The narrative is designed to be played multiple times, as each "playthrough" reveals critical new perspectives and plot points. Route A: The Soldier's Duty
The story begins with , a stoic combat android, and 9S , an inquisitive scanner android, as they carry out missions for the Council of Humanity. They discover that the "mindless" machines on Earth are beginning to exhibit human emotions, culture, and even pacifism. The journey culminates in a battle against Adam and Eve, twin machines who evolved to look human. After defeating them, 2B is forced to kill a corrupted 9S, though his consciousness survives by uploading to a nearby machine. Route B: The Seeker's Truth
This is considered the . After completing the previous routes, the player's support Pods (153 and 042) refuse to delete the characters' data, despite orders. They engage in a "meta" battle against the game's credits to salvage the androids' consciousness. This ending offers a glimmer of hope that, despite their tragic programming, the characters might find a new path in a world without masters.
begins to understand the machines' perspective through 2B’s memories.The story ends with a choice between 9S and A2, leading to different tragic conclusions for the characters. Route E: The [E]nd of YoRHa