Mass Effect 3 Mission Order: best sequence for all priority, DLC and side quests

Due to the very nature of its storyline,  Mass Effect 3  is without a doubt the most linear of the original Mass Effect trilogy - but there's still a bit of freedom in how and when you tackle its missions, which can only mean one thing... Like with its predecessors, we have thoughts on the  optimum mission order for Mass Effect 3 .

Interestingly, this mission order differs from our suggested ME1 Mission Order and optimum ME2 Mission Order in one key way - and that's that there are a few missions in ME3 where if you don't complete them at the right time, you can have major negative consequences for classic beloved characters. ME3 is a sprawling game that takes into account lots of the choices and consequences from across the trilogy , too - so some of your options will be based on your actions in the previous games.

In this guide, we naturally offer up our suggested mission order for ME3 to give the best story flow throughout - though as always, remember that this is only a suggestion - go with your gut!

mass_effect_3_mission_order_best_sequence_quests.jpg

Mass Effect 3 Mission Order: the best sequence to take with Priority, DLC and Side Quests

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb for the Mass Effect 3 mission order is this: any missions marked 'Priority' are not actually a priority. Priority Missions are major story missions, and therefore never expire . However, several of the side quests you get are time limited, and often advancing the next Priority Mission in the chain can close and lock off already open or as-yet unfound side quests.

So: scan planets, visit the Citadel, and talk to everybody you can in between each and every Priority Mission . Exhaust all options - then do the next priority quest.

Beyond that, we also have some broad suggestions in this guide on the order in which you should tackle ME3's various stories. Especially for DLC, some missions that unlock right from the start of the game, or halfway through, are best suited to be saved until the very end. Because of the sheer size of ME3 and number of points, we've broken the game into 3 acts, separated by the 3 major 'state-changing' events that happen on the Citadel every so often.

Your choice of squad mates won't impact mission progression, but some of your friends have more interesting things to say on some missions than others. If you want help picking who to take on each mission, check our guide on the best squad for each mission in ME3 .

The only other thing to mention is War Assets , the currency that helps to determine what ending you get in Mass Effect 3. All of this is detailed in full in our ME3 endings guide, but the short version is this: your war assets determine how many of ME3's ending choices  you'll have.This varies depending on version; around 3100 Effective Military Strength will do in the original extended cut version. In Legendary Edition you'll need around 8000 of the Total Military Strength stat that version has instead instead..

Mass Effect 3 Mission Order - Part 1

  • The tone you take with Ashley or Kaiden (whoever is alive) on Mars will impact their attitude later in the game - if you reassure them with Paragon prompts, they will be more likely to trust you later. If you choose Intimidate, they will be distrusting of you, which can have grave consequences later.
  • When talking to The Illusive Man, you should use the investigate conversation option and then use Charm/Paragon or Intimidate/Renegade dialogue options - this can help to open up some things later on.
  • On board the Citadel, you'll be able to recruit friends old and new like Doctors Chakwas and Michel to join the Normandy. Visit everything. You can also recruit Dianna Allers, the reporter, if you wish.
  • Priority: Palaven:  head to Palaven to recruit a Turian Primarch, and an old friend, if they survived Mass Effect 2. You can slip in a planet scanning break before or after this mission if you wish.
  • Priority: Eden Prime:  this DLC mission unlocks Javik, the only DLC squad mate in ME3. This DLC is included in the Legendary Edition of the game. Despite being DLC, Javik is a fully-featured squad member and has many of the most interesting things to say in many missions of the game thanks to the unique direction he approaches things from. 
  • Grissom Academy: Investigation:  while this is a side quest, you must complete this quest soon after it first pops or else there will be negative consequences for characters you may like.
  • N7: Cerberus Lab:  this side mission unlocks as soon as you're done with Priority: The Citadel I and get back on the Normandy. Complete this quest, and be sure to loot thoroughly to get some weapon upgrades and a Failed Medi-Gel Experiment that's used in a side quest.
  • Planet Scanning Break:  at this point, take a little time out to go planet scanning in all the regions you can. Right now you should have access to several systems, and more open up regularly as you progress the game. Scanning clusters rewards quests, research items, credits, and war assets - the later of which can of course be vital for obtaining the best ending.
  • Probably the most important single thing to note is that you'll need to meet with Miranda three times to advance her story, if she survived with ME2 - so take your first meeting here, and keep taking them.
  • The Citadel: Hanar Diplomat mission appears in this time, and features a returning ME2 cast member where you learn more about the outcome of their loyalty mission . 
  • Priority: Sur'kesh:  on the planet of Sur'Kesh, try to bring the leaders of various nations to an agreement - and prevent hostilities. 
  • Back to the Citadel again:  this is an ideal time to just pop back to the Citadel and continue conversations and side quests
  • Tuchanka: Turian Platoon : help a Turian squad that's crash-landed on Tuchanka.
  • Tuchanka: Bomb:  it's vital you tackle this mission quickly, as failing to do so can have grave consequences later in the game.
  • Attican Traverse: Krogan Team:  help a team of Krogan, and make a major choice around the fate of an old friend or foe from ME1. Also, enjoy the return of an ME2 favorite, if they're alive.
  • N7: Cerberus Abductions
  • N7: Cerberus Attack
  • Crew interactions: chatting to Garrus, Vega, Joker, EDI, and Liara aboard the Citadel
  • Old friends: interactions with Kelly Chambers, Thane, and Miranda (if they're available)
  • Side quests: any Citadel quests in your journal, if you can
  • Recruitment: getting a ship's doctor to join, Chakwas or Michel
  • Spectre Terminal: authorize any actions from the terminal that you can
  • Priority: Tuchanka:  participate in one of the most momentous missions in the entire Mass Effect trilogy, with many major decisions to make - and with a lot of those decisions dependent on what actions you took in the previous two games, particularly in ME2.
  • Planet Scanning:  this is entirely optional, as you can save it for a mission or two, but a bunch of new systems will be available, so you should go scanning to get more war assets, research, and credits. 

