For manyMass Effect: Legendary Editionplayers who are revisiting the series, surviving the suicide mission ofMass Effect 2feels like the ultimate victory. A culmination of trust, loyalty, and strategic planning can ensure players get the best outcomes from that jaw-dropping final mission. However, there is a percentage ofMass Effect: Legendary Editionplayers whose suicide missions went haywire. Players who lose key squadmates during theMass Effect 2finale might be surprised to learn thatMass Effecthas a backup plan that accounts for one’s losses. These backups take the form of NPCs that most fans never even knew existed, as few fans have met all of the backup allies. These NPCs quietly slot into roles originally meant for fallen squadmates, delivering lines, providing intel, and even filling critical narrative functions.
Most fans are so attached to their crew that the idea of letting anyone die duringthe suicide missionis unthinkable. The void left by a belovedMass Effectsquadmate can be hard to fill, and NPCs certainly do not live up to the high standards set by their predecessors. However,Mass Effect’s placeholder NPCs still play significant roles in the narrative. These NPCs are seldom remembered or met but serve an important role. They symbolize the weight of a player’s choices and emphasize the franchise’s monumental understanding of what makes an RPG memorable. If those replaying Mass Effect throughMass Effect: Legendary Editionhave squadmates succumb to the difficulty ofMass Effect 2’s suicide mission, they can at least know that their sacrifices made way for BioWare to make history.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs - Urdnot Wreav Replaces Wrex
The first instance of an NPC replacing a beloved character in the franchise actually happens as early as the originalMass Effect. A pivotal moment inMass Effectis when Wrex can be killed, altering the course of the story and permanently impacting the Krogan storyline. If Wrex is killed, Urdnot Wreav, Wrex’s broodbrother, takes his place inMass Effect 3. Wreav’s unique characteristics make him a compelling replacement for Wrex. Wreav’s approach to the Krogan race is more rigid and focused on clan survival, which can result in different outcomes, especially when it comes tocuring the genophage. His leadership contrasts with Wrex’s broader vision, leading to significant shifts in the overall story. The players ofMass Effect: Legendary Editionwho are not experiencing their firstMass Effectrodeo know how crucial it is to earn Wrex’s trust to avoid meeting Wreav.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs - Padok Wiks Replaces Mordin
Mordin Solus is a fan-favorite in theMass Effectseries, known for his quirky demeanor and highly intellectual personality. However, if Mordin meets his end during the suicide mission inMass Effect 2, the responsibility ofcuring the genophage with Shepard’s helpfalls to Padok Wiks. Although Padok is introduced as a replacement for Mordin, he’s often overlooked due to Mordin’s immense popularity. While Padok’s role mirrors Mordin’s, the character’s different personality and less impactful presence leave him in Mordin’s inimitable shadow, highlighting the challenge of adapting to a new character after a significant loss. Additionally, the final sacrifice made by Padok just does not hit as hard as when Mordin is the one making the call.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs - Geth VI Replaces Legion
In a twist of fate, if Legion perishes duringMass Effect 2’s suicide mission, his role is taken up by the Geth VI. The Geth VI is an archived version of Legion’s memories, representing a Legionthat did not get to experience Shepard. This results in an intriguing dynamic where Shepard remembers Legion, but Legion has no recollection of their past adventures. This alteration in gameplay presents an interesting situation for players who bond with Legion duringMass Effect 2, only to face a version of him that doesn’t share the same history. Still, the loss of Legion slowly gaining some sense of humanity is far too dramatic for a player to feel totally content with Geth VI as their replacement party member.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs - Urdnot Dagg Replaces Grunt
Grunt’s place in the hearts ofMass Effectfans is nearly irreplaceable, yet if he is killed during the suicide mission, the player is left with Urdnot Dagg. While a fascinating character, Dagg doesn’t quite hold the same level of appeal as Grunt, who is beloved for his strength and personality. Though Urdnot Dagg is a serviceable character in his own right, he remains overshadowed by Grunt’s larger-than-life presence in the game. Hopefully,Grunt can surprise players inMass Effect 4and reclaim his rightful place as one of the most beloved characters in the trilogy.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs - Admiral Xen Replaces Tali
Admiral Xen, a character first introduced inMass Effect 2during Tali’s loyalty mission, may be a character that passes under many players’ radars. However, she ends up playing a critical role inMass Effect 3when she takes Tali’s role if Tali dies during the suicide mission. Xen assists in the fight against the Geth and the final Reaper battle, but unlike Tali, she does not participate in combat throughout the Geth dreadnought level. Xen’s character brings a more pragmatic and military-focused approach, contrasting with Tali’s emotional ties to the Quarian race and Shepard as party leader. Such a stoic contrast to Tali is a true disservice to the wonderfulgrowth and vulnerability Tali displays throughout the series.
Rare Mass Effect NPCs - Morinth Replaces Samara
Technically, mostMass Effect 2players get to meetMorinth, but only for a few moments before seeing her demise. However, players who want to embrace a darker path may favor Morinth over her mother. Choosing this path will lead to a game that reflects the road less taken. Morinth, Samara’s daughter, is a deadly character introduced during Samara’s loyalty mission inMass Effect 2. If Shepard chooses to help Morinth instead of Samara during the final confrontation, Morinth becomes a permanent companion on the Normandy. However, Morinth’s presence brings significant risks due to her deadly nature as an Ardat-Yakshi and her lack of loyalty to the team. Most players opt for Samara instead, as her wisdom and experience are more reliable. Morinth’s presence inMass Effect 3is limited to a few interactions, and she adds little beyond the potential danger she poses.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
