NieR: Automata is a paid action-RPG from PlatinumGames and Square Enix, priced at $59.99 USD for the Game of the YoRHa Edition on Steam (the original base edition is also sold at a lower price). There’s no official free full download — this guide covers the legitimate steps to get it, requirements, and honest pros and cons.
How to Get NieR: Automata (Official Steps)
- Open Steam and search for “NieR: Automata”.
- Confirm the listing is published by Square Enix (developed by PlatinumGames).
- Click Add to Cart, complete checkout, and Steam downloads the game.
- Launch it and begin the story as 2B — note that multiple story routes and endings are core to the experience.
- Install any recommended community fixes if you experience frame-pacing issues, a known quirk of the original PC port.
Ways to Get It for Less
- Steam sales: Frequently discounted 50–60% off during Steam seasonal sale events.
- Base edition vs. Game of the YoRHa Edition: The base edition is cheaper if you don’t need the bundled cosmetic DLC.
- Bundle deals: Sometimes bundled with the original NieR Replicant remaster.
System Requirements for NieR: Automata
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 SP1/8.1/10 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-2100T / AMD equivalent | Intel Core i5-3450 or better |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB+ |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 770 / AMD R9 270 | Nvidia GTX 970 or better |
| Storage | ~50 GB free space | SSD recommended |
Pros and Cons of NieR: Automata
✅ Pros
- Widely praised story, philosophy-driven narrative, and multiple distinct playthroughs
- Acclaimed soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe
- Fast, stylish action combat from PlatinumGames
- Game of the YoRHa Edition bundles in cosmetic DLC at no extra cost
❌ Cons
- The original PC port had known frame-pacing and input issues, though community fixes and later patches largely address this
- Multiple required playthroughs to see the full story can feel repetitive to some players
- Higher price for a game originally released years earlier on console
Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC
Available on Steam.
🎮 PlayStation / Xbox
Available on PS4 and Xbox One/Series storefronts.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Play NieR: Automata
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NieR: Automata free to download?
No, it’s a paid game priced up to $59.99 for the Game of the YoRHa Edition on Steam, with no official free full-game download.
Is it safe to download from third-party “free download” sites?
No, only buy through Steam or official console storefronts.
Does the PC version have performance issues?
The original PC port had known frame-pacing quirks, though official patches and community fixes have largely improved the experience over time.
Do I need to play the original NieR first?
No, Automata was designed to stand on its own, though NieR Replicant adds extra context for longtime fans.
How many endings does it have?
The game features multiple distinct story routes and endings as a core part of its design.
This page is written for informational purposes to help you find the official, safe way to play NieR: Automata. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.
