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Mass effect paragon guide: how to be completely good.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition gives players the opportunity to become Paragons by making righteous decisions during the series' many dilemmas.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition merges the series into an almost seamless experience in which players' decisions easily carry over between games. Players aiming to be intergalactic heroes will have the opportunity to do so by seeking to help those in need to become a Paragon of galactic society. Players that achieve at least 75% Paragon will also net the Principalled achievement during  Mass Effect 1.

Gaining Paragon points in Mass Effect Legendary Edition will often consist of having Shepard be an overall friendly, virtuous, and caring person. This translates to picking dialogue choices that show companions and NPCs that the Commander cares, understands, and is altruistic. The more points in Paragon players have, the more convincing they will be when attempting to persuade others which can often lead to avoiding hostilities altogether.

Related: Mass Effect Legendary Edition: Beginner's Tips For Each Game

To become a Paragon, it can be very useful for players to understand how the dialogue wheel system works. Options to the right of the wheel will often advance the conversation, while those to the left will expand on the current topic and often give players a chance to gather more information. Dialogue options that appear on the upper side of the wheel are the ones players want to look out for as they often represent "good" answers. Likewise, Paragon players should mostly avoid the options at the bottom of the wheel as they represent the Renegade path in Mass Effect Legendary Edition .

How to be a Paragon in Mass Effect

Players can replicate the iconic Female Shepard design starting in Mass Effect 1 in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

Mass Effect 1

During the first game in the series, players can follow the proven technique of choosing dialogue options that appear on the upper side of the wheel to progress towards becoming a Paragon, which will unlock ranks in the Charm skill. Throughout the game, players will have several opportunities to persuade people through blue dialogue options that will need enough Paragon and Charm points to unlock; otherwise, they will be grayed out. When players become Spectres, they will also receive one free point in both Charm and Intimidation, which will carry over when importing a character. Reaching 80% Paragon during Mass Effect 1 will unlock the "UNC: Besieged Base," where players must defeat biotic fanatics and rescue their hostages.

Mass Effect 2

The second game in the series will present players with even more opportunities to demonstrate their morality by adding special interrupt button prompts during dialogues. These interruptions will more emphatically demonstrate the Commanders viewpoints and can often result in direct physical actions. Although it is possible to max out Paragon and Renegade on the same character, certain dialogue options are locked behind an invisible threshold related to how strickly players have stuck with one morality. Therefore, players who wish to be the ultimate Paragons should not stop choosing Paragon options because their bar is maxed out.

Mass Effect 3

Much like previous games, Mass Effect players can gain Paragon points by choosing the upper dialogue options in the conversation wheel and will also have access to the special interruptions introduced in Mass Effect 2 , which rewards a large number of morality points. Unlike the previous games, morality in Mass Effect 3 works in tandem with Reputation as a single percentage bar, which means choosing Renegade options while attempting to become a Paragon will be counter-productive for those wishing to max it out. Reputation is the sum of Renegade and Paragon points and will influence NPCs reaction to Shepard. This sequel is the most morally binary in the series and will often push players towards one end of the moral spectrum, allowing players to more easily identify, and stick to, Paragon during Mass Effect 3 .

Next: Mass Effect: Every Romance Option Guide

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with backward compatibility for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Mass Effect Assignments: how to start every side quest & assignment

While you’ll be doing a lot of running and gunning across the Galaxy, Mass Effect is still a traditional RPG in many ways. That naturally means a whole bunch of side quests - or Assignments,  as they’re known officially in the game.

As with the various character classes, abilities and class specializations in Mass Effect 1, the assignments featured are pretty typical RPG tropes - various quests that offer up rewards like XP, items, gear, paragon or renegade alignment points, and of course new and unique storylines. Completing the majority of the game nets you the ‘Completionist’ trophy/achievement - so if you’re going for that, you’ll need to tidy up the majority of the assignments.

One advantage of the branching, multi-game narrative of Mass Effect is that several of these side quests and assignments can also feature choices that have consequences in Mass Effect 2 and 3 - if you do the quest.

On this page, we’ll list every side quest assignment in Mass Effect, plus where to start them and any other key information completionists will need to know - broken up by each of Mass Effect’s core locations:

  • Citadel Assignments, part 1

Normandy Squadmate Assignments

  • Citadel Assignments, part 2
  • Story Planet Assignments on Feros, Noveria & Virmire
  • Citadel Assignments, part 3
  • DLC Assignments
  • Collectible assignments

Uncharted World Assignments

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Citadel Assignments Part 1

These assignments are available from your very first visit to the Citadel very early in the game, though some assignments unlock gradually as more of the Citadel becomes available to you. 

  • Citadel: Asari Consort: visit the Consort’s Chambers on the Presidium and speak to Nelyna and then Sha’ira.
  • Citadel: Doctor Michel: head to the Lower Wards Med Clinic again any time after taking down Fist in Chora’s Den as part of the main story. 
  • This quest evolves into a ‘second part’ called ‘Citadel: Doctor Michel is Safe’
  • Citadel: Homecoming: once Tali has joined your party, speak to Samesh Bhatia near the embassy area commons area, not far from where there’s an Avina terminal.
  • This quest leads to several follow-up quests as the storyline twists and turns, including Citadel: Jahleed's Secret ,   Citadel: Jahleed and Chorban , followed by one of a number of finales such as Citadel: Jahleed Returns Materials , Citadel: Jahleed Arrested , Citadel: Jahleed Set Free . 
  • Citadel: Presidium Prophet: after the council reject your claims about Eden Prime and the Citadel: Expose Saren main quest begins, find a C-Sec Officer and Hanar on the Presidium in the wide open area near the Citadel Tower. 
  • Citadel: Reporter's Request: as soon as you can access the Upper Wards (once you’re working to expose Saren), find Emily Wong near the stairway to Flux. Alternatively, picking up the OSD in Fist’s office in Chora’s Den also retroactively gives you the quest. 
  • This quest evolves into Citadel: Rita's Sister and Chellick and Citadel: Rita's Sister is Safe as you progress it.
  • Citadel: Scan the Keepers: this assignment is dropped into your lap; after meeting the council, a Salarian is right in your path, fiddling with a keeper. A squadmate will even point them out. Chat to the Salarian, Chorban, to start the quest. If you’ve already started the Citadel: Jahleed’s Fears quest before this one, Chorban will move to the Lower Markets, where you can still get the quest from him. We’ve got a guide to the Keeper Locations to get you through this quest.
  • Depending on choices you make, this assignment will change into either Citadel: Schells' Scanner Given Away or Citadel: Schells has his Data .
  • Citadel: Signal Tracking: visit Flux Casino on the Lower Wards and examine a ‘Suspicious Gambling Machine’ in the upstairs corner to start this quest. We’ve got a guide on the signal tracking locations if you need help.
  • Citadel: The Fan: you’ll find Conrad Verner standing in the Markets area of the Upper Wards. There are three stages to this assignment; you’ll need to visit Verner when you first gain access to the wards, then again after becoming a Spectre, and one last time after completing any of the three main story worlds.
  • As it progresses, this quest changes name to Citadel: Xeltan Convinced .
  • Missing Person / UNC: Privateers: get this assignment by speaking to Garoth in the Citadel Tower after your second meeting with the council. Alternatively, it can be received by hacking a computer terminal on Noveria. It will also automatically trigger if you find and scan the MSV Majesty in the Horse Head Nebula.

