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Walkthrough for: Mass Effect
Game: Mass Effect	Format: Xbox 360	Ratings Average
Posted by: loki
MASS EFFECT GUIDE/WALKTHROUGH v1.05 Written by Eric Jewett, etjester@hotmail.com Last Modified: Saturday, January 12, 2008 This document Copyright 2007,2008 Eric Jewett. This guide may be viewed on the internet for free, but may not be otherwise used, reproduced, sold, or distributed without my expressed written permission. Mass Effect is Copyright 2003-2007 by BioWare Corp. Mass Effect, BioWare, and the BioWare logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of BioWare Corp. Microsoft, the Microsoft Game Studios logo, Xbox 360, and the Xbox 360 logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and other countries. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, rental, public performance or broadcast of this game is a violation of applicable laws. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find this guide at: AbsolutCheats.com (v1.02) CheatCC.com (v1.04) CheatPlanet.GamesRadar.com (v1.04) GameFAQs.com (v1.05) GameRevolution.com (v0.94) GamesRadar.com (v1.04) My360.com.au (v0.93) NeoSeeker.com (v1.04) SuperCheats.com (v1.04) XboxEvolved.E-Mpire.com (v1.05) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================== TABLE OF CONTENTS ================== I. (1) INTRODUCTION (2) BACKGROUND (3) CONTROLS (4) CHARACTERS (5) LOCATIONS (6) GAME BASICS A. Character Creation B. Introduction to RPGs C. Conversations D. The Mission Computer E. Combat F. Advancing Levels G. The Galaxy Map H. Equipment I. Squad Management J. Exploring Uncharted Worlds K. Using the Mako II. (1) WALKTHROUGH A. Primary Mission B. Optional Assignments C. Complete Codex III.(1) EQUIPMENT AND UPGRADES A. Weapons B. Armor C. Other Equipment D. Upgrades (2) COMBAT STRATEGIES A. General Strategies B. Sub-Boss Strategies C. Boss Strategies (3) SECRETS A. Romances and Squad Conversations B. Achievement Bonuses C. Walkthrough Conclusion IV. (1) CREDITS (2) CONTACT ME (3) REVISIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION I ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ============= Introduction ============= Mass Effect is the first in a planned trilogy of games created by BioWare, award winning developer of such RPGs as Knights of the Old Republic and Baldur's Gate. It takes place in the year 2183, as humanity begins to take its first steps on the galactic stage, interacting with new alien races and settling uncharted worlds. You play as Commander Shepard, a promising young officer in the Systems Alliance Navy who has just been assigned to the SSV Normandy--the most advanced starship humans have ever created. Mass Effect was released as an Xbox 360 exclusive in North America on November 20, 2007. The game is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB for blood, language, partial nudity, sexual themes, and violence. ====== Story ====== In 2148 AD, humanity discovered a small cache of highly advanced alien technology buried deep beneath the surface of Mars. The creators of this technology--known as the Protheans--went extinct nearly 50,000 years ago, leaving little evidence of their existence behind. The discovery of this technology allowed humans to develop faster-than-light travel, allowing rapid expansion throughout the Solar System. Within a year humanity discovered another piece of Prothean technology, a dormant mass relay that has been encased in ice near Pluto. Once activated, this relay allowed instantaneous travel across thousands of light years to other mass relays in different parts of the galaxy. Humanity immediately began using this technology to colonize far-off star systems. In 2157, humanity made first contact with an alien species known as the turians. This resulted in a conflict known as the First Contact War, as the next several months saw skirmishes between the turians and Earth's Systems Alliance fleets. This conflict eventually drew the attention of the Citadel Council, a governing body that maintained peace and stability throughout much of the galaxy. They intervened in the conflict and brokered a peace agreement between humans and turians. Humanity continued to expand, and in 2165 it was granted an embassy on the Citadel, the political and economic heart of the civilized galactic community. The year is now 2183, and the SSV Normandy--the most advanced starship ever created by the Alliance--is being put through its paces. Aboard is Commander Shepard, a talented young officer who will soon embark on a galaxy-spanning adventure with the fate of the known universe hanging in the balance... ========= Controls ========= BASIC CONTROLS / COMBAT CONTROLS -------------------------------- A Button - Activate / Interact / Sprint or Mount (in combat) B Button - Holster Weapon X Button - Draw Weapon / Skip Dialogue Y Button - Draw Weapon / First Aid Left Trigger - Draw Weapon / Zoom Right Trigger - Draw Weapon / Fire Weapon Left Bumper - Draw Weapon / Hold to Select Weapon Right Bumper - Hold to Select Abilities Left Analog Stick - Move Character / Cursor / Back to Wall Right Analog Stick - Move Camera Left Analog Button - Toggle Crouch Right Analog Button - Increase Zoom (using sniper rifle) Start Button - Main Menu Back Button - Throw Grenade / Detonate Grenade MAKO CONTROLS ------------- A Button - Activate Jump Jets B Button - Exit Mako X Button - Return to Normandy Y Button - Repair Mako Left Trigger - Turret View Right Trigger - Fire Machine Gun Left Bumper - none Right Bumper - Fire Cannon Left Analog Stick - Move Mako Right Analog Stick - Move Camera / Aim Weapons Left Analog Button - none Right Analog Button - Increase Zoom while in Turret View Start Button - Main Menu Back Button - none SQUAD COMMANDS -------------- Direction: Up - Move to a location Direction: Down - Take cover Direction: Left - Rally on your position Direction: Right - Target an enemy =========== Characters =========== COMMANDER SHEPARD ----------------- Commander Shepard is the main character in Mass Effect, and is directly controlled by the player. Shepard's actions, whether generous or ruthless will decide the fate of the galaxy. Shepard's background and pre-service history are decided by the player. At the beginning of the game, Shepard is the Executive Officer on the SSV Normandy, a prototype Alliance frigate. SQUAD MEMBERS ------------- ++++++++++++++++++++ Ashley Williams Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams is a soldier with the Alliance garrison on Eden Prime. She enlisted with the Marines straight out of high school, but despite an exemplary record has been repeatedly passed over for a fleet assignment. Ashley is a Soldier, specializing in combat abilities. Level 60 Attributes (Autolevel) < - - - - - - - - - - - - > Pistols < x x x x > Shotguns < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Assault Rifles < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Sniper Rifles < x x x x x x x x > Combat Armor < x x x x x x x x x x x x > First Aid < x x x x x x x x x > Assault Training < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Fitness < x x x x x x x > Soldier < x x x x x x > < - - - - - - - - - - - - > ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Kaidan Alenko Lieutenant Alenko is a crewmember on the SSV Normandy. He has some technical skill, but trained primarily in the use of biotics. He is equipped with L2 biotic implants, but experiences minimal side effects. Kaidan is a Sentinel, specializing in tech and biotic abilities. Level 60 Attributes (Autolevel) < - - - - - - - - - - - - > Throw < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Lift < x x x x x x x x x x > Barrier < x x x x x x x > Stasis < x x x x > Decryption < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Electronics < x x x x x x x x x x x x > First Aid < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Medicine < x x x x x x x > Sentinel < x x x x x x > < - - - - - - - - - - - - > ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Liara T'Soni Dr. Liara T'Soni is an asari scientist who spends most of her time on archaeological digs in remote parts of the galaxy. She hopes to someday learn the truth about the Prothean extinction. Liara is an Adept, specializing in biotic abilities. Level 60 Attributes (Autolevel) < - - - - - - - - - - - - > Throw < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Lift < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Warp < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Singularity < x x x x x x x x x x > Barrier < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Stasis < x x x x > First Aid < x x x x x x > Electronics < x x x x x x x x > Asari Scientist < x x x x x x > < - - - - - - - - - - - - > ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Urdnot Wrex Urdnot Wrex is one of the galaxy's few remaining krogan battle masters, rare individuals who master advanced biotic and combat abilities. He has spent much of his recent history as a bodyguard, hired mercenary, or bounty hunter. Wrex is a Vanguard, specializing in combat and biotic abilities. Level 60 Attributes (Autolevel) < - - - - - - - - - - - - > Assault Rifles < x x x x x x x x > Shotguns < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Combat Armor < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Fitness < x x x x x x x x > Warp < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Throw < x x x x x x x x x x x > Barrier < x x x x x x x > Stasis < x x x x x x > Krogan Battlemaster < x x x x x x > < - - - - - - - - - - - - > ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Garrus Vakarian Garrus Vakarian is a turian Citadel Security officer. He is unhappy with his job because he feels it is too restrictive with regards to what he is allowed to do in order to apprehend known criminals. Garrus is an Infiltrator, specializing in combat and tech abilities. Level 60 Attributes (Autolevel) < - - - - - - - - - - - - > Assault Rifles < x x x x x x x > Sniper Rifles < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Tactical Armor < x x x x x x x x x > Assault Training < x x x x x x > Decryption < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Damping < x x x x x x x x x x x x > First Aid < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Electronics < x x x x x x > Turian Agent < x x x x x x > < - - - - - - - - - - - - > ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Tali'Zorah nar Rayya Tali'Zorah nar Rayya is a quarian machinist on a pilgrimage in search of something useful to bring back to her people. Tali is an Engineer, specializing in tech abilities. Level 60 Attributes (Autolevel) < - - - - - - - - - - - - > Pistols < x x x x x x > Shotguns < x x x x x x x x > Basic Armor < x x x x x x x x x x > First Aid < x x x x x x x x x > Electronics < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Damping < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Decryption < x x x x x x x > Hacking < x x x x x x x x x x x x > Quarian Machinist < x x x x x x > < - - - - - - - - - - - - > ++++++++++++++++++++ ========== Locations ========== Note: For planets you can land on, the location of points of interest on the map is approximated by a coordinate system. The origin is in the bottom left on a grid of 100 by 100. Locations are indicated by (x,y) THE MILKY WAY ------------- ++++++++++++++++++++ Argos Rho Cluster Hydra System Varmalus Metgos (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Distress Call") Level 2 Heat Hazard POI: Escape Pod (35,60) Thorium Deposit (Survey: Heavy Metal) (65,45) Transponder Signal (65,35) Turian Wreckage (Survey: Turian Insignia) (65,80) Mercury Deposit (Survey: Rare Earth) (20,25) Theyar Canrum Survey: Turian Insignia Syba Survey: Gas Deposit Gorgon System (Unlock: "UNC: Depot Sigma-23") Unidentified Space Facility (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Depot Sigma-23") Wuo Vectra Camaron Sharblu Slekon Phoenix System Patashi Survey: Rare Earth Carbonaceous Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Prothean Data Disc Sylsalto Tuntau (Land, Assignment: "Wrex: Family Armor") POI: Asari Capsule (Asari Writings) (85,75) Crashed Probe (30,70) Hidden Structure (75,15) Lithium Deposit (Light Metal) (10,50) Mercury Deposit (Heavy Metal) (50,75) Vebinok Survey: Light Metal ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Armstrong Nebula Gagarin System Junthor Survey: Asari Writings Pressha Rayingri (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Geth Incursions") POI: Abandoned Scavenger Camp (20,45) Crashed Escape Pod (League Medallion) (20,30) Engine Debris (80,50) Overrun Research Outpost (55,40) Polonium Deposit (Rare Earth) (20,35) Scavenger Corpses (15,75) Thorium Deposit (Rare Earth) (65,35) Titanium Deposit (Light Metal) (65,75) Sogelrus Antirumgon Survey: Light Metal Grissom System (Unlock: "UNC: Geth Incursions") Benda Survey: League Medallion Zaherux Survey: Light Metal Notanban Solcrum (Moon, Land, Assignment: "UNC: Geth Incursions") POI: Asari Capsule (Asari Writings) (30,20) Escape Pod (50,15) Magnesium Deposit (Light Metal) (70,20) Mercenary Base (65,45) Thorium Deposit (Rare Earth) (40,65) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (70,70) Rocky Asteroid Survey: Light Metal Hong System Pomal Casbin (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Geth Incursions") POI: Anomalous Signal (30,70) Engine Debris (20,55) Geth Outpost (70,45) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (50,65) Mummified Salarian (Salarian ID Tag) (25,45) Samarium Deposit (Rare Earth) (60,25) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (70,40) Matar Survey: Matriarch's Writings Theshaca Treagir Survey: Light Metal Tereshkova System Carbonaceous Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: League Medallion Antibaar (Land, Assignment: "Geth Incursions") POI: Crashed Probe (55,65) Geth Outpost (55,75) Lithium Deposit (Light Metal) (65,15) Magnesium Deposit (Light Metal) (30,65) Mercury Deposit (Heavy Metal) (35,20) Prothean Ruin (Prothean Data Disc) (15,45) Patamalrus Survey: Heavy Metal Hunsalra Thegeuse Survey: Heavy Metal Solmarlon Mawinor Vamshi System Maji (Land, Assignment: "Geth Incursions") POI: Beryllium Deposit (Light Metal) (60,45) Engine Debris (75,30) Geth Outpost (30,70) Magnesium Deposit (Light Metal) (40,70) Strange Skull (70,20) Thorium Deposit (Rare Earth) (30,20) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (55,20) Pregel Survey: Turian Insignia Almos ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Artemis Tau Cluster Athens System Salamis Proteus Survey: Gas Deposit Nausicaa Circe Survey: Gas Deposit Pharos Survey: Turian Insignia Knossos System Phaistos Metallic Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Heavy Metal Therum (Land, Mission: Find Liara T'Soni) Zakros Armeni Archanes Survey: Gas Deposit Carbonaceous Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: League Medallion Macedon System Sharjila (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Asari Diplomacy") Level 1 Pressure Hazard POI: Asari Capsule (Asari Writings) (15,55) Escape Pod (65,45) Magnesium Deposit (Light Metal) (55,35) Stronghold (45,65) Thorium Deposit (Rare Earth) (15,65) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (15,15) Porolan Survey: Asari Writings Patavig Metallic Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Light Metal Fargeluse Survey: Gas Deposit Sparta System (Unlock: "UNC: Missing Marines") Tremanre Asteroid Cluster (Hidden) Survey: Prothean Data Disc Edolus (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Missing Marines") POI: Crashed Probe (70,40) Distress Signal (40,60) Lithium Deposit (Light Metal) (70,30) Mummified Salarian (Salarian ID Tag) (70,70) Palladium Deposit (Rare Earth) (45,15) Polonium Deposit (Rare Earth) (20,30) Thresher Maw (40,60) Altaaya Ontamalca Survey: Gas Deposit Alsages Survey: Rare Earth ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Attican Beta Cluster Hercules Xathorron Syided Survey: Matriarch's Writings Eletania (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Lost Module") Level 1 Toxic Hazard POI: Downed Recon Probe (55,40) Engine Debris (40,55) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (80,40) Monkey Colony (40,75) Monkey Colony (55,75) Monkey Colony (75,20) Monkey Colony (80,65) Mysterious Globe (20,20) Palladium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (20,55) Zatorus Survey: Heavy Metal Theseus System Sytau Feros (Land, Mission: "Feros: Geth Attack") Sharring Survey: Prothean Data Disc Quana Survey: Light Metal Logan ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Exodus Cluster Utopia System Arcadia Eden Prime (Mission: "Prologue: Find the Beacon") Zion Nirvana Xanadu ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Gemini Sigma Cluster Han System (Unlock: "UNC: Hostile Takeover") Paravin Survey: Asari Writings Huningto Mavigon (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Hostile Takeover") Level 2 Cold Hazard POI: Cobalt Deposit (Light Metal) (70,65) Engine Debris (30,20) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (55,45) Mummified Salarian (Salarian ID Tag) (55,45) Syndicate Hideout (70,25) Farcrothu Patatanlis Ming System Antiroprus MSV Worthington (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Lost Freighter") Parag Survey: Light Metal Altanorch Survey: League Medallion ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Hades Gamma Cluster Antaeus System Ageko Edmos Survey: Gas Deposit Ploba Survey: Asari Writings Trebin (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Missing Survey Team") POI: Crashed Probe (20,50) Excavation Site (55,65) Plutonium Deposit (Rare Earth) (40,40) Research Base (55,55) Transmitter Tower (20,70) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (80,35) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (70,65) Vemal Survey: Rare Earth Hunidor Cacus System (Unlock: 80% Paragon or Renegade) Zayarter Survey: Heavy Metal Chohe (Land: Assignment: "UNC: Besieged Base") POI: Abandoned Outpost (Asari Writings) (65,60) Engine Debris (20,20) Mercury Deposit (Heavy Metal) (45,25) Polonium Deposit (Rare Earth) (35,65) Science Base (60,25) Thresher Maw (40,20) Xamarri Faringor Survey: Rare Earth Treyarmus Dis System (Unlock: "UNC: Hostile Takeover") Jartar Nearrum Survey: Light Metal Klensal (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Hostile Takeover") POI: Beryllium Deposit (Light Metal) (80,60) Escape Pod (40,30) Mummified Salarian (League Medallion) (55,40) Platinum Deposit (Heavy Metal (40,50) Syndicate Hideout (40,45) Metallic Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Light Metal Gremar Raysha Survey: Turian Insignia Farinata System Tunshagon Rocky Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Light Metal MSV Ontario (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Hostage") Juntauma Survey: Prothean Data Disc Nepneu Survey: Rare Earth Plutus System (Unlock: 80% Paragon or Renegade) Mingito Survey: Rare Earth Maidla Clocrolis Survey: Rare Earth Nonuel (Land, Assignment: "UNC: The Negotiation" POI: Crashed Probe (15,40) Crate (Asari Writings) (30,30) Mercenary Corpse (League Medallion) (30,30) Samarium Deposit (Rare Earth) (60,55) Thresher Maw (25,80) Titanium Deposit (Light Metal) (25,80) Warlord's Outpost (65,65) Veyaria ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Hawking Eta Cluster Century System Tamahera Klendagon Presrop (Moon, Land, Assignment: "UNC: Major Kyle") POI: Abandoned Mining Camp (40,75) Biotic Compound (25,30) Crashed Mining Vehicle (30,60) Engine Debris (20,50) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (30,30) Turian Wreckage (30,60) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (60,30) Metallic Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Heavy Metal Canctra Survey: Light Metal Tharopto Survey: League Medallion ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Horse Head Nebula Fortuna System (Unlock: "UNC: Hostile Takeover") Maganlis Survey: Turian Insignia Therumlon Survey: Rare Earth Amarathine (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Hostile Takeover") POI: Engineering Outpost (40,25) Escape Pod (15,45) Iridium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (35,55) Thorium Deposit (Rare Earth) (55,30) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (30,35) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (70,50) Wentania Pax System Svarog Noveria (Land, Mission: "Noveria: Geth Interest") Morana Veles Survey: Asari Writings Strenuus System (Unlock: "UNC: Privateers") Yunthorl Survey: League Medallion Antitarra Survey: Gas Deposit Trelyn MSV Majesty (Hidden) Xawin (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Privateers") Level 1 Cold Hazard POI: Abandoned Camp (70,45) Cobalt Deposit (Light Metal) (60,60) Corpse and Destroyed Vehicle (65,20) Crashed Probe (30,30) Geth Beacon (65,75) Iridium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (70,20) Palladium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (45,75) Privateer Base (25,70) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (45,45) Thesalgon ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Kepler Verge Herschel System (Unlock: Assignment: "Garrus: Find Dr. Saleon") Tungel Matol Clugon MSV Fedele (Hidden, Land, Assignment: Garrus: Find Dr. Saleon") Rocky Asteroid Survey: Heavy Metal Clobaka Newton System Ontarom (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Dead Scientists") POI: Crashed Probe (70,35) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (25,20) Palladium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (65,20) Shifty Looking Cow (25,30) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (50,60) Underground Facility (70,20) Juncro Survey: Gas Deposits Klencory Survey: Asari Writings Sesmose ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Local Cluster (Unlock: Level 20) Solar System Mercury Venus Earth Luna (Moon, Land, Assignment: "UNC: Rogue VI") POI: Alliance Training Ground (25,45) CCCP Luna 23 (25,70) Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Maroon Sea Cluster (Unlock: Complete Feros) Caspian System MSV Cornucopia (Hidden, Land, "UNC: Derelict Freighter") Clotanca Survey: Heavy Metal Farnuri Survey: Heavy Metal Almacrux Antida Survey: Turian Insignia Matano System Inti Chasca (Land, "UNC: Colony of the Dead") POI: Beryllium Deposit (Light Metal) (45,35) Civilian Structure (25,40) Civilian Structure (35,30) Escape Pod (30,20) Palladium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (45,70) Plutonium Deposit (Rare Earth) (50,75) Prothean Pyramid (Prothean Data Disc) (65,20) Science Facility (20,30) Metallic Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Heavy Metal Apo Illapa Rocky Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Prothean Data Disc Supay Survey: Light Metal Vostok System Clomarthu Nodacrux (Land, "UNC: ExoGeni Facility" POI: Cobalt Deposit (Light Metal) (40,25) Engine Debris (70,50) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (15,55) Science Facility (70,30) Thorian Creeper Camp (30,70) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (75,75) Metallic Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Heavy Metal Alko Pataiton Survey: Asari Writings ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Pangaea Expanse (Unlock: Complete