mass_effect_2_mission_order_part_2.png

Mass Effect 3 Mission Order: Part 2

  • Priority: Citadel II:  after completing the major mission on Tuchanka, you'll undertake another major mission, this time on the Citadel. As soon as you land on the Citadel next, this will trigger.
  • Citadel: Volus Ambassador or Arrae: Ex-Cerberus Scientists: ME2 character cameo
  • Planet Scanning:  Even more planets open up now, so once you leave the Citadel, go tick a few more systems off your list.
  • N7: Cerberus Fighter Base
  • N7: Cerberus Scientists
  • Mesana: Distress Signal / Kallini: Ardat-Yakshi Monastery:  features an ME2 cast member appearance, if they're alive.
  • Character Interaction Downtime:  now is an ideal time to return to the Citadel and hang out with all your friends a little. At this point, a lot of them will have new things to say.
  • Omega DLC / Citadel: Aria T'Loak:  this is a DLC mission, and it's a bit different from the others in the game in that it's a multi-mission strand that takes you away from your ship and crew. Once you start it, there's no going back to the Normandy until the whole significant quest is complete, so keep that in mind.
  • Priority: Perseus Veil:  it's now the turn of the Quarians and Geth to have their moment in the ME2 spotlight. If she's alive, Tali will of course be present.
  • Priority: Geth Dreadnought:  next up, infiltrate a Geth Dreadnought as a favor to the Quarian fleet.
  • Citadel Catch-Up:  head back to ME3's main hub once again to talk shop, actually shop, complete side quests, and generally advance its many side stories.
  • Rannoch: Admiral Koris:  for the maximum options in the near future, you'll want to make sure the Admiral is rescued, no matter how much he protests. 
  • Rannoch: Geth Fighter Squadrons:  complete this mission before triggering the main Rannoch quest, as it will have an impact.
  • Both Tali and Legion must be alive
  • You must have got the best result from Tali's loyalty mission
  • You must have completed Legion's loyalty mission, and resolved the conflict between Legion & Tali in ME2 .
  • Admiral Koris must have been rescued in Rannoch: Admiral Koris
  • You must have completed Rannoch: Geth Fighter Squadrons
  • Planet Scanning & Side Quests:  use this opportunity to scan any planets and systems you need to, or to complete any side missions you skipped over earlier. 

mass_effect_3_mission_order_3.png

Mass Effect 3 Mission Order: Part 3

  • Priority: The Citadel III:  its back to the Citadel for the third in the Citadel Priority trilogy; the events here are much less earth-shattering - unless you betrayed an old friend, and then things get really messy...
  • Priority: Thessia:  this mission takes you to the Asari homeworld. Combat be damned, the absolute best squad mate combination for this mission is Javik and Liara; take them with you. They have an explosive fight on the Normandy afterwards.
  • N7: Communication Hub:  this side quest opens up as soon as Thessia is completed; it's not the most exciting, but it is what it is.
  • Planet Scanning again:  after Thessia, more systems await to be scanned. It's a handful, but there's War Assets, Credits & Research to be had.
  • Priority: Horizon:  head back to a familiar planet for a major story quest. For the best outcome here, you need to make sure you talk to Miranda multiple times on the Citadel prior to this, give her access to Alliance resources when she asks, and warn her about Kai Leng in dialogue choices.
  • Citadel: Dr. Bryson / Leviathan:  this quest will have been waiting for you most of the game; it's another multi-part DLC, like the Omega quest. We've saved it for here since it delivers major story revelations about ME3 and the wider Mass Effect story at large. It unlocks a range of new star systems you should scan in full for resources, and enjoy this major story beat that really shouldn't have been made into a downloadable add-on. 
  • Citadel: Shore Leave:  you can place this DLC in one of two places; either here, or you can load up an post-game save after experiencing the ending of the game and do it then as a sort of non-canon coda. It's a goodbye to the characters of the Mass Effect trilogy. It's best to do it here rather than earlier in the game, however, as all of your old squad mates and friends will only appear if you've completed their missions in ME3. Everyone you know that is alive can appear, and in addition you can use features like the Arena and Arcade to farm cash and weapon upgrades. Do everything you can here and enjoy the story, even if kicking back feels a little wrong in the middle of a war.
  • Priority: Cerberus Headquarters:  this is the point of no return . After you initiate this mission, it's a rollercoaster to the end.
  • Priority: Earth: this is it. (Isn't it?) For more advice on this section of the game, check out our full & comprehensive Mass Effect 3 Endings guide .

