Ready to Dive Deep? How Many Times You Really Need to Beat NieR Replicant
You picked up NieR Replicant? Great choice! Get ready for deep emotions, philosophical questions, and plenty of action. You might wonder: “How many times must I beat this game to fully complete it?” You are not alone. Let’s figure this out.
Decoding the Endings: A to E (and Why You Need Them All)
NieR Replicant has layers. You’re not just chasing one ending. You aim for all of them. There are Endings A through E, five in total. It’s like collecting emotional Pokémon, with existential dread instead of cute monsters. To reach the “true” ending, complete the main story at least three times.
- Endings A, B, C, D, and E are your main narrative goals.
- The original NieR had four endings. NieR Replicant adds an extra one for more depth.
- Ending E isn’t just any ending; it’s the grand finale. After reaching it, you have to wipe your own save data. Talk about commitment!
- Each playthrough reveals more story, offering new perspectives and details. You must see them all to understand the whole plot.
Why Bother with Multiple Playthroughs? (Spoiler: It’s Worth It)
I understand the hesitation. Multiple playthroughs sound tedious. But NieR Replicant uses this to enhance the story. Every run offers a fresh view, clarifying earlier assumptions. It’s like watching a play from different angles; you catch new details.
- Story Expansion: Every ending adds depth. You will witness events differently and uncover key backstory missed before.
- Decision Time: After your first playthrough (Ending A), you know the game’s vibe. Do you stop here? Or dive deeper? My advice is to continue. You’ve only scratched the surface.
What Treasures Do You Keep? (Carryovers Between Playthroughs)
Starting over does not mean starting from zero. Thankfully, NieR Replicant allows significant carryovers. Think of New Game Plus as a victory lap. You show off what you collected. Your progress helps in subsequent playthroughs.
- Weapon Hoarder? Rejoice! All weapons collected in your first run carry over.
- Item Accumulation: Potions, healing herbs, crafting materials – all that you’ve gathered stays with you.
- Experience and Levels: Your hard-won levels and boosts carry over, making you stronger from the start of your next playthrough.
- Quest Completion: Side quests finished in prior playthroughs remain done. No need to redo them unless you want to.
Navigating the Routes: A, B, and Beyond
The playthrough structure needs clarity. NieR Replicant employs a route system for each playthrough, helping track progress in the larger narrative.
- Route A: The Beginning. Your first playthrough is Route A. Here, you witness the main story for the first time.
- Route B: Déjà Vu with a Twist. New Game Plus is Route B. You replay the second half of the game with added scenes that deepen insight into the antagonists.
- Starting from Part 2: You do not replay the entire game each time. After beating it once, subsequent runs always start from Part 2, saving time.
Time Investment: How Long Will This Epic Journey Take?
Your time matters, given many games vie for attention. How much will NieR Replicant consume? If you focus on the main story, expect a solid gameplay chunk, but it’s manageable.
- Main Story Focus: A playthrough focused on main objectives takes around 19 and a half hours. This depends on play style and completionist approaches.
Beyond the Endings: What to Do After the Credits Roll (Multiple Times)
You’ve seen Ending E, maybe shed a tear (no judgment). What’s next? NieR Replicant offers much beyond endings. Think post-narrative exploration, completionist challenges, and soaking in the world longer.
- Route B (and C, and D): If you haven’t done all routes, that’s your first post-game task. Each route expands the story and enriches the experience.
- Swap the Soundtrack: The soundtrack shines, but you can switch to the original NieR Gestalt/Replicant soundtrack for a fresh feel.
- Unlock Every Weapon: Collecting weapons is rewarding. Find every last blade, spear, and staff to master combat.
- Route C: Specifically mentioned for emphasis! Route C is a must-do.
- Ending E: Chase Ending E for the ultimate conclusion and that save-deleting choice (if you’re brave!).
- Upgrade Every Weapon: Max out upgrades on all favorites. Become the best blacksmith… or weapon-smith… whatever title fits.
- Cultivate the Legendary Flower: A legendary flower awaits. It’s a relaxing, albeit obscure, side activity.
- Collect Every Word: Words are modifiers for weapons and skills. Collecting them is a challenge for completionists, enhancing combat customization.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Loop
NieR Replicant isn’t a game to beat once and forget. It’s meant to be experienced and reflected upon. The multiple playthroughs are part of the narrative fabric. Embrace the loop, explore its depths, and gear up for an unforgettable journey. Yes, you must beat it multiple times. Trust me, it’s worth it. Go forth, find all the endings and keep tissues nearby.
