Wondering if the NieR: Automata anime is like the game? You’re not alone. Many fans are trying to understand how the beloved, complex video game translates to an animated series and if it’s a faithful adaptation.
The NieR: Automata anime, officially titled Ver1.1a, is intentionally different from the game. Creator Yoko Taro has described it as a new route or an alternate timeline. While it faithfully adapts the main story beats and characters like 2B and 9S, it changes the order of events, adds new anime-original scenes, and reinterprets key moments.
Based on official statements and analysis, this adaptation is designed to be a companion piece, not a replacement. This guide breaks down the precise differences and what to expect. You’ll discover exactly how the anime changes the story, handles the multiple endings, and which you should experience first.
Key Facts
- An Alternate Timeline By Design: Creator Yoko Taro officially stated that repeating the exact same story in the anime would be uninteresting, confirming Ver1.1a is a deliberate “new route.”
- Title With a Purpose: The name “Ver1.1a” is a direct nod to software versioning, signaling it as an update or alteration of the original game’s story (Ver1.0), not a simple retelling.
- The Original Experience is Interactive: The game’s narrative, particularly its iconic Ending E, relies on player interaction and breaking the fourth wall, an element the anime must reinterpret cinematically.
- Faithful Music Adaptation: The anime features the same acclaimed soundtrack by composer Keiichi Okabe, one of the most faithfully preserved elements from the game.
- Play-First Recommendation: The consensus among series veterans is that playing the game first provides the definitive emotional impact, with the anime serving as an enriching companion piece.
Is the NieR Anime Like the Game? A Deep Dive into Ver1.1a’s Differences
The NieR: Automata anime, Ver1.1a, is not a direct 1:1 recreation of the game; it is an alternate timeline or a “new route” that intentionally deviates from the game’s story. While many core plot points are faithfully adapted, the anime introduces new scenes, changes the sequence of events, and explores different character perspectives. This approach comes directly from the game’s creator, Yoko Taro, who stated that repeating the exact same story would be uninteresting for fans who have already played the game. The anime is therefore designed to offer a fresh experience for game veterans while still being accessible to newcomers.
This makes the relationship between the two a fascinating example of transmedia storytelling. The anime acts as both a faithful adaptation of the core narrative and a deliberate expansion of the world. Think of it less as a replacement and more as a companion piece. The core relationship can be summarized by these points:
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime retains the main characters like 2B and 9S, the post-apocalyptic setting, and the central philosophical themes of consciousness and existentialism.
- A “New Route”: It presents a “what if” version of the story, rearranging events and adding new content that expands on the established lore.
- Yoko Taro’s Intent: The changes are a deliberate creative choice to ensure the adaptation provides new value and avoids being a predictable retelling.
What Are The Main Differences Between The NieR Anime and Game Story?
The primary differences between the NieR anime and the game’s story involve its structure, pacing, and the integration of new content. Unlike the game’s linear progression through its first playthrough (Route A), the anime immediately mixes in perspectives and events from the second playthrough (Route B). This gives viewers insight into 9S’s side of the story much earlier. To fit a weekly episodic format, the pacing is also significantly faster, condensing hours of gameplay into concise episodes.
This structural change allows the anime to weave optional side quests from the game directly into the main plot, making stories like the one about the peaceful Machine Village a core part of the narrative. The most significant deviation, however, is the inclusion of completely new, anime-original scenes. These scenes expand the lore, most notably by providing a detailed backstory for the Resistance leader, Lily, a character who had a much smaller role in the game. This table breaks down the key implications of these changes.