mass effect 3 side missions guide

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Side Missions  in  Mass Effect 3  serve as the game's optional quests. Side Missions do not advance the main story and are not required to complete the game. However, completing them can offer context and backstory that help the player understand the inner workings of the game's universe and the interactions between its various  Races . Side Missions are also a good source of additional experience, loot, as well as War Assets  which are an important resource that tie into your Galactic Readiness Rating and can affect the outcome of the main campaign's final battle.

Note that several Side Missions are progress-sensitive and become unavailable for the rest of the game after certain conditions are met, usually after completing specific Main Missions from the campaign. These will be detailed on the individual Side Mission page, as well as any related Main Mission pages.

All Side Missions in Mass Effect 3

N7 missions.

  • N7: Cerberus Abductions
  • N7: Cerberus Attack
  • N7: Cerberus Fighter Base
  • N7: Cerberus Lab
  • N7: Communication Hub
  • N7: Fuel Reactors

Citadel Missions

  • Citadel: Alien Medi-Gel Formula
  • Citadel: Asari Widow
  • Citadel: Barla Von
  • Citadel: Batarian Codes
  • Citadel: Biotic Amp Interfaces
  • Citadel: Cerberus Automated Turret Schematics
  • Citadel: Cerberus Ciphers
  • Citadel: Cerberus Retribution
  • Citadel: Cerberus Turian Poison
  • Citadel: Chemical Treatment
  • Citadel: GX12 Thermal Pipe
  • Citadel: Hanar Diplomat
  • Citadel: Heating Unit Stabilizers
  • Citadel: Improved Power Grid
  • Citadel: Inspirational Stories
  • Citadel: Kaklisaur Fossil
  • Citadel: Krogan Dying Message
  • Citadel: Medical Supplies
  • Citadel: Medi-Gel Sabotage
  • Citadel: Reaper Code Fragments
  • Citadel: Target Jamming Technology
  • Citadel: Volus Ambassador
  • Citadel: Wounded Batarian
  • Apien Crest: Banner of the First Regiment
  • Arrae: Ex-Cerberus Scientists
  • Aria: Blood Pack
  • Aria: Blue Suns
  • Aria: Eclipse
  • Athena Nebula: Hesperia-Period Statue
  • Benning: Evidence
  • Dekuuna: Code of the Ancients
  • Dekuuna: Elcor Extraction
  • Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation
  • Hades Nexus: Obelisk of Karza
  • Hades Nexus: Prothean Sphere
  • Ismar Frontier: Prototype Components
  • Irune: Book of Plenix
  • Mesana: Distress Signal
  • Kallini: Ardat-Yakshi Monastery
  • Kite's Nest: Pillars of Strength
  • Nimbus Cluster: Library of Asha
  • Shrike Abyssal: Prothean Obelisk
  • Silean Nebula: Rings of Alune
  • Tuchanka: Bomb
  • Valhallan Threshold: Prothean Data Drives

Downloadable Content Missions

From ashes dlc.

  • Priority: Eden Prime
  • Eden Prime: Resistance Movement

Leviathan DLC

  • Citadel: Dr. Bryson
  • Citadel: Leviathan I
  • Leviathan: Find Garneau
  • Mahavid: Leviathan
  • Citadel: Leviathan II
  • Leviathan: Find Ann Bryson
  • Namakli: Leviathan
  • Citadel: Leviathan III
  • Leviathan: Scan Locations
  • Despoina: Leviathan
  • Citadel: Aria T'Loak
  • Omega: Aria T'Loak
  • Omega: Assist the Hacker
  • Omega: Assist the Mechanic
  • Omega: Assist Harrot

Citadel DLC

  • Citadel: Shore Leave
  • Citadel Wards: Ambush
  • Citadel: Identity Theft I
  • Silver Coast Casino: Infiltration
  • Citadel: Identity Theft II
  • Citadel Archives: Escape
  • Citadel Docks: Retake the Normandy
  • Citadel: Party
  • Citadel Arena: Geth Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Spin Zone Elite Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Medi-Gel Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Reaper Solo Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Thermal Clip Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Prothean Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Cerberus Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Charity Reaper Challenge
  • Citadel Arena: Unusual Scores

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Mass Effect 3 Walkthrough

This is my favorite guide on the Citadel. Our Mass Effect 3 Walkthrough covers the entire game and its many side-missions.