Therum, Feros, Noveria, and Virmire) Refuge System Agetoton Ilos (Land, Mission: "Race Against Time") Zafe ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Sentry Omega Cluster (Unlock: Complete two of Therum, Feros, and Noveria) Hoc System Jarfor Nemata Virmire (Land: Mission: "Virmire") Cloroplon Prescyla ++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ Styx Theta Cluster (Unlock: Complete Noveria) Acheron System Farthorl Altahe (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Listening Post Theta") POI: Asari Capsule (Asari Writings) (40,30) Escape Pod (75,75) Listening Post (40,20) Gold Deposit (Heavy Metal) (15,35) Samarium Deposit (Rare Earth) (20,55) Carbonaceous Asteroid (Hidden) Survey: Turian Insignia Grosalgen Survey: Light Metal Imaneya Erebus System Nepmos (Land: Assignment: "UNC: Listening Post Alpha") POI: Buried Safebox (League Medallion) (20,50) Crashed Probe (20,20) Listening Post (65,20) Mining Camp (70,75) Palladium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (65,35) Rachni Ambush (30,50) Rachni Infested Mine (25,25) Titanium Deposit (Light Metal) (35,25) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (75,75) Quaji Survey: Heavy Metal Wermani Survey: Prothean Data Disc Chofen ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Serpent Nebula Widow System Citadel Station ++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++ Voyager Cluster Amazon System Agebinium (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Espionage Probe") POI: Alliance Homing Beacon (35,65) Beryllium Deposit (Light Metal) (20,80) Crashed Vehicle (70,65) Engine Debris (45,75) Magnesium Deposit (Light Metal) (15,35) Mercenary Camp (50,70) Samarium Deposit (Rare Earth) (50,15) Turian Wreckage (Turian Insignia) (65,70) Derneuca Sonedma Survey: Rare Earth Sybin Survey: Turian Insignia Tremar Survey: Gas Deposit Columbia System (Unlock: "UNC: Hades' Dogs") Clojia Nepheron (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Hades' Dogs") POI: Beryllium Deposit (Light Metal) (70,20) Engine Debris (55,20) Mummified Salarian (Salarian ID Tag) (35,45) Platinum Deposit (Heavy Metal) (80,50) Thorium Deposit (Rare Earth) (60,70) Underground Facility (40,35) Ontaheter Survey: Rare Earth Gromar Survey: League Medallion Yangtze System (Unlock: "UNC: Cerberus") Renshato Binthu (Land, Assignment: "UNC: Cerberus") POI: Crashed Probe (15,45) Palladium Deposit (Heavy Metal) (40,55) Prothean Pyramid (Prothean Data Disc) (50,25) Research Facility (35,70) Research Facility (45,25) Research Facility (65,55) Uranium Deposit (Rare Earth) (65,30) Dregir Survey: Light Metal Alrumter Survey: Prothean Data Disc Patajiri Survey: Rare Earth ++++++++++++++++++++ ============ Game Basics ============ CHARACTER CREATION ------------------ When you start a new game, you can begin with the default version of Commander Shepard, or you can create your own. Creating a custom character allows you to customize your version of Commander Shepard in a number of ways, as detailed below. First, you select the gender of your character. Shepard can be male or female. Next you can give a first name to your character. The default male name is "John," and the default female name is "Jane." For the purposes of in-game dialogue and continuity, the last name cannot be changed. The next step when creating a character is to select your pre-service history. This indicates your character's background before joining the Alliance military. This choice affects how characters view you in the game. Three choices are available: Spacer: "Both of your parents were in the Alliance military. Your childhood was spent on ships and stations as they transferred from posting to posting, never staying in one location for more than a few years. Following in your parent's footsteps, you enlisted at the age of eighteen." Alightment Bonus: ++ Paragon Colonist: "You were born and raised on Mindoir, a small border colony in the Attican Traverse. When you were sixteen, slavers raided Mindoir, slaughtering your family and friends. You were saved by a passing Alliance patrol, and you enlisted with the military a few years later." Alightment Bonus: + Paragon + Renegade Earthborn: "As an Earthborn, you had a rough childhood in the slums of Earth, and have a gritty edge to your personality." Alightment Bonus: ++ Renegade Next you select your psychological profile, detailing what type of person you are and what will cause people to recognize you. Sole Survivor: "During your service, a mission you were on went horribly wrong. Trapped in an extreme survival situation, you had to overcome physical torments and psychological stresses that would have broken most people. You survived while all those around you fell, and now you alone are left to tell the tale." Alightment Bonus: + Paragon + Renegade War Hero: "Early in your military career you found yourself facing an overwhelming enemy force. You risked your own life to save your fellow soldiers and defeat the enemy despite the impossible odds. Your bravery and heroism have earned you medals and recognition from the Alliance fleet." Alightment Bonus: ++ Paragon Ruthless: "Throughout your military career, your have held fast to one basic rule: get the job done. You've been called cold, calculating, and brutal. Your reputation for ruthless efficiency makes your fellow soldiers wary of you. But when failure is not an option, the military always goes to you first." Alightment Bonus: ++ Renegade After creating a character profile, you must select your class from the six types available to you. Soldier: "The Soldier is a tough warrior, able to deal with a range of combat situations. The Soldier gets improved health, has the widest selection of weapons, and is eventually able to wear heavy armor. Gameplay focus is on getting into the thick of the fight, picking the right weapon for tactical situations, and outlasting opponents." Starting Talents: Assault Rifles Assault Training Combat Armor (Medium) Pistols Unlockable Talents: Combat Armor (Heavy) First Aid Fitness Shotguns Sniper Rifles Engineer: "The Engineer is a tech specialist, able to quickly and easily manipulate the environment with specific talents. Gameplay focus is on shaping the battlefield during combat, healing the party, and debuffing enemies (disabling weapons and lowering shields)." Starting Talents: Decryption Electronics First Aid Pistols Unlockable Talents: Basic Armor (Light) Damping Hacking Medicine Adept: "The Adept is the ultimate biotic, able to affect the physical world with the power of the mind. They can use biotics to violently manipulate objects in the environment, including nearby enemy targets. Gameplay focus is on disabling and debuffing enemies while dealing massive amounts of damage." Starting Talents: Barrier Basic Armor (Light) Throw Warp Unlockable Talents: Lift Pistols Singularity Stasis Infiltrator: "The Infiltrator is a tech-savvy warrior, able to win battles by quickly disabling and killing enemies. These soldiers focus on unlocking alternate routes, gaining access to good equipment, and obtaining an advantageous position over enemies in combat." Starting Talents: Decryption Electronics Pistols Tactical Armor (Light) Unlockable Talents: Damping First Aid Fitness Sniper Rifles Tactical Armor (Medium) Vanguard: "The Vanguard is a powerful combatant, able to combine the offensive powers of the Adept and the Soldier. They have access to various weapons and armor, as well as biotics. Gameplay focus is on taking down enemies with quick and brutal force. Starting Talents: Assault Training Pistols Throw Warp Unlockable Talents: Barrier Lift Shotguns Tactical Armor (Light/Medium) Sentinel: "The Sentinel is the most flexible class, able to combine tech and biotics to manipulate the environment, disable and track enemies, or defend the party. Gameplay focus is on protecting the party using kinetic barriers and healing it with advanced medical training." Starting Talents: Barrier Decryption First Aid Throw Unlockable Talents: Electronics Lift Medicine Stasis Finally you are ready to customize your character's appearance. You can choose to use the default versions of Commander Shepard, or you can adjust any aspect of your character's face to your liking. Use the sliders in each section to adjust a range of facial details. When you are finished, select "Finalize" to begin the game. Note that once you have completed one playthrough of Mass Effect you can begin a new game by selecting an existing character. You will begin the new game with all the stats and equipment that your character had at the time the game was finished. Your preexisting Paragon and Renegade scores do not carry over however. If you have unlocked any weapons or powers through Xbox 360 achievemnts, you may select one as a bonus talent for your new character. INTRODUCTION TO RPGS -------------------- Mass Effect is an Action Role-Playing Video Game (or RPG), meaning you assume the role of a fictional character and control his or her actions in a way that affects the game and other characters. As your progress through the game you will earn "experience points" (or XP) for your actions. You gain these points by exploring, talking to characters, completing quests, and defeating enemies in combat. The accumulation of these points allows your character to "level up," thereby increasing certain characteristics such as health. In Mass Effect you are granted "talent points" after each level up, which go into upgrading and improving your character's ability with certain skills. Many of these components are explained in more detail later. CONVERSATIONS ------------- A large portion of Mass Effect involves conversations with other characters. This is done through the "conversation wheel" that appears at the bottom of the screen whenever your character has the opportunity to say something. All dialogue in the game is fully voiced, including that of Commander Shepard. Rather than choosing the exact words your character will say however, Mass Effect shows you several options on the wheel corresponding to general feelings, questions, or emotions. To select a dialogue choice, hold the left analog stick in the direction of the choice you wish to select and press the A button. You can also press the X button instead, which will begin your character's line immediately, stepping on the lines of any character who is speaking at the time. X is also used to skip dialogue if you wish to do so. The wheel itself is divided into six quadrants. Choices on the wheel's left side usually give you more information about a given topic, while choices on the right tend to bring the conversation closer to its conclusion. Additionally, the top of the wheel tends to correspond to the Paragon path, where your character makes cooperative and unselfish decisions. The bottom of the wheel typically corresponds to the Renegade path, where your character makes decisions that are more selfish and impatient. This is not always the case, but it is a good general guide to framing your responses during a conversation if you wish to play as a certain type of character. Sometimes you will see the option on the middle left to "Investigate." This brings up more choices for topics of conversation, and the orientation of these choices often does not correspond to the Paragon / Renegade paths described above. If you have spend talent points in the "Charm" or "Intimidate" talents, you will sometimes also have the option to persuade characters to achieve a nonviolent outcome or to give you additional money or information. These choices appear in the upper and lower left quadrants as blue and red dialogue choices respectively. If you lack sufficient