FFXIV Introduces Nier Favorite For Update 5.3

It's 2B. That's it, that's the story. Seriously though, the latest update for Final Fantasy XIV is an exciting one, which includes the second chapter in the Nier Automata crossover raid series. And with FFXIV's patch 5.3, we dig deeper into the interconnected storyline that merges the lore of Nier and FFXIV itself. For those looking forward to the Nier questline and are deep into the game already, there are some light spoilers below. You have been warned!

Following the events of The Copied Factory, which was the first entry in the 24-player Nier-themed alliance raid included in update 5.1, many questions surfaced. Why was 9S attacking us and why did we have to fight? Who really is 2P and is she just a reflection of 2B with an inverse color scheme? With the new pre-raid quest we have a slightly clearer picture.

The Dwarves--FFXIV's people centered around the Nier crossover story--had set up a carnival for themselves. Meanwhile, two Dwarven engineers revive 2P following the Copied Factory fight that had us allied with her. While having a grand old time, the Dwarves are bombarded by a number of YoRHa flight units. Several androids reveal themselves in black outfits and it seems as though 2P was ready to fight them.

Such was not the case; the unnamed androids switch to white outfits, showing their true colors and revealing that 2P is with the attacking party. Just before 2P strikes one of the Dwarves, 2B shows up to protect them and engages in a quick duel. Afterward, 2P and her fellow white-clad androids take to their flight units and escape, thus ushering you into the raid itself, The Puppet's Bunker.

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I haven't done The Puppet's Bunker raid yet as the update just went live this morning, but I'm eager to run it later. FFXIV's 24-player alliance raids can be long or difficult on release day since players are still learning the specific mechanics, but I'll be sure to update this article if more neat story beats are revealed during the raid.

Cool, catchy headline, but honestly I just wanted to mention about how great it is to see our beloved android make an appearance, become part of the FFXIV universe, and be a companion you fight alongside. For more on Square Enix's MMORPG, be sure to read my latest interview with FFXIV director and producer Naoki Yoshida. You can also check out my recent interview with Nier creator Yoko Taro where we talk about his latest game, SinoAlice, and his seemingly stubborn demands. And if you're looking to get into the game, read up on how the FFXIV free trial has expanded to include much more content.