NieR: Automata is a Square Enix game that feels nothing like the Final Fantasy series. Set in the distant future, Nier: Automata saw success for its stunning art style, unique combat mechanics, and beautifully bittersweet narrative. Although it is technically a sequel to Nier RepliCant, it was the first in the franchise to truly break into western mainstream gaming circles.
The game's iconic lead character, 2B, is as enigmatic as she is reticent. With a remake of NieR RepliCant on the way, fans are returning to Nier: Automata to re-live the stories of 2B, 9S, and 2A. For players new to the series, the story can be a bit all over the place, and knowing a little about the characters beforehand goes a long way in making the narrative more understandable.
10 2B's Simple Name Isn't A Name At All
While Nier: Automata has an intricate, deep storyline, many players don't notice the small details. 2B's name is short, to the point, and memorable, but unlike many of the plot points in the game, it actually has a very simple meaning.
Her full name is YoRHa No. 2 Type B. YoRHa is the organization that created her, No. 2 refers to her model number, and type B (battler) is a designation given to combat androids. Secretly, though, 2B is a type E (executioner) android, which are deployed covertly to take out androids within YoRHa.
9 Her Visor Can Be Removed With Camouflage Goggles
2B's iconic appearance would not be quite the same without her blindfold. The blindfold acts as a visor for YoRHa androids and doesn't restrict vision in the traditional sense. Nonetheless, there are ways to get around the visor and see 2B's face.
The item Camouflage Goggles can be equipped to completely remove the blindfold, revealing 2B's smoky grey eyes. It's a gentle look that starkly contrasts the emotion-concealing visor she is so known for.
8 2B Has Killed 9S 48 Times
Part of 2B's mission as an E-model android is to execute targets within the YoRHa organization who learn too much or go against their policies. Nobody is allowed to know this except the people who gave her that designation, though, and every time 9S finds out, 2B is forced to kill him and wipe his memory.
According to information revealed in the NieR: Orchestra Concert, 2B has had to kill 9S 48 times. Perhaps that explains why she is so distant to him – it's easier to kill 9S if she has no connection to him.
7 She Was A Guest Fighter In Soulcalibur VI
More and more fighting games are bringing in characters from other franchises to guest in their rosters. Super Smash Bros Ultimate recently got characters from the Xenoblade franchise, the Mortal Kombat series is no stranger to pop culture references, and Soulcalibur VI brought in 2B along with her own stage.
They also brought 2A and 9S into the mix, allowing players to spar the trio against one another in the City Ruins: Eternal Apocalypse stage.
6 Her Name Is A Shakespeare Reference
While her name canonically refers to her role and her model number, the original inspiration for the name came from none other than The Bard himself. "To be, or not to be" is the famous line uttered by Hamlet when contemplating death, as referenced in the fanart above created by Reddit user phibonacchee.
This makes sense for 2B's narrative arc – she has to both ensure YoRHa's secrets are kept safe from internal agents and kill them herself. This is especially evident in her relationship with 9S.
5 You Might Know 2B's English Voice Actor From Various Anime
2B's English voiceover is done by none other than Kira Buckland. If that's a familiar name, it's probably because you're a fan of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Demon Slayer, Danganronpa, or the myriad of other shows she has starred or guested in.
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Buckland has been in the voice acting industry since she won a contest hosted by BangZoom! Entertainment in 2007. Her credits go far beyond TV, though, as she has also had voice acting roles in Puyo Puyo Tetris, Dead Or Alive, and of course as 2B in Nier: Automata.
4 Her Outfit Is An Example Of Haute Couture
2B's distinct look is inspired by the fashion movement haute couture, the creation of custom-fit clothing made by hand for the entire process. Clothing made with an haute couture mindset is typically ornate, extremely intricate, and perfectly suited to the model's physique.
While 2B is an android, and her parts could probably be modified to fit any clothing needed, she wouldn't be such a lasting influence on anime fashion if not for her seemingly-delicate attire.
3 ...And She Doesn't Let The Player Take A Peek
2B has been the subject of much criticism for her oversexualized appearance, but if the player tries to look up her dress, she quickly turns around from the camera and the camera angle will turn too. No matter how many times dedicated fans may try, she will always turn around and prevent any view.
However, there is an achievement in the game titled "What Are You Doing?", which is unlocked if the player tries to do this ten times in a row. It's obviously poking fun at those who would try to do something like this, while perhaps unintentionally encouraging this crude behavior from achievement hunters.
2 2B Might Be Cold And Reticent...
2B's nature is to be cold, stoic, and disconnected from emotion. 9S constantly remarks that non-organic beings can also feel emotions, and remarks on the emotional nature of all living things. While 9S is perhaps the most emotional YoRHa member in any NieR game, 2B shuts him down every time.
That's not to say she is completely devoid of feelings, however. It's strongly hinted that the reason 2B is so stoic, especially towards 9S, is because of the nature of their relationship and the past only she knows.
1 ...But She Will Pet Pod 042
The PlayStation 4 controllers shipped with a touchpad that could be used for a variety of purposes in games. Some games used it to unlock doors, while others used it as a drawing pad. In Nier: Automata, if the player rubs the touchpad for long enough, 2B will pet her loyal companion as if it were a dog.
That's quite a strange thing for an emotionless android to do and perhaps signals the true emotions that she buries away. On PC and Xbox, getting 2B to pet Pod 042 is a bit different, requiring players to make circles with their mouse or circle the left stick while holding down the right stick, respectively.