Once you’re back on the Normandy after your first Citadel Visit, you’ll have the chance to talk to your squadmates during down time aboard the ship. If you keep talking to them, three of your alien squad members will have requests for you.

What squadmates have to say changes each time you complete a main story mission; you may have to complete one or two story missions before they give you their request and the associated assignment .

  • Garrus: Find Dr. Saleon: keep talking to Garrus and he’ll gradually reveal information about this C-Sec case gone wrong, which eventually gives you a location to head to.
  • Tali and the Geth / Tali’s Pilgrimage: Tali will tell you about her pilgrimage, but this assignment only pops when you clear a Geth Base on Solcrum as part of UNC: Geth Incursions. There’s a terminal you can interact with in that planet’s Geth Stronghold, and you can then gift that data to Tali aboard Normandy.
  • Wrex: Family Armor: keep talking to Wrex and talking about his past; he will ask you to retrieve his family armor, which was stolen. Alternatively, you can find the assignment goal on Tuntau in the Phoenix System of Argos Rho; finding the armor first gives you the quest, then you can turn it in by talking to Wrex. We recommend, for various reasons, that you do this quest before heading to Virmire .

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Citadel Assignments Part 2

These assignments will be available the next time you visit the Citadel after completing any one of the three ‘core’ story planet missions of Therum, Noveria, or Feros .

Three of the quests that unlock this point are a branch based on your pre-service history character background - each background gets one exclusive side quest. The other three are available to all.

  • Citadel: I Remember Me: only available if your Shepard has the Colonist background. You’ll automatically get a call about this quest after arriving on the Citadel and using the elevator from the docking bay.
  • Citadel: Old Friends: only available if your Shepard has the Earthborn background. Find Finch in Chora’s Den.
  • Citadel: Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things: only available if your Shepard has the Spacer background. Talk to Zabaleta in the Wards Access corridor area.
  • Citadel: Family Matter: near the Presidium financial district and Barla Von’s office, there's two people audibly arguing. Insert yourself into their conversation.
  • Citadel: Planting a Bug: you must have completed Citadel: Reporter’s Request for Emily Wong. If you have, find Wong in the Citadel Tower to get this continuation.
  • Citadel: Snap Inspection: this will automatically occur as you step off the Normandy when it first arrives back at the Citadel. 
  • Citadel: The Fourth Estate: the reporter Khalisah Al-Jilani can be found at the bottom of the elevator from the docking bay; talk to her to take on this verbally-charged assignment.

Story Planet Assignments: Feros, Noveria, & Virmire

Mass Effect’s handful of story-critical planets also have a few assignments of their own - though it’s only a few for each planet, and Therum actually has no side quests at all, being a much more straightforward affair. Here’s the quests you can expect on each planet:

Noveria Assignments:

  • Noveria: Espionage: as you explore the port in Noveria, you’ll be approached by an Asari named Mallene Calis, giving you this side quest. If you agree to help her, the quest continues. If you refuse, it is marked as completed.
  • Noveria: Smuggling: there’s a Hanar Merchant named Opold on Noveria, in the port area. Chat to it and it’ll ask for your help smuggling an item.

Feros Assignments:

  • Feros: Data Recovery: when you’re in the Mako heading from Zhu’s Hope to the ExoGeni facility, you can stop and head into ruins - speak to the scientists hiding within. 
  • Feros: Geth in the Tunnels: after speaking to Fai Dan as part of the main story and then dealing with some Geth, speak to him again. You can also get the quest by heading into the tunnels and blowing up the transmitter.
  • Feros: Power Cells: once you’ve met Fai Dan in Zhu’s Hope, talk to May O’Connell, who hangs out near the area entrance.
  • Feros: Varren Meat: once you’ve free reign to look around Zhu’s Hope, talk to Davin Reynolds.
  • Feros: Water Restoration: find and talk to Macha Doyle inside the Zhu’s Hope colony.

Virmire Assignments:

  • Virmire: Assisting Kirrahe's Team & Virmire: Wrex and the Genophage : both unmissable quests that will pop part-way into the Virmire mission - with the Wrex mission only happening if you recruited him. We’ve got a full guide to the choices on Virmire that helps explain the decisions you’re making here.

Citadel Assignments Part 3

While you can go back and forth to the Citadel as much as you like, these assignments will be made available when the story takes you back to the Citadel and for a brief period you can’t leave there. 

  • Citadel: Our Own Worst Enemy: once Captain Anderson asks you to meet him in Flux but before you do go to join him, talk to Charles Saracino, who is leading a group of protestors. 
  • Citadel: Negotiator's Request: once Captain Anderson asks you to meet him in Flux, you’ll be able to talk to Mr. Keeler near the entrance to Flux to get this assignment.

DLC Assignments: Bring Down the Sky & Pinnacle Station

The DLC for Mass Effect adds two new locations with associated story missions - Asteroid X57 and Pinnacle Station. Note that Pinnacle Station is only available in the original releases of the game, not the Legendary Edition remaster . Bring Down The Sky is available in both.

Bring Down the Sky / Asteroid X57 Assignments:

  • X57: Bring Down the Sky: simply land on the asteroid; this is the main story mission.
  • X57: Avoid the Blasting Caps: will be introduced to you over comms when you turn off the first fusion torch.
  • X57: Missing Engineers: either find one of the engineers out on the Asteroid or speak to Simon Atwell later in the main quest.

Pinnacle Station Assignments: 

  • Pinnacle Station: Combat Missions: visit Pinnacle Station. Talk to Admiral Ahern, then Ochren. 
  • Pinnacle Station: Convoy: clear Admiral Ahren’s special scenario to get this quest.
  • Pinnacle Station: Vidinos: beat the high score of a challenge to start this quest.

Galactic Collectible Assignments

Each of these five assignments relate to various resources that can be found on the uncharted worlds you can land the Mako on through the galaxy as presented in Mass Effect. Each of these quests automatically begins the first time that you pick up one of these resources on any uncharted world.

Keep in mind that in most of these cases, there are more of these resources to be found than required to finish each quest. Aside from some cash and XP, there is no bonus to finding ‘extra’ resources.

  • UNC: Prothean Data Discs
  • UNC: Turian Insignias
  • UNC: Valuable Minerals
  • UNC: Locate Signs of Battle
  • UNC: Asari Writings

mass_effect_unc_side_quests_assignments.png

These assignments make up the bulk of the side quests in the game - relatively random encounters you can have out in space while exploring the galaxy.

Most of these quests can be acquired in multiple ways - either through stumbling on the quest location while exploring a planet, through hacking computers and terminals, through overheard news reports and banter, or even through distress signals. Many of these quests have multiple names depending on how you first acquire them - so we bundle each quest together with its multiple monikers below.