| Feature | NieR:Automata (Game) | NieR:Automata Ver1.1a (Anime) | Key Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrative Structure | Linear progression through Route A, then Route B, etc. | Mixes elements of Route A & B from the start. | Viewers get 9S’s perspective much earlier. |
| Pacing | Player-controlled; can be 40+ hours with side quests. | Condensed into ~24-minute episodes; much faster plot. | Some character development and world-building is truncated. |
| Side Quests | Optional content that builds world lore. | Key side quest stories (e.g., Machine Village) are integrated into the main plot. | Provides a more cohesive but less exploratory narrative. |
| New Content | Story is self-contained within the game’s events. | Features anime-original scenes, including an expanded backstory for Lily and the Resistance. | Expands the lore for existing fans; offers new information. |
| Meta-Narrative | Told through gameplay, UI, and breaking the 4th wall (e.g., deleting save data). | Explored through puppet shows and abstract visual metaphors. | The interactive element is lost and must be replaced with cinematic techniques. |
How Does the Anime Handle the Game’s Multiple Endings?
The NieR: Automata anime’s first season adapts the endings for the game’s Routes A and B. It has not yet reached the game’s true conclusions, known as Endings C, D, and the iconic meta-narrative finale, Ending E. A key question for future seasons is how the show will adapt the interactive nature of these endings, especially the sacrifice required for Ending E, for a television format. For game veterans, this is a critical point of curiosity, as the multiple endings are the core of the NieR experience.
The challenge lies in translating the game’s fourth-wall-breaking mechanics into a passive medium. The anime’s current approach to meta-commentary is seen in the short puppet show segments at the end of each episode, which humorously summarize plot points. Here is a breakdown of how the endings are handled so far:
- Endings A and B: The first season primarily covers the events leading up to and including the conclusions of these initial routes.
- Endings C and D: These darker, more conclusive endings have not yet been adapted. They represent the next major arc of the story.
- Ending E: The famous “true” ending, which involves player sacrifice and a meta-narrative about hope and connection, remains the biggest question. Speculation among fans wonders how the anime will replicate the emotional weight of players deleting their save data to help others without the element of interactivity.
Should You Watch the Anime or Play the Game First?
It is highly recommended to play the NieR: Automata game before watching the anime. The game’s story and themes are deeply tied to its interactive gameplay and unique narrative structure, particularly its multiple endings. The emotional impact of the story is greatest when you experience it firsthand. The anime, while a good adaptation, is best enjoyed as a companion piece that offers a new perspective on a story you already know and love.
However, the best entry point depends on your personal preferences for media and time commitment. Here is a simple guide to help you decide:
- For the Full, Definitive Experience: Play the game first. The interactivity, player-controlled pacing, and the way the narrative uses the medium of a video game are essential to its power. The anime’s changes and additions will have a greater impact when you have the original context.
- If You’re Short on Time: The anime offers a much more condensed version of the main story. If a 40+ hour game seems too daunting, the anime is a valid way to experience the world and characters.
- If You Dislike Action RPGs: While the game’s combat from PlatinumGames is critically acclaimed, not everyone is a gamer. If you prefer to experience stories passively, the anime is your best entry point into the philosophical narrative of NieR: Automata.
FAQs About is the nier anime like the game
Is the NieR anime canon?
Yes, the NieR anime is considered canon, but as an alternate timeline. Creator Yoko Taro has explained that simply retelling the game’s story would be boring. Therefore, the anime (Ver1.1a) exists as a separate, official version of events within the NieR universe, similar to how the stage plays are also canon but different.
Why is the NieR anime called Ver1.1a?
The name Ver1.1a is a deliberate reference to the game’s updated version numbers. NieR: Replicant’s remake was titled ver.1.22474487139.... The anime’s title, Ver1.1a, signals that it is an updated but altered version of the original NieR: Automata (which would be Ver1.0), reinforcing the idea that it is a new route and not a direct copy.
Will I like NieR: Automata if I hate anime tropes?
You will likely still enjoy NieR: Automata, as it is a video game first and foremost. While the character designs have an “anime” aesthetic, the game’s strengths are its deep, philosophical story, genre-bending gameplay from PlatinumGames, and acclaimed soundtrack. The narrative tackles complex themes like existentialism far beyond typical anime tropes.
