NieR Replicant
JRPG
NieR Replicant's 2021 release needs an early-game backup as well as a final-dungeon save. Its later ending routes repeat the second half, so they do not naturally recover unfinished first-half quests. Keep a file before the Vapor Moss request, collect the weapons needed for later routes and treat the save-data warning near Ending D as a real commitment. The added Ending E belongs to this modern version.
QUICK ANSWER
Where is NieR Replicant's important early point of no return?
Preserve a separate save before the Vapor Moss story request and finish desired Part One quests. Later clear-file routes restart in Part Two rather than reopening the entire first half. Keep another file before the final dungeon for later ending and exploration options.
Compare games with missables →SPOILER-LIGHT PLANNING
Use an early backup and a separate finale backup
These files protect different content, so replacing one with the other defeats the purpose.
Finish desired Part One work
Early quests and some encounters close when the story changes phase. The later route structure does not provide Chapter Select back to that period.
Keep clear files to continue the narrative
Loading completed data advances the route sequence. An unrelated new game is not equivalent to continuing toward the next ending.
Check the weapon requirement before the finale
Later routes require the relevant weapon collection. Collecting weapons and fully upgrading them are separate completion tasks.
Read the Ending D data warning
This route changes saved data, and the modern additional ending does not simply restore every previous slot. Preserve supported backups.
Content reviewed 2026-11-07. 2021 ver.1.22474487139 release, not the original Japanese Replicant or Gestalt.
Buying NieR Replicant? Check the edition before ordering.
Confirm the platform, included content and physical format in the listing. Available editions can differ between sellers.
QUICK ANSWERS
Before you start
PLAYTHROUGH PLAN
Before You Start checklist
Set up your save plan
NieR Replicant supports manual saving. Check slot and location limits first, then preserve a milestone save where the game permits it; not every title supports rotating backups.
Protect the completion route
Missable content exists in NieR Replicant. Recheck quests, collectibles or companion tasks before advancing major story milestones.
Know the last safe checkpoint
NieR Replicant has a point of no return. Keep a separate save and clear priority side content when the game signals a final commitment.
Choose difficulty deliberately
NieR Replicant does not require a specific difficulty for the standard trophy or achievement route, so choose the setting you will enjoy.
Budget 50–70h completion (estimate)
Use NieR Replicant's 50–70h completion (estimate) estimate as a planning range, not a promise. Exploration, difficulty and optional goals can move the total substantially.
Spoiler-free warning
The 2021 ver.1.22 edition has a one-way first-half transition: preserve a save before the Vapor Moss story request. Later ending runs restart in Part Two. Ending D changes saved data; read its warnings and preserve supported backups.
BEGINNER GUIDE
10 things I wish I knew before starting
The useful systems, early mistakes and easily missed details worth understanding before you commit dozens of hours.
Check the version before following a guide
This page covers the 2021 ver.1.22 release. Its additional ending and content mean an original Nier checklist is not an exact substitute.
Keep a first-half backup
The Vapor Moss story request leads into a one-way transition. Finish desired early quests and retain a separate file before advancing.
Do not confuse quest percentage with story access
Part One side quests close permanently in that campaign. A later clear file replays Part Two, not the younger protagonist's complete calendar.
Keep the first clear data
Loading the Ending A file starts the next story route with new context. Starting an unrelated fresh campaign is not the same progression path.
Collect weapons for later routes
Later ending requirements depend on the weapon collection, not simply defeating the last boss again. Check missing weapon sources before the final stretch.
Separate collecting from upgrading
Obtaining the weapons needed for routes and fully upgrading a large set are different goals. Avoid unnecessary material grinding before deciding your target.
Keep the pre-finale save separate
A file before the final dungeon preserves useful exploration and ending options. Do not replace every earlier milestone with the latest clear data.
Plan the speedrun as another objective
Lightspeed Fighter concerns reaching Ending A within fifteen hours. A slow quest-focused first playthrough need not be forced into that deadline.
Read save-deletion warnings literally
Ending D alters saved data. Use only supported backup options and do not assume every file returns unchanged after the additional ending route.
Treat the added ending as its own window
The 2021 release adds Ending E with a limited playable sequence. If completing trophies, inspect that section's requirements while it is active.
COMMON QUESTIONS
NieR Replicant FAQs
Do later routes replay the entire first half?
No. Ordinary clear-file continuation returns to Part Two, which is why an earlier backup matters.
Is there Chapter Select?
No. Keep manual milestone saves rather than expecting a menu that returns to any completed chapter.
Is weapon upgrading required merely to unlock later endings?
The route requirement concerns collecting the necessary weapons; full upgrading is a separate trophy and material grind.
Does difficulty affect the base trophies?
No. Choose the setting that suits the current story, collection or speedrun objective.
Does this version add an ending?
Yes. The 2021 ver.1.22 release includes Ending E, so an original-version route guide is incomplete.