NieR: Automata's world offers more than just the Android-Machine conflict. Fishing, a peaceful alternative, provides a surprisingly lucrative way to acquire rare items and quick cash without the resource-intensive combat. This optional activity can be easily bypassed, but it's a worthwhile endeavor for those seeking an alternative gameplay experience.
While fishing won't boost your character level, it's an efficient method for accumulating wealth and rare items. Here's a guide to fishing in NieR: Automata and maximizing your rewards.
Fishing is accessible in almost any body of water, even shallow areas like those near the Resistance Camp. Simply stand still in the water; a fishing prompt will appear above your character. Holding the designated button initiates the fishing sequence, allowing you to cast your Pod. Fishing uses a single button for casting and reeling:
After casting, wait for the Pod to be fully submerged and make a distinct "plopping" sound. Quickly press the reel-in button; reacting within a second is crucial to avoid losing your catch. There's no limit to the number of casts, so fish to your heart's content.
A helpful plug-in chip displays a fishing icon in the top-right corner when you're near fishable water.

Most fish and junk items acquired through fishing command high prices. This makes fishing a safe and rapid method for early-game wealth accumulation, particularly useful for upgrading plug-in chip capacity. Fishing in sewers even offers a chance to obtain the Iron Pipe, a potentially powerful weapon depending on your luck.