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Nier: Automata’s ‘final secret’ has been discovered. Here’s how to unlock it

A Nier: Automata player has discovered a secret cheat code that’s been hidden in the game since it released in 2017. The code allows players to skip straight to the game’s true ending and unlock all extra content after beating the first boss.

In 2018, the game’s development team revealed that the action game had one final secret that fans had yet to discover. While fans searched for years to no avail, Reddit user ManFightDragon officially uncovered the hidden cheat by reverse-engineering the game’s code. Game director Yoko Taro retweeted a video of the trick, seemingly confirming that it’s the secret the team had teased.

The secret essentially takes players straight to the game’s final ending and unlocks all bonus modes. Usually, fans would have to play through the game three times to get to that point, making this a time skip that saves at least 40 hours.

Discovering NieR Automata's Final Secret - Cheat Code Reverse Engeering - Secret Ending Trigger

To pull the trick off, start a new file and begin the game’s prologue. Players need to beat the game’s first boss, a giant robot named Marx. After that’s done, players can run over to a spot in the room where there are three sets of two barrels. Stand between the barrels and press left on the touchpad to pause the game. Then, hold down the right trigger and press Up, Down, Up, Right, Left, Square, Circle, Triangle, X.

If done correctly, the game will warp players straight to the game’s last cutscene in ending E and unlock all the bonus modes that come from completing the game.

The Nier series will get a new installment this Spring when PlatinumGames releases Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139 on April 23. The remake is one of our most anticipated games of 2021.

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Giovanni Colantonio
Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…
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