By Kurtis Seid on May 13, 2021 at 6:32PM PDT

With Mass Effect: Legendary Edition out now, a new generation of players can finally access one of developer BioWare's most iconic RPG franchises. If it's your first time playing these games, you'll need some help and insight to prepare you for the exciting journey ahead. The Legacy Edition, in particular, brings significant changes to the original games that better incorporate its various DLCs into the main experience while also creating new challenges thanks to adjustments to the way your actions impact the final game's epic conclusion.

Due to these changes, we've compiled a suite of new guides to help you navigate the unique aspects with our Mass Effect: Legendary Edition guide roundup . However, if you're keen to have a walkthrough handy to help you navigate the core experience of Mass Effect 3, then below you can find our original walkthrough, which we published at the time of the game's original release. You can also read our Mass Effect 1 walkthrough and Mass Effect 2 walkthrough .

For more about how the collection stacks up, be sure to read our Mass Effect: Legendary Edition review in progress .

Mass Effect 3 is the climactic finale of Bioware's penultimate sci-fi RPG series. With our walkthrough, you can join Shepard and others as they embark on a mission to save the entire galaxy. Below we provide everything you need to know to beat the game and come out of this final entry mostly intact.

Note: Our first time through was as a Paragon Engineer with no imported save game. Your personal Mass Effect 3 experience may differ.

Earth: Canada

Huerta memorial hospital, locate bomb, the citadel attack, geth dreadnought, geth fighter squadrons, admiral koris, cerberus headquarters, earth: london, n7: cerberus lab, grissom academy: emergency evacuation, n7: cerberus attack, n7: cerberus abduction, n7: cerberus fighter base, kallini: ardat-yakshi monastery, arrae: ex-cerberus scientists, n7: fuel reactors, hanar diplomat, liara's father, volus ambassador, wounded batarian, spectre and artifact delivery, after palaven, after sur'kesh, after tuchanka, after citadel attack, after geth dreadnought.

The very first section of the game acts as a basic tutorial to combat and movement. This whole level is over all not much of a challenge. Still, there are a few tactics and tips to help speed things along. After the opening cutscene you'll be sided with Anderson as your squad mate. You only have a basic Predator pistol, but can make use of your class abilities.

Follow Anderson and take down the Husks climbing up the wall. This will most likely deplete all of your ammo, so you'll need to use melee attacks or powers to kill the next part of Husks below. Enter the burning room and gather up the spare medi gel. Attempt to open up the door ahead and you'll be ambushed by another Husk; kill it and proceed on.

In the next area you'll be up against a new type of Reaper creation: the Cannibal. They are armed with assault rifles, can throw grenades, and eat their fallen to recover health. However, they lack shields or armor so they are rather easy to kill. Your basic pistol will easily destroy the Cannibals fine as long as you stay in cover.

Head to the crash site and arm yourself with the Avenger rifle before checking the radio. An unlimited number of Cannibals will now attack from a downed shuttle. The fastest way to complete this segment is to simply deplete all of your ammo. Once things seem grim, Joker will arrive in the Normandy and save the day.

With only Ashley/Kaidan and James as your team members there is no selection of you can bring. Still, you should have a few points to improve an offensive or defensive power. For the most part just upgrade your team's first skill that already has a free point in it.

Head down the ramps and take out the Cerberus soldiers. The basic Assault Trooper uses assault rifles but has no real defense. Centurions stick to closer range single shot weapons and have protective barriers. For the most part you should take out the weaker Troopers before going for the shielded enemies.

Enter inside the Mars base and you'll soon switch out James for Liara. Use her Singularity to pull the next batch of Cerberus foes out from their cover and finish them off with your guns. After the fight use the vehicle lift controls to raise the stationary car. This along with some nearby boxes will create a bridge to the next area.

Take cover in the next room and stealth kill as many enemies as possible. Still after only one or two hits the rest of Cerberus will notice your presence. They won't be much trouble either way. Head into the security room and take the Ariake Technologies Gauntlets, M4-Shuriken, and med kit before checking the security terminal.

Head outside and pick up the Kassa Fabrication Chestplate while walking between the two ladders ahead. Enter the broken airlock and read the data pad for some free XP. Hide behind the sinks and wait for the next team of Cerberus thugs to open the windows. They will be clustered enough that most all of them can be lifted with a single singularity. Cleanup the rest with your guns before entering the small room on the right. Inside here, grab the medi gel and check environmental controls to open the next passage.

In this next transition area move to the back of the makeshift barrier and acquire some SMG Ultralight Materials. You now need to fight down two long corridor shooters. It's best to use crowd control and very long range weapons. Liara's singularity will be very useful here, as will a sniper rifle from yourself or Ashley. The main enemies to clear out are the Guardians: similar to Troopers but instead carry a giant shield and pistol. However, they are very weak to lifting abilities and attacks from behind.

