Exploring the overgrown Forest Castle in NieR: Automata yields numerous side quests, but few are as rewarding for completionists as the Treasure Hunt at the Castle mission. Initiated by speaking with the Machine with a Treasure Map, this quest sends Android 2B and 9S across the intricate fortress grounds in search of key fragments. Uncovering these hidden items grants valuable lore and unique gear that helps players prepare for tougher late-game encounters.
Starting the Quest and Gathering Key Pieces
To begin the quest, travel to the Forest Kingdom and locate the friendly machine NPC standing near the castle gate. After accepting the challenge, you will be tasked with locating three distinct key parts scattered across hidden chests within the castle grounds. Navigating the winding corridors requires careful platforming and double-jumping across broken archways.
The first key fragment is situated near the upper library level, hidden behind a stack of debris that requires jumping from the scaffolding. Searching for secondary objectives like this adds great depth to RPG exploration, a topic often highlighted in daily gaming news coverage. The second piece rests inside a chest located near the outer ramparts, guarded by a squad of aggressive machine lifeforms.
Locating the Third Key and Accessing the Vault
Finding the final key piece requires dropping down into a lower courtyard section through a damaged stone floor. Once you secure all three fragments, they combine into the Royal Chamber Key, unlocking the sealed door located in the deep recesses of the castle. Make sure your pod chips and weapons are upgraded before opening this door, as a battle awaits inside.
Beyond the door lies the royal chamber, where players face off against a powerful machine knight protecting the king's grave. Defeating this mini-boss is straightforward if you utilize perfect dodges and keep your distance with long-range pod fire. The reward for clearing the chamber includes exclusive crafting materials and a deeper look into the tragedy of the Forest Kingdom's past.
Hidden Items and Additional Secrets in the Castle
Beyond the main questline items, the Forest Castle houses several locked locked chests that only 9S can open during Route B. These hacking chests contain rare upgrade materials like Machine Arms and high-tier Plug-in Chips that boost combat performance. Taking the time to re-explore the castle during subsequent playthroughs ensures you do not miss out on powerful equipment.
Additionally, climbing to the highest tower of the castle reveals a secret weapon chest containing the Cypress Stick, a fun crossover weapon from the Dragon Quest series. Finding these hidden secrets elevates the overall exploration experience in NieR: Automata, making every detour worthwhile for dedicated players.