skill in these areas, these choices will be grayed out, and you will not have the option of using them. THE MISSION COMPUTER -------------------- By pressing the Start Button you can enter the Mission Computer menu. You access each part of the menu in a similar way to selecting dialogue choices during a conversation, by using the left analog stick to point to a direction on the display and pressing the A button to select it. The Mission Computer allows you access to game details for: Equipment: View and change your currently equipped weapons, armor, items, and upgrades. Options: Change your settings for gameplay, graphics, sound, and other options. Notably, you can change the gameplay difficulty, and toggle visual effects like film grain and motion blur. Map: Shows a two dimensional overview of your current area. It indicates the positions of your character as well as known points of interest, objectives, and other pieces of useful information. You can use the left and right bumpers to zoom in and out for a better view as needed. Save: Allows you to save your current progress through the game. You can not save in certain situations, such as during combat and while riding in elevators. Squad: View and modify stats and abilities for you and your squad members. Load: Load previously saved games. Journal: View your current missions and assignments. Missions are essential to the completion of the game. Assignments are optional, but typically grant experience points and monetary rewards. Codex: A small encyclopedia of the Mass Effect universe. As you play and gain new information the Codex will populate itself with new articles concerning the planets, civilizations, and technology you come across. COMBAT ------ The combat in Mass Effect resembles a first-person shooter, but is actually powered by a complex RPG rules set operating beneath the surface. You can draw your weapon by pressing the X button or either of the triggers, and can holster it by pressing the B button. Drawing your weapon enters combat mode, showing a reticule on-screen to indicate where your weapon is aimed. It also displays the status of each squad member in the lower left corner of the screen. The red bar indicates the health of each squad member, while the blue boxes indicate the status of each character's shields. More boxes means more shield strength, and empty boxes means the shields are depleted. Radar is shown in the bottom right corner, and shows enemies as red dots. Certain types of enemies can jam your radar, hiding their locations from you. The right analog stick is used to aim the target reticule. Holding the left trigger zooms in for more precise aiming, increasing your character's accuracy. The reticule turns orange when it is placed over an enemy or any object that can be damaged or destroyed. Pulling the right trigger then fires your weapon. The chance of hitting an enemy and how much damage is dealt from your weapon are determined by your stats and equipment. Your chance of hitting an enemy is reduced by holding the right trigger for a long period of time. Sustained fire will also overheat your weapon, meaning you must wait for it to cool down before using it again. There are two combat wheels. The first is the "Weapons Wheel" which is accessed by holding down the left bumper. This allows you to select what weapon each member of your squad will use. All squad members carry a pistol, shotgun, assault rifle, and sniper rifle, but each will be far more effective with a certain weapon if they have trained in its use. The second wheel is the "Power Wheel," which is accessed by holding the right bumper. This allows you to access the special abilities of all squad members and use them accordingly by aiming using the right analog stick. A power can also be mapped to the right bumper by pressing the X button while using the wheel. ADVANCING LEVELS ---------------- As mentioned previously, you gain experience points as you progress through the game. There is a single pool of experience for the entire squad, allowing all squad members to advance at a similar rate. By accumulating enough XP you will level up, granting access to new talent points which you can spend at the Squad screen in the Mission Computer. At the Squad screen you can press the Y button to automatically distribute talent points to the selected character, or you can spend them manually but selecting the desired talent and pressing the A button. Players earn talent points for each new level as follows: Level Shepard Points per Level Squad Points per Level 1-5 3 2 6-20 2 2 21-35 2 1 36-60 1 1 THE GALAXY MAP -------------- To travel around the galaxy using your advanced starship--the Normandy-- you must access the galaxy map, located prominently in the center of the command deck. The first level of the galaxy map is the Galaxy Level, which shows all available star clusters and nebulae you can visit. By moving your cursor over a selected cluster you can see its name and view the relay path the Normandy would take to reach that part of the galaxy. New clusters and systems become available as you complete missions and learn more about the galaxy. After selecting a location with the A button, you zoom in to the Cluster Level, which shows all known star systems in that cluster. To explore a star system you must travel there by highlighting the system and pressing the A button. When you have arrived at a new system you will see the System Level, which shows all the planets and celestial objects orbiting the star you have traveled to. All planets will have a blue ring showing their orbit. Other objects may be hidden and will require you to move your cursor over them to discover their presence. Many asteroid belts have interesting asteroids you can examine, and derelict starships and freighters can also be found in some systems. A hidden object can usually be identified by a small twinkle of light that appears on occasion. When you find a hidden object, press Y to scan it. By highlighting a planet, moon, or other object and pressing A, you will zoom in to the Planetary Level. This shows you a view of the planet's surface along with a synopsis of important planetary features and information. Many planets are inhospitable to human life, but some can be surveyed for raw materials and interesting artifacts. Some can also be explored using the Mako. Press A to survey or land on a planet when given the option. EQUIPMENT --------- Collecting, using, and upgrading your equipment is important to your success and survival in Mass Effect. The first pieces of useful equipment are your weapons. Every squad member carries four basic weapon types, and Commander Shepard can also throw grenades which detonate automatically after ten seconds if not detonated by pressing the grenade button again. Pistols: "Pistols are highly accurate, have little recoil, and are easy to use when moving. They are effective at a variety of ranges, but inflict limited damage." Trainable by: Soldier Engineer Adept Vanguard Infiltrator Shotguns: "Shotguns have a slow rate of fire and high recoil, but inflict massive damage to multiple targets when fired at close range." Trainable by: Soldier Vanguard Assault Rifles: "Assault rifles are the standard armament of most Soldiers, offering a good balance between firepower, range, and accuracy." Trainable by: Soldier Sniper Rifles: "Sniper rifles have long range, are highly accurate, and inflict significant damage. They have a limited rate of fire, however, and are practically useless at close range. Trainable by: Soldier Infiltrator Grenades: "Disk-shaped Alliance grenades can glide long distances and also latch onto targets or flat surfaces to be remotely detonated. Only you, as Commander Shepard, can use grenades." The next major component is armor, which protects the wearer from injury. Each species uses a different set of armor because of inherent differences in physiology. The one exception is the asari, who can wear human armor. Light Armor: "Light armor offers a basic level or protection from enemy attacks and minimizes the movement penalties that affect weapon accuracy." Wearable by: Soldier Engineer Adept Vanguard Infiltrator Sentinel Medium Armor: "Medium armor offers an increased level of protection, but also increases the movement penalties that affect weapon accuracy." Wearable by: Soldier Vanguard (requires training) Infiltrator (requires training) Heavy Armor: "Heavy armor offers the highest level of protection from enemy fire, but also has the highest movement penalties affecting weapon accuracy." Wearable by: Soldier (requires training) All weapons and armors can be upgrades to enhance their properties. Upgrades can increase damage, improve shields, and more. To upgrade equipment, access the Equipment screen through the Mission Computer. Equip the item you wish to use and press the X button to view the Upgrade screen. Use the directional pad to select the desired upgrades and press the A button to finalize your upgrade selection. To modify tech and biotic abilities, special equipment is used: Bio-amps: "Biotics can strengthen their power in specific disciplines by using amps (amplifiers). These specially designed devices often come in the form of small electronic attachments that are worn on a biotic's ear or the back of their head." Omni-tools: "Omni-tools are multipurpose diagnostic and minifacturing tools used for a variety of battlefield tasks, such as hacking, decryption, or repair. They are equipped by Engineers, Sentinels, and Infiltrators to make use of their tech talents." New equipment can be acquired in a number of ways. Every time you defeat an enemy you gain XP, money, and items. These new items are automatically placed in your inventory. You can also purchase items from stores or take them from containers you find throughout the game. Stores allow you to buy upgrades in the form of increased grenade or medi-gel capacity. Medi-gel is a universal healing substance that restores the health of all squad members when used. Press the Y button in combat to use Medi-gel on your squad. There is an inventory limit of 150 items so it is important to keep your inventory as empty as possible. Any weapons, armors, or upgrades you or your squad aren't using can be sold for extra money or turned into omni-gel. Omni-gel is useful for opening locked containers and decrypting certain electronic devices. SQUAD MANAGEMENT ---------------- Selecting the Squad screen from the Mission Computer menu gives a variety of information about your character and the other characters in your squad, including name, class, appearance, level, and use of talent points. Whenever you gain enough experience to gain a new level, all characters are granted talent points that can be spent to upgrade certain abilities or to unlock new ones. Assigning points to a given talent lets you improve combat, tech, and biotic abilities, as well as unlock and improve special abilities for each talent. Commander Shepard also has Paragon and Renegade meters shown on this screen. These meters track your choices made throughout the game. Generous choices result in Paragon points, Ruthless choices result in Renegade points. Either path is acceptable, as you gain bonuses for filling either meter. Paragon: The Paragon scale is colored blue and impacts the Charm ability. 05% Bonus: Opens two Charm slots Gives one Charm point 25% Bonus: Opens two Charm slots Gives one Charm point 10% bonus to First Aid cooldown 50% Bonus: 10% bonus to health 75% Bonus: Unlocks Xbox Achievement Opens two Charm slots Gives one Charm point 5% bonus to all talent cooldowns Renegade: The Renegade scale is colored red and impacts the Intimidate ability. 