Nier: Automata – How to Complete Heritage of the Past

During their second playthrough players can come across various quests and encounters that weren’t present in the first playthrough of Nier: Automata. One of these quests, Heritage of the Past, can only be completed during your second playthrough of the game. In this article we’ll teach you everything you need to know to unlock and complete the Heritage of the Past quest in Nier: Automata, as well as go over all of the rewards that you will earn along the way.

How to Get Heritage of the Past Side Quest

To unlock this side quest you must first beat the game. Then, start up your second playthrough and continue until after you have the Dynamic Scanner (which is obtained during the main quest Redheads). Once you have the scanner, head out into the Desert Zone and make your way as far from the entrance as possible, while keeping it directly behind you. This will lead you to a researcher working with the resistance.

Talk to the researcher to trigger the quest. You’ll learn that there are three items you must find and return to the researcher.

How to Complete Heritage of the Past

First, equip the A170: Scanner and explore the ruins. Here you will find an Ancient Stick close to the Access Point “Desert: Center”. There are several Medium Explorer enemies here, so make sure to take them out to keep from being interrupted.

Next, head towards Desert Housing, away from Desert: Center. You’ll soon come across a group of enemies that you need to defeat. Clear the enemies, then continue past this point. Your Pod should soon pick up a signal, that will lead you to the Commandment Slab. Obtain the slab, then continue heading towards Desert Housing.

You’ll find the next item, a Filthy Mask, just to the left of the entrance of Desert Housing, between two rock formations. It shouldn’t be too hard to spot the telltale signs of an item waiting to be picked up.

Once you have the first three items, make your way back to Desert: Center and speak to the researcher once more. At this point you’ll need to find a fourth item, which can be found near the Apologetic Machine. The item that you’re looking for is a Statue of a Girl. There are several level 38-40 enemies here that you need to worry about, so be ready to take them on once you have the statue.

With the statue in hand, make your way back to the researcher and turn in the quest. This will unlock new data, as well as reward you with several items.

Quest Rewards:

• Amber x1, 5,000G, 100 EXP (per relic turned in)
• Thick Dictionary x3, 10,000G, 750 EXP (upon completion of quest)
• Spear of the Usurper

You now know everything you need to know to complete the Heritage of the Past side quest in Nier: Automata. Remember that this quest will only be available during your second playthrough, and that you will only be able to trigger it after acquiring the Dynamic Scanner. You should also take a look at our guides on how to fast travel in Nier: Automata, as well as find out how to complete the YoRHa Betrayers side quest.