You'll soon reach a room being sterilized. Wait for the beams to no longer block the doors and hit the controls on either side. Once inside the sterile room, take the Shotgun High Calibur Barrel, XP data pad, and medi gel. Head through the door on the left. Follow Ashley/Kaidan's lead of ducking behind the pillars and boxes to avoid the turrets fire. If you do get hid, wait for your shields to recharge before moving on. Head into the control room and kill the next set of Troopers and a Centurion inside; the small space makes them very easy to hit with area skills. Afterwards, collect the medi gels, XP data pad, and Sniper Rifle Concentration Module.

Hit the control switch in this room and watch the cutscene. Take Ashley/Kaidan's advice and place both of your teammates in a flanking position. Get on the other side of the room and get ready to pincer the enemy. As with the last few fights Liara's Biotics will keep the enemy too busy to deal much damage. Get in the tram and enjoy the ride. That is until you're ambushed yet again. There are only five Troopers so the fight will be over before their tram even comes close. Once Cerberus is taken care of jack their ride to the final combat zone.

This last fight is similar to all the previous ones, but this time the amount of foes will be rather high. You'll mainly need to watch out for the likely number of grenades that will get tossed around the room. Outside of that try to stun and use Liar's Biotics as much as possible. After the fight loot the small room in the center and two side shelves for some medi gel, Shotgun Shredder Mod, and M-15 Vindicator.

Enter through the door and confront the Illusive Man and his agent, Dr. Eva. You don't really need to attack her or fend off the other Cerberus soldiers that try and assist. Just chase after her until reaching the roof. Once Eva attempts to rush you in slow motion just shoot her down to end the mission.

The Citadel

You'll be back on the Citadel briefly to talk to the Council. You'll start in Bay D24 where the Normandy will always Dock. While here you can gain Diana Allers as a War Asset worth 5 points. Further talking to on the ship can sometimes improve your reputation. However your main objective is to visit the Embassies and Hospital.

There are only two places to go here. First, enter Bailey's office and chat with Commander to gain a few Paragon or Renegade points. Your main task is to speak to Udina and the current Council. While they don't offer much you will have your Spectre status reinstated. This is overall helpful as it will open up the Spectre Office in the southern part of the Embassies. you can't purchase anything at the Office right now, but later on you can gain free War Assets and also buy materials for various Citadel fetch missions.

Return back to the elevator entrance and speak with James Vega for a small boost to Reputation. You may also run into Khalisah al-Jilani near the elevator. As expected you can use your Renegade prompt to take a swing at her; she'll dodge and you'll need to make a second one to knock her lights out. However, if you instead wait and go for the Paragon Prompt Ms. al-Jilani will join as a War Assets worth 10 points.

There are a few things to do here to help bolster your fame. First thing to keep in mind is the Sirta Supplies store. This is where you can purchase medi gel Capacity upgrades and later on cosmetic upgrades for your private cabin (Such as books). You can recruit Dr. Chakwas if she survived the events of Mass Effect 2 or ask her to stay on the Citadel. Next talk to Dr. Michel to gain more Reputation. And of course your main goal is to visit your injured teammate, Ashley/Kaidan. Doing so will reward you with more Reputation.

That's all there is to do on the Citadel so head back to the Normandy. Don't worry, there will be plenty more side quests on the citadel after clearing out Palaven.

Normandy and Palaven

You'll have some time to explore the Normandy and get to know the crew. You can gain some free Reputation, Paragon, or Renegade points by talking to various people such as Cortez and James in the Shuttle Bay, Liara and Chakwas on the Crew Deck, or Adams in Engineering.

The Crew Deck is a special place to note as you can gain extra upgrades and abilities. In the Medical Bay you can reassign ability points and a pick special powers unlocked from building relationships with your squad mates. In Liara's Cabin you can pick upgrades from Intel you collect from scanning planets. For example you can pick up a Weapon Upgrade Kit from the planet Verush within the Kite's Nest Cluster and then use it at the Intel Terminal. You'll have the option to pick either an Ammo Capacity Bonus or Weapon Damage Bonus.

On the Crew Information Center you can talk to Traynor to learn about new e-mails and how the crew is doing. In the War Room you can look at your current War Assets and how the war effort is going. By default you'll have the following War Assets: Alliance Engineering Corps (130), 103rd Marine Division (50), Admiral Mikhailovich (25), Alliance First Fleet (90), Alliance Third Fleet (90), Alliance Fifth Fleet (90). As you scan planets and complete missions, you can gain new War Assets or updates to existing ones. Your overall War Assets with help determine your possible endings. By default your military strength from War Assets will be cut in half due to the Galactic Readiness in each of the Theaters of War.

Once you're comfortable within the new Normandy, head to Palaven in the Apien Crest cluster.

Palaven has been over run so you'll need to land on the planet's largest moon, Menae. There isn't much selection as far squad members, but one thing to note is that each of your team's appearances grants a different Armor Bonus. For example Liara has increased Power Damage in her white Shadow Broker outfit, and Recharge Speed bonus when using her armor.

