NieR Automata: Controls NieR Automata guide, tips

Moving.

Toggling Pod's flashlight - it's useful when exploring dark locations, such as sewers.

Looking around.

In the sections that show the action from above, the analog stick can be used to choose the firing direction.

Reset camera position.

Activating the Pod Program - this is an active skill set to a specific Pod (a robot that follows the main character). At the beginning of the game this will be a strong laser attack, but later you will unlock additional pods, which can be set as active in the inventory menu.

Lock-on - this option allows you to lock the camera on the enemy you were facing when you pressed the button. This function works only at a easy and normal level of difficulty and it helps a lot in delivering more effective attacks (especially long-range) and avoiding enemy attacks.

Light attack - you can also perform combos.

Heavy attack - you can perform combos, too, and hold the triangle to charge a very strong attack.

Jump - you can press the button again in mid-air to perform a double jump.

Holding down the button during flight activates slow descent.

Interact -this button is used e.g. for lifting the loot, initiating conversations, scrolling through dialogues, confirming choices and interacting with objects in the environment.

Evade - This is a very important function. The evade can be used during fights (preferably just before the enemy finishes the attack), as well as in flight and to start sprinting.

If you did a perfect evade, then you can quickly press Square, Triangle or R1 to counter.

Long-range attack - the Pod will start firing from its installed gun. This type of attack is unlimited, but also quite weak by default. Regardless, it's a highly recommended technique for weakening many enemies safely.

Weapon selection menu - this is a shortcut that allows you to quickly select a new weapon or Weapon Set, without having to open a separate inventory menu.

Previous Pod - this action only works when a new Pod is found (only one is available when the game starts).

Next Pod - this action only works when a new Pod is found (only one is available when the game starts).

Disposable item menu - this is a shortcut, thanks to which you can quickly select e.g. a medicine without having to open a separate inventory menu.

Pressing the left part of the touchpad activates the shortcut menu.

Pressing the right side of the touchpad activates the System Menu, which contains e.g. the map, inventory, skills tab or game options.

Activate the System Menu (same as pressing the right side of the touchpad).