Nier Automata requires multiple varied playthroughs to fully complete and comprehend. In your first playthrough, you’re 2B, in the second you’re 9S, and in the third, you’re Nier Automata’s A2. Many forget about A2, even though they offer some key insight into what the game is all about. The reason for this is a practical one – it saves money – but Yoko Taro and the team did more than that. They built one of the most inventive ways to tell a videogame story.
If you’re yet to play the game or just want a portable version, check out our Nier Automata Switch review to see what it’s all about. We’ve also got a Persona 5 Switch review, Persona 4 Switch review, Persona 5 Tactica review, and Persona 3 Switch review if you’re a fan of Atlus’ legendary RPGs.
Here’s everything you need to know about Nier Automata’s A2.
What are A2’s combos?
Just like 2B and 9S, A2 has a variety of different attacks that you can chain together into combos. There’s a primary attack, which is great for a bit of quick damage, a heavy attack, which is slower but does more damage, as well as an aerial attack, pod programs, and evades.
There are, however, some differences between her and the other two androids. Firstly, A2 can evade in midair, and also has a double jump, meaning aerial combos can be strung together more fluidly and for longer. She also has a dash boost if you hold down the evade button.
2B and 9S can self-destruct, leaving their clothes in tatters, but A2 doesn’t have this functionality. Instead, she has a superpowered mode, where her damage dealt and damage received is increased, making her function very differently from the other two in battle.
One aspect where it doesn’t differ is the pods. Just like 2B and 9S, you can load in different pod programs to use in combat. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- A140: Gravity
- R050: Spear
- R020: Mirage
- A080: Wave
- A090: Wire
- A150: Volt
- A060: P Shield
What is A2’s personality?
A2 is quite the mystery in Nier Automata. You meet her before you get to play as her, but it’s unclear what her role is in everything. All she does is attack you – she really means business and isn’t going to back down.
Still, she’s an android just like the other two, so there can’t be that much nuance, right? Well, just like we found out in our guides for Nier Automata’s 2B and 9S, there’s a depth written into these characters, and slowly revealing it over the course of multiple playthroughs is one of the most rewarding parts of the game.
One thing the androids share is a hatred for machines that softens over time. A2’s hatred doesn’t dissipate that dramatically, but she does assist Pascal’s village like the other two androids. She also tried to be kind to 9S, in spite of the circumstances (check out our Nier Automata 9S guide to see what we mean, assuming you’re fine with spoilers). There’s definitely compassion hidden in their programming.
That’s all the info we’ve got for you on Nier Automata’s A2. For more from Yoko Taro’s mysterious universe, check out our guides to the Nier Automata endings, Nier Automata anime, Nier Automata characters, and Nier Automata wallpapers.