NieR: Automata will have an online element called the “Android System,” Square Enix announced during a Dengeki live stream today.

Here are all the details from the live stream:

Android System

When the player dies, an Android will be left behind at the place they die. Various data remains in the android (plug-in chips, etc.), and by “recovering” the android, you can take that data back. If you die again without recovering your android, you’ll lose the previous android. Also, in cases where you play for a long time without recovering your android, it will disappear.

In cases where you “repair,” not recover your android, that android can fight alongside you for a fixed period of time. Additionally, if you’re connected online, you can discover other players’ androids, and by repairing them, you can fight alongside other players’ androids for a fixed period. Whether or not you’ll get the other players’ plug-in chips if you decide to recover them is a secret.

Downloadable Content

Under the request of 9S voice actor Natsuki Hanae, Square Enix has decided to develop downloadable content. Hanae says he hopes for a costume of Caim from Drakengard for 2B, but whether or not that is part of the downloadable content is unknown.

Free PlayStation 4 Theme

Starting February 22, the following PlayStation 4 themes will be available for free via the PlayStation Store in Japan.