Do I need to play NieR: Replicant or Drakengard before NieR: Automata?
No, you do not need to play previous games to enjoy NieR: Automata. The story is designed to be a standalone experience. While there are lore connections and recurring themes that veterans of NieR: Replicant and the Drakengard series will appreciate, they are not required to understand and be moved by the journey of 2B, 9S, and A2.
Where can I watch the NieR: Automata anime?
The NieR: Automata Ver1.1a anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. As of 2026, the full first season is available on the platform in both subbed and dubbed formats. Availability may vary by region, so it is best to check your local Crunchyroll library.
Will there be a Season 2 of the NieR anime?
Yes, a second season (cour) of the NieR: Automata Ver1.1a anime has been officially announced. While a release date has not been set as of late 2026, it is confirmed to be in production. It is expected to continue the story, likely adapting the game’s Route B in more detail and moving towards the pivotal Routes C and D.
Is the combat in the game like the anime’s fight scenes?
The game’s combat is much more dynamic and interactive than what the anime can show. The anime does a good job of capturing the style of the combat, designed by PlatinumGames, but the game involves fluidly switching between melee attacks, ranged pod fire, and bullet-hell shooter segments. The anime’s fights are cinematic interpretations, while the game’s combat is a core gameplay mechanic.
Does the anime have the same music as the game?
Yes, the anime features the same acclaimed soundtrack composed by Keiichi Okabe and MONACA. The iconic and beloved musical score is one of the most faithfully adapted elements. Many key scenes in the anime use the original tracks from the game, preserving the powerful emotional atmosphere that the music creates.
How long does it take to beat the NieR: Automata game?
To get the main endings (A-E), NieR: Automata typically takes between 35 to 40 hours. Simply completing the first route (Ending A) can take around 15-20 hours. Achieving 100% completion, including all side quests and joke endings, can take 60+ hours, depending on your playstyle.
What is included in the “Game of the YoRHa Edition”?
The NieR: Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition is the definitive version to buy. It includes the base game plus the “3C3C1D119440927” DLC, which adds new character costumes inspired by NieR: Replicant, new battle arenas with unique challenges, and a small additional story segment. It also comes with several cosmetic pod skins.
Key Takeaways: NieR Anime vs. Game Summary
- Play The Game First for the True Experience: The game’s interactive meta-narrative, particularly in its later endings, is a core part of the story that a passive anime cannot fully replicate. It is the definitive way to experience NieR:Automata.
- The Anime is an “Alternate Route,” Not a 1:1 Copy: Creator Yoko Taro intentionally changed the story for the anime (Ver1.1a), mixing events, adding new scenes, and altering the pacing. It’s a companion piece, not a replacement.
- Major Story Differences Exist: The anime integrates side quests into the main plot, introduces the back-story of characters like Lily much earlier, and presents events from both Route A and B perspectives from the start.
- Core Themes and Characters Remain Faithful: Despite plot changes, the anime successfully captures the personalities of 2B, 9S, and other key characters, as well as the game’s deep philosophical themes of existentialism and consciousness.
- The Anime Is Canon: Both the game and the anime are considered official, canonical stories within the NieR universe. They simply represent different timelines or versions of the same core events.
- The Iconic Soundtrack Is A Key Feature: The anime makes extensive use of Keiichi Okabe’s original, award-winning soundtrack, faithfully preserving the emotional atmosphere of the game.
Final Thoughts on Experiencing NieR: Automata
Ultimately, NieR: Automata is a story that was designed to be experienced as a video game. To fully appreciate its groundbreaking narrative and feel the full weight of its emotional journey, you should play the game first. The Ver1.1a anime serves as an excellent and enriching companion piece. It offers new perspectives, expands on the lore in exciting ways, and allows fans to re-experience the world they love through a different lens. By approaching the anime as a supplementary route rather than a replacement, you will get the best of both worlds and a deeper appreciation for the entire NieR franchise.
Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