05% Bonus: Opens two Intimidate slots Gives one Intimidate point 25% Bonus: Opens two Intimidate slots Gives one Intimidate point 10% bonus to First Aid cooldown 50% Bonus: Regenerate +1 health per second 75% Bonus: Unlocks Xbox Achievement Opens two Intimidate slots Gives one Intimidate point 5% damage/duration bonus on all weapons/powers UNCHARTED WORLDS ---------------- When you have control of the Normandy, you can use it to travel to many uncharted worlds with mysterious anomalies. To discover the nature of these anomalies, you must explore these planets. When you land on a planet, you should first check your Map. This often reveals the locations of many known points of interest. Anomalies--marked with a question mark--usually indicate something interesting to explore. Furthermore, there are several deposits of rare materials that can be surveyed on a planet's surface. When you are done exploring a planet, simply press the X button while in the Mako (or from the Map screen) to return to the Normandy. USING THE MAKO -------------- The SSV Normandy comes with the M35 Mako, an infantry fighting vehicle that can be used to cover long distances quickly and to provide cover and direct fire support. You can use the A button to enter the Mako, and the B button to exit it. The Mako is equipped with a 155mm machine gun for dealing with infantry, as well as a cannon for destroying more heavily armored opposition. It also comes with jump jets that can be activated using the A button, which allow the operator to deftly jump over incoming enemy rockets. If the Mako becomes damaged from enemy fire, press the Y button to repair it. Doing so uses 15 omni-gel and requires the Mako to be stationary. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION II ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ============ Walkthrough ============ Please Note: This guide does not always provide the fastest possible path through the game. It is intended for those who want to enjoy the full experience that is Mass Effect, and includes many optional items that are not required to complete your adventure. The Walkthrough is broken into three section. The first is the Primary Mission Walkthrough, detailing the main story in which Shepard must save the galaxy. This section includes some optional components, but these tasks will be designated as such and you may skip them at your discretion. The next section is the Optional Assignments section, detailing every side mission in Mass Effect. Assignments that deviate from the main path will be included in this section. Finally, the last section consists of a brief listing of all possible Codex entries and how to achieve them. PRIMARY MISSION WALKTHROUGH --------------------------- Your adventure begins on the command deck of the SSV Normandy, the most advanced System Alliance starship ever created. You are Commander Shepard, a promising officer in the Alliance Navy, who has been tasked with overseeing the ship as it is put through its paces... This section takes you through the primary mission. There are many steps involved, some of which are optional. SECTION 1: Prologue 1 - Shakedown You begin by heading to the front of the Normandy, where Joker has just finished a mass relay jump. He relays his success to Nihlus Kryik who is overseeing the operation. When Nihlus leaves, Joker remarks on his distrust for Spectres, at which point you have your first opportunity to speak. Your dialog choices can net you Paragon or Renegade points. Choices in the upper part of the dialogue wheel usually correspond with the Paragon alignment, while choices on the bottom of the wheel usually correspond to the Renegade alignment. Captain Anderson comes on the comm and asks you to report to the briefing room. + Paragon for agreeing with Joker + Renegade for chastising your crew New Mission: "Prologue: On the Normandy" 2 - Talk to Pressly (Optional) On your way back towards the briefing room you can overhear Navigator Pressly having a conversation with Chief Engineer Adams. Speaking with Pressly reveals his concerns about the mission. He feels that Nihlus and Anderson are hiding something from the crew. Pressly can also give you some information on the Normandy's unique stealth systems. 3 - Talk to Jenkins and Chakwas (Optional) Outside of the briefing room, Corporal Jenkins is having a conversation with Dr. Chakwas. You can use this opportunity to learn more about both crewmembers. They can also tell you more about the Spectres, and Eden Prime, your destination for this mission. + Paragon for being supportive of Jenkins + Renegade for telling Jenkins the mission isn't about him 4 - Spectre Training Enter the briefing room and speak with Nihlus. He asks about Eden Prime, the destination for the mission. Captain Anderson enters and reveals the true nature of the operation: A Prothean beacon was unearthed on Eden Prime and you are being sent in to recover it. Nihlus will also be using this opportunity to evaluate you as a possible candidate for the Spectres. Before you reach Eden Prime however, Joker patches through a distress signal from the planet's surface, showing an attack by a massive spaceship of unknown design. Needless to say, this complicates the mission, as you must now find and secure the beacon while helping any survivors you find. SECTION 2: Eden Prime 1 - Touchdown on Eden Prime When you arrive on the planet's surface you have Lt. Kaidan Alenko and Cpl. Richard Jenkins in your squad. Each of you has only basic equipment. There is an upgrade kit to the north and east. Note that for Eden Prime the compass and map directions don't agree. Directions listed here will follow the map directions. You can use the nearby gas bags for target practice before moving on if you are unfamiliar with the combat system. Proceed west and follow the path over the hill. You are immediately attacked by a small group of geth recon drones and Jenkins is fatally wounded. The recon drones have weak shields and weapons, but are resistant to biotic attacks. When they are destroyed, check on Jenkins's body to confirm his fate. Grab the nearby upgrade kit as you proceed north up the hill. There are two more groups of drones at the top of the hill, along with a medical kit you can use to resupply your medi-gel. + Paragon for promising Jenkins a proper burial + Renegade for downplaying Jenkins' death "Prologue: On the Normandy" -> "Prologue: Find the Beacon" 2 - Sole Survivor of the 212 As you descend the hill you witness a soldier being chased by more drones. She turns to see another human impaled on a large spike by two geth troopers, which you must now help her defeat. Speak with the soldier after the attack. She can tell your more about the attack, and the enemy you're facing. Ashley Williams will now join your squad. There is an upgrade kit and a crate nearby. At the bottom of the hill there are four more troopers to defeat. Geth troopers have the ability to erect shields to provide cover for themselves, but lack much other protection. They are extremely vulnerable when their shields are disabled. ++ Paragon for giving Ashley a warm welcome ++ Renegade for resisting Ashley's inclusion in the squad 3 - Investigate the Dig Site When you reach the dig site it is apparent that the beacon has been moved. Ashley suggests that you should check out the nearby research camp, which will now be marked on your map. There is a crate near the dig site. Proceed up the hill to the north. 4 - The Camp As you reach the top of the hill it becomes apparent that the giant spikes are designed to turn humans into synthetic zombie-like creatures called husks. They have no ranged weapons, so they will charge at you instead. When they get close enough they will unleash a powerful electric explosion designed to take down your shields. Keeping your distance allows you to destroy them easily. Biotic powers are also extremely effective for immobilizing them. Don't miss the upgrade kit located behind the spikes. There are two temporary structures at the camp. The one on the left is unlocked and contains two crates. The one on the right has an easy decryption lock. Two survivors, Dr. Warren and Dr. Manuel are hiding inside. Dr. Warren can tell you about the attack, and informs you that the beacon has been relocated to the spaceport. If you ask about Manuel you have the option to shut him up for a while. + Paragon for being kind to the survivors ++ Renegade for striking Manuel ~~~~~~~~~~ DECRYPTION AND ELECTRONICS MINIGAME The decryption minigame can be performed to unlock certain containers or to recover certain valuables from downed spacecraft or satellites. This involves pressing one of the face buttons (A, B, X, or Y) soon after it glows on-screen. The number of buttons that must be pressed depends (in theory) on the difficulty of the decryption. Locked containers and doors can have three levels of difficulty (easy, average, and hard) and you will need a certain number of points in the corresponding skill in order to attempt to open each type of lock. Locks can also be opened by supplying the requisite amount of omni-gel. ~~~~~~~~~~ 5 - The Rogue Spectre Head up the hill to the north. Ahead at the spaceport, Nihlus turns a corner to see his friend Saren, a fellow Spectre. Off in the distance you hear a single gunshot. As you reach the crest of the hill, you see a massive spaceship taking off from the spaceport ahead. There more husks and geth troopers as you descend the hill. Shoot the explosive containers on the steps to eliminate the geth quickly, and keep your distance from the husks. There is a malfunctioning object in an alcove to the northwest. 6 - The Farmers (Optional) A path to the east leads to another small temporary structure. After unlocking the door, three farmers come out. They talk about the ship, and inform you of a smuggling operation that's been going on at the colony. The farmers have been holding weapons and supplies for a smuggler at the spaceport. They offer you an extra pistol they've been holding for the smuggler. Using Charm or Intimidate you can get an extra upgrade item in addition to the pistol. You can also persuade them to reveal the identity of the smuggler: a man named Powell. Don't miss the storage locker inside the shed. ++ Paragon for using Charm on the survivors ++ Renegade for using Intimidate on the survivors 7 - Powell the Smuggler Ascending the steps to the spaceport reveals Nihlus' fate. A noise from behind the nearby crates turns out to be Powell, the smuggler the farmers informed you about. He tells you about Saren's betrayal of Nihlus. When confronted about his smuggling operation he offers you some grenades to resupply you. Using Charm or Intimidate you can get an additional grenade upgrade out of him. There is a medical kit nearby, and an upgrade kit in the fires behind the crates. ++ Paragon for being forgiving towards Powell + Renegade for Intimidating Powell 8 - Taking the Train Continue north and take out the nearby geth troopers. You will need to board the train and fight your way to the other side to activate the controls. The train itself is defended primarily by geth troopers, but there is also a geth destroyer to worry about. Destroyers are huge versions of the troopers, and will typically charge at you. Keep your distance and concentrate on destroying it before moving forward. Biotic powers are particularly useful for disabling heavy geth soldiers like the destroyer, as immobilizing them keeps them from using their heavy weapons. There is a medical kit halfway up the train. Activate the train controls at the far end to proceed to the other side of the spaceport. Meanwhile, Saren orders the geth to place explosives around the port to destroy the colony and cover up any evidence of their presence. 