  • UNC: Asari Diplomacy / Mercenaries: after completing one story planet, talk to Nassana Dantius in the lounge area of the Citadel’s Presidium embassies area. Alternatively, the quest automatically begins if you assault a merc base on Sharjila in the Macedon system.
  • UNC: Colony of the Dead / Investigate Samples: hack a terminal in the ExoGeni building on Feros - or go to Chasca in the Matano system and enter one of the planet’s research stations.
  • UNC: Dead Scientists / Doctor at Risk: find a clue on a terminal on Noveria, or get it automatically when you first enter the Newton system.
  • UNC: Derelict Freighter: any time after finishing the story mission on Feros, find this ship drifting in the Caspian System of the Maroon Sea Cluster, hidden in an asteroid belt. 
  • UNC: Distress Call / Unusual Readings: hack the computer in Udina’s office on the Citadel, or go to Metgos in the Argos Rho cluster’s Hydra system.
  • UNC: Espionage Probe / Investigate Shipments: simply take the Normandy to the Voyager Cluster’s Amazon system.
  • UNC: ExoGeni Facility / Investigate Facility: obtain the quest by unearthing a transmission while on Feros, or get the assignment by landing on Nodacrux in the Maroon Sea cluster.
  • UNC: Geth Incursions / Geth Activities: acquired by hacking a Geth terminal on Feros or terminal on Virmire, but it’s more easily obtained by visiting the Armstrong Nebula, where it’ll be given to you on arrival.
  • UNC: Hostage: you’ll get a message from Admiral Hackett the first time you enter the Farinata System of the Hades Gamma cluster.
  • UNC: Hostile Takeover / A Person of Interest: either talk to Helena Blake in the Citadel Presidium Financial District after becoming a Spectre, or decrypt a terminal in C-Sec Academy.
  • UNC: Major Kyle / Strange Transmission: unlocked by hacking various terminals on Feros, the Citadel, or Noveria. Alternatively, navigate to the Century system of the Hawking Eta cluster to get it automatically.
  • UNC: Missing Marines / UNC: Cerberus / UNC: Hades' Dogs: after becoming a Spectre, speak to Admiral Kahoku in the Citadel Tower to get the Missing Marines assignment. Alternatively, take Normandy to Edolus in the Artemis Tau cluster to get the assignment that way. Once Missing Marines is completed, UNC: Cerberus triggers when you next use the galaxy map, and that quest leads directly to UNC: Hades’ Dogs. 
  • UNC: Listening Post Alpha / UNC: Listening Post Theta / UNC: Depot Sigma-23: after completing Noveria, go to the Styx Theta cluster. Enter the Erebus system to pick up a distress signal.
  • UNC: Lost Freighter: locate the missing ship in the Gemini Sigma cluster’s Ming System. 
  • UNC: Lost Module: simply enter the Hercules system in the Attican Beta cluster to be given the assignment. 
  • UNC: Missing Survey Team: commonly overheard in Citadel elevators. Alternatively, just go to the planet Trebin in the Hades Gamma cluster’s Antaeus system.
  • UNC: Privateers / Missing Person: talk to Garoth on the Citadel Tower after becoming a Spectre. Alternatively, find and scan the MSV Majesty in the  Horse Head Nebula. It’s near the planet Xawin.
  • UNC: Rogue VI: once you reach a certain level, Admiral Hackett will call you to give you this assignment the next time you travel to a new system. This assignment is how you unlock Shepard’s specialization class .

Finally, there are two assignments that are exclusive to different moralities. They only trigger if you've amassed a certain amount of Paragon or Renegade points, and are themed around what each morality axis is good at:

  • UNC: Besieged Base:  Admiral Hackett will contact you when you use the Galaxy Map once you qualify, which will require at least 80% of Paragon points.
  • UNC: The Negotiation:  Admiral Hackett will contact you when you use the Galaxy Map once you qualify, which will require at least 80% Renegade points.

Finished with ME1? We've got the same guide for the ME2 side quests if you enjoyed this - just click on through!

Mass Effect Legendary Edition: 15 Assignments In The First Game You Need To Play

As an RPG, Mass Effect contains plenty of side objectives for players. With the release of the Legendary Edition, which are most worth your time?

The first Mass Effect game revolves around Commander Shepard and their quest to hunt down Saren and Sovereign to save the galaxy from destruction. However, the protagonist doesn't spend all of their time on a single quest. Alongside the game's main missions is an abundance of assignments for players to complete, all of which are included in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition .

RELATED: Mass Effect: All Alien Squad Members In Thea Franchise, Ranked

The side quests focus on other happenings in the galaxy, which Shepard needs to sort out. They offer a nice reprieve from the main quest and add some life to the galaxy, making it feel lived in. Some assignments can be a little repetitive, but plenty of others are worth playing.

Updated on January 16th, 2022 by Talha Bin Rizwan: The first game from the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition trilogy has players take control of Commander Shepard to save the galaxy from the Saren, Sovereign, and the Geth. In addition to the main quest, players can undertake many side quests that are found all over the galaxy. These side missions, or assignments, as the game calls them, add some variety to the gameplay allowing Shepard to help people in a more one-on-one way. While some side-quests can be tedious for players, other side missions can be just as engaging as the main quest, if not more.

15 Garrus: Find Dr. Saleon

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Dr. Saleon

Loyalty missions don't exist in the original game, but some assignments relate to specific companions. For instance, the search for Dr. Saleon concerns perhaps the best squadmate , Garrus. Dr. Saleon, aka Dr. Heart, is a cruel Salarian who used to clone organs inside his patients' bodies to sell, often causing complications for the victims. When he was a part of C-Sec, Garrus tried to stop the evil physician, but Saleon slipped away.

If Shepard talks to the Turian enough throughout the game, he'll tell the tale of Dr. Saleon and give the Commander coordinates to find the villain. The action in the assignment is limited, yet the compelling backstory makes up for it. Plus, it's always nice to see great characters like Garrus get some spotlight.

14 Asari Consort

Shepard triggers sha'ira romance scene

Shepard can find the consort’s chambers in the southeastern part of the Citadel. Inside, they will meet Sha’ira the consort, who’ll task them with getting a Turian General to leave her alone. The general is spreading lies about Sha’ira and all Shepard will need to do is talk to him.

Once done, they can return to Sha’ira where they can get one of two rewards, either a romance scene or a Prothean trinket that leads to an easter egg on the planet Eletania.

13 UNC: Missing Marines

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Mako Fighting A Thresher Maw

Relatively early in the game, Shepard can speak with Admiral Kahoku, who sends him on an assignment to find his missing marines. At the last known coordinates of Kahoku's team, the player finds only dead bodies and a huge Thresher Maw.

In the original game, fighting the giant monster wasn't too interesting. Yet, the Legendary Edition has made several exciting alterations to Thresher Maw battles. Maws now have sensory tentacles that players must shoot to get it out of hiding, which adds more variety to fights. Furthermore, their aim is incredible as they predict the Mako's movements, making their acid spit much harder to dodge.

12 Noveria: Espionage

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Rafael Vargas

Not every assignment in Mass Effect is about violence. In 'Noveria: Espionage,' Shepard has to keep Rafael Vargas talking while a device hacks into his personal network.

RELATED: Every Mass Effect Race & Their Population Size

To please the Asari who gave Shepard the job, the player has to convince Vargas that they're genuinely interested in buying something from Binary Helix. Since this is Mass Effect , there are multiple ways for the quest to play out, partially based on whether Shepard is Paragon or Renegade. It all makes for a unique and compelling assignment that players can find near the Hotel bar on Noveria.

