NieR Automata: All pod programs - list NieR Automata guide, tips
This guide page for NieR Automata offers a complete list of pod programs - active abilities. We explain how to get 100% of the programs and how to use them.
Last update: 19 August 2021
This page of the NieR Automata game guide summarises all the pod programs, that is, special skills. You will find out how each program works, what are the limits when using programs, and how to acquire or purchase new programs.
Basic information
- You start the game with one program - the R010 Laser - and you will have to obtain the other ones. We have described how to get them below. Try to unlock at least 3 different programs as soon as possible.
- You can have 1 program assigned to 1 pod at any given time. You can have a maximum of 3 pods and we have described the ways to acquire them on the All pods - how to unlock? page. This means that you can have 3 different programs at the ready and quickly switch between them with the directional buttons. An additional advantage of this method is that each program has its own separate cooldown so, while waiting for one skill to go off cooldown, you can quickly switch to another pod with a different program. This allows you to activate up to 3 different programs in a short period of time.
- You can customize the programs to your preferences, but we recommend having at least 1 powerful offensive program at the ready (for example, you can use the starter Laser program). As an example of a non-offensive program, there is the A170 Scanner found in Chapter 8 that can help you find secrets. We recommend testing each newly acquired program to make it easier to choose your favorites.
- The game permanently saves unlocked programs, so you won't lose them when you proceed to Route B and Route C/D in the later stages of the campaign. You will immediately be able to use them despite switching to different playable characters.
- You can charge programs by upgrading your pod. This may increase the program's strength, but it does so at the expense of extending its cooldown.
Program summary
The name of the program / active skill is in the first column of the table. In the second column, you will find information about how it works and how to unlock it. There may be references to one of the chapters of our walkthrough (if the program is linked to progressing the main story or some side quest).
PROGRAM NAME | PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND UNLOCKING METHOD |
R010 Laser | The pod can shoot a large laser beam and it's a great program worth using throughout the entire game. It gets even better if you use the camera lock option on your opponents to reduce the chance of missing. You'll get the program automatically at the start of the game. |
R020 Mirage | The pod can analyze opponents and allow the character to perform a series of attacks in melee combat to damage surrounding enemies. This program can be purchased in stores and it's first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner from the Resistance Camp. |
R030 Hammer | The pod summons the attacking energy of a designated nearby opponent. It can be a good program to attack single strong enemies. This program can be purchased in stores and it's first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner from the Resistance Camp. |
R040 Blade | The pod rotates around the character and inflicts damage to all the surrounding enemies. Unfortunately, the pod cannot shoot at the same time. This program can be purchased in stores and it's first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner from the Resistance Camp. |
R050 Spear | The pod generates the eponymous energy spears, which protrude from the ground and deal damage to the enemies they hit and pierce smaller enemies. It can be a good program for attacking groups of machines. This program can be purchased in stores and it's first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner from the Resistance Camp. |
A060 P Shield | The pod generates a protective shield that can block melee attacks. Unfortunately, it doesn't block projectiles - the R070 program has this functionality. This program can be purchased in stores and it's first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner from the Resistance Camp. |
R070 M Shield | The pod generates a protective shield that is capable of stopping projectiles. Unfortunately, it doesn't block melee attacks - the A060 program has this functionality. This program can be purchased in stores and it's first available at the Maintenance Shop Owner from the Resistance Camp. |
A080 Wave | This pod creates a powerful shock wave that deals heavy damage to all affected opponents. It's best to activate this program when a group of enemies is in front of you. This program is a reward for completing the The Wandering Couple side quest that can be initiated in Machine Village. |
A090 Wire | The pod shoots a rope. If the rope hits an opponent, you will be able to pull them towards you and fight them in melee combat. Keep in mind that you have the option to lock the camera on enemies. This program is a reward for completing the Amnesia side quest that can be initiated in the City Ruins. |
A100 Decoy | The pod creates a copy of the main character that is able to shoot at enemies and distract them from the controlled character. This program can be found in one of the buildings in the City Ruins during Route C/D. It's the building where you start the city gameplay in the beginning of the campaign. |
A110 Slow | The pod forms a dome. It slows down all opponents who were trapped within or who entered it after it appeared. This program is a reward for completing the Data Analysis Freak 2 side quest that can be initiated in the Bunker. |
A120 Repair | The pod generates a healing beam of energy that is able to regenerate the controlled character. It works only if you are currently in the range of the healing field, so it will not work during dynamic battles. This program is a reward for completing the Sorting Trouble 3 side quest that can be initiated in the City Ruins. |
A130 Bomb | The pod shoots bombs that explode throughout the area. This is a good area attack which is especially effective when fighting against groups of opponents. This program is a reward for completing the Find a Present side quest that can be initiated in the Desert. |
A140 Gravity | The pod generates a dome which pulls surrounding opponents towards itself. It should be noted that they do not receive damage from the program itself, but you can immediately use other attacks against them. This program is a reward for completing the Retrieve the Confidential Intel side quest that can be initiated in the City Ruins. |
A150 Volt | The pod electrocutes nearby opponents. In addition to the initial damage, they will also receive additional damage over a period of time. The program is in the Amusement Park near the YoRHa soldier corpse in the location where the tank (an optional mini-boss) appears. You can only find it in Route C/D. |
A160 Missile | The pod turns into a rocket that you can ride on and inflict damage on opponents when you hit them. This program can be found in the Abandoned Factory, but you will only be able to find it during Route C/D. It's not far from where you fought the giant blades in the prologue. |
A170 Scanner | The pod is equipped with a scanner that can be used to find hidden objects. It's a good idea to always have this program assigned to one of the pods and frequently scan the area (even if the current quest does not require it). You'll get the program automatically in Chapter 8 of the game. |