Nier: Automata

Note: These tips were compiled from the Nier Automata Reddit from a post by /u/deiviant

The check pointing is harsh generally but for whatever reason, it's especially brutal in the prologue, don't start on Hard.

Recommend Medium generally. If it starts to feel too easy later, this can be addressed. (Don't use XP+ from the start, unequip HP+, etc.)

Rebind your controls. Targeting is effectively a toggle fyi.

I recommend turning up camera rotation speed. If playing on Normal I recommend turning down the reactive speed so you can nudge the camera more freely when locked. No opinion on follow distance.

Manual save, saving is mostly explained by the game, but you can also manual save to specific slots via the menu when you're in the “lightened” circle on the map around a save point.

Save often, see checkpoint above and if you fail a corpse run you lose an unreasonable itemization investment and loading will be irresistible.

There will be talking while fighting, particularly a couple bosses. Prepare your peripheral vision for dodging while reading. Still absolutely recommend JP.

You can AoE melee in flight mode with Heavy Attack

There are tricky inputs to cause a long jump and a highjump, but I never figured them out, and it never really mattered outside of one or two cases in the game. Google this if you like fighting game inputs.

If you rub the touchpad, something happens (on foot).

‘Self Destruct’ unleashes your final form, but dont do this in combat.

At the openworld start, notice the Level of the wildlife, because that level 7 moose will one-shot you with no startup if you stand next to him while aggro.

You can damage/kill “friendly” NPCs, but they're not going to break from an accidental hit. Use discretion.

There are increasing forms of fast-travel so don't feel the need to run back and forth across the world for completion very early on.

When navigating to red ‘quest’ dots on the world map, tilt the camera because it might way above/below where you think it is.

If you can see a red dot, it doesn't mean you can get to it yet (AFAIK)

The story quest is not listed in the quest log (Nier1!), but is on the map menu.

You do get abilities to improve hunting for bits and you will retread ground so you don't have to scour every nook and cranny for completion sake when you first come across them, but feel free to approach at your leasure.

The NPC with the 1v1-me-bro quest won't let you leave and increments by 10 levels each time. So do the math if you don't want to waste a ton of time and potions or have to load.

When you get to the “This is the Nier 1 sidequest”, and you'll recognize it, I recommend completing it sooner rather than later.

Switching between pods (when you get more than one) has two effects. Each pod has can be set with a special attack chosen from the list that you've unlocked/bought and each has a unique “Fire” style that is not changeable and is also applied in flight modes.