Before you rush off, a crucial note. While the Codex version provides the best technical performance, it does not provide the best online experience. You miss:
The "Best" Hybrid Solution:
| Aspect | Official Steam Version (pre-2021) | CODEX Release (2018-2021) | |--------|----------------------------------|----------------------------| | Fullscreen | Fake borderless window (performance loss) | True fullscreen via FAR mod pre-patched | | Resolution | Locked to 900p upscaled to 1080p (blurry) | Fixed to native 1080p/4K | | Stuttering | Frequent (asset loading) | Reduced (custom .exe tweaks) | | Crashes | Random, especially on AMD GPUs | More stable due to removed telemetry |
The CODEX version often came pre-patched with the FAR (Fix Automata Resolution) mod, which was essential for:
Note: In July 2021, Square Enix released an official patch for Steam that finally fixed most of these issues. The CODEX version is now largely obsolete for performance reasons.
Square Enix finally released an official patch in July 2021. The Steam version now includes:
Today, you do not need the Codex version. The official YoRHa Edition on sale (often for $15-$20) plus the free NieR: Automata HD Texture Pack from Nexus Mods is objectively the best experience. It supports the developers, you get Steam achievements, cloud saves, and no risk of malware from random torrents.
As of 2026 – No.
Here’s why:
If you absolutely cannot buy the game, the CODEX release still works – but it’s no longer superior.
Because the Codex version runs locally without cloud sync interference, accessing your save data is trivial. This is vital for NieR: Automata because of its famous "Ending E." (Minor non-spoofing spoiler: Ending E involves a choice that deletes your save file). In the Codex version, backing up your GameData.dat file to preserve your 60-hour grind is a simple copy-paste job, whereas Steam Cloud requires disabling the internet.