You'll face a few Husks as you land down in the shuttle. As with past games its beast to kill them with long range weapons before they can get close. Use Liara's Singularity if they get too close or get into clusters. The fight is overall simple and will soon lead into the Turian Camp. Explore this area to find two XP Data Pads, a Credit Data Pad, two Medi-Gel kits, a M-97 Viper, Pistol Piercing Mod, Assault Rifle Piercing Mod, and M-27 Scimitar. When you're ready talk to the General on the right side of the camp to gain some Reputation and progress to the next area.

Head towards the tower and kill the few Husks around. Once getting closer you'll see that the tower is damaged and will need to send a squad mate to repair it. It's better to send James as Liara's biotics are more useful while defending the area. The second wave of Husks is basically the same except you're down to just two people. Use what ever crowd control biotics and tech you have. If a Husk grabs your teammate be quick about punching or shooting it off. Unlike previous Mass Effect games, if your teammate is downed you can walk over to them and revive them instead of wasting First aid. After your other teammate returns, a third wave of Husks will arrive. However, you'll further be supported by two Turians with assault rifles, making this round the easiest.

Return to the main camp and speak with General Corinthus again. At this point Garrus will join your party (Provided he survived Mass Effect 2) and Liara will head back to the ship. Head to the Airfield and defend it against the Reapers. You'll encounter a new type of enemy: Marauders, which are the Turian version of Husks. They fight with assault rifles and have moderate shields. This means that you'll need to take them out with weapons and Tech before they can be hit with Biotics. The Marauders will also have Husk backup, so watch your side as the enemies advance on you. For the most part concentrate on the gunners before going for the unarmed Husks. Before leaving the area make sure to pick up the Assault Rifle Magazine upgrade.

Once back at camp head to the Barricade and use the mounted turret. Your goal is to take out all of the Husks here. James and Garrus will help support you, but your heavy guns will be the bulk of the damage during this fight. After the Husk you'll fight a giant Brute. This enemy is Armored so you'll need to rely on strong weapons and fire Techs to deal heavy damage. Its melee attack are no joke: a single swipe will break shields and do quite a bit of health damage. On the bright side the Brute isn't very fast and can often be avoided by rolling to the side. Keep weaving around the Brute and Husk, allowing James and Garrus to take them out for you.

Head towards Victus' location and be sure to pick up the Medi-Gel, Data Pads and Sniper Rifle Spare Ammo upgrade. You'll have to fight off five Cannibals a few Marauders and eventually a Brute. You'll have some support from Turian troops standing of roofs, but for the most part its up to you. There are plenty of Medical kits ,so feel free to heal if you need to. If you manage to take out the Marauders you can actually glitch out the Brutes by heading back to the entrance. Here, the caved in entrance will be too small for them to enter, allowing you to open fire without reprisal. Repeat this little cheat again to take out two more Brutes along with several more Marauders. Pick up the Sniper Rifle Enhanced Scope before heading over to the General.

Upon returning to the Normandy there will be a power outage preventing you from going anywhere. Head down to Medical on the Crew Deck and find what's happening. After a short scene you will now have EDI as a party member. You can also talk to the rest of the crew to build relationships or gain Paragon/Renegade points. Some of them will also reveal side quests, such as Grissom Academy in the Petra Nebula.

You can explore the galaxy more and head to the Citadel for side quests if you want, but your main goal is to talk to the Diplomats in Annos Basin. You'll meet with diplomats from the Turians, Salarians, and Krogans. If Wrex and Mordin survived the previous two games events will change during this mission. Upon speaking with the three advisors you'll head straight for Sur'Kesh. Talk to Wiks and head to the labs.

Talk to Mordin and the female Krogan to score up to 6 Paragon or Renegade. Make sure to pick up the Assault Rifle Extended Barrel among the shelves before moving on. You'll be attacked basic Cerberus Troops that deploy smoke grenades. Instead of taking them head on, loop around to the right side labs and flank them for an easy victory. In the next area jump over the wall on the left to get by the fire and grab the Shotgun Spare Ammo upgrade.

Continue on and you'll encounter more Troopers and Centurions. In this area you'll need to protect the pod the female Krogan is riding inside. The pod's integrity will appear and result in a mission failure if it's destroyed. Simply be quick with taking out the enemy and use any form of crowd control from Biotics and Techs. Grab the credit Data Pad opposite of the pod before helping Mordin advance to the next area.

More standard Troopers ahead along with a Pistol High Caliber Barrel on the left hand side. After these enemies are dealt with head up the stair and you'll encounter an Engineer that can build turrets. It's best to kill the Engineer first as he can simply repair damage you deal to his mounted turrets. Instead of heading straight into the fight, flank around right and get the ambush on Cerberus. Before heading on grab the credits on the right side. There will also be a medical station through the next hall.

The next room is fairly easy if you head up the stairs and kill the ground floor enemies from above. You'll once again need to keep the pod safe, so distract and kill the Cerberus troops quickly. You can also pick a M-13 Raptor near the dead Turian and a Pistol Scope sitting on one of the desks. Head over to the power terminal where you grab a Scorpion pistol and a some more medi-gel. Take out two more waves of the same Cerberus enemies before advancing on.

