If you want another game with a strong story and action-RPG foundations after NieR:Automata, start with NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…. Its connection to the series’ creative team makes it the clearest next stop. For a different kind of story-led RPG, consider FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE; for a party-centered adventure with action battles, try Tales of Arise. These games share selected features with NieR:Automata, but none should be treated as a replica of its story, tone, or combat.
What makes a good follow-up to NieR:Automata?
PlatinumGames describes NieR:Automata as an “open-world action RPG” and presents its story as an experience intended to prompt varied emotions. Those provide useful guideposts for choosing what to play next: action-RPG elements, exploration, and a narrative that matters.
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The recommendations below connect to one or more of those qualities, but the available official descriptions do not establish that they reproduce Automata’s route structure, tone, or combat feel. Choose based on what you most want more of: NieR’s creative lineage, a substantial cinematic story, or a cast-centered JRPG.
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| Game | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… | More of NieR’s creative lineage | An action-RPG remake whose original all-star team includes people also associated with NieR:Automata; it has a different story and protagonist perspective. |
| FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE | A story-forward RPG with a substantial, cinematic scope | The first standalone game in a multipart remake project; its story covers the party’s escape from Midgar and expands on events there. |
| Tales of Arise | A diverse cast and action battles | Its publisher highlights a captivating story, a diverse cast, and stylish action battles. |
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…: the closest series-level follow-up
Choose NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… if what you want most is another game connected to NieR’s creative roots. Square Enix describes it as an action RPG and says the original all-star team returned for the remake. The page names director YOKO TARO, composer Keiichi Okabe, and producer Yosuke Saito, associating each with NieR:Automata as well.
#1 Best Overall
- Action-Packed Battles - Players will switch between using melee and ranged attacks in battle against hordes of enemies and challenging bosses across a variety of open field maps.
- Beautifully Desolate Open-World - The game seamlessly joins together hauntingly beautiful vistas and locations with no area loading.
- Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters - NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their ferocious battle to reclaim a machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful weapons known as machine lifeforms.
- Elements of an RPG - Players will obtain a variety of weapon types, level up in battle, learn new combat skills, and customise a loadout that caters to their playstyle.
- Utilise the Pod Support System to Assist In and Outside of Battle - Pods can attack the enemy in both manual and lock-on modes.
This is not a continuation of 2B, 9S, and A2. It tells a different story from a different protagonist’s perspective, so approach it as another entry in the series’ creative lineage rather than a direct sequel.
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE: a broad, cinematic story
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is a good option if you want a story-led RPG with room to develop its setting and events. Square Enix describes it as the first standalone game in the FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE project. Its story covers up to the party’s escape from Midgar, while going deeper into events there than the original game.
Rank #2
- Uncover the truth behind the world of NieR and prepare to question everything in this dark, twisting tale
- Journey alongside an unlikely group of allies through a ruined world, plagued by sickness and monstrous horrors
- A mesmerizing iconic soundtrack, newly recorded by NieR:Automata composer, Keiichi
- Fight back dreadful enemies with a visceral, uniquely customizable blend of swordplay and powerful magic
That scope is also the key caveat: this installment focuses on the Midgar portion of the larger project, rather than telling the entire FINAL FANTASY VII story. The official page establishes its story framing, but does not provide enough detail to make a grounded comparison of its combat mechanics with NieR:Automata.
Tales of Arise: a cast-centered action JRPG
Pick Tales of Arise if you are looking for a party and cast focus alongside action. Bandai Namco describes it as having a diverse cast, a captivating story, and stylish action battles—an explicit combination that suits readers seeking a character-led JRPG with action.
Rank #3
- Action-Packed Battles
- Beautifully Desolate Open-World
- Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters
- Elements of an RPG
- Utilise the Pod Support System to Assist In and Outside of Battle
Those points make it a useful match by broad features, not proof that its combat, structure, or tone closely resembles NieR:Automata.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose by what you want more of
- More NieR connections: Begin with NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… for its action-RPG format and returning creative-team members.
- A story with a defined, expanded setting: Try FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE if the Midgar-focused scope and multipart project appeal to you.
- A party and action battles: Choose Tales of Arise for the cast-centered emphasis and publisher-described stylish action.
These are editorial matches based on each game’s described features, not tested comparisons of controls, accessibility, platform editions, or current availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Import Game - Japanese Version
- Compatible with US systems (region free)
- Japanese language (other languages may be included)
- Manual and packaging in Japanese language
Sources
- PlatinumGames: NieR:Automata
- Square Enix: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
- Square Enix: FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE
- Bandai Namco: Tales of Arise
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