In the rich and detailed world of NieR: Automata, resources and crafting materials play a vital role in upgrading weapons, enhancing pod programs, and completing quests. One such item that often comes up during gameplay is the Stripped Screw. Despite its unassuming name, this common yet important component can be essential for progression. Whether you’re upgrading weapons for 2B, 9S, or A2, or simply completing side quests, knowing where to find and how to use Stripped Screws can save you time and effort during your journey through the desolate beauty of a post-apocalyptic Earth.
What Is a Stripped Screw in NieR: Automata?
The Stripped Screw is a type of crafting material in NieR: Automata. It’s categorized as a common drop item that can be found by defeating specific machine enemies or exploring certain areas. Though it may not seem important at first, it becomes increasingly valuable as you begin to improve your weapons or fulfill side missions that require machine parts.
Description in the Game
In the in-game inventory, the description of the Stripped Screw might read something like: A machine part. Its thread is worn down, making it difficult to reuse. This reflects its status as a discarded piece from the many machines populating the game world. Despite being considered ‘junk’ by some, it’s one of those components you’ll want to collect in bulk.
Where to Find Stripped Screws
Stripped Screws can be acquired from various locations and enemies throughout NieR: Automata. However, certain methods are more efficient than others, depending on your current chapter and objectives. Below are the most reliable ways to farm Stripped Screws.
Enemy Drops
One of the most common ways to obtain Stripped Screws is by defeating small bipedal machines. These machines can be found in multiple regions of the game, but some spots are more fruitful than others.
- City Ruins: The areas near the Resistance Camp and the bridge leading to the Desert Zone are crawling with small bipedal machines. These enemies frequently drop Stripped Screws when defeated.
- Desert Zone: Especially during your first visit, you’ll encounter a number of machine lifeforms that can yield Stripped Screws. The desert is an open area with frequent enemy respawns, making it a good place to farm.
- Factory (Prologue and Later Visits): Machines inside the factory often drop this material, especially if you revisit it in later chapters or during side quests.
Enemy Types to Target
For farming purposes, focus on these enemy types:
- Small Stubby Machines: These are the basic enemies with round heads and stubby limbs. They appear frequently and are easy to defeat.
- Small Bipedal Machines: Slightly more agile, but still low-risk. They have a higher chance of dropping mechanical parts, including Stripped Screws.
Best Farming Locations
To maximize efficiency, consider returning to the following farming hotspots:
- Desert Camp Zone: Respawning enemies near the save point make it convenient to farm and rest.
- Near City Ruins Entrance: Many low-level enemies appear here, and they often drop the items you’re looking for.
- Underground Factory: This area is more difficult, but offers a rich supply of machine parts.
How to Use Stripped Screws
Stripped Screws serve multiple purposes throughout NieR: Automata. Primarily, they are used in crafting and upgrading. Their value increases as you delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and upgrade systems.
Weapon Upgrades
Most early-game weapons and some mid-tier weapons require Stripped Screws as part of the materials list for level upgrades. Examples include:
- Virtuous Contract: One of 2B’s default swords that benefits from screw-related components in its early upgrades.
- Beastlord: A powerful greatsword that also requires machine parts like Stripped Screws in its upgrade path.
Upgrading weapons enhances their damage output, combo potential, and sometimes unlocks hidden weapon stories that add lore to the game. Collecting materials like Stripped Screws is essential to experience this layer of depth.
Pod Upgrades
While less common for pod programs, Stripped Screws can occasionally be part of materials required for pod enhancement. Pods play an important tactical role in ranged combat and special attacks, making their upgrades beneficial throughout all playthroughs.
Quests and Side Missions
Several NPCs will request help with mechanical repairs or crafting items. Stripped Screws may appear on their item lists. Always keep a stash of basic machine parts, as it prevents unnecessary backtracking during side quest completion.
Tips for Efficient Farming
If you’re looking to gather a large number of Stripped Screws efficiently, here are some strategic tips to consider:
Use Item Drop Rate Plug-in Chips
Equipping chips that increase item drop rates will significantly improve your efficiency when farming. These plug-in chips can be found or bought later in the game, and they make every enemy encounter more rewarding.
Cycle Save Points
Kill enemies in a chosen area, collect their drops, then return to a nearby save point to reload and reset enemy spawns. This method allows endless farming without running long distances.
Don’t Sell Too Soon
It can be tempting to sell common materials for money early in the game, but resist the urge. Many players regret selling Stripped Screws only to realize they need them later for a critical weapon upgrade.
Stripped Screws and the Lore of NieR: Automata
Interestingly, even mundane items like Stripped Screws contribute to the overall atmosphere and story of NieR: Automata. Each piece of machine debris reminds players of the ongoing war between androids and machines. A worn, unusable screw hints at a former battle or a malfunctioning unit left behind. The game’s attention to detail turns even junk into silent storytellers.
The repetition of machine parts like Stripped Screws highlights the endless cycle of violence and reconstruction that permeates the game’s philosophical undertones. Collecting them may be gameplay-driven, but they also add texture to the world around you.
In the expansive and emotional journey that is NieR: Automata, even the smallest components serve a purpose. The Stripped Screw is more than just a piece of broken machinery it’s a valuable resource that helps players grow stronger and understand the world more deeply. From upgrading weapons to fulfilling NPC requests, this simple item carries weight in both mechanics and meaning. Whether you’re exploring the desolate ruins or preparing for an intense boss fight, keeping an eye out for Stripped Screws will ensure you’re always one step ahead.