2B (Nier: Automata)
YoRHa No. 2 Type B, commonly known as 2B, 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.
| YoRHa No. 2 Type B | |
|---|---|
| Drakengard character | |
Official artwork by Akihiko Yoshida | |
| First game | Nier: Automata (2017) |
| Created by | Yoko Taro |
| Designed by | Akihiko Yoshida |
| Voiced by | EN: Kira Buckland JP: Yui Ishikawa |
| Motion capture | Kaori Kawabuchi |
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.