11 Homecoming

Samesh calls out to Shepard for help in retreiving his wife's body

The quest is a short one but may have an emotional impact on players. The quest can be acquired after Tali joins Shepard’s party. They will find an NPC in front of the embassy front desk at the Presidium who is trying to get the Alliance to recover his wife’s body from Eden Prime.

Shepard can intervene on his behalf and talk to the clerk responsible who will release the body. It’s a small quest that takes only a few minutes to complete, but it is one of the few which can touch the players emotionally.

10 Citadel: The Fan

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Conrad Verner

Despite featuring sparingly in the trilogy, Conrad Verner is a memorable character. He's a fanatic of Shepard's, desperate to follow in his hero's footsteps. At different points during the first game, he'll be waiting down in the Citadel markets.

As part of 'Citadel: The Fan,' the Commander has several conversations with Verner. During each talk, Verner's enthusiasm and delusion is funny to watch. Shepard's reaction to their number one fan is always entertaining, regardless of the protagonist's moral alignment.

9 UNC: Geth Incursions (aka Geth Activities)

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Mako Fighting Geth Ship During Geth Incursion Assignment

The Geth are among the most powerful races in the Mass Effect universe , so Admiral Hackett is understandably concerned that they have multiple outposts in the Armstrong Nebula. As usual, it's up to Shepard to put an end to the Synthetics' activities. The Commander must go around to each outpost and destroy the Geth forces waiting there.

The enjoyment of this assignment depends on players' feelings about the new Mako, as it features heavily in the mission. However, the main reason to do this quest is the important terminal at the final base. Shepard can give the data retrieved from this terminal to Tali, which will strengthen their relationship.

8 Rita's Sister

Rita from ME1 asks Shepard to help her sister out

This side mission can be acquired at Flux where players will overhear a waitress, Rita, talking to her Volus manager about her sister. Upon exploring, Shepard learns that Rita’s sister is working on a dangerous assignment for C-Sec, and she is worried about her sister’s safety.

Shepard is then contacted by a C-Sec officer and can assist him in dealing with the matter themselves. In doing so, Shepard will complete the assignment he gave to Jenna, Rita’s sister, after which she will be free to go.

7 UNC: Rogue VI

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Mako On The Moon

'UNC: Rogue VI' is an assignment given to the player by Hackett. The Alliance Admiral asks Shepard to go to Earth's moon and destroy the out-of-control VI that's taken over Luna Base. During the mission, the Commander and their team shoot through an abundance of flying drones.

As players spend most of the story facing Geth or Krogan, the drones are a nice change of pace. The real reason to complete this quest, though, is because it rewards the player with a Class Specialization. If players choose the right Specialization, it can make them significantly stronger.

6 Hostile Takeover:

Helena Blake asks Shepard to let her go

The mission is available after Shepard completes the main missions on the planets Therum, Noveria, and Feros. They’ll need to hack one of the terminals at the C-Sec Academy to pick this side mission up. C-Sec will be investigating a suspected criminal named Helena Blake who can be found in the Financial District.

She’ll ask Shepard to take out two of her business partners. The quest is short but fun and depending on how players complete the quest, Helena Blake will appear in the second game of the trilogy.

5 UNC: Cerberus

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Mako Outside a Cerberus Facility

Players might not remember that Cerberus is barely involved in the first game's adventures. However, in the rest of the Legendary Edition , the morally questionable organization plays a significant part in the story. In fact, Mass Effect 2 feels a little weird without knowing why people hate the Illusive Man's crew.

RELATED: Mass Effect: Miranda Lawson's Best Quotes, Ranked

Admiral Kahoku gives players the chance to learn about the group, tasking them with investigating a few of their research facilities as part of the 'UNC: Cerberus' assignment. During the lengthy mission, Shepard finds out some horrifying information, helping flesh out the story.

4 Wrex: Family Armor

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Wrex After Picking Up Family Armor

If players want to hear Wrex deliver great lines throughout the entire trilogy , they should do his family armor quest. Completing this assignment isn't the only way to keep this Krogan alive, but it is the easiest.

To acquire the mission, Shepard has to regularly talk with Wrex on the Normandy until he reveals that his family armor is in the hands of a Turian pirate. During the assignment, players will storm the base of the trophy hunter and attempt to kill plenty of his people in an entertaining battle.

3 Shepard’s Backstory Missions

Spacer bakground Shepard meets Zabaleta during the Side Quest

During character creation, players select a background for Shepard out of three choices; Earthborn, Colonist, and Spacer. These allow players to determine Shepard’s origins and how they started their journey to become a galactic legend. During the game, Shepard will be prompted to pursue certain missions based on the background selection.

With Earthborn, Shepard helps a former friend help his companion escape. With Colonist, a person from Shepard’s colony needs their help in stopping a suicide. And with Spacer, Shepard will help a man who claims to be their mother’s friend. These missions are small but allow players to flesh out their Shepard as a character.

2 Virmire: Assisting Kirrahe's Team

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Captain Kirrahe

Shortly after arriving on Virmire, Shepard will meet a Salarian captain named Kirrahe. It doesn't take the leader long to become popular with players, as he's a very likable character.

During the assault on Saren's base, the Commander can help the charismatic Captain stay alive. To do so, players have to complete 'Virmire: Assisting Kirrahe's Team'. The objective to destroy the Geth flyers is the one that really matters, but it's worth completing the entire assignment, as it's enjoyable to help out allies.

1 X57: Bring Down the Sky

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Screenshot Of Bring Down The Sky

Originally, Bring Down the Sky was an expansion for the first game, but now it's included as part of the Legendary Edition . The main quest is a lot longer than a typical assignment, and it sees Shepard attempt to stop a group of Batarians from destroying a colony named Terra Nova.

New enemies, fun action, and a solid story make the Bring Down The Sky assignment one of the best. In fact, if it had more connection to Saren or Sovereign, it would feel more like a main mission as opposed to side content.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

MORE: Mass Effect: Everything You Need To Know About The Reapers

Mass Effect: The Citadel: Homecoming Assignment Guide

Here's everything you need to know to complete the Homecoming Assignment in Mass Effect.

Wondering how to complete the Citadel: Homecoming assignment? Here are all the options you have and the consequences they will have in the future. If you've been playing Mass Effect for a while now you may have noticed that there is a bunch of side content to get through, and it's just as engaging as the game's main story.

RELATED: Mass Effect - The Citadel: Presidium Prophet Assignment Guide

Your first mission in Mass Effect is on a planet where one of the first human colonies settled - Eden Prime . Eden Prime was developed and improved by the Alliance . Unfortunately, the planet is under attack by the Geth , a sentient AI race . A lot of people were killed during this attack and the Citadel: Homecoming assignment is exactly about helping someone that is mourning a significant other.

How To Start The Citadel: Homecoming Assignment

finding samesh for the first time

If you've unlocked the Citadel: Expose Saren mission, then all you have to do is find Tali, the quarian, near Chora's Den . Then, once she joins your party, you will be granted access to the Citadel: Homecoming assignment.

To receive the assignment you have to talk to an NPC called Samesh Bhatia , you can find him in the Presidium, next to the embassy reception desk. Samesh will call out for you, so he's hard to miss if you walk past.

Samesh is a human, trying to get back his wife's body to put her to rest properly . She was an Alliance soldier, but, sadly, she was killed on Eden Prime. However, recuperating his wife's body hasn't been an easy task for Samesh, the Alliance has denied giving it back to him without any sort of justification . This, of course, quickly became a frustrating situation for him, and he requires assistance.