The next fight takes place in a large courtyard and you'll have an easy drop on the next set of enemies. Afterwards a huge Atlas mech will drop down. It has both shields and powerful Armor so you will first need to ware it down with rapid fire shots before switching to strong fire based Techs that can penetrate its defenses. As long as you always stay out of its weapons range the Atlas shouldn't be too hard, just a little tedious to kill.

There are various side and optional tasks you can undertake at Tuchanka, including stopping Cerberus or aiding the Turians. You can also go off world and deal with the Rachni. After completing missions for Victus and or Wrex/Wreav (see the next two sections) you will gain the new goal of curing the Genophage. Make sure you've completed all the mission you want on the Citadel, as several will disappear and become inaccessible after clearing Tuchanka.

Once down on the planet destroy the Husks that welcome you. Like other Husk encounters this will be very easy as long as you stay your distance. During the next transport scene you can speak up the Salarian sabotage or remain quite, which can change the outcome of the fight. Once stopped by the broken road take the Pistol Melee Stunner, Death Mask, Shotgun Smart Choke, two medi gel cases, and a Graal Spike Thrower. When you're ready to advance talk to the Krogan Scout.

Head through the ruins and examine the three painting for big Credits. Check the dead Ravager and head outside. You'll encounter two Ravagers and three Cannibals in the court yard. Lure them out by looping around left but instead double back right and flank them. Thankfully, the Ravagers here won't deploy Swarmers to hunt you down. Kill off six more Cannibals and a Brute along with Husks will arrive. Take out all of the Husks first before leaping back across the chasm you just crossed. From here you can easily ware down the Brute before it can charge you with a powerful swipe.

In the next area deal with the Cannibals from behind cover. As long as you don't advance the Ravagers on the right won't enter the fray. After the Cannibals are dealt with a group of Husks will arrive so destroy them. With the two other enemy types gone it shouldn't take much to gun down the Ravagers. Within the next area you'll be against three Cannibals, followed by Husks, and last two Marauders off in the distance. Prevent a flank from the right and there shouldn't be trouble destroy the enemies coming from the left. Grab the SMG Scope on the left, Assault rifle Extended Barrel through the next doorway, and then keep moving along to the trucks.

After the cutscene remain put and gun down all of the Cannibals that arrive from above. Head to the left up the stairs and pickup a M-5 Phalanx before continuing on. For the next zone you'll be up against a Destroyer class Reaper and a large amount of deployed Brutes. Your goal is to activate the two hammer controls on each side of the map. It's best to straight up ignore the enemies, run and hit the switches for a quick completion.

If you ignored telling Mordin and Wrex/Wreav about the sabotage earlier you can use a high Paragon or Renegade score to convince Mordin to give up and abandon the Genophage cure and in turn save his life. However, if you want to help the cure Mordin will go the elevator and die. It's up to you decide the fate of the Krogans.

Turian Survivors

This is a two part mission where you will first help rescues a squad of Tuians followed by assisting them with their mission on Tuchanka. You must complete either this quest for Victus or the Rachni mission for Wrex/Wreav to advance with the plot. You can do both if you want more War Assets as well.

Upon entering the battlegrounds the Reaper forces will be too busy with the Turians to notice you. This will give you a chance to surprise kill the few Husks and Cannibals right at the entrance. However, things will start to get hectic when the Harvester arrive and you can protect the Turian drop pod from being destroyed. Climb up the ladder on the left and quickly grab the Sniper Rifle Spare Ammo among the rubble. Take out the remaining enemies with long range weapons to keep the pod safe. While the pod isn't mission critical, saving it will grant a nice bit of XP.

Head down the ledge and grab the Credits, Phaeston, and SMG Ultralight Materials inside the ally nooks. Ahead will be another optional pod you can protect for good XP. It's being attacked by a Marauder and two Cannibals which shouldn't prove too much of a problem. However, after destroying those Reapers a Harvester and three Husks will arrive. Stick to armor penetrating and high damage single shot weapons to deal with them quickly. One you're done here, drop down the broken halls to the right, listen to the flight recording, and grab the Shotgun Smart Choke.

Kill the few Husks ahead and go for the Harvester before it retreats. If it manages to escape it will deploy more Cannibals as you advance and may use its powerful cannon from long range. For the most part rapid fire weapons are best for the Cannibals and Marauders while you should switch to armor penetration to defeat the Harvester. Keep moving forward and right to gain some extra medi gel, Sniper Rifle Extended Barrel. The next area will be a big battle. The most notable enemy will be a Brute in the distance. If can kill it quick with sniper rifles it won't have a chance to inflict any damage. The biggest danger is the sheer amount of Cannibals that will toss around grenades, forcing you to seek new cover and heal up. Several waves of enemies will arrive and toward the end a Harvester will enter on the far right of the battlefield. The best option is to grab the Reaper Blackstar sitting near it and kill the Harvester with a single destructive shot.

Speak with Lieutenant Victus to learn of Cerberus' goals and gain Reputation. It's now time to head back to the Normandy and plan to stop Cerberus.

