A massive white structure called rises from the earth, acting as a launchpad for the Machines' final plan. 9S and A2 converge at the top. While A2 seeks to destroy the network to end the cycle, 9S only wants to destroy everything out of grief.
The two fight to the death. In one path, A2 destroys the Tower to save 9S. In the other, they both perish as the Machines launch an "ark" containing their memories into space to find a new world.
For more details on the deep lore and character backstories, you can explore the NieR:Automata Wiki .
In a future where humanity has been driven to the Moon by mechanical invaders from another world, the surface of Earth belongs to the . To reclaim their home, the remnants of mankind create YoRHa , an elite force of androids stationed on the "Bunker" satellite.
The androids' support pods (042 and 153) gain consciousness and refuse to delete the protagonists' data. Through a collective effort of the player and the community, the pods reconstruct 2B, 9S, and A2, giving them a chance to live in a world free from the cycle of war—provided they don't repeat the same mistakes.
The conflict escalates into a massive YoRHa offensive. However, a logic virus infects the Bunker, causing it to self-destruct. 2B and 9S escape, but 2B is soon infected. To spare 9S the pain of seeing her turn, she entrusts her memories and her sword to the rogue android , who kills her as an act of mercy.
Witnessing this from afar, 9S descends into a vengeful madness. He discovers the horrifying truth behind the war: They died out thousands of years ago.
The androids were given a fake god (humanity) to fight for so they wouldn't lose the will to live.