Additionally, if you have Ashley in your squad you will also learn more about the situation since she was in the same unit as Samesh's wife . Kaiden will also warn you about this if you have him in your squad but not Ashley.

How To Solve The Issue

Clerk Bosker , in the Embassy Lounge, is the one that's been denying Samesh his wife's physical remains. If you talk to him, since Shepard is a respectable soldier, he'll let you in on some information regarding the body. Bosker says that given the circumstances in which she died, the Alliance is conducting some tests so they can learn more about the geth technology and weaponry to improve defenses. However, the tests may go on for years .

Ultimately it is up to you to decide what is the moral thing to do here, but both options will result in you gaining either the same amount of paragon or renegade points - it only depends on how you decide to talk to the person .

Keeping The Body

keeping body for the alliance

If you think that the Alliance keeping the body will be best for the greater good and Samesh that should make a sacrifice, you have to persuade him to understand. To do this you can either charm him or intimidate him, but beware that Samesh requires an additional Charm and Intimidate point to persuade compared to Clerk Bosker, since it's understandably a much more delicate situation for him. Here's how you can do it:

  • After receiving the quest from Samesh talk to Clerk Bosker, so he can explain the Alliance's motives
  • Return to Samesh and talk to him
  • With three Charm points, you can choose " This is important ", the quest will end, and you will be awarded +8 Paragon points
  • With three Intimidate points, you can choose " This is war ", the quest will end, and you will be awarded +9 Renegade points

Not using morality options while allowing the Alliance to keep the body will make Samesh upset, he will leave, and you won't receive any rewards.

Releasing The Body

persuading alliance to release body

The other option is to make Clerk Bosker release the body to Samesh so he can give her the cremation he wanted and find some peace. Clerk Bosker is easier to convince since it's not a personal issue for him, it's just part of his job to follow orders from the Alliance. Here's how you can convince him:

  • After receiving the quest from Samesh talk to Clerk Bosker
  • With two Charm points, you can choose " This isn't right ", he will release the body and you will be awarded +8 Paragon points
  • With two Intimidate points, you can choose " I'm releasing the body ", he will release the body and you will be awarded +9 Renegade points
  • After persuading Clerk Bosker, you have to return to Samesh and let him know that you were able to help him

Consequences In Mass Effect 2

consequences of helping samesh in mass effect two

You will only learn about the consequences of this assignment if you decide to take Samesh's side and release the body in Mass Effect 1 . Samesh will email you expressing his gratitude for your help. He will let you know that he's opened a restaurant to honor his wife's wish since this would've been her plan once she finished her military work.

But, on the other hand, there is also a chance that you may hear on the news that t he Alliance is finding it difficult to find new recruits since they aren't being able to match the geth technology .

NEXT: Mass Effect Legendary Edition Complete Guide And Walkthrough

Mass Effect Wiki

  • Mass Effect: Infiltrator
  • Edit source
  • View history

Live or die? Ashley Williams executing a character in Mass Effect

Morality is measured in the original Mass Effect trilogy by "Paragon" and "Renegade" points. Unlike many contemporary role-playing games , such as BioWare 's Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic , that represent morality as a single sliding scale of good and evil, Mass Effect keeps track of the Paragon and Renegade points on separate scales. A good action will not make up for an evil one; therefore, being nice occasionally will not stop people from fearing a killer or remove the reputation of an unsympathetic heel, but nor will the occasional brutal action significantly damage the reputation of an otherwise upstanding soldier. This also means there is no gameplay-driven motivation for avoiding a particular type of action.

Commander Shepard 's Paragon and Renegade scores affect the availability of special "good" or "bad" dialogue options with significant impact. In Mass Effect, a higher score will unlock potential ranks for the Charm  and Intimidate skills, where Shepard must invest skill points to make new dialogue choices available. In Mass Effect 2 the skills no longer exist; instead, the Paragon/Renegade scores unlock extra dialogue options directly.

  • 1.1 Paragon
  • 1.2 Renegade
  • 1.3 Spectre Bonus
  • 1.4 Infinite Paragon/Renegade Points Exploit
  • 2.1 Paragon
  • 2.2 Renegade
  • 2.3 Interrupts
  • 2.4 Infinite Paragon/Renegade Points Exploits
  • 3.1 Reputation system
  • 3.2 Interrupts
  • 4 Mass Effect: Infiltrator
  • 5 Mass Effect: Andromeda
  • 6 References

Mass Effect [ ]

Paragon [ ].

ME1 Paragon

Paragon points are gained for compassionate and heroic actions. The Paragon measurement is colored blue. Points are often gained when asking about feelings and motivations of characters. Paragon or Charm dialogue choices (colored blue in dialogue trees) often lead to people being more open and friendly with Shepard, and can sometimes avert entire battles that would otherwise be triggered.

Shepard starts the game with 3 open Charm ranks. The Paragon scale affects Charm and more as defined below:

After reaching 80% Paragon points, Admiral Hackett will give Shepard the UNC: Besieged Base assignment.

The "free" bonus skill points can be gained again if importing the character for another playthrough.

Renegade [ ]

ME1 Renegade

Renegade points are gained for apathetic and ruthless actions. The Renegade measurement is colored red. Many sarcastic and joking remarks are assigned Renegade points. Renegade or Intimidate dialogue choices (colored red in dialogue trees) generally lead to people disliking and even fearing Shepard, and occasionally "encourage" people to tell or give more than they otherwise would. Like with Paragon/Charm options, Shepard can sometimes avert entire battles that would otherwise be triggered.

Shepard starts with 3 open Intimidate ranks. The Renegade scale affects Intimidate and more as defined below:

After reaching 80% Renegade points, Admiral Hackett will give Shepard the UNC: The Negotiation assignment.

Spectre Bonus [ ]

Becoming a Spectre in Mass Effect opens 3 more ranks and gives 1 skill point in both Charm and Intimidate. The "free" bonus skill points can be gained again if importing the character for another playthrough.

Infinite Paragon/Renegade Points Exploit [ ]

There are two assignments with high morality requirements at opposing ends late in the game: UNC: Besieged Base and UNC: The Negotiation . Exploiting infinite points generated by the following methods may be necessary to unlock both assignments in the same playthrough. These methods are still valid in Mass Effect Legendary Edition regardless of console or PC version.

  • During the course of Noveria: Lorik Qui'in you will need to speak to Lorik Qui'in , a turian , at the Port Hanshan mezzanine. A mission progression choice enables you to encourage him to testify in a court case. You can choose from either a Paragon or Renegade dialogue option if you have at least 5 points in charm and/or intimidate. Choosing either of these options will give you a reward of 24 Paragon or 25 Renegade points respectively. The conversation will end but you can talk to him again. Ask about a different topic (i.e. Matriarch Benezia ), then choose "Another question". The option to convince him to testify will reappear. Repeat this for infinite Paragon and/or Renegade points. Do not max out both bars unless you plan to have a Paragon Shepard imported into Mass Effect 2.
  • During the UNC: Lost Module assignment on Eletania , using the space monkeys . After finding and searching the monkey holding the data module, save the game and reload. This will result in the Paragon point reward being reissued to the player, despite it already being claimed before the reload. You are only awarded Paragon points if you retrieve the data module without killing any monkeys. Note: You only need to save/reload after the initial search. Then all you have to do is double-tap start in between searching the monkey. If you continue to push the A button (360) or X button (PS3) to search the monkey, your Paragon points will continue to climb until you stop.

