They may be called side stories, but their quality rivals the main story!
Side stories where you can experience the absolute essence of NIKKE's narrative
Here are the must-watch side stories to check out before the upcoming final battle
※ The chapters below are recommended prerequisites for viewing. The actual content can be accessed at Outpost → Command Center after clearing Main Stage 6-15 Normal. The previews include the intro to each story and mild spoilers for previous story chapters.
SECOND AFFECTION : How Is Marian Doing?
Main Story: After Chapter 14
Main Nikkes: Marian (Modernia), Snow White, Scarlet, Rapunzel, Crown, Chime
If you're a Commander whose heart remained uneasy after parting with Marian in Chapter 14, this is the story recommended for you first. It covers Marian's journey after heading to the surface, learning survival skills from Pioneer, and meeting Crown and Chime to begin a new life. However, the teachers' condition is a bit... actually, quite worrying. What on earth will the innocent Marian learn first?
While you might laugh at this eccentric parenting diary, seeing Marian endure her loneliness away from the Commander will tug at your heartstrings. It is also a coming-of-age story about a child who, once under someone's protection, sets out to find what is precious to her. Marian is expected to play a key role in the upcoming final battle, so if you are curious about where her journey begins, be sure to give it a read.
WORDLESS : Even if Everything Changes, Words I Want to Convey to You
Main Story: After Chapter 24
Main Nikkes: Yuni, Mihara, Mana
What happened to Yuni and Mihara after the Ark terror incident? 'WORDLESS' directly addresses this lingering question from the main story. Yuni must pay the price for her actions, while Mihara has lost her memories. Although they were once the most precious people to each other, the road to facing one another again is anything but smooth.
Yuni and Mihara are characters who symbolize NIKKE's sense of tragedy and emotional distress. This darker tone is also part of NIKKE's story appeal. However, as striking as their devastating circumstances are, what truly stands out is their desire to reach out to each other amidst it all. Whether you found Yuni frustrating in the main story or continued to worry about Mihara, this narrative serves as a comforting balm.
MUDFISH : A Mermaid and a Loner, a Story Complete with Just the Two of Them
Main Story: After Chapter 32
Main Nikkes: Little Mermaid (Siren), Levi (Leviathan)
Prerequisite Viewing: OLD TALES
What happened to Little Mermaid after she separated from her companions following 'OLD TALES'? 'MUDFISH' tells the story of her washing up on a desolate beach and meeting Levi there. Levi is unused to approaching others, while Little Mermaid reaches out to everyone. The core of the story revolves around these two vastly different individuals gradually closing the distance between them.
This side story is so beloved that many players consider it the pinnacle of NIKKE's storytelling. The narrative of Siren and Leviathan leaves a lingering ache in one's heart. Since this emotional thread is expected to play a major role in the upcoming final showdown, it is definitely worth catching up on in advance.
EDEN SPEAR : What Happened in Eden While the Commander Was Away?
Main Story: After Chapter 26
Main Nikkes: Nihilister, Nayuta, Isabel, Harran, Noah, Liberalio
Prerequisite Viewing: LAST KINGDOM
If you have been curious about recent developments in Eden after hearing little for a while, this is the story for you. Following up on Dorothy's message, the Inherit squad discovers a heavily damaged Nihilister. Johan and Cecil attempt to extract information from her, and Nayuta joins the effort. The problem is that their subject is Nihilister—just hearing her name tells you it won't be easy.
As you watch the tense mind games between Nihilister and Nayuta, the scope of the story expands to a scale that impacts matters far beyond Eden. Uncovering the flip side of events seen in the main story is immensely satisfying. It offers a different flavor from the earlier side stories that dove deep into personal relationships. If you want to understand the overarching narrative surrounding the Queen or enjoy the shocking 'GODDESS FALL' even more, don't miss this one.
PRETTY STAR : How Was the Star of the Ark Born?
Main Story: After Chapter 42
Main Nikkes: Pretty, Anis
Prerequisite Viewing: ARK GUARDIAN
Pretty, the legendary idol of the Ark. While her name sounds familiar, details about who she truly was remained a blank slate for a long time. 'PRETTY STAR' deals with her stepping onto the stage amidst discrimination against Nikkes and Anis's past watching that light. Intertwined with the circumstances of Oswald and Tetra Line, it reveals another side of the Ark we thought we knew.
The story touches upon Anis's vulnerability and the strength that blooms within it. It also questions what it means to be someone's hope and what weight a star beloved by all must endure. If you were curious about Anis beyond her usual cynical demeanor, this is highly recommended. It is fair to say that a fitting backstory has finally been completed for best-girl candidate Anis!
GINGERBREAD HOUSE : Old Tales Facing the Final Battle
Main Story: After Chapter 42
Main Nikkes: Hansel, Gretel, Cinderella, Grave, Little Mermaid, Mori
Prerequisite Viewing: OLD TALES, UNBREAKABLE SPHERE, WAVE TO YOU
If we were to summarize this side story in one sentence, it is the 'power-up' arc of Old Tales, humanity's core fighting force ahead of the final battle against the Queen. It delves into the time endured by Hansel and Gretel, whose whereabouts and backstory had long been shrouded in mystery, as the team searches for them. However, just because they are old comrades doesn't mean everything falls right back into place upon reunion. The lingering wounds, conflicts accumulated over time, and Mori—who somehow stands at the center of it all—are the key highlights of this story.
New armament isn't the only thing needed to become stronger. It is also a time of determination and healing, where comrades facing the impending battle reflect on what they are fighting for. If you want to experience an Old Tales story that addresses Nikke-typical emotional scars while remaining unusually heartwarming, it comes highly recommended.
