Since its release in 2017, NieR Automata has inspired somewhat of a cult following, riding on the (very distantly related) coattails of the original NieR games. The announcement of NieR Replicant coming out in April of 2021 once again revived interest in NieR Automata – if fans ever lost it in the first place. One aspect of the game that players loved was the combination of weapons that they could swap in and out, use together or separately. Ultimately, these weapons became the base for engaging and thrilling gameplay.
Weapons are scattered, literally, all over the map in NieR Automata. It's a challenge to find them all, but it's a rewarding one. Each combination, with each character, leads to an intense fighting style that players can customize in so many ways. Finding them all might not be as tough as fans might think.
10 Weapons Given At The Start Of The Game
Yoko Taro is one sly jokester but, at least in the case of NieR Automata, players start the game off with respectable weapons. When starting off the game as 2B, Virtuous Contract is the first sword that the player receives. It's nothing too flashy, just a basic katana-style weapon.
This, combined with Bare Fists (which is exactly what it sounds like) are the first two weapons players have access to. When playing again as 9S, Cruel Oath is the initial sword that the player receives, instead of Virtuous Contract.
9 Gimmicky (But Still Useful) Weapons
Throughout the game, that classic dark, morbid NieR humor shines through in nearly every aspect despite its utterly tragic storyline. This is even true of some of the game's weapons. Some might seem like gimmicks, but are still useful.
These weapons and their locations are as follows.
- The Iron Pipe, which adds critical hits and has a high stun rate, can be found while fishing in the sewers.
- The Machine Heads, which are considered a combat bracer, can be purchased from Pascal as players are finishing Route C.
- The Emil Heads have become an iconic symbol for the game's story. Players can find these after seeking out Emil's hideout, stealing his mask, talking to him, and then hacking his treasure chest.
8 Virtuous Weapons
The Virtuous weapons are arguably the best in the game. Though players receive one at the start (Virtuous Contract), the rest take some hunting in order to find. Virtuous Treaty, a large sword, can be found near the Goliath boss location in the Abandoned Factory. This is one of the easiest to find – others are trickier, and players can search for them as follows.
- Virtuous Dignity, a beautifully designed (albeit creepy) spear, is in a secret location near the entrance to the Amusement Park. Be sure to find a ladder in the sewers that come up at some point just past the exit.
- Virtuous Grief, a combat bracer, can be found at the top of a hill near the river in the Forest Zone – it's just southwest of the save point in that area.
7 Machine Weapons
All of the machine weapons are incredibly easy to find. As their name implies, players can purchase them in Pascal's Village.
These weapons are made from machine parts and include the following:
- Machine Sword
- Machine Axe
- Machine Spear
- Machine Heads
The Machine Heads are the only exception to the rule. Unlike the others, these must be purchased specifically from Pascal during Route C.
6 The Best Weapon In The Game
Surprisingly, the best weapon in the game is not an offensive weapon at all. Rather, it's a combat bracer. Demon's Cry boosts attack speed and gives off a final finishing blow in the form of a shockwave when the player wields it.
Players can find this gem of an item in a treasure chest that's located in the Amusement Park (follow the elevator down) by an inconspicuous stack of TVs. It does require hacking to obtain.
5 Small Swords
Depending on the fighting style a player is seeking, NieR Automata brings many options to the table. Small swords are quick and effective, and players can find them as follows.
- Faith is in the Soul Box Tower in the Flooded City.
- Beastbane and Ancient Overlord can be purchased from the Resistance Camp.
- Phoenix Dagger is underneath the bridge between the Shopping District and Forest Zone
- Type-40 Sword is rewarded after finishing the 'Find a Present' sidequest.
- Type-3 Sword can be purchased from Devola and Popola.
- The YoRHa-Issue Blade is a reward for the '11B's Mementos' sidequest.
- Engine Blade is found at the end of Route A, in the underground area of the Abandoned Factory.
- The Cypress Stick can be retrieved via some pillar-jumping around the Forest Castle Gate.
4 Large Swords
Players both love and hate NieR Automata's large swords. While powerful, their damage isn't necessarily as high but they do well to stun, boost defense, and, in some cases, add speed. The weapons and their locations are as follows:
- Iron Will can be found with the Scanner in the Flooded City.
- Fang of the Twins is hidden in the Desert Complex in a treasure chest.
- Beastlord is a Resistance Camp purchase.
- Phoenix Sword requires hacking, but can be found in the very first building in a treasure chest.
- Type-40 Blade is a reward for finishing the 'Data Analysis Freak 1' sidequest.
- Type-3 Blade can be purchased from Devola and Popola.
- Cruel Blood Oath is in the Desert Zone's underground area and requires hacking.
3 Spears
Spears are a nice mixed bag. Depending on the type of spear the player uses, they can expect anything from defense boosts to speed increases, and even stuns and critical hits.
- The Phoenix Lance can be found with the Scanner in the center of the Desert Zone.
- Beastcurse can be hacked at the top of the Forest Castle.
- Dragoon Lance awaits in the Forest Zone in a ravine where players will find a cave.
- Spear of the Usurper is a reward for completing 'Heritage of the Past.'
- Type-40 is a reward for finishing 'YoRHa Betrayers.'
- Type-3 Lance is sitting atop one of the furthest broken buildings in a treasure chest in the Flooded City.
- Cruel Arrogance requires hacking. Its location is on top of the conveyor belt in the cult area of the Abandoned Factory.
2 Combat Bracers
Combat Bracers are where things get fun and very specific. Each one has a secondary ability that's entirely unique to the weapon itself. Every combat bracer not yet mentioned can be found as listed below.
- Type-40 Fists require hacking to get into the treasure chest near the Resistance Camp save point.
- Players receive Cruel Lament when upgrading a weapon to level 4.
- Spoilers ahead: Type-3 Fists can be purchased from Emil
- Angel's Folly is also an Emil purchase; however, he must be close to the Resistance Camp in order to trigger it.
1 Bonus Tips For Weapon Pairings
The fun of NieR Automata's gameplay comes from the sheer number of combinations that the players can hold, as well as the epic visuals that accompany them. The best way to get a feel for weapons together is to think of them logically, such as using a large sword with a combat bracer or doubling up on Virtuous swords.
The characters also make a difference. 2B is a skilled sword-wielder and 9S is excellent with a lance, while A2 does exceptionally well with YoRHa-style weapons. When in doubt, swap them out and grind, grind, grind to make the most of the game!