NieR: Automata has a rare kind of staying power. Nearly a decade after launch, it still gets recommended the way true classics do—because the combat feels great, the world is unforgettable, and the story keeps surprising you long after you think you’ve seen everything. Right now, the acclaimed Square Enix action RPG is back in the spotlight thanks to a major Steam discount that drops it to one of its best prices in a long time.
Originally released in 2017, NieR: Automata blends fast, fluid action with a narrative that’s designed to challenge expectations. You step into a devastated, post-apocalyptic Earth where android soldiers fight machine lifeforms in a war that’s far more complicated than it first appears. The game follows key characters including 2B, 9S, and A2, and one of its defining features is how it shifts perspective as you progress. Instead of delivering everything in a single straight run, the story expands through multiple playthroughs, recontextualizing what you thought you knew and rewarding players who keep going.
The current Steam price is $15.99, down from $39.99, reflecting a 60% discount. It’s also close to the game’s all-time low price point, which tends to show up only during select major sales. In some regions, the deal can be even more attractive, making it an especially accessible way to pick up a highly regarded AAA RPG during the current sale period.
Player reception remains one of the strongest indicators of why this game continues to sell and get talked about. NieR: Automata holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam from well over 100,000 user reviews, with frequent praise aimed at its responsive combat, standout soundtrack, and unusual narrative structure that encourages discussion and replays.
From a performance standpoint, it’s also a relatively easy game to run by modern standards. Because it’s a 2017 release, a mid-range CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 970/1060-class GPU is generally enough to get a solid experience. It’s also playable on Steam Deck, which adds to its appeal for anyone building a portable RPG library.
Another reason this deal stands out is that NieR: Automata doesn’t always plunge to extremely low prices the way many big-budget games do. Discounts commonly land in the 50% to 65% range, and deeper cuts are less common. That makes the current 60% off offer a smart moment to jump in—especially if NieR: Automata has been sitting on your wishlist and you’ve been waiting for a strong price without needing to time a once-a-year sale.