At the end of Mass Effect, Shepard's morality affects the tone of the ending conversation, regardless of whether the Council was saved or killed. If Paragon, the Presidium will be brightly-lit and the background music will be Vigil's theme. If Renegade, the Presidium will have a darker lighting, with Sovereign's theme playing in the background. The closing shot of Mass Effect always shows Shepard, but varies according to morality choices. If the commander is a Paragon, Shepard is standing empty-handed against a blue-hued planet with an unknown space station in orbit. If the commander is a Renegade, Shepard is standing against a silhouetted planet in a red nebula, holding an assault rifle.

Mass Effect 2 [ ]

The morality system of Mass Effect 2 works on percentages rather than the total points earned. There is a set number of morality points available in the game. Shepard's current effective morality score at any given point is the number of points earned out of the number of points available from the areas the Commander has explored so far. It is possible to have Shepard's Paragon/Renegade scale(s) maxed out, but still not have the percentage required for certain dialog options. [1] [2] Due to the morality score boosting effect of class powers , adding/removing points from Shepard's class power using retrain powers will cause a rise/drop in both Paragon and Renegade points in proportion to the greater/fewer number of points in the class power after reallocation.

In Mass Effect 2, there is no separate Charm skill; the success of Charm (blue) dialogue choices is determined directly from the Paragon score instead. Choosing Paragon options will cause the scars on Shepard's face to begin to heal and disappear.

Paragon interrupts usually involve sparing the lives of innocent people or to provide emotional support or comfort. In other cases it is used to call out immoral actions of others.

Renegade facial scarring in Mass Effect 2

In Mass Effect 2, there is no separate Intimidate skill; the success of Intimidate (red) dialogue choices is determined directly from the Renegade score instead. Renegade points will also deepen the facial scarring Shepard has after the Lazarus reconstruction.

Renegade interrupts are usually done for combat and involve violent actions towards Shepard's enemies and other people. These can be used to gain an upper hand against the enemy in battle and sarcastic remarks from Shepard.

Interrupts [ ]

In Mass Effect 2 Interrupts are an addition to the dialogue system that allow Commander Shepard to take direct, often physical, action at certain moments in conversations.

A Renegade interrupt, for example, may have Shepard physically assault another character, while a Paragon interrupt might have Shepard intervene to prevent one character from harming another.

Using a Renegade or Paragon interrupt will typically result in a significant number of the appropriate Renegade or Paragon points being awarded. Usually, not using an interrupt is not considered a moral choice, i.e. not using a Paragon interrupt is not considered a Renegade choice, or vice versa. However there are a few exceptions to this rule in various points throughout the game.

Infinite Paragon/Renegade Points Exploits [ ]

1. At the conclusion of Samara 's loyalty mission, if Morinth is dead, asking Samara if she is okay and then telling her you're not ready to leave will give you 2 Paragon points. You can repeat those two choices and get another 2 points an infinite number of times.

Note: This is a very poor way to gain Paragon points, because Samara must complete her dialogue before you can talk to her again, making it very tedious. It is recommended that the dialogue be skipped with the X button (Xbox 360) or Spacebar (PC) or Square button (PS3).

2. At the beginning of the game when Shepard must escape the station. After the Commander heals Wilson and Overloads the explosive crates, while heading for the exit, Jacob interrupts to explain that Cerberus funded the Lazarus project. During the conversation you may choose "That sounds familiar..." and "I'll never work for Cerberus!" for Paragon points or "You lied to me" and either "What are you after?" or "He'd better have answers." (depending on whether or not you chose "Illusive Man?" when the option appears) for Renegade points. After the conversation, go into cover against the box on the left, then save. Reload that save file and Shepard should be at the same spot, albeit not in cover. As you approach the exit, the conversation will start up again. This process can be repeated, with points carrying over, allowing you to fill both Paragon and Renegade meters. This bug still exists in Mass Effect Legendary Edition.

Note: As Shepard receives only 4 points for each conversation, this can take up to 250 saves per meter with an ME2-import Shepard with an evolved Class Power. Also, the player is unable to see their Paragon/Renegade meter until they leave the station (just before they see the Illusive Man). An easier way to tell how many points towards Paragon/Renegade is by watching the scars on Shepard's face, which will worsen if points are put towards Renegade and heal if points are put towards Paragon.

At the end of Mass Effect 2, when Shepard is having the final discussion with the Illusive Man , the star in the background will change color depending on the choice made regarding the Collector Base . If the Paragon option (destroy the base) was made, the star will be blue; if the Renegade option (to keep the base) was made, the star will be red instead. However, if Shepard died on the suicide mission, the star will be its regular red/blue color no matter what choice the Commander made.

Mass Effect 3 [ ]

Reputation system [ ].

In Mass Effect 3 morality plays into the Reputation system. Whereas Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 features separate Paragon and Renegade meters, Mass Effect 3 features a single Reputation meter, to which both Paragon and Renegade points contribute. The narration in the control ending will differ based on whether Shepard was a Paragon or Renegade.

In Mass Effect 3 interrupts are an addition to the dialogue system that allow Commander Shepard to take direct, often physical, action at certain moments in conversations.

Mass Effect: Infiltrator [ ]

Morality system in Mass Effect Infiltrator

Mass Effect: Infiltrator features a new type of dichotomous morality system. At some moments in the game, Randall Ezno will have the opportunity to make a Paragon or a Renegade decision. This decision will trigger a specific action according to your choice. Those choices are limited regarding the lore but have some influence on the plot.

Unlike other Mass Effect games, Mass Effect: Infiltrator does not keep track of your decisions on a scale. However, the facial scars and biotic colors of Randall Ezno will change according to the choices you make. Renegade choices will turn them red, and Paragon choices will leave them the traditional blue.

Note: This mechanism has no impact on the Bonus Mission .

Mass Effect: Andromeda [ ]

Mass Effect: Andromeda abandoned the Morality System. Pathfinder Ryder's current conversation choices no longer determine future gameplay consequences.

The developers at Bioware felt that players were too often deciding to make a Paragon or Renegade choice for their character based on a predetermined personality, regardless of the context of the conversation.

References [ ]

  • ↑ BioWare forum topic
  • ↑ Forum post from Bioware QA team member
  • Mass Effect
  • 3 Romance (Mass Effect: Andromeda)

GameRant

Why Mass Effect 4 Will Likely Skip Over the Paragon and Renegade System

  • Mass Effect 4 may not include the iconic Paragon and Renegade features, breaking away from series tradition and following broader trends in the gaming industry.
  • The removal of the binary morality system in Mass Effect: Andromeda was intentional, allowing for more nuanced choices and a departure from strict good vs. evil decisions.
  • Introducing a new protagonist in Mass Effect 4 could mean the exclusion of Paragon and Renegade choices, focusing on a more fluid and expressive choice system for players to make their own decisions.

