NieR: Automata - Easy Ways to Secure Filler Metal

Obtaining Filler Metal in NieR: Automata: A Comprehensive Guide

Acquiring certain upgrade materials in NieR: Automata proves more challenging than others. Many drop from defeated enemies, but some, like Filler Metal, are randomly found in the game world. This inherent randomness makes farming these items a test of patience.

This guide details two methods to obtain Filler Metal: scavenging in the Factory and purchasing it from a vendor.

Where to Find Filler Metal

Filler Metal is a rare drop from item spawns deep within the Factory. Its location varies with each playthrough, and its spawn rate is lower than other items. After progressing through the main story and gaining access to the Factory: Hanger fast travel point, this becomes the most efficient starting location for searching. Note that you may need to unlock this access point again depending on your story progress.

While movement speed buffs can slightly improve farming efficiency, reliably farming Filler Metal remains impossible. Your best strategy is to thoroughly explore the Factory, collecting every naturally spawning item. However, a more reliable method exists later in the game.

Where to Buy Filler Metal

The only vendor selling Filler Metal is the Shopkeeper Machine in the Amusement Park. However, this becomes available only after completing all three playthroughs and obtaining one of the final endings. Using Chapter Select to revisit the Shopkeeper after completing the game will unlock its updated inventory, where Filler Metal is sold for 11,250 G each.

Despite the high cost, purchasing Filler Metal offers a significantly more reliable method than repeated Factory runs. These Pod upgrades are crucial for progressing through the game, especially considering the enemy level scaling.