game over or playing the new game plus brings back all those warm and fuzzy memories. Thanks, 2B.
Story
2B might have the most tragic tale in the game. She is programmed to kill 9S before he discovers the secret behind YoRHa and mankind's extinction, all the while fighting her own servile programming. Her coldness begins to melt as she grows closer to 9S and the inhabitants of a decaying Earth.
In Route C, 2B passes away due to a logic virus induced by the machines. It is one of the most somber moments in Nier Automata, but also one of the most important as it sets up the stage for the finale with 9S and A2. Despite not surviving to the end, 2B's role in the plot is critical, and a lot of players will find it much harder to warm up to the other protagonists after investing so much into 2B.
Dialogue
Nier Automata has amazing dialogue in general, but 2B has a number of the best quotes in the game. Whether it is with 9S, Pascal, or the poor android girl who calls her just to chat, 2B constantly entertains. Her direct, mission-oriented speaking style clashes nicely with 9S' good-guy routine and really makes exploration in Route A feel more life-like.
2B isn't as sarcastic as A2, but it's impossible not to respect her. Her sense of duty is admirable, and players get to see her inner conscience develop into a caring, emotional being who truly values companionship and purpose. This character growth makes even the coldest responses to 9S seem heartwarming.
2 9S
Hacking
Love it or hate it, 9S's combat strategy is completely different than 2B and A2. Whereas 9S can emulate much of 2B's hack-and-slash combat mechanics, he can also hack. Hacking enemies allows 9S to destroy robots' circuitry from within. The player will enter a new screen and engage in shmup-like gameplay. Taking a certain amount of hits will damage 9S and force the player to attempt hacking the foe again. Destroy all the geometric foes and the enemy will take damage and explode in front of the player's eyes.
Hacking is extremely powerful. 9S can take down bosses and strong foes a lot faster than 2B and A2. Hacking could be considered overpowered, however, it definitely separates 9S from the pack in combat, and players who enjoy hacking might end up preferring 9S to the other characters.
Character Arc
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During Routes A and B, 9S seems like a gentle soul. He shows more empathy and curiosity than other androids, and he acts selflessly to protect 2B. He is an endearing character that most players will grow fond of. However, during route C, 2B's death causes a serious transformation in 9S's character. He is driven to madness, wanting to destroy each and every robot on the planet in a fit of vengeance and rage.
This slip into desperation and insanity is so well-done that players will practically feel his anguish through their TV screens. It's difficult to genuinely show a radical shift in the nature of a character and make it seem authentic, but Yoko Taro really nails 9S's character arch. It makes for a very powerful closing act to Nier Automata.
Screen Time
9S wins the award for the character with the most screen time. He accompanies 2B for most of Route A, stars in Route B, and plays a huge role alongside 2B and A2 in Route C. In some ways, 9S feels like the true main character of Nier Automata, though Yoko Taro seems satisfied with having multiple characters share that spotlight and leaving it to the player to decide.
Part of the reason 9S is such a strong and fleshed-out character is because of how often the player steps into his shoes or enters his thought process. His role in finding out the truth behind YoRHa and mankind's existence makes him an ideal character to take center stage. 9S is truly impossible to ignore.
1 A2
Dashing
While 2B and A2 share a very similar set of moves, A2 actually has a couple of advantages (despite supposedly being an inferior model). A2 has a longer dash than 2B or 9S. This dash ends with a red glow around A2. For the uninitiated, this is probably confusing; however, this glow does have a purpose - for a short duration of time, A2's damage output is increased.
The damage output pales in comparison to the length of the dash (since the window of extra damage is so short). Once the player gets used to using A2, this dash can really add to exploring hard-to-reach places and maneuvering in combat.
Berserk Mode
Part of the reason A2 models were discontinued is their unstable core due to Berserk Mode. This mode allows them to greatly increase their damage output and speed, but at a cost. While in Berserk Mode, A2's life drains, so it is a risky option despite the increased offensive output.
Luckily, Nier Automata has a lot of chip options that can counter the effects of the draining HP. One great option is to use stronger offensive heal chips, which allows A2 to recover HP faster than it is being drained. If players get the hang of Berserk Mode and use the right chips, A2 can become near-invincible in combat. The increased difficulty in Route C makes mastering Berserk Mode worth it. It's hard to go back to using 2B after mastering A2's battle mechanics.
Attitude
A2's not only stunningly beautiful, but her laid-back demeanor and whatever attitude will make her endearing to all the angsty players out there who found 9S's paroxysms and genteel diction harder to bear. Hilariously, the pod follows A2 around despite her constantly berating it as worthless and a nuisance.
A2's attitude is likely earned since she has been on the run from YoRHa and deemed inferior to newer models. She's had it rough, and she's used to being a lone wolf. Despite this, she has a conscience and ends up trying to do good for many of the Earth's inhabitants. This ultimately makes her a sympathetic character. The only downside to A2 is that she has far less screentime than 2B or 9S.