NieR: Automata Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks
Start strong with simple combat basics, Pod support, weapon swapping, and early boss tactics.
Game Guide by Ornstein on Dec 31, 2025
NieR: Automata is an action RPG that plays in real time and quickly. It has smooth fighting and a camera that constantly changes its angle. You fight close up with fast combos, use a Pod to help your hits, and stay alive by dodging at the right time.
The game can be very fun in the beginning, especially when enemies start throwing things at you. But the main features are easy once you learn how to control your character.
Combat Basics You Need First
Combat focuses on two main attack styles. Light attacks come out quickly and help you keep the pressure on your enemies. Strong assaults hit harder and help you smash tougher targets, but they can feel slower. Combining both sorts of attacks makes the flow better and helps you keep the damage steady while you move.
Using the Pod for Ranged Damage
Your Pod gives consistent ranged pressure and helps you deal damage while staying safe. When attackers retreat from close quarters after taking many rounds, shooting them down makes confrontations much easier. Stay away from "bullet hell" battles and keep your speed up without swinging by using the Pod.
Dodging, Dashing, and Perfect Timing
Dodging is a core survival tool. You can get out of danger quickly, but the quickest way to accomplish it is to dodge immediately before an attack hits. Tight timing prevents harm and aids evasion in chaos. Be calm and watch your enemies' wind-up, not spam dodge.
Lock-On for Cleaner Fights
Lock-on helps you stay focused on the appropriate target, especially when you're fighting mini-bosses. It gets much better when you utilize melee attacks and Pod fire together because you can keep doing damage while staying on target. When the enemy travels quickly, it's also simpler to avoid getting hit by wide swings.
Early Mini-Boss Tip
Initially, that early mini-boss might look intimidating, but don't worry! The fight remains pretty straightforward as long as you keep an eye on your lock-on and dodges. Keep the pressure going over long distances with the Pod. Jump in when the opportunity arises, but make sure to pull back before your opponent makes their big plays. Taking your time helps you avoid a lot more damage than rushing to finish.
Pod Programs and the Laser Ability
Some Pod powers need to charge up for a brief time before they can be used again. One of the first things you can do is a laser-style strike that does a lot of damage when it hits. Use it when the target stops moving or starts a long animation. Blowing it too soon generally means missing the finest chance to cause damage.
Weapon Sets, Swapping, and Simple Combos
Although weapon sets may not appear significant at first glance, they actually possess greater importance than meets the eye. Two weapons can be carried simultaneously, and their attack inputs can be switched around by exchanging them.
In one case, this can make hits feel faster, but in another, they may feel heavy. You can also make better patterns by using simple input mixing. This is because using a lot of different hits can make combos easier than using just one button.
Items and Healing Without Overthinking
Having access to healing goods is crucial for maintaining a steady pace during your run. You won't have to start from scratch if you make a mistake because rapid access allows you to swiftly undo it.
Instead of waiting until you're in a jam, it's much smarter to employ your healing abilities when you have a chance to breathe. The intensity of some fights can make it difficult to discern whether it is safe to rest.
Meeting Your Support Unit
9S provides direct support and is an important partner during the early part of the mission. 9S helps you during fights and continues to back you as you move into tougher battles.
Camera Shifts, 2D Sections, and Top-Down Moments
One of the most noticeable features is how the game changes camera angles during gameplay. You may switch from regular third-person fighting to 2D platforming-style movement and then to top-down sequences that feel more like a dodge-and-shoot sequence.
These changes keep things flowing and stop locations from feeling like they've been done before, even when you battle in the same chambers.
Routes, Movement Options, and Exploration Flow
In some places, there are other ways to get around. One path may go in circles, but another lets you jump across and move on more quickly.
These small choices can help you keep track of time and change how fast you get to the next battle, especially when you are learning how enemies act and trying to stay well stocked with healing items.
Early Loot You Will Notice
As you make your way along the route, keep an eye out for some basic resources you can grab. You should absolutely keep a look out for things like Silver Ore.
They are wonderful finds that make it seem like you'll be able to make and improve some cool things in the future. It's an easy habit to pick things up as you go, and it truly pays off without getting in your way too much.
What to Expect From the Big Boss Fight
The Goliath is a huge early target, and the battle may feel different from previous encounters due to the monster's size and the ample space surrounding you.
Even though the damage may not appear severe at first, it is important to keep applying pressure gradually rather than reacting in panic. Keep blasting away with the Pod, sidestep those wide attacks when they come your way, and avoid areas where the camera can't see you.
Also, the battle changes into several stages. With limited movement and an emphasis on survival while continuing to assault, one phase can feel very theatrical and easy. Treat it as a pattern section rather than a normal arena duel, and keep calm so you do not take avoidable hits.
Flight-Style Combat and Movement Limits
At some point, the rules get switched up once more. In this kind of warfare, the way you position yourself and move around is a bit different, and your movement is more restricted.
Attacks come at you like projectiles, so keeping your ground is way more important for survival than getting into close combat. This section is all about shifting your viewpoint, so it's a good idea to embrace dodging and keep that continuous fire going, rather than trying to adapt to close-range habits.
Leveling and Why It Feels Subtle Early
Even though the benefits may not be immediately apparent, you will begin to level up throughout those early fights. The standard benefits, like doing more damage over time and making things last longer, will still be the same.
To level up rapidly, keep the Pod fire running strong, change your weapon however you want, and be careful with your dodging timing.
Theme Notes That Affect Expectations
Enemies in the early flow lean heavily toward machine-like foes. Combat stays quick and stylish, and the variety comes from changing perspectives, patterns, and boss stages instead of different types of enemies. If the visual motif seems strange at first, focusing on the combat loop will help you get into the game faster.
Also, check our NieR: Automata Review and other guides below:
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