9 - Diffusing the Situation Your goal now is to disarm all the demolition charges before time runs out. The first charge is to your immediate left after exiting the train. Simply press A to defuse an explosive while your squad is covering you. Go up the ramp. The other charges show up on your radar, so you should have no trouble locating them. Cross the bridge and work your way north as you defuse the explosives. You will need to worry about the geth troopers and geth shock troopers as you move up. Shock troopers are more heavily armed and armored than their trooper counterparts. They too can erect kinetic barriers, and they have a missile attack similar to the destroyers. If you're having trouble, consider leaving your team on the west side and heading back to the east side of the area to flank the geth. There is a crate to the far north on the west side of the bridge. 10 - Secure the Beacon Proceed west through the opening. Descend the ramp and finish off the last of the troopers and husks. There are two storage lockers to the south, a technician kit to the north, and a crate near the beacon itself. Approach the railing to the west for a view of the devastation left by the ship you saw. Once you've secured the beacon, you radio the Normandy to come pick it up. If you are playing as a male, Ashley will inadvertently activate the beacon. As a female, Kaidan will activate the beacon. You are forced to intervene, and the beacon downloads a violent vision into your brain before catastrophically failing. 11 - On Approach to the Citadel You wake up in the Normandy's medical bay. Dr. Chakwas and Captain Anderson will explain the situation. When you are finished, head upstairs to the command deck and tell Joker to bring the Normandy into dock on the Citadel. ~~~~~~~~~~ THE NORMANDY Now is a good opportunity to explore and familiarize yourself with the SSV Normandy and her crew. You begin on the quarters deck. There is an aid station in the medical bay where you can replenish your supply of medi-gel. Outside is your locker, where supplies are frequently stored for you to pick up. Sleeping pods are towards the bow, and the Captain's office is on the port side. If you take the elevator down to the engineering level you can explore the engine room and the vehicle bay. You can use the equipment lockers in the vehicle bay to stock your squad members with weapons and items. You can also buy and sell your equipment with the Alliance Requisition Officer. ~~~~~~~~~~ Section 3: The Citadel 1 - Arrival on the Presidium You, Kaidan, and Ashley will arrive on the Citadel with Captain Anderson to meet with Ambassador Donnel Udina. The ambassador is making a plea to the Citadel Council to have Saren disbarred from the Spectres for his involvement in the attack on Eden Prime. The next step is to head to the Citadel tower and make a formal appeal at the hearing regarding Citadel Security's findings in the case against Saren. + Renegade for saying you don't care about the Council Mission Complete: "Prologue: Find the Beacon" New Mission: "Citadel: Expose Saren" ~~~~~~~~~~ THE PRESIDIUM You have arrived on the Presidium, one of two major areas--along with the Wards--that you can visit while on the massive space station. The Presidium is split down the middle by a large lake with a few bridges running across it. On the north side, from west to east, is the entrance to the Citadel tower, access to the Wards, and the embassies where you begin. On the south side are the financial district and the Consort's chambers. The Avina Tourism Terminals can give you more information about the Presidium, and there are signs posted to assist in navigation. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2 - The Citadel Tower Leave the embassies and proceed west towards the Citadel tower. Take the elevator up to the top of the tower where the council chambers are located. As you move south you will see an exchange between Garrus Vakarian--the turian C-Sec (Citadel Security Services) officer in charge of the investigation into Saren--and Executor Pallin, the head of C-Sec. Proceed south and speak with Captain Anderson to join the hearing, which is already in progress. 3 - A Lack of Evidence The Council decides that there is insufficient proof of Saren's connection to the geth or Eden Prime to disbar him from the Spectres. In order to convince the council you will need to find conclusive proof of Saren's involvement in the attack. You have two leads to work with. The first is Garrus Vakarian, the C-Sec officer you saw earlier. He can be found through Harkin, a retired human C-Sec officer. You can also try to find information through the Shadow Broker, a galactic information dealer who may know something about Saren's activities. One of his contacts on the Citadel is Barla Von, a wealthy financial advisor in the Presidium's financial district. + Paragon for the least confrontational responses New Mission: "Citadel: Garrus" New Mission: "Citadel: Shadow Broker" 3 - Talking to Barla Von (Optional) If you choose to follow the lead concerning the Shadow Broker, you can find Barla Von's office in the southwest corner of the Presidium. He informs you that Saren has betrayed the Shadow Broker, who is now more than willing to assist you in taking Saren down. He advises you to seek out a Krogan named Wrex who may be able to help you. Wrex was last seen at the C-Sec academy. "Citadel: Shadow Broker" -> "Citadel: Wrex" ~~~~~~~~~~ THE WARDS The next major area of the Citadel is the Wards, which are a level below the Presidium and can be accessed by elevator. The Wards are home to clubs, gambling, markets, and some spectacular views of the Citadel's exterior and the Serpent Nebula. There are two levels to the Wards, designated upper and lower. There are markets on both levels to the west, with the popular clubs Flux and Chora's Den nearby. A medical clinic resides on the upper level to the east. The Wards and the Presidium both grant access via elevator to the C-Sec academy which in turn grants elevator access to the docking bay where the Normandy is located. ~~~~~~~~~~ 4 - Talking to Harkin (Optional) If you follow the lead concerning Garrus, you can find Harkin at Chora's Den, a shady club near the back alleys in the Wards. Outside you are ambushed by some turian assassins working for Saren. Use the walkways for cover, keeping your squad in one place so you can flank the assassins. You can find Harkin sitting at a table on the opposite side from the entrance. He talks to you about Captain Anderson before telling you that Garrus was last seen snooping around the med clinic in the Wards. 5 - Shootout in the Med Clinic (Optional) Continuing the search for Garrus, head to the med clinic, located to the east in the upper Wards. Inside you witness some thugs pressing the doctor for information. They see you and a fight breaks out. A well placed shot from Garrus ensures that the doctor is unharmed. Once the fight is over, speak to Garrus to find out what to do next. Dr. Michel informs you that a quarian had recently passed though her clinic carrying evidence of Saren's connection to the geth. She wanted to barter the information in return for her safety, so Dr. Michel put her in contact with Fist, the owner of Chora's Den and an employee of the Shadow Broker. Unfortunately, Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker and is now believed to be holding the quarian hostage. You need information from the quarian in order to implicate Saren. The med clinic has an aid station you can use to replenish your medi-gel. + Paragon for chastising Garrus about the doctor's safety + Renegade for ignoring the doctor's safety Mission Complete: "Citadel: Garrus" 6 - Pick up Wrex (Optional) Head to the C-Sec academy--accessible through either the Presidium or the Wards--and head west. Near the stairs to the C-Sec offices, Wrex is having a confrontation with some officers. When their conversation is over you have the opportunity to offer Wrex a position on your squad. Bear in mind that Wrex has been hired by the Shadow Broker to kill Fist, and he intends to fulfill his contract. You are not required to invite Wrex to join your squad at any point if you already have Garrus in your squad. Similarly, if you picked up Wrex before going to get Garrus, he will tell you everything about the quarian, in which case you don't ever need to invite Garrus to join your squad. Mission Complete: "Citadel: Wrex" ~~~~~~~~~~ SQUAD SELECTION After picking up Garrus or Wrex you have your first opportunity to select your squad. You are only allowed two squad members with you at a time, so be sure to choose wisely. You can only change who is in your squad by returning to the Normandy or when a new character is added to your squad. Consider what you want from your squad and what opposition you expect to face while using a given squad configuration. For example, Kaidan provides a more balanced compliment to your squad, whereas Ashley maximizes the combat abilities of your squad. Characters with tech abilities are useful against synthetic foes like the geth, and also typically have the ability to unlock secured containers and doors. Biotic characters are good for disabling enemies and controlling crowds. ~~~~~~~~~~ 7 - Assault on Chora's Den Take your squad to Chora's Den. When you arrive the place is sealed up because Fist knows you are coming after him. There are a good number of thugs inside, so stick to cover by the doors and take out one enemy at a time. The big concern here is the krogan bouncer on the opposite side of the room, as he has the ability to regenerate health. After you defeat all the guards proceed into the backroom for a confrontation with two warehouse workers. You can kill them, or use your Charm or Intimidate skill to get them to leave peacefully. There is a weapons locker beyond the workers on the left side of the room. + Paragon for sparing the warehouse workers using Charm + Renegade for sparing the warehouse workers using Intimidate 8 - Taking Care of Fist In the final room you will encounter Fist himself. Position yourself on the near corner and order your squad to take up position on the far corner. You can place your back to the wall here and observe Fist on the other side of the room. The primary threats to you are the two defense turrets in each corner. Garrus or Kaidan are useful here because of their tech skills, though Wrex evens the odds with his superior combat abilities. Concentrate on one turret at a time and don't stay outside of cover for too long. Biotics don't work on the turrets, so save these powers for Fist himself. Taking out both turrets is sufficient to get Fist to surrender. When Fist is finally defeated he will tell you where you can find the quarian. If Wrex is in your party he will kill Fist to fulfill his contract with the Shadow Broker. Otherwise you have the option to kill him yourself. There is a wall safe in the back corner of the room when you are finished. + Renegade if you kill Fist or condone Wrex's actions 9 - Rescue the Quarian The quarian is about to be set up by Fist's men. You have a limited time to reach her and get the information you need. As you exit Fist's offices you are confronted by more thugs in the main lounge. Deal with them quickly and proceed back towards the Wards. Bear left when you exit and go through the back alleys to reach the quarian. If you arrive in time you will have to fight a group of turian and salarian assassins to rescue the quarian. The salarians have some tech powers you need to worry about, so stick to cover as much as possible. When the fight is over you can take the quarian's evidence against Saren to Ambassador Udina. 