NieR Automata Sequel Feels Imminent After Anime and Reincarnation

The NieR series is absolutely incredible and is enjoying the popularity and success it has deserved since the first game (with two versions) back in 2010. However, there is a major problem. With the end of the NieR Automata anime and Reincarnation, the series’ fans have nothing to look forward to now. As such, it feels like now is the time for a new game and true NieR Automata sequel.

Backing up a bit, NieR Automata first came out in 2017. It followed after a lengthy seven years of development following after the original NieR on the previous generation. Since then, sure, we have had Reincarnation, but that is a spin-off mobile game. There hasn’t been a true third mainline title in the series in, you guessed it, more than seven years.

We just passed the gap between the two first games in real time. In addition, we are now in a new generation of consoles as well. The parallels here are pretty neat, while the series continues to be a popular one for Square Enix. It seems like 2025 is just the right time to announce and release the next game in the series.

But the long wait since NieR Automata isn’t the only factor to consider. There is also the element of how series fans like myself have nothing to look forward to now from NieR. NieR Reincarnation shut down earlier this year in April 2024. This was quite disappointing, as it was arguably the best, most professional free-to-play mobile gacha game I ever played.

And to make matters worse, the anime series NieR Automata Ver1.1a ended its run in September 2024. There is no new substantial content of any kind to look forward to now. But it still doesn’t stop there. What has Yoko Taro been up to the last few years? The wacky and lovable director of the series is in a bit of a slow period right now.

The last notable works Taro created was the NieR and KamiErabi anime series. The latter is still ongoing but Yoko Taro has shown he can work on multiple products at once. In addition, he hasn’t worked on a notable game since the Voice of Cards titles in 2021 and 2022. Considering he worked on smaller titles in the same vein of these like SINoALICE at the same time as NieR Automata, it seems plausible he’s been cooking up something else all this time.

2025 just seems like the right time for this third title to come out. Interestingly enough, Square Enix’s slate of games next year is a bit light from what we know so far. All we know about right now is Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. To make matters worse, that is potentially in the first half of the year if I had to guess, so that means a barren year otherwise.

Without any other major announcements, this would be potentially the lightest year in Square Enix’s history. Kingdom Hearts 4 seems a bit too soon for 2025. The final part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy feels like 2027 at the earliest. The next FFXIV expansion shouldn’t come out until 2026. Outside of other remakes, smaller titles like perhaps a Harvestella 2, or possibly a new Bravely Default, 2025 looks lonely for Square Enix titles at best.

That is, unless a NieR Automata sequel comes out. This series has transcended from the niche market into the more mainstream side of RPGs. This would be a monumental experience for the current consoles of PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and possibly the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Now seems like the right time for a NieR game to be announced and released in 2025. So, don’t let us down, Yoko Taro.

NieR Automata is available right now for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The anime adaptation is also available to stream on Crunchyroll.