9S (full designation YoRHa No. 9 Type S (Scanner)) is a recurring guest character in the Final Fantasy series. Typically issued alongside fellow YoRHa unit 2B, 9S is the deuteragonist of the 2017 Square Enix hybrid RPG NieR:Automata.

Created by the same project that produced 2B, 9S is a scanner unit participating in the proxy war between humans and alien assailants that takes place in 11945 CE. From the space base known as the Bunker, 9S is initially assigned to provide support for 2B. His true motivation, however, is kept secret, even as the bond between the pair develops over the course of the source story.

9S is an accomplished hacker, using his skills to analyze his opponents as well as to disable and destroy their armaments.

Profile

Appearance

Though an android, 9S appears built as a slender young man in his twenties. Like other YoRHa models, he has silvery-white hair, with his in a bowl or mop cut. A standard-issue combat visor conceals his light blue eyes, and he wears a dark uniform resembling combat fatigues.

Personality

In sharp contrast to his stoic partner, 9S is far more expressive, optimistic and curious, the latter due to his scanner role. He's also more willing to try and strike conversations about practically anything, despite 2B either not having much of an opinion or wanting to cut talk short, much to his disappointment.

Appearances in Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy Brave Exvius

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis

9S does not appear, but Cloud Strife received the Scanner Ensemble based on him in Volume 2 of "YoRHa No.2 Type B Intercept - Encounter in the City Ruins". Cloud as 9S was also featured on a Home Screen wallpaper.

Gallery

Behind the scenes

9S's short-form designnation may have been chosen to complete 2B's references to Shakespeare's Hamlet, as it is believed to play on the Latin non esse, meaning "not to be".

Further reading

• 9S at the NieR Wiki