NieR: Automata, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix, offers a rich and immersive world filled with complex characters, intriguing storylines, and numerous side quests. One of the recurring elements in the game is the collection of materials, which players need to upgrade weapons, craft items, and progress through quests. One such material is Filler Metal, a rare resource that players can acquire to complete specific objectives.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the locations and methods to efficiently obtain Filler Metal in NieR: Automata.


1. What Is Filler Metal?

Filler Metal is an item in NieR: Automata used primarily for upgrading weapons and crafting various items. It plays an essential role in progressing through the game’s crafting system, and players will need it to enhance certain weapons and complete certain quests. As the game involves frequent exploration and resource gathering, knowing where to find Filler Metal can save time and improve your efficiency.

While not as common as some other materials in the game, Filler Metal is essential for players who are working towards upgrading their arsenal or completing certain side objectives.


2. Where To Find Filler Metal

There are several ways to acquire Filler Metal in NieR: Automata, whether through enemy drops, exploration, or quests. Let’s look at the main sources:

A. Enemy Drops – Machine Enemies

One of the most reliable sources of Filler Metal is machine enemies found throughout the game. These machines are scattered across the various environments in NieR: Automata, and defeating them can yield a variety of crafting materials, including Filler Metal. The most notable enemies that drop Filler Metal are:

  • Large Machines: Bigger, bulkier machines, particularly in areas like the Desert Zone and City Ruins, are known to drop Filler Metal frequently. They may not drop it every time, but they have a higher chance than smaller enemies.
  • Goliath-Class Machines: These giant enemies can be found in key story locations. They tend to drop valuable materials, including Filler Metal. Goliath-class machines are tougher to defeat but offer higher rewards for their efforts.
B. The Desert Zone

The Desert Zone is a particularly fruitful location for finding Filler Metal. The area is filled with both large and medium-sized machines, which often drop crafting materials upon defeat. These enemies are located in the Desert City and the Desert Zone itself, where exploration and battle are key.

  • Tip: Use your Pod’s long-range weapon to take out enemies from a distance, which helps conserve health and allows for quicker farming. Since this area is relatively large, make sure to explore thoroughly, as Filler Metal is often found in specific machine enemies’ loot.
C. The City Ruins

The City Ruins area, another iconic location in NieR: Automata, is home to a variety of machines that drop useful crafting materials, including Filler Metal. The area includes both the upper and lower levels, with scattered enemies that drop items after being defeated.

While farming here, players should also keep an eye out for larger machine clusters. These areas tend to produce higher quantities of materials, making the City Ruins a key location to explore.

D. The Flooded City

In the Flooded City, another area with a significant number of machine enemies, you can often find Filler Metal drops. The flooded ruins and surroundings are home to a variety of mechanical opponents, especially if you’re willing to engage in the deeper, hidden areas where these enemies spawn.

  • Tip: The Flooded City can be harder to navigate due to its submerged areas, so be sure to bring a map and carefully plan your route to maximize farming efficiency.

3. Purchasing Filler Metal

If you’re struggling to find enough Filler Metal through enemy drops, there is also the option to purchase Filler Metal from the Shop in the game. The in-game merchants sell a variety of materials, including Filler Metal, although they might not be available in unlimited quantities.

  • Where to Buy: Visit the Resistance Camp or other key merchants scattered across the world to buy Filler Metal. The cost of the material is usually quite reasonable, especially if you have accumulated a surplus of in-game currency from missions or loots.

4. Filler Metal in Side Quests

Another way to acquire Filler Metal is through completing side quests in the game. Some side quests require players to collect specific crafting materials, including Filler Metal. These quests may not always be marked explicitly with the material required, but many Side Quests in the game involve gathering a variety of resources.

Be sure to check quest logs and keep track of your progress as you explore. Certain quests, especially those involving machine enemies or crafting upgrades, may reward you with Filler Metal as part of the completion.


5. Tips for Efficient Farming

While acquiring Filler Metal might take some time, there are strategies to maximize your farming efficiency:

  • Equip Items that Increase Drop Rates: Some in-game items, such as enemy drop rate boosters, can increase the chances of obtaining valuable resources, including Filler Metal. Equipping these items can speed up the farming process, allowing you to gather more materials in a shorter amount of time.
  • Clear Enemy Camps Efficiently: Large enemy camps in the Desert Zone and City Ruins are great places to farm. Take down multiple enemies in one go, especially with long-range attacks, to maximize the number of drops.
  • Utilize Fast Travel: As you unlock fast travel points throughout the game, use these to quickly revisit areas where Filler Metal is abundant, such as the Desert Zone, City Ruins, or Flooded City. This cuts down on the time spent traveling and lets you focus on enemy farming.

6. Conclusion

In NieR: Automata, Filler Metal is an important material that allows players to upgrade weapons and craft items necessary for progressing through the game. While it might take some time to gather, the resources are plentiful if you know where to look. Enemy drops in key locations such as the Desert Zone and City Ruins, as well as purchasing from merchants, are some of the most reliable methods for acquiring Filler Metal. Remember to keep an eye out during side quests and use farming strategies to maximize your material collection.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your weapons or complete important crafting objectives, Filler Metal is a material that should not be overlooked. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to gather enough Filler Metal and continue your adventure in the world of NieR: Automata without a hitch. Happy hunting!