As more information surfaces surrounding the forthcoming release ofNier Replicant, the nature and wording of one achievement has become the center of controversy. The achievement is called “Daredevil,” which fans speculate revolves aroundNier Replicant’s intersex character, Kaine.
While the actual in-game requirements for unlocking the “Daredevil” achievement have not been revealed, fans suspect it is something similar to the"What Are You Doing?" achievementplayers unlocked by looking up 2B’s skirt inNier Automata. Both achievements are worded in a nearly identical fashion. The “What Are You Doing?” achievement’s description is given as discovering 2B’s secret 10 times, whereas the “Daredevil” achievement says, “You risked life and limb 10 times to discover someone’s secret.”
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Twitter exploded with reactions to this achievement, many asserting that it fetishizes intersex people. Among those offended by the achievement, many said this could be a deal-breaker regarding whether they would purchase the game or not, with some suggesting the achievement simply be removed from the game. Others were relatively unsurprised by the inclusion, pointing to the “What Are You Doing?” achievement as evidence ofYoko Taro’s historically controversial choices.
While the nature of the achievement seems to be an open-and-shut case, many cautioned against criticizing the game before it released, instead proposing Yoko Taro may have dealt with Kaine in a more tactful manner than this achievement suggests. However, even among those that were not personally offended, most agreed this was a mistake that Square Enix should rectify.
With the official release only a few days away, this controversy stands as a dark cloud hanging over a game that has otherwise been celebrated with tons offan art and appreciation posts. Among the crowd, Twitter user dragonmechanism, identifying themselves as intersex, attempted to shed light on exactly why the achievement was so offensive, citing Kaine as a character they closely identified with.
As the celebration grows surroundingNier Replicant’s release, withcafes opening in Osaka and Tokyo, this incident is a reminder of the difficult subject matter in theNierfranchise. While many Twitter users seem to accept that Square Enix and Taro did not mean to intentionally offend their audience, the fact remains many were hurt, and the group primarily affected is one that is already marginalized. The fix is relatively simple, but whether or not the “Daredevil” achievement is addressed before release remains to be seen.
Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139is coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One on June 15, 2025.
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