Very little is known about Mass Effect 4 , but there's a solid chance that it will be lacking the iconic Paragon and Renegade features that appeared so prominently in the original three games. Although the system is often thought of as a key element of Mass Effect , decisions made by BioWare with Andromeda , alongside broader trends in the gaming industry, suggest that the binary system may be a thing of the past.

Depending on who's asked, the morality system is one of the best or worst qualities of the original three Mass Effect entries. Supporters of the system argue that the strict Paragon/Renegade dichotomy allows for unique playthroughs, exciting decision-making, and heightened replay value, while critics posit that the binary nature of the mechanic harms the role-playing experience overall, undermining nuanced narrative beats and scenarios. Whether it's good or bad, the morality system is an integral part of the original Mass Effect trilogy, and its removal in Mass Effect: Andromeda was a notable departure from series tradition, which could be repeated in ME4 .

Mass Effect 4's Base Ship Could Benefit from Customization Options

Bioware might not bring back paragon/renegade for mass effect 4.

Cutting out the binary morality system in Andromeda was an intentional move on the part of BioWare, with the game's creative director, Mac Walters, citing identity and storytelling goals as key reasons for its omission. Essentially, BioWare considered the system as an inextricable part of Shepard's story and personality, so with the implementation of a new protagonist and a new cast of characters, it made sense to ax it. Since Mass Effect 4 will likely introduce a new protagonist as well, it's possible that BioWare will once again choose to leave out Paragon and Renegade choices, relegating them to Shepard's story alone.

Other Reasons for Cutting the Paragon and Renegade System in Mass Effect 4

Though Mass Effect 4 may be a return to form for the franchise, it may be better off leaving the Paragon and Renegade system behind, even if Shepard does reprise their role as the lead hero. The original Mass Effect trilogy released during an era where binary systems of morality were popular in gaming, with hit franchises like Fable and Infamous implementing their own form of a Paragon/Renegade mechanic.

However, the gaming landscape is quite different now, and RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 , Undertale , and Disco Elysium have shown what is possible with more nuanced choices that aren't tied to a strict, binary system of morality. This fluid and expressive choice system is not only more true-to-life but can also be more satisfying to engage with.

Evolving Mass Effect 's morality system could benefit ME4 's role-playing aspects, especially as the series faces competition from newer RPGs. Because of how dialog checks work in Mass Effect , specifically Mass Effect 2 , players are encouraged to strictly adhere to either the Paragon or Renegade path, or else they miss out on influential dialog options. If Mass Effect 4 scraps the morality system, the game could instead encourage players to experiment with different combinations of decisions, allowing them to express themselves in the game and make the choices they truly wish to make, not just the ones that align with their earlier decisions.

Even though Andromeda did away with it, it's still hard to imagine Mass Effect without the Paragon and Renegade mechanic. It's important to note that Mass Effect 4 can bring back the morality system while still addressing its shortcomings.

For instance, while morality in the original games isn't supposed to boil down to "good vs. evil," certain Renegade choices, such as killing Samara in ME2 , could be considered unambiguously immoral. Mass Effect 4 could allow for more gray area within the confines of the Paragon and Renegade continuum, thus fulfilling the original intention of the system. Steering clear of the red Renegade eyes would probably help too.

Mass Effect Trilogy

Mass Effect Trilogy is a compilation featuring BioWare's Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mess Effect 3. The Trilogy also contains all of the downloadable content for the first two games including Lair of the Shadow Broker, Stolen Memory, Bring Down the Sky, and Overlord. 

Franchise Mass Effect

Developer(s) BioWare

Publisher(s) Microsoft

Genre(s) Third-Person Shooter, Action RPG

Why Mass Effect 4 Will Likely Skip Over the Paragon and Renegade System

Side Quests

This section of IGN's Mass Effect guide covers all of the Side Quests, known within the game as Assignments. There are over 60 different Assignments available across the game of all stripes. As such, we've grouped them across several different categories.

Citadel: Side Quests

Unc: side quests, discovery side quests, squadmate side quests, pre-service history side quests, feros: side quests, noveria: side quests.

Virmire has two Assignments that aren't listed here, as they deal with the fate of two characters and thus are considered spoilers. Head to that section if you want to learn more.

Efficient Expose Saren Guide slice10.png

These Assignments are those that take place entirely on the Citadel. What makes them unique is that they aren't all unlocked at once: instead, you unlock one group of them after you start Citadel: Expose Saren, a second group after you complete your first Mission World, and the third and final group after you complete all four Mission Worlds.

We have bespoke pages that cover efficiently completing these Assignments as soon as they unlock, however there are also a few Assignments started on the Citadel and take you to Uncharted worlds, so they're in the UNC: Side Quests section. The three Pre-Service History Assignments have their own section as well.

  • Asari Consort
  • Jahleed's Fears
  • Presidium Prophet
  • Reporter's Request
  • Rita's Sister
  • Scan the Keepers
  • Schells the Gambler
  • Signal Tracking
  • Xeltan's Complaint
  • Family Matter
  • Planting a Bug
  • Snap Inspection
  • The Fourth Estate
  • Negotiator's Request
  • Our Own Worst Enemy

Uncharted Worlds Header.png

These Assignments are those that take place primarily or entirely on Uncharted Worlds or starships. This includes a few that are started on the Citadel, and a few that are only unlocked by completing either Feros or Noveria. There is also a series of Assignments known as the "Cerberus Line", and two that are unlocked by filling the Morality Bars, which have their own sub-sections.

  • Asari Diplomacy
  • Distress Call
  • Espionage Probe
  • Geth Incursions
  • Hostile Takeover
  • Lost Freighter
  • Lost Module
  • Missing Survey Team
  • Derelict Freighter
  • ExoGeni Facility
  • Colony of the Dead
  • Listening Post Alpha
  • Listening Post Theta
  • Depot Sigma-23
  • Missing Marines
  • Hades' Dogs
  • Dead Scientists
  • Besieged Base
  • The Negotiation

Discovery Assignments Banner.png

The Discovery Assignments are a unique category of Assignments that task you with collecting various objects and resources across the galaxy by finding objects in space as well as spots on the various Uncharted Worlds.

  • Asari Writings
  • Locate Signs of Battle
  • Prothean Data Discs
  • Turian Insignias
  • Valuable Minerals: Light Metals
  • Valuable Minerals: Rare Metals
  • Valuable Minerals: Heavy Metals
  • Valuable Minerals: Gasses

Squadmate Side Quests Banner.png

The Squadmate Side Quests relate very specifically to your three alien Squadmates: Wrex, Tali and Garrus. They are unlocked by talking to them after completing a Mission or Assignment, then talking to them and exploring more about them and their histories.

  • Wrex: Family Armor
  • Tali: Pilgrimage
  • Garrus: Find Dr. Saleon

Pre-Service History Side Quests Header.png

This trio of Assignments take place on the Citadel, and appear after you complete either Therum, Feros or Noveria. Significantly, they are tied to the Pre-Service History you chose for Shepard when setting up your profile at the start of the game, which means you will only ever be able to access one of these.

  • Spacer: Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things
  • Colonist: I Remember Me
  • Earthborn: Old Friends

Varren Meat slice1.png

The Feros Assignments are available after you first clear Zhu's Hope of the invading geth. Each one tasks you with helping out the colony by venturing into the tunnels below, but notably they will have a culmulative effect on the outcome of the main Feros storyline.

