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3 Story-Driven Action RPGs to Play After NieR:Automata

Start with NieR Replicant for the closest creative connection, or choose FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE for expanded Midgar storytelling and Tales of Arise for a cast-focused action RPG.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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If you want more of NieR:Automata’s blend of action, exploration, and narrative emphasis, start with NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…. It is the clearest follow-up through the series’ creative lineage. For a broader cinematic RPG story, try FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE; for a party-focused cast and action battles, consider Tales of Arise. Each shares selected traits with NieR:Automata, but none should be treated as a substitute for its particular story, structure, or combat feel.

What to look for after NieR:Automata

PlatinumGames describes NieR:Automata as an “open-world action RPG” and emphasizes a story intended to prompt varied emotions. That makes action combat, exploration, and narrative focus useful starting points for choosing what to play next. It does not mean another game will recreate Automata’s route structure, tone, or combat feel.

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The picks below are editorial matches based on what their official descriptions establish: creative connection, story scope, cast emphasis, and explicit action-RPG framing. They are not ranked by scores or presented as games tested side by side.

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Which game should you choose?

Game Why it may suit you Key distinction
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… Closest connection to NieR:Automata through the returning creative team; described by Square Enix as an action RPG. A different story and protagonist perspective, not a continuation of 2B, 9S, and A2.
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE A story-led RPG with an expanded, cinematic treatment of the events in Midgar. The first standalone game in a multipart remake project; its story reaches the party’s escape from Midgar.
Tales of Arise A diverse cast, story focus, and stylish action battles, according to Bandai Namco. A cast-centered recommendation, not an established match for NieR:Automata’s structure, tone, or combat.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…: the closest series-level follow-up

Choose NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… if the appeal of Automata includes the creative sensibility behind the series. Square Enix describes the remake as an action RPG and identifies director YOKO TARO, composer Keiichi Okabe, and producer Yosuke Saito as members of the original all-star team returning; the publisher also associates each with NieR:Automata.

#1 Best Overall
Nier, Automata Game of the Yorha Edition - PlayStation 4
  • Game of the YoRHa Edition includes the game along with DLC and bonus content for the full experience of the award winning post-apocalyptic action RPG; See description below for complete details
  • Action packed battles and fluid combat perfect for both newcomers and experienced action gamers
  • Includes RPG elements such as leveling, different weapon types, combat skills, and customizable load outs
  • The desolate open world features beautiful vistas and a wealth of sidequests in addition to the main storyline
  • Pods assist in and outside of battle and can be upgraded with new attack variations and abilities

The connection is creative lineage, not a direct continuation of the same characters. Replicant has a different story and protagonist perspective, so it is the strongest first choice for another game from the series rather than another chapter following 2B, 9S, and A2.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE: a larger cinematic story scope

Pick FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE if you want a story-forward RPG whose treatment of its setting has room to expand. Square Enix says this is the first standalone game in the FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE project and that its story covers up to the party’s escape from Midgar, going deeper into events there than the original.

Rank #2
Sale
Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... - PlayStation 4
  • 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 the main qualification: this installment focuses on the Midgar portion of a multipart project rather than retelling the entire original game in one release. Square Enix’s cited description supports its story framing, but not a detailed comparison of its combat mechanics with NieR:Automata.

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Tales of Arise: a party and cast-focused option

Consider Tales of Arise if you want a group of characters to be central to the experience. Bandai Namco describes a diverse cast, a captivating story, and stylish action battles, making it a reasonable choice for readers seeking narrative alongside action and party emphasis.

Rank #3
Nier Automata: Standard Edition (PS4)
  • 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 official descriptors establish the broad appeal, not a close match to NieR:Automata. They do not establish equivalent combat, story structure, or tone, so choose it for its cast-centered action-RPG pitch rather than an expectation that it will feel like NieR.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... - PlayStation 4
Nier Replicant Ver.1.22474487139... - PlayStation 4
A mesmerizing iconic soundtrack, newly recorded by NieR:Automata composer, Keiichi
$26.89
Bestseller No. 3
Nier Automata: Standard Edition (PS4)
Nier Automata: Standard Edition (PS4)
Action-Packed Battles; Beautifully Desolate Open-World; Masterfully Crafted Story and Characters
$29.99
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nier: Automata (Game Soundtrack)
Nier: Automata (Game Soundtrack)
Import Game - Japanese Version; Compatible with US systems (region free); Japanese language (other languages may be included)
$30.96
Best Value
NieR: Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition (PS4)
  • 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.
Rank #4
Sale
Nier: Automata (Game Soundtrack)
  • Import Game - Japanese Version
  • Compatible with US systems (region free)
  • Japanese language (other languages may be included)
  • Manual and packaging in Japanese language

Sources

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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