NieR is an action-driven combat video game franchise developed by Cavia. The NieR games are known for their dark, gloomy characters with a mind-capturing storyline.
The emphatic design and majestic gameplay make the NieR games stand out in the arena of Action RPGs. There is often a problem amongst the fans regarding the Nier chronological order.
We have come to the rescue to resolve this issue with our Nier Games Complete List 2024. Now, you can play the NieR Games in the proper order by referring to our updated list.
All NieR Games
The genre of Action RPG has been sensationalized globally ever since the release of Drakengard! NieR has six games in the series if we include the Drakengard trilogy. The Nier games are a spinoff originating from the first Drakengard’s ending. We have compiled the lists of all NieR & Drakengard games separately in chronological order.
If you are a hardcore enthusiast who doesn’t want to miss out on even a single detail of the storyline, you must also play the Drakengard trilogy. Otherwise, the NieR games can follow the Nier Chronological order below.
Table of Contents
1. NieR (2010)
| Developers | Cavia |
| Release Date | 22nd April 2010 |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, PS 3 |
The first Nier game faced a mixed reaction upon its release in 2010. Nier is a spinoff from one of the endings of Drakengard’s first part. The game takes place on Earth, where Black Scrawl disease has taken over the planet. The protagonist must find a cure for the illness to save Yonah on a dark post-apocalyptic earth. The game concept and character design were created to appeal to Western audiences.
The game has an alternative version, Nier Gestalt, which is basically the same as Nier but only with an older protagonist. The player has to survive monsters, robots & gigantic creatures called shades. The protagonist is equipped with swords & spears. More weapons can be unlocked and powered up as the player gains XP points.
2. NieR: Automata
| Developers | Platinum Games |
| Release Date | 23rd February 2017 |
| Platforms | Xbox One, PS 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows |
According to the NieR Chronological order, the next game is the 2017 release Nier: Automata. The game received much more positive feedback than its prequel. NieR Automata surely left a deep impression on the era of console gaming with its flawless visuals & engaging storyline.
The storyline of this game is set in a war scenario between the machines created by aliens and Androids (created by humans). The player embodies the avatar of an Android. The gameplay is combat-based with a hash & slash (close-range fighting) style. The player can switch between the weapons during gameplay, allowing a versatile fighting experience.
3. NieR Reincarnation
| Developers | Applibot, Inc |
| Release Date | 18th February 2021 |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Website | Nier Reincarnation Download Link |
NieR Reincarnation is the next in the Nier Chronological order list queue. Unlike all the previous versions of the game, NieR Reincarnation is specifically designed for mobile platforms. The plotline of the game takes place in a fictional realm called Cage.
This game comprises various character-specific storylines. The game is more like a collective bunch of smaller storylines. Player’s can either play solo or enter real-time battles. There are additional features like Arena Mode to earn rewards and unlock new weapons for the game. This game is not a sequel to NieR Automata but more like a character journey.
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4. NieR Automata Become as Gods Edition
| Developers | Platinum Games Inc. |
| Release Date | 26th June 2018 |
| Platforms | Xbox One |
NieR Automata Become as GODS Editon is an Xbox Exclusive release. It is just a slightly modified version of NieR Automata with additional alternative outfits, skins, and accessories.
5. NieR Replicant (ver.1.22474487139)
| Developers | Square Enix, Toylogic Inc. |
| Release Date | 23rd April 2021 |
| Platforms | Xbox One, PS 4 |
This game is an updated version of NieR Replicant (Japan Release) and is the prequel to NieR: Automata. The storyline and gameplay mechanics in this version of the game have seen a vast improvement from its predecessors. The game’s objective is for the male protagonist to pull out his sister from the deadly clutches of Black Scrawl disease.
6. NieR: Automata the End of YoRHa Edition
| Developer | Platinum Games |
| Release Date | 6th October 2022 |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch |
This version of Nier: Automata is exclusive to Nintendo Switch only. The game is an ultimate blend of action-filled sequences that unfold in three types of colosseums. This is a fascinating open-world game in a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors are taking refuge on the Moon while the military attempts to regain control over Earth.
List of Drakengard Games
Drakengard is the origin story of the Nier. The game is, however, just a spinoff and has little to do with the storyline of the NieR games. We have still compiled the list of the Drakengard series in chronological order in case you wish to experience more elaborate gameplay. Below is the list of the Drakengard trilogy in reference to all NieR games.
1. Drakengard
| Developers | Square Enix, Macrospace, Cavia |
| Release Date | 11th September 2003 |
| Platforms | Java, PS 2 |
Drakengard is the mother story of various spinoffs, sequels, and even a prequel. The game outshined its competitors by providing multiple endings according to players’ routes. The ending E of the Drakengard is the origin story of all NieR Games.
The ending E depicted the Japanese government killing Caim as well as the Demon. The killing eventually led to the outbreak of a deadly plague called Black Scrawl. Black Scrawl led to the eradication of the human race, ultimately creating a post-apocalyptic earth.
2. Drakengard 2
| Developers | Cavia |
| Release Date | 16th June 2005 |
| Platforms | PS 2 |
Unlike the other Drakengard parts, Drakengard 2 has nothing to do with the events occurring in any NieR or Drakengard game. This game crusades the player with a separate timeline, which is not canon to the main plotline. Thus, it is not included in the Nier Chronological order.
This game is also known as Drag-On Dragoon 2: love red ambivalence black in Japan and the game sold over 206,00 copies worldwide however, critics and gamers praised the overall gameplay and stotyline but gave mixed reviews regarding the graphics.
3. Drakengard 3
| Developers | Access Games |
| Release Date | 19th December 2013 |
| Platforms | PS 3 |
Drakengard 3 is the prequel to the first Drakengard game. Even though it is not directly canon to all Nier Games, it has a foundational role in the setup of Drakengard 1.
This game takes place 100 years before the events of the first Drakengard game and despite being a prequel this game follows separate timelines which are unrelated to the events of the first Drakengard game.
Drakengard received mixed to average reviews from gamers and critics worldwide and is still enjoyed by many gamers worlwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nier Replicant sequel of Automata?
No, Nier Replicant is the prequel of Nier Automata. Replicant is the remastered version of the original Nier (2010) game. Nier Replicant was released on 23rd April 2021.
Is Drakengard 2 canon?
No, Drakengard 2 is not canon to the main storyline of either Drakengard or NieR. The plot line takes place in an entirely different timeline.
How many endings does NieR Automata have?
NieR Automata has 26 endings! Each ending is unlocked by the choices the player makes throughout the game. Unlocking some endings is relatively complex as they require clearing challenging missions.
Which is the real end of Nier?
The real end of Nier is the ending E. This ending is unlocked when the player accepts the offer of pods to rekindle memories of 9S, 2B & A2.
This was our complete list of all the NieR Games in order and we hope that you guys no have a better understanding of all the above-mentioned games.
If you guys still have any doubts regarding the above information then do let us know in the comments down below and our team will surely get back to you.
