2B (Nier: Automata)

YoRHa No. 2 Type B
Drakengard character
Artwork by Akihiko Yoshida
First gameNier: Automata (2017)
Created byYoko Taro
Designed byAkihiko Yoshida
Voiced byEN: Kira Buckland
JA: Yui Ishikawa
Motion captureKaori Kawabuchi

YoRHa No. 2 Type B,[a] commonly known as 2B,[b] is a fictional android from the 2017 video game Nier: Automata, a spin-off of the Drakengard series developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. One of the game's three protagonists, 2B is a soldier for YoRHa, an android task force fighting a proxy war with alien-created Machine Lifeforms. Her story arc focuses on her backstory within YoRHa, and her relationship with her partner 9S, a reconnaissance android. She is also featured in related media, such as the anime Nier: Automata Ver1.1a.

2B was created by Yoko Taro, director and lead writer of Nier: Automata, and designed by artist Akihiko Yoshida. The producer, Yosuke Saito, asked Yoshida to design a character who would be fun to cosplay. She is voiced by Kira Buckland in English, and Yui Ishikawa in Japanese; her motion capture actress is Kaori Kawabuchi.

Reception of the character has been generally positive, with some journalists noting her design as a prominent example of haute couture, while being controversial for its overt sexualization and fetish wear-like clothing. Her doll-like artificial beauty contrasts with the simplistic designs of the enemies she faces, a narrative element that is later subverted for dramatic effect. A popular character with series fans, 2B appears in both crossovers and merchandise.
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