10 - The Quarian's Evidence Back at the ambassador's office, the quarian--known as Tali'Zorah nar Rayya-- presents her evidence. She has a recording of Saren and an unknown woman incriminating themselves regarding the attack on Eden Prime. Now that you have irrefutable evidence it is time to present your case to the Citadel Council. Tali becomes a squad member and agrees to help you track down Saren. 11 - The Council's Decision Return to the Citadel tower and present your evidence to the Council. Faced with undeniable proof of Saren's involvement in the attacks on Eden Prime, the Council disbars Saren from the Spectres. They also recognize the other voice from Tali's recording as that of Matriarch Benezia, an influential asari who is now a powerful ally for Saren and the geth. Not wishing to send a fleet into the Attican Traverse and risk open war with the Terminus Systems, the Council elects to make you the first human Spectre, tasked with tracking down and stopping Saren at all costs. + Paragon for being polite + Renegade for being arrogant Spectre Training unlocked Bonus to Charm and Intimidate 12 - Speak to Anderson and Udina Head to the docking bay by way of the C-Sec academy and speak with Anderson and the ambassador. They provide you with the locations of two possible leads on Saren's whereabouts: Geth have recently attacked a human colony on Feros, and the geth are also believed to be interested in the settlement on Noveria. It may also be worth tracking down Matriarch Benezia's daughter, Dr. Liara T'Soni, who is believed to be studying Prothean ruins somewhere in the Artemis Tau Cluster. Now that you are a Spectre, you no longer answer to the Alliance military, and you may tackle these leads in any way you see fit. + Paragon for being respectful + Renegade for being brash and headstrong New Mission: "Find Liara T'Soni" New Mission: "Feros: Geth Attack" New Mission: "Noveria: Geth Interest" 13 - Prepare to Depart Enter the Normandy. You now have the opportunity to make a speech to your crew informing them of the mission and your determination to complete it. ++ Paragon for emphasizing cooperation with all alien species ++ Renegade for emphasizing human self-reliance ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CREW LOCATIONS Now is a good opportunity to become acclimated to your ship and to identify where certain NPCs and squad members can be found. Ashley is in the vehicle bay near the crew lockers. Kaidan is in the crew quarters near the captain's office. Wrex is in the vehicle bay near the elevator and opposite the Requisition Officer. Garrus is in the vehicle bay near the Mako. Tali is in the engineering section. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 14 - Normandy Inspection (Optional) The first time you return to the Citadel after becoming a Spectre you will be greeted in the docking bay by Rear Admiral Mikhailovich, commander of the 63rd Scout Flotilla. He wishes to inspect your vessel. You can refuse, but you can earn experience points if you allow an inspection. + Paragon for defending the Normandy using Charm + Renegade for defending the Normandy using Intimidate + Renegade for refusing to allow an inspection Section 4: Liara's Dig Site 1 - The Artemis Tau Cluster Your first lead involves finding the daughter of Matriarch Benezia, who is believed to be somewhere in the Artemis Tau Cluster. Head to the Galaxy Map and select the appropriate cluster, then zoom in to view the known systems in this cluster. The system in question is the Knossos System. Select this system and press the A button to travel there. Move your cursor to the planet Therum and press the A button to zoom in. Press the A button once more to land on the planet. 2 - To the Refinery The path before you is fairly linear. Take the Mako north and follow the path between the cliffs and the lava. Take the path around towards the south, at which point a geth dropship will deposit a pair of geth armatures in your path. Keep your distance and use your jump jets to avoid their attacks. There is a refinery to the east but the way is blocked by a large gate and three geth heavy turrets. Take the detour around to the north, which is guarded by only one heavy turret. This path leads to the heart of the refinery, which is guarded by regular geth troopers and shock troopers, but also by rocket troopers, which have weak personal defenses but a powerful ranged attack. Your toughest opponent is a geth juggernaut, which is a more powerful version of the destroyer you faced on Eden Prime. Stay in the Mako and keep your distance while avoiding enemy attacks. In the various structures about the refinery you can find an upgrade kit, storage locker, and weapon locker. The controls to lower the north gate are in the building to the northwest. 3 - Proceed in the Mako Continue north, where you will encounter several more armatures. There are rocket troopers and a geth colossus guarding the entrance to the tunnel you must use to proceed. Once again, keep your distance and zoom in with your turret to make dealing with these enemies easier. There are a small group of rocket troopers on the other side of the tunnel as well. Continue on until you reach another tunnel. You will encounter some rocket troopers inside the tunnel this time, along with more geth troopers and rocket troopers at the exit. 4 - On Foot to the Dig Site You eventually reach a point where the path narrows and you must leave the Mako and continue on foot. Your radar is jammed from a nearby sniper. Proceed east up the hill until you encounter geth troopers and rocket troopers. Stay in cover and pick your shots to avoid the missiles from the rocket troopers. There are also shock troopers and a geth sniper waiting in the clearing up ahead, so be on your guard. 5 - The Mining Camp At the mining camp you are ambushed by a group of geth stalkers and a geth armature. Take cover, keep your distance, and take care of the stalkers first. Having squad members with tech abilities can help to deal with the regular geth enemies. There is also some cover on a small hill to the east that is perfect for taking down the armature from a distance. Spend as little time out of cover as possible, and don't get hit by a pulse blast from the armature as it will instantly kill you. Once all the geth are defeated you may proceed inside the mine itself. 6 - Exploring the Mine Follow the ramps down into the mine. You will encounter some shock troopers and snipers along the way. Take the elevator down to the next level and follow the path. As your approach the next elevator a group of geth assault drones appear from below. Like the recon drones, they are resistant to biotics but susceptible to tech powers. Take the second elevator. At the bottom, climb down the debris pile and approach the asari behind the blue barrier. 7 - Freeing Dr. T'Soni Dr. T'Soni is trapped in a Prothean security device. Before you can get her out however, you must find some way past the barrier. Keep descending the ramps until you reach the bottom of the mine where you will find more shock troopers and snipers. At the far end there is a storage locker and a weapon locker. Return to the nearby mining laser and activate it using the correct sequence, A-X-B-Y. This opens a hole you can proceed through. Activate the elevator at the end of the tunnel and take it up to Liara's location so you can free her. 8 - Escaping the Mine It seems the mining laser has caused some seismic activity and you need to leave quickly. Take the elevator up to the top floor, where you will encounter the krogan Liara told you about. You can't talk your way out of a fight, so you must defeat the krogan battlemaster along with his geth soldiers. Don't let them surround you, as they will try to move around the sides of the room to attack your squad from all directions. The krogan in particular will try to disable you with his biotics so he can charge and engage you from close range. Turn the tables and disable him biotically to make this fight much easier. When all the enemies are defeated it is a simple matter of racing to the surface to avoid certain death. 9 - Back on the Normandy When you return to your ship the crew sits around for a debriefing. Liara will discuss her work as a scientist studying Prothean ruins, as well as your visions from the Prothean beacon. When the meeting is over you can choose whether to discuss the mission with the Citadel Council. Mission Complete: "Find Liara T'Soni" Section 5: Feros 1 - Zhu's Hope Land at the docking bay on Feros, where you're greeted by David al Talaquani, who wants you to see Fai Dan, the leader of the colony. First though you must fight off a geth attack. Battle though the enemies and up the stairs to reach the Zhu's Hope colony. 2 - Geth in the Tower You can find Fai Dan on the far side of the colony, but you don't get to speak to him for long. More geth attack, and this time you need to follow them to the source and eliminate the threat they pose to the colonists. When the initial wave is defeated, proceed up the stairs and continue bearing left until you reach the tower to the northwest. This is where you will fight the bulk of the geth forces. Find some cover and be on the lookout for a destroyer who appears from the far end. When all the geth are defeated, the overhead dropship leaves, making the colonists a little safer for now. 3 - Return to Fai Dan Go back the way you came and return to the colony, where you can finally have a talk with Fai Dan. He tells you that the geth are operating out of the nearby ExoGeni research facility. He also informs you of the various challenges facing the colonists, including a geth outpost in the tunnels, food and water shortages, and a lack of power. He directs you to the different colonists assigned to each task. You aren't required to complete any of these assignments, so you can find the details on how to complete them in the Optional Assignments section. + Paragon for offering your assistance to the colonists + Renegade for saying you only care about the geth 4 - Strange Behavior (Optional) Head inside the nearby freighter and talk to Calanth and Hollis Blake. The former is complaining of extreme headaches, but their cause is unknown. Talking to the other colonists reveals equally strange symptoms. They all seem unusually focused on their assigned tasks, and pressing them for information seems to make them uncomfortable. You can also venture down into the tunnels and find Ian Newstead, a man who seems to be in tremendous pain for some unknown reason. You can ask Fai Dan about this behavior, but he dismisses it as the traumatic effect of seeing friends and loved ones killed. + Paragon for being concerned for Calanth + Renegade for being concerned for yourself + Paragon for trying to help Ian + Renegade for threatening to kill Ian 5 - Skyway to Hell Ascend the stairs once more, this time bearing right to take the nearby elevator. This takes you up to the garage, where the Mako is conveniently parked. A few geth drones are attacking the colonists in the garage, so destroy them and then jump in the Mako. When you exit the garage a dropship swoops in and deposits a pair of armatures on the path ahead of you. Take them out from a distance with the cannon, and then proceed. 