 While traveling the player is frequently attacked by monsters , which include shadowy figures called Shades , large animals , and robots . Defeating these enemies gives the player experience points that can increase Nier 's power , and money that can be used to purchase items . Nier can attack these creatures with either a one- or two @-@ handed sword , or a spear . These weapons can be customized to have greater damage and abilities using materials that can be purchased , dropped from monsters , or scavenged around the world . Multiple different varieties of each weapon type can be acquired . The player can also use magic spells , which require enough energy from a constantly regenerating amount to cast . These spells include projectiles and large shadowy fists , among others ; new spells are acquired in the first half of the game by completing specific battles . In addition to the main plotline , Nier includes numerous side @-@ quests , which give the player experience points and money , as well as fishing and farming segments . 
