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

    Yoko Taro's first NieR—Replicant (JP) and Gestalt (West) variants.

    Overview
    Genre-blending action RPG with multiple endings and Drakengard ties.
    In-game setting
    Franchise opener. Prefer NieR Replicant ver.1.2247 for modern play—FAQ.
    Should you play it?
    Legacy entry—2021 remake replaces it for most buyers.
    Release date
    Japan April 22, 2010; Western Gestalt / Replicant releases followed regionally.
  2. NieR:Automata

    NieR:Automata

    PS4PCXbox OneSwitchAction RPGMainlineAutomata

    2B, 9S, and A2—android war thousands of years later.

    Overview
    PlatinumGames combat with route-based storytelling and meta endings.
    In-game setting
    Sequel-era chapter. Play after Replicant for the full Yoko Taro path.
    Should you play it?
    Franchise flagship—standalone OK, richer after Replicant.
    Release date
    US March 17, 2017 (Steam 524220).
  3. NieR Replicant ver.1.2247...

    NieR Replicant ver.1.2247...

    PS4Xbox OnePCAction RPGRemakeMainline

    Remake of Replicant—modern visuals, voice acting, and expanded content.

    Overview
    Definitive Replicant with quality-of-life and new story links toward Automata.
    In-game setting
    Same Story slot as 2010 Replicant—replaces it for most 2026 players.
    Should you play it?
    Default way to start the NieR story path before Automata.
    Release date
    US April 23, 2021 (Steam 1119840).

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.