Essential Insights
- A2 willingly gives her life to rescue 9S, but Pods choose to defy orders and resurrect both characters for a new future.
- Ending E challenges players with a fight against the credits, where Pods 042 and 153 feature prominently in the anime.
- Accord may be a representation of A2, linking the narrative to Drakengard’s themes of parallel realities.
This article contains spoilers for episode 24 of NieR Automata Ver1.1a, which is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
In an intense confrontation, 9S and A2 engage in fierce hacking battles. 9S tries to manipulate A2’s feelings of guilt, yet she resolves to make the ultimate sacrifice for his chance at redemption. During this moment, she encounters one of the Red Girls, who represents the souls of fallen machine lifeforms. The Red Girl hints at an ark set to launch into space in hopes of finding uncharted lands, presenting A2 with a choice.
Ultimately, A2 rejects the offer, transferring 9S’s infection into herself, which results in her death. With the conclusion of the YoRHa project, the Pods are assigned to eliminate the remaining android bodies. In a twist of fate, Pods 042 and 153 rebel against this grim fate, restoring both 9S and 2B and avowing them a chance for a rebirth. Meanwhile, an unexpected android appears on the scene.
While the anime remains true to the game’s narrative where A2 makes her sacrifice, it expands on the subsequent events. In Ending D, during the credits, Pod 042 proposes there must be an alternative conclusion, prompting players to consider a different outcome. If they agree, this leads to Ending E, where they must battle the credits to achieve victory. The challenge is intentionally arduous, with the game taunting players and questioning their resolve with each hit taken.
In the climactic phase, other players’ saved games can aid you, acting as a buffer during the final showdown. Prior to the conclusion, players are offered the opportunity to sacrifice their own save file to help another player, which does not alter the game’s outcome. The anime reveals that it was Pod 042 that initiated the revolt, and the “credits”personify the other Pods, with Pod 153 acting as the collective of other players. They accomplish their goal, although both Pods are irreparably damaged, fulfilling their last directive: to resurrect 2B and 9S. This mirrors the player’s choice to relinquish their saved progress.
Potential Bystander Intervention
The conclusion is uplifting, yet intriguing as A2’s fate remains ambiguous. In the final scene, Accord, a traveler of dimensions, is observed walking away from a dormant A2 resting beside a Lunar Tear, before playfully winking at the audience. This visual cues speculation about possible continuations of the narrative. The official Blu-ray collections of NieR Automata Ver1.1a feature notes akin to character observations, prominently one from Accord:
Scheduled Report on YoRHa Unit 2B.
During this mission, 2B, who is typically silent for a YoRHa unit, is primarily paired with 9S, but her infrequent responses consist of simple affirmations. Nevertheless, her somber aura leaves a notable impression on 9S. Traditionally, throughout history and across various cultures, a man’s fascination with such a mirage of a woman often fuels his desire to pursue her. If 2B’s behavior is deliberate, it is concerning; if accidental, it poses an even greater issue.
This observation will be included in the agenda for future discussions.
Yet, if her actions stem from guilt regarding her role, there remains little we can do.
I feel a deep sense of sympathy for her.
In Drakengard 3, Accord intervenes in Branch D, assisting Zero in defeating One to safeguard humanity, despite her directive to remain uninvolved. Ultimately, after the Intoners are sealed, Accord speculates that Zero may still exist in an alternate timeline. Given A2’s parallels to Zero, and Accord’s role in the final scene, it is plausible to suggest that A2 embodies Zero. As Drakengard 3 explores the notion of diverse endings coexisting within various timelines, one might assert that NieR Automata Ver1.1a exists within a distinct timeline.
The episode is intriguingly titled Alternative [E]den as opposed to [E]nd of YoRHa, hinting at the potential for starting anew. Relating this to the themes found in NieR Re[in]carnation, we could infer that this ties into its conclusion, suggesting the possibility of humanity’s rebirth on Earth.
Undoubtedly, the experience of NieR Automata Ver1.1a is likely to resonate well with fans, promising to be an unforgettable journey. Due to the longstanding legacy tracing back to the original game in the franchise, Drakengard, this adaptation may well be cherished for at least a decade.
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