6 - Weigh Station Refugees (Optional) As you drive along the skyway you begin picking up radio chatter, which is coming from the weigh station up ahead. When you reach the station you have the option of getting out and checking on the refugees, though you can also continue up the nearby ramp and ignore the camp for now. The two prominent figures at the camp are Juliane Baynham and Ethan Jeong, the former of which is looking for her daughter, Lizbeth. Lizbeth, she believes, is still at the ExoGeni facility, though it is doubtful she is still alive given that the geth have overrun the complex. You can also speak to Gavin Hossle, who needs you to recover some data for him. Be on the lookout for hidden maintainence tunnels as you travel the skyway, as they contain a few extra geth and some containers you can loot. 7 - The ExoGeni Facility Proceed along the skyway until you reach the ExoGeni main level where you must leave the Mako for now. There are a handful of enemies to deal with in this area. The path south is blocked by an energy field you will need to deactivate later. The door to the north is locked, but leads to a small room with a malfunctioning object. Take note that accessing the object alerts the nearby geth armature to your presence. To proceed you must go southwest and drop down a small ledge to reach the basement. You won't be able to return this way, so you'll need to deactivate that energy field to return to the Mako. 8 - Lizbeth Elizabeth Baynham can be found on this level as soon as you exit the first corridor. She informs you that the geth are likely here for the Thorian, an indigenous plant-like lifeform. She gives you her pass card, which allows you access to the facility. Immediately after the conversation concludes you are beset by a swarm of varren. Shotguns work well here, as the varren don't have much protection and will simply charge at you. Proceed to the other side of the room and follow the path back up to the main level. 9 - The VI At the top of the steps there is a krogan commander trying to obtain restricted information from a VI interface. He becomes alerted to your presence and attacks. You'll want to defeat him quickly before he can do any serious damage. Biotics work well for disabling him before he can charge at you. Once he is defeated you can access the VI, which identifies you as Lizbeth because you are carrying her pass card. From the VI you can learn that the Thorian is a sentient being that produces spores which allow it to control the minds of other beings. The Thorian was the focus of ExoGeni's research of Feros. The Zhu's Hope colonists have been infected by the Thorian, which explains their strange behavior. You also learn that Lizbeth wasn't telling you the whole truth about her involvement with the Thorian research. "Feros: Geth Attack" -> "Feros: The Thorian" 10 - The Geth Church Head east along the corridor. The first room you come to shows that the power for the energy field is coming from a geth ship, which has anchored itself to the side of the facility. To cut the power you will need to remove the ship by severing one of its claws. There are a few geth shock troopers to fight, after which you can examine the strange glowing orb they seemed to be praying to. Your squad will speculate as to its purpose. Keep going until you reach the next room, which is on the opposite side of the energy field you first saw when you entered the facility. This is the field you will need to remove to get back to the Mako. The path to the east leads to the upper level of the facility, which has a small room guarded by a few krogan. Inside there is a server node that supplies a codex entry, a secure storage locker, and the console containing Gavin Hossle's data. 11 - Anchors Aweigh The path to the west also leads to the upper level. In the first room is an ExoGeni terminal that gives the assignment "Investigate Facility." Proceed up the stairs to the platform. A quick peek at the next room shows that it is heavily guarded. Stick to the stairs and the platform to avoid being overwhelmed by the geth. When all the enemies are defeated you can access the secure crate in the next room, along with a terminal which gives the assignment "Geth Activates," and a server which gives the assignment "Investigate Samples." Most importantly, at the back of the room are the shuttle bay door controls. Here you want to hit the sweet spot by setting the internal pressure to be between 31 and 34 pounds per square inch. You can do this by activating a number of smaller controls which each provide a fixed amount of pressure. One combination that works is 17 + 11 + 5 = 33 psi (228 kPa). Activating the door controls with this level of pressure will cause the door to shear straight through the geth anchor, causing it to lose its grip on the building. This severs the power, taking care of the problem with the energy barrier. 12 - Back to the Weigh Station Head back the way you came and proceed north towards the Mako though the now accessible corridor. Lizbeth is waiting for you at the exit, at which point you will confront her about her involvement with the Thorian. Get back in the Mako and head back to the weigh station to reunite Lizbeth with he mother. There are a handful of geth armatures and destroyers to contend with on the path back to the station. + Paragon for believing Lizbeth's story + Renegade for not believing Lizbeth's story 13 - The Situation with the Colonists At the weigh station Lizbeth gets out and is reunited with her mother. Unfortunately, Jeong has gotten through to the ExoGeni headquarters and has learned that they want the entire colony purged to prevent the Thorian from spreading. Using Charm or Intimidate you can talk Jeong out of it, but otherwise you simply have to kill him. As for the colonists, Juliana Baynham has an idea for stopping them without killing them. She offers you a grenade upgrade which contains a nerve agent that should pacify the colonists safely. Whether or not you choose to use it is left up to you. ++ Paragon for talking Jeong down using Charm ++ Renegade for talking Jeong down using Intimidate + Paragon for agreeing to spare the colonists + Renegade for refusing to spare the colonists 14 - The Creepers Head back to the Mako and return to the colony, where you'll have your first encounter with a thorian creeper. These creatures aren't colonists since they were created by the Thorian, so there is no penalty for killing them. There are a large number of them in the garage, which should get you acclimated to fighting them. They don't have any ranged weapons, but they will charge at you. Be aware that they also spew a toxic substance when they get close enough, so keep your distance as much as possible. Shotguns and ammunition upgrades that knock down the creepers will help keep them away from you. 15 - The Infected Colonists At the entrance to the garage you have the option of ordering your squad to hold their fire on the colonists themselves. Doing so means your allies will only attack the creepers, leaving you free to handle the colonists. If you wish to save them, equip the Anti-Thorian Gas upgrade to your grenades and use them to attack the colonists. You can also melee them to knock them out without killing them. This is riskier however, because if you misjudge the distance you might kill them by mistake. There are sixteen colonists in all that you can save. The first group you encounter is at the top of the elevator in the garage. You can find more colonists on the landing as you descend the steps to Zhu's Hope. There are more at the entrance to the colony itself, where you can also find a crate nearby that will replenish your grenade supply. Save or kill the remaining colonists on the western walkway and near the crane controls to complete this objective. When all the colonists and creepers are taken care of, activate the crane controls to open the way to the Thorian's lair. Fai Dan shows up, telling you that the Thorian wants him to kill you. However, he is able to fight off the Thorian just enough to end his own life before you have to fight him. + Paragon for each colonist saved + Renegade for each colonist killed 16 - The Thorian Take the steps down into the Thorian's lair. As you approach the Thorian itself, it spews out an asari clone which speaks to you on its behalf. It seems that Saren came to Feros and formed an alliance with the Thorian. He bartered the lives of the colonists for the ancient knowledge of the Protheans, but then betrayed the Thorian, sending the geth to destroy it and prevent you from receiving its secrets. + Paragon for demanding the release of the colonists + Renegade for saying you will destroy the Thorian 17 - Severing the Nodes The asari clone attacks you. Beware of her biotic abilities and kill her as quickly as possible. Consider using biotics of your own to knock her off the edge, or equip ammunition upgrades that bypass shields to help deal with her biotic barrier. To eliminate the Thorian you must sever each of the neural nodes holding it to the walls of the lair. Your efforts will be hampered by legions of thorian creepers, and the occasional asari clones that the Thorian will continue to spit out. On the first level go north through the door and sever the first node by firing on it until it explodes. Usually, firing on a node will alert a number of dormant nearby creepers, so take care to eliminate as many enemies as possible before you try to take down each node. The nodes also go down faster when all nearby enemies are defeated. Proceed up the steps to the next level where you can find another asari clone as well as a weapons locker before coming to the next neural node. On the next level there is a node to the south, and another to the west as you proceed clockwise around the chamber. Keep an eye out for the medical station on this level. Head up to the next level and destroy the node to the northwest. Finally, on the top level, head counterclockwise until you reach the final node on the south side of the lair. <><><><><> TIP - Sonny Nilsson: "On Insane difficulty, those thorian creepers can really take a beating even with the best Spectre gear, but they die instantly if you push them off the edge on each floor. Just melee them until they drop off the edge. It's even better with a biotic character as then you can push out many at the same time. The same goes for those annoying asari clones, but if they have shields up you can't melee them to the ground. This strategy makes the boss fight quite fast on Insane difficulty." <><><><><> 18 - The Cipher Destroying the final node causes the Thorian to lose its grip and fall into the abyss below. Additionally, an asari emerges from one of the Thorian's pods along the wall. She identifies herself as Shiala, a former follower of Matriarch Benezia who Saren had used to interface with the Thorian and learn about the Protheans. She also informs you about Sovereign, Saren's flagship. She claims that being on the ship changes you in subtle ways, and causes you to obey Saren's will. Finally, she offers you the Cipher, the same knowledge she gave to Saren, in the hopes that you can stop him. Because she was once a servant of Saren and Benezia, you have the option of killing her. She does not resist if you decide that will be her fate. Otherwise she vows to help the colonists rebuild, as she wants to make amends for playing a role in many of their deaths. ++ Paragon for sparing Shiala ++ Renegade for killing Shiala 19 - Normandy Debrief Back on the ship, your crew sits in the comm room to discuss the last mission. If you've picked up Liara already, she offers to join her mind with yours to try to make more sense of the visions you've had. When the briefing is over you can talk to the Council if you choose. + Paragon for politely defending your actions on Feros + Renegade for aggressively defending your action on Feros Mission Complete: "Feros: The