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NieR: Automata rewards players heavily for playing aggressively and quickly taking out their enemies before they even get the chance to attack. That being said, there are multiple ways to counter incoming attacks, with the lesser-known one being counter.
Countering is done against melee attacks and works very differently than the basic dodge as it’s not always activated and is an option, much like self-destructing. For those looking to invest some chip space, here’s how to unlock and use the counter mechanic.
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How To Enable Countering In NieR: Automata
Unlike dodging, you’ll need to a plug-in chip labeled Counter equipped to be able to do it. This can be purchased in the Resistance Camp or from Emil, dropped from dead enemies, or found on a dead android. The amount of damage done by a counter is a percentage of the enemy’s attack, with the exact percentage being determined by the chip you equip. Only when you have a counter chip equipped will you be able to counter, otherwise the mechanic won’t work at all.
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How To Counter In NieR: Automata
With a Counter Chip installed, wait for an enemy to use a melee attack, and right before it connects, move slightly toward them. The exact controls will differ based on your system:
- PC – Use the movement keys and just tap the ones in the direction of the enemy.
- Any console/controller – flick the movement joystick in the direction of the attacking enemy.
This needs to be done right when the enemy’s attack is going to hit, and when done correctly it will trigger the counter. During a counter, you are invulnerable to other incoming damage, and the enemy hit by the counter will be knocked back, dealing damage and also interrupting their combo. The action done to trigger the counter needs to be different than simply moving in the direction of the enemy and waiting for them to get in range; it will need to be an independent action done when you’re first standing still.
Is Dodging Or Countering Better
This mostly comes down to the enemy you’re facing, but there are many enemies with long attack combos, and using a counter is great for interrupting them. Trying to dodge long combos will often lead to a more defensive play style as you’ll be more focused on dodging that attacking, while a counter will let you turn the tables on your enemy and start your own combo in the middle of theirs, and it’s further made effective when taunting enemies.
- Released
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March 7, 2017
- Engine
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Proprietary Engine
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- How Long To Beat
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22 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty
