NieR Automata: Berserker Mode - how to use? NieR Automata guide, tips
Last update: 16 August 2021
On this page of the guide to NieR Automata you will find information and tips on how to use Berseker Mode which is kind of the equivalent of fury mode. You will find out what changes once the Berserker Mode is activated and what potential dangers it entails.
This page contains spoilers about the third playable character, which becomes available later in the campaign. However, we tried to avoid any spoilers related to the events of the main storyline of the game.
Unlocking the mode
- Berseker Mode is not available for either 2B or 9S, that is, the first two playable characters of the game. These heroes must rely on other techniques during combat.
- Berserker Mode is reserved for A2, that is, for the third playable character of the game, which you will be able to control when playing Route C and Route D. The game will inform you that the mode is available during the boss fight in Chapter 12.
- Berserker Mode is activated by pushing down both analogue knobs (L3 R3). This activates a self-destruction mechanism, which was also available for 2B and 9S, but in the case of A2, the character won't explode; instead, fury mode will be activated.
- Berserker Mode needs about 2 seconds to activate and you can not be hit by anyone during this time, as this will disrupt the activation process. It is best to try to activate it while standing further away from enemies (especially those moving fast).
How it works and how to use it
Berserker Mode significantly increases the damage dealt in melee combat. You can use it to eliminate low-tier opponents and weaken stronger enemies much more effectively. When you activate the mode, run up to the enemies and attack them quickly.
Turning on the Berserker Mode gradually depletes A2's health bar. This means two things:
- you must hurry to make the most of Berserker Mode,
- you have to remember that the Berserker Mode will turn off automatically when A2's health reaches a minimal level.
Especially the latter of these rules makes relying on the Berserker Mode risky, because you can easily die when it deactivates. You can quickly try to heal yourself, or use either of the chips described below.
Increasing the power of Berserker Mode with chips
Fury mode can become significantly more useful if you install the chips that will heal your character. In general, the idea here is to reduce the risk of accidental death caused by the Berserker Mode. The most important types of chips to install are:
1) Auto-use Item - Having this chip may save you from being on the verge of dying after Berserker Mode deactivates. A2 will automatically take the medicine after Berserker Mode has ended.
2) Deadly Heal / Offensive Heal - both these chip categories restore some health points when you attack the enemies. The deadly Heal chip is more effective, enabling you to get a large, one-time increase in energy (in the example from the picture it's 30% for each enemy killed). This is especially useful when fighting weak enemy groups, because the lost health points can be immediately restored in full or in part.