Nier Automata weapons – clean overview that actually helps

You want a setup that feels good, looks sharp, and doesn’t collapse late game. That’s the point here. We’ll keep it simple: what each weapon type does, which blades are worth chasing, how to upgrade without burning rare drops, and the combos that make fights flow. No fluff – just a steady path from the Prologue to the credits (and beyond).

How the system really works

There are four weapon families – small swords, large swords, spears, and combat bracers. You run two weapon sets at once and swap mid-fight. That swap is the secret sauce. It lets you stitch fast light strings into slow heavy finishers, cancel recovery, and keep pressure up without panic dodges. Also, every weapon has a short story that expands with upgrades. Tiny, haunting blurbs – and yes, they’re worth the trouble.

What changes the feel of combat

• Attack speed and weight – bracers are blinding, large swords are thunderous, spears sit in the middle.
• Hitboxes and reach – big blades control space; small swords weave in and out.
• Cancel windows – weapon swap, dodge, and Pod programs trim dead time between hits.

Weapon categories at a glance

Best weapons – practical picks that stay good

There’s no single winner, but a few blades feel right from early game to Route C. If you don’t want to overthink, the Virtuous set is a safe bet – quick, elegant, and thematically on point.

Top recommendations by type

Quick loadouts that just work

• Virtuous Contract + Virtuous Treaty – fast starter into heavy enders; easy cancels.
• Type-40 Sword + Beastlord – grounded control, safe knockdown loops.
• Phoenix Dagger + Phoenix Lance – smooth mid-range, helpful sustain.
• Virtuous Grief + Type-3 Blade – speedy checks into reliable finishers.

Upgrades – where to spend, what to skip

Every weapon goes to level 4. Levels 1-3 happen at any blacksmith; level 4 needs the Forest Kingdom master after his short quest. The jump from 3 to 4 is pricey but worth it on your main pair.

Common materials and how to get them

Smart upgrade route

• Pick one main and one backup – take both to 4. The impact is obvious.
• Don’t spread mats across ten blades “just because.” Depth beats width.
• Only push niche picks if they feed a build (regen set, aerial focus, counter play).

Weapon stories – why these blades feel human

Each weapon carries a four-part story that reveals more with every level. The tone is quiet and sharp – grief, duty, love, regret. It’s light on words, heavy on weight. You don’t need them for basic clears, but collecting them ties the game’s themes together. Think of it as a museum you build while fighting.

Memorable examples without spoilers

• Virtuous Treaty – the burden of vows and what’s left after failure.
• Beastbane – mercy, consequences, and a blade that remembers both.
• Faith – devotion that outlives its owner, rust and all.

Combos – the rhythm that carries you

The trick isn’t “more buttons” – it’s cleaner timing. Two habits will carry you: cancel recovery with a quick dodge or Pod program, and swap weapons mid-string to reset pace.

Staple routes to memorize

• Light → Light → Pod Laser → Dodge → Heavy – safe, keeps pressure.
• Aerial Light ×3 → Pod Spear → Aerial Heavy – flyers melt, ground mobs get clipped.
• Dodge (perfect) → Bracer flurry → Swap → Heavy finisher – punish on autopilot.

Pod programs as glue

Laser cleans up whiffs on big blades. Mirage fills dead time for small swords and bracers. Spear helps with crowd checks. Slide them in right as the swing ends and you’ll feel the fight smooth out.

Playstyles – build to your hands, not the meta

Character fits – who likes what

2B

Loves small + large sword pairs. Virtuous Contract into Virtuous Treaty is the classic “fast into heavy” feel. Add Laser or Mirage to keep strings clean.

9S

Lightweight swords suit him – Faith or Virtuous Contract. Hacking covers his damage spikes; your blade handles control and confirms.

A2

Her kit sings with large swords and spears. Beastlord in Berserk is a show. Phoenix Lance gives steady mid-range and tiny sustain between bursts.

Route C/D – what actually holds up

Enemies hit harder, pile in faster, and resist lazy play. You want reach, stagger, and at least one safety valve (regen or quick recovery). These stay relevant:

• Beastlord – boss breaker with A2, room clearer on charged swings.
• Type-3 Blade – steady neutral, honest damage, easy cancels.
• Phoenix Lance – mid-range control, small heals that add up.
• Faith – crisp strings on 9S, good feel against agile foes.

Material planning for late game

• Keep 3 Memory Alloys and 1 Meteorite banked before major beats.
• Farm Factory loops for alloys; check Emil after route milestones for rare stock.
• Don’t liquidate every Machine Core – hold a couple for trades or sudden upgrades.

Hidden and missable weapons – quick directions

• Emil Heads – in Emil’s house after specific story progress. Absurd, heavy-hitting, very Nier.
• Iron Pipe – near the sewer tunnel. Low stats, high nostalgia.
• Dragoon Lance – Forest Kingdom rooftops (fliers). Fun reach, stylish thrusts.
• Cruel Blood Oath – desert ruin chest; pairs well with Virtuous for a “light/dark” theme.

Common mistakes – easy to fix

• Upgrading everything a little – focus two weapons; depth beats breadth.
• Ignoring Pod cancels – they’re free damage and safety.
• Forgetting the second loadout – it’s a built-in bailout and combo reset.
• Selling rare mats early – cores and meteorite are more useful than they look.

Quick troubleshooting – when fights feel off

Sometimes the game just feels “sticky.” It’s usually one of three things:

• Recovery frames too long – add Mirage or Laser to clip them.
• Whiffing enders – swap to a spear or longer blade for confirms.
• Burning heals – try Phoenix Lance, reposition more, stop mashing dodge.

Micro tips that stack up fast

• Delay dodge a beat – perfect dodges hand you free punish windows.
• Light → Light → Heavy is safer than spam – you’ll feel the difference.
• Swap just before impact on your heavy – it resets rhythm and lets you loop.
• Use air time – small swords juggle flyers better than any Pod spam.

FAQ

What’s the best overall weapon?

There isn’t a single winner. For most players, Virtuous Contract or Type-3 Blade are the steadiest anchors.

Which two should I take to level 4 first?

One fast blade (Virtuous Contract or Faith) and one heavy (Beastlord or Type-3 Blade). That pair covers everything.

Is Phoenix Lance really worth it?

Yes. The regen is tiny, but the reach and tempo make tough rooms calmer and safer.

What Pod programs fit melee best?

Laser for cleanup, Mirage for filler, Spear for groups. Rotate as needed.

Do weapon stories matter for gameplay?

Not for numbers. For mood and worldbuilding – absolutely. They’re part of the magic.

How do I stop whiffing big swings?

Confirm with a short string first or switch to a spear for the starter, then swap to the heavy.

What’s a simple starter loadout?

Virtuous Contract + Type-3 Blade with Laser. Easy route, no headaches.

Final thoughts

Nier Automata weapons aren’t just stats – they’re little time capsules. You swing them for damage, sure, but you also carry memories the world forgot. Build a set that fits your hands, not a chart. Keep a fast blade for control, a big edge for statement hits, and a spear when space gets tight. Mix in Pod cancels, swap mid-string, and let the music set your timing. That’s when the combat clicks – not loud, just right.

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