The exception is Data Recovery, which is uninvolved and takes place on the Prothean Skyway and the ExoGeni Headquarters.

  • Geth in the Tunnels
  • Power Cells
  • Varren Meat
  • Water Restoration
  • Data Recovery

Port Hanshan Banner.png

The two Noveria Assignments both take place in Port Hanshan. While Espionage is entirely self-contained, Smuggling is notable for being the fastest way to gain a Garage Pass and leave for Peak 15.

Up Next: Citadel: Side Quests

Top guide sections.

  • Legendary Edition Changes
  • Tips and Tricks
  • How-To Guides

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In this guide.

Mass Effect

IMAGES

  1. Infinite Paragon and Renegade Points

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  2. Mass Effect 2 [Paragon] Gameplay Walkthrough

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  3. Mass Effect 2 ep9: Assignments a.k.a. Side Quests (Paragon Infiltrator

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  4. Mass Effect Walkthrough

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  5. Mass Effect Walkthrough

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VIDEO

  1. Mass Effect: Paragon Lost (русский трейлер)

  2. Mass Effect Paragon Lost

  3. Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition

  4. Mass Effect 2 Legendary Edition

  5. Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition

  6. Mass Effect 1

COMMENTS

  1. UNC: Besieged Base

    1 Acquisition 2 Preparation 3 Walkthrough 4 Messages 5 Enemies 6 Bugs 7 Trivia Acquisition This assignment only becomes available when you hit 80% Paragon, or 90% Paragon if you had attained 80% Renegade first. Admiral Hackett explains the situation and sends you to the planet Chohe, in the Cacus system of the Hades Gamma cluster.

  2. UNC: Besieged Base

    1 Psychological Profile 2 Paragon or Renegade? 3 Mass Effect Beginner Tips Tips and Tricks 4 Infinite Paragon Points - Eletania 5 Infinite Paragon and Renegade Points - Noveria

  3. Mass Effect Paragon Guide: How To Be Completely Good

    Published Jan 22, 2022 Mass Effect Legendary Edition gives players the opportunity to become Paragons by making righteous decisions during the series' many dilemmas. Mass Effect Legendary Edition merges the series into an almost seamless experience in which players' decisions easily carry over between games.

  4. Mass Effect 2 Assignments

    Mass Effect 2 is a far more streamlined game than its predecessor, but it still has aspirations of being a traditional, full-fat RPG - and that means there's a bunch of side quests and optional...

  5. Paragon & Renegade

    Picking them will often reward you with Paragon points, which will unlock more Charm points and a unique UNC Assignment. Running Renegade Playing Renegade is a lot easier than playing...

  6. Mass Effect Assignments: how to start every side quest & assignment

    As with the various character classes, abilities and class specializations in Mass Effect 1, the assignments featured are pretty typical RPG tropes - various quests that offer up rewards like...

  7. Full Walkthrough Roadmap

    updated Nov 3, 2021 This section of IGN's Mass Effect Legendary Edition wiki guide details the Full Walkthrough Roadmap, which will help you complete each and every Mission, Assignment, Side...

  8. The Best Paragon Choices in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

    Published Feb 13, 2021 Fans are gearing up to play Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, but what are all the best choices for those who play a paragon Shepard? Mass Effect: Legendary Edition...

  9. Hostile Takeover

    Hostile Takeover. By KBABZ , IGN-GameGuides , Jason Burton , +5.3k more. updated Jan 18, 2022. This page of IGN's Mass Effect wiki guide is all about the UNC: Hostile Takeover Assignment Side ...

  10. Mass Effect Legendary Edition: 15 Assignments In The First Game You

    Since this is Mass Effect, there are multiple ways for the quest to play out, partially based on whether Shepard is Paragon or Renegade. It all makes for a unique and compelling assignment that ...

  11. Mass Effect: How To Complete Schells The Gambler

    Mass Effect is full of optional assignments that you can undertake, earning you some decent rewards and experience points, as well as sometimes earning you Paragon and Renegade points depending on the choices you make. Sometimes these quests will even offer an additional little feature for fans. RELATED: How To Get And Redeem Face Codes In Mass Effect Legendary Edition

  12. Citadel: Homecoming

    Citadel: Homecoming Samesh is trying to secure the release of the physical remains of his wife, . Nirali was a soldier in the 212 on Eden Prime, and Samesh simply wants to give her a respectful cremation. However, the Alliance has given no explanation as to why her body has not been released.

  13. How To Complete The Homecoming Assignment In Mass Effect

    RELATED: Mass Effect - The Citadel: Presidium Prophet Assignment Guide. Your first mission in Mass Effect is on a planet where one of the first human colonies settled - Eden Prime. Eden Prime was developed and improved by the Alliance. Unfortunately, the planet is under attack by the Geth, a sentient AI race. A lot of people were killed during ...

  14. Family Matter

    updated May 24, 2022 This page of IGN's Mass Effect wiki guide covers the Family Matter Assignment Side-Quest, including how to complete it and make the right choices for your playthrough....

  15. Mass Effect 1 Legendary Edition

    This Assignment will be given on board the Normandy once your Renegade is at a specific level. It takes place on an Uncharted Planet that you must explore with the Mako. As you explore the Galaxy in Mass Effect, you'll get the opportunity to choose your own responses to situations, granting Paragon or Renegade points at times.

  16. Completionist Achievement Guide

    This is a brief guide intended to outline a reasonable order to complete 100% of all missions and assignments. It covers experiencing virtually all of the content of Mass Effect. There are a number of other excellent achievement specific guides listed below. These should also be consulted for specifics concerning those achievements. Note that this is not intended to be a walk-through in the ...

  17. Which assignments in Mass Effect 1 are worth doing? : r/masseffect

    Naturalnumbers. • 3 yr. ago. The following assignments have effects which carry over to the next games, and I strongly recommend completing them all: Citadel: The Fan. Citadel: The Fourth Estate. Citadel: Family Matter. Citadel: Asari Diplomacy. UNC: Hostile Takeover (the one with the gangs and Helena Blake)

  18. Family Matter

    The guide for Mass Effect 1 Legendary Edition features all there is to see and do including a walkthrough containing coverage of all Assignments, detailed breakdown of all the important choices, class builds and much more! Full coverage of all the Main Missions. Every Assignment covered. In-depth look at the major choices and consequences of each.

  19. Morality

    1.1 Paragon 1.2 Renegade 1.3 Spectre Bonus 1.4 Infinite Paragon/Renegade Points Exploit 1.5 Ending 2 Mass Effect 2 2.1 Paragon 2.2 Renegade 2.3 Interrupts 2.4 Infinite Paragon/Renegade Points Exploits 2.5 Ending

  20. Why Mass Effect 4 Will Likely Skip Over the Paragon and Renegade ...

    Very little is known about Mass Effect 4, but there's a solid chance that it will be lacking the iconic Paragon and Renegade features that appeared so prominently in the original three games ...

  21. Homecoming

    This Assignment takes place during your first visit to the Citadel after you have recruited and delivered a report to Ambassador Udina. Subscribe to Premium to Remove Ads You'll find Samesh Bhatia outside the Embassy after recruiting Tali

  22. Side Quests

    updated Jun 5, 2022 This section of IGN's Mass Effect guide covers all of the Side Quests, known within the game as Assignments. There are over 60 different Assignments available across...