YoRHa 2B: the iconic android warrior of NieR Automata

When Machines Dream and Androids Weep

Few modern video games have achieved the emotional resonance and philosophical depth of NieR Automata. Developed by PlatinumGames and directed by Yoko Taro, this 2017 title didn’t just redefine action RPGs — it redefined what video games could say about existence. At the heart of its story lies YoRHa, a mysterious military organization composed entirely of androids designed to reclaim Earth from alien machines.

Among these androids, one name shines brighter than all others: YoRHa No. 2 Type B, better known as 2B. Elegant, stoic, and quietly tragic, she became the face of NieR Automata and one of gaming’s most iconic characters. Her blindfolded eyes and flawless combat grace symbolize both perfection and fragility — a reflection of the game’s haunting central question: What does it mean to be alive?

The Birth of YoRHa: Humanity’s Last Line of Defense

In the universe of NieR Automata, Earth has long been abandoned by humans. After a devastating alien invasion, the last remnants of mankind fled to the Moon, leaving behind a world ravaged by mechanical lifeforms. To reclaim their lost planet, humans created YoRHa, an elite squad of android soldiers built for efficiency, obedience, and sacrifice.

The term “YoRHa” itself comes from a Japanese contraction meaning “Kept Secret.” It reflects the organization’s cold, bureaucratic nature — a system that thrives on control and concealment. YoRHa androids are not meant to question; they are meant to serve.

But Yoko Taro’s narrative genius turns this concept on its head. As the story unfolds, the androids begin to feel. They experience doubt, grief, even love. Their programming collides with emotion, creating one of the most profound commentaries on consciousness in any video game.

YoRHa and NieR Automata: The Beginning of a Modern Myth

When NieR Automata launched in 2017, expectations were modest. The previous NieR (2010) was a cult hit but not a blockbuster. Yet within months, NieR Automata sold millions of copies, earning universal acclaim for its combat, soundtrack, and story structure — especially its multiple endings that redefined player agency.

The YoRHa project became an instant phenomenon. Fans were drawn to the combination of Gothic aesthetics, cyberpunk philosophy, and surreal storytelling. Each YoRHa android had a purpose — and a personality that transcended code.

• 2B (YoRHa No.2 Type B): The calm, disciplined soldier who hides her emotions behind a blindfold.
• 9S (YoRHa No.9 Type S): The inquisitive scanner android who represents curiosity and vulnerability.
• A2 (YoRHa Type A No.2): The rogue prototype who symbolizes rebellion and survival.

2B: The Face of YoRHa

While NieR Automata features many characters, 2B is undeniably its heart. Voiced by Kira Buckland (English) and Yui Ishikawa (Japanese), 2B is both warrior and philosopher — an android who obeys orders yet suffers under their weight.

“Glory to mankind.” Those words, repeated by every YoRHa soldier, sound patriotic — but in context, they’re tragic. They symbolize blind faith in a system built on lies. 2B knows the truth: YoRHa’s mission is doomed. Yet she continues to fight, because that’s what she was made to do.

Her internal conflict — duty versus desire — defines her character arc. It’s why she resonates so deeply with players: she mirrors our own struggle between responsibility and longing.