GameTimeline

Release & story order

NieR timeline

NieR from Yoko Taro's 2010 Replicant / Gestalt debut through NieR:Automata (2017) and NieR Replicant ver.1.2247 (2021)—US release dates, full Yoko Taro story path, ending requirements, and FAQ for Automata-only players in 2026.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Square Enix and Yoko Taro shipped each NieR chapter in the US—NieR Gestalt / Replicant (2010), NieR:Automata (2017), and NieR Replicant ver.1.2247 (2021 remake).

  • Newcomers 2026 → NieR Replicant ver.1.2247 → NieR:Automata
  • Automata-only is valid—add Replicant later for lore depth
  • Skip 2010 PS3 / Xbox if you own the 2021 remake
  • Ending hunting in Automata needs multiple playthroughs—FAQ
Story order tips

Full Yoko Taro path: NieR Replicant (prefer ver.1.2247) → NieR:Automata. Automata works standalone, but Replicant unlocks the complete arc and late-game Automata payoffs.

  • Full path: Replicant (ver.1.2247) → Automata
  • Automata Route A is only the start—Routes B–E need replays
  • Replicant endings feed Automata easter eggs and side quests
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. NieR Replicant / Gestalt

    NieR Replicant / Gestalt

    PS3Xbox 360Action RPGMainlineReplicant

    NieR Replicant / Gestalt (2010) is Yoko Taro’s tragic RPG—father/brother routes hunting Shades for Yonah.

    Overview
    Genre-shifting combat, multiple endings that reframe the script, and Drakengard-linked cosmology. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Replicant story route. Required context before Automata’s emotional payoffs.
    Should you play it?
    Prefer ver.1.22474487139... remake for 2026. Original PS3/360 versions are archival. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US April 27, 2010 (Gestalt) / Japan Replicant on PS3; remake later on modern platforms.
  2. NieR:Automata

    NieR:Automata

    PS4PCXbox OneSwitchAction RPGMainlineAutomata

    NieR:Automata follows androids 2B, 9S, and A2 in a ruined Earth war—Platinum combat meets Taro endings.

    Overview
    Bullet-hell RPG hybrid with ending credits that become gameplay and a famous community save sacrifice. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Automata arc after Replicant. Play through ending E for the full thesis. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Most players’ entry—still richer after Replicant. Current definitive editions on consoles/PC/Switch. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US March 7, 2017 on PS4; PC/Xbox One/Switch later.
  3. NieR Replicant ver.1.2247...

    NieR Replicant ver.1.2247...

    PS4Xbox OnePCAction RPGRemakeMainline

    NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... rebuilds the 2010 Replicant route with modern production and YoRHa cameos.

    Overview
    Remake pass restores the brother protagonist, adds bosses, and smooths combat for Automata fans returning backward. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Same Story as Replicant. Play before or after Automata—before maximizes later reveals. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Default way to play Replicant in 2026. Replaces 2010 editions. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US April 23, 2021 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Replicant remake, Automata endings, and related JRPG timelines.

Release order

Release order is when NieR games launched (2010 → 2017 → 2021 remake). Story order is NieR Replicant (prefer ver.1.2247) → NieR:Automata—thousands of in-universe years apart but tightly linked thematically.

Recommended: NieR Replicant ver.1.2247 → NieR:Automata. You do not need the 2010 PS3 / Xbox release if you own the remake. Finish Replicant before Automata for the intended Yoko Taro arc.

Story path

Yes. Automata is designed to stand alone—2B and 9S's story is complete on its own. Replicant adds lore callbacks, side-quest context, and emotional weight. Play Automata first if you must; backtrack to Replicant for the full experience.

Automata uses letter routes, not one-and-done credits. Route A is a first playthrough; Route B replays from 9S's view after A; Routes C/D branch after both; Ending E (the true finale) needs a save file sacrifice or community archive assist—plan multiple runs, not a single sitting.

Remake & editions

ver.1.2247 (April 23, 2021, Steam 1119840) is the definitive Replicant—same core story with modern combat, voice acting, and extra content linking toward Automata. For most 2026 players it replaces the 2010 release.

Optional & related

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.