You'll drop down in the shuttle right in a heated fight with Cerberus Assault Troops and Centurions. They are further protected by shield barriers. However, you can target the shield generators to deal a good amount of area damage. Since most of the enemies are unprotected you can easily clear them out. Just be sure to get away from grenades they frequently toss behind your cover.

Head up the ramp towards the building and snag the Shotgun Blade Attachment. The next area now has Engineer that deploy turrets, but the same strategy of targeting the generators to deal area damage works wonders. Before advancing grab the Rosenkov Materials Gauntlets in the right side corner and snag the credits up the ramp to the next area. Kill the few Troops on the second floor and grab the medi gel and Pistol Scope among the supply crates.

In the next area Cerberus will drop enemies via shuttle, however their descent is so slow that you can ill most of them before they land. Once again blowing up the generators will help clear them out. This time reactivate the generators to guard yourself from the next wave of forces to the left. Destroy the enemies with Techs and Biotic powers, grab the spare credits and advance up the next ramp.

Pickup the Sniper Rifle concentrate Module up the next ladder and Pistol Melee Stunner behind the large box around the right turn. Destroy the turret below and grab the medi gel and Cerberus Automated Turret Schematics. Down the next hall you'll meet with Lieutenant Victus. You'll need to protect him from several Cerberus Shuttles.

The enemies don't pose much threat to you, but they will rush Victus, making it hard to prevent mission failure. Get close to the drop shuttles and kill as many enemies before they land on the ground. Any sort of distraction and area effect ability such as singularity, Drones, and Decoy will help wonder in this battle. You can even glitch the enemies by freezing/disabling the first Troop leaving the shuttle, forcing the other Cerberus soldiers to wait until their teammate dies. First always search for enemies attacking Victus, and then focus on cleaning up the rest.

After three shuttles Cerberus will deploy an Atlas shortly followed by a fourth shuttle. While the Atlas has huge fire power it's defense is too high to take on right now. Kill the soldiers coming out of the shuttle before gunning the mech or they will surely kill Victus if unattended. It's even more helpful if you send a squad member to keep the Atlas busy and the other to help you kill the smaller grunts. Once its just down to just the Atlas unload everything you've got to finish the mission. You'll gain the Turian Blackwatch worth 75 War Assets for your trouble.

Wrex/Wreav will ask for your help within the Ninmah Cluster on Utukku. This mission can change depending on the survival of the Rachni Queen and Grunt. After being greeted by who ever the Korgan commander is, head into the tent on the left and gather both a M-300 Claymore and some credits. Continue on and in the first building is a SMG High Caliber Barrel.

Drop down to the next area and take the M-451 Firestorm from the dead Krogan. You'll use this tool to clear the webbing ahead. In the next area destroy the Spore Pods before getting close as they explode when you get close. You soon be doing battle with Husks and a new enemy called Ravagers. These enemies can deploy smaller spawn to swarm you and have mounted cannons. The best option is to first destroy their sack to stop their minions and next switch to some kind of armor piercing weapon from afar. For the extra Swarmers take them down with melee attacks.

Search the area for a new Firestorm and a Shotgun Shredder Mod. Head through the next sea of pods, burn down two webs and destroy the Barrier controls to reveal the next area. As you move along this path taking on pods, destroy the webbing on the left to gain some credits from the destroyed Reaper tech. Also behind webbing in the next large room will be a dead Krogan. Examine him to find out his last request. Stock up on another Firestorm and move ahead for another encounter with Ravagers. This time the bugs will be aided by Cannibals. The same strategy mostly applies. Due to the distance you may want to drop the firestorm and switch to either rifle.

Move ahead and grab the Shotgun Spare Ammo from the dead Krogan. Be careful as you move forward as these sets of pods not only explode but will release Swarmers. Not much of a problem as long as you smash them down. Move past the next web and pick up the medi-gel and Pistol Piercing Mod. Destroy the Barrier controls to locate Grunt/Dag. Head down the small passage to find the central lair of the Rachni. Hit the Reaper node directly above you to release the wall on the left.

Kill the Husks, Cannibals, and Ravagers in this area and destroy Reaper Node with a powerful attack. This will release the right side wall back at the main entrance. Head back that and clear out the Ravagers and destroy the second Node. You'll be ambush by two more Ravagers at rather close range and four Cannibals further back. Quickly destroy the Rachni Reapers in front of you with the Firestorm before pecking off the Cannibals from further back.

Return to the center where you will have to pick to help the Rachni or Korgan. Whichever you pick will increase the power of your galactic army by 25 points. Be sure to check back with your crew members later as they might have more quests for you.

Cortez will drop you off in the landing area right in the middle of a Cerberus vs C-SEC warzone. Quickly get into cover and take down the Engineer along with his turret. After that move up the left or right ramp and flank the Troopers for an easy victory. Talk ot Bailey and head through the next door.

Two fodder Troopers will be across the hall so execute them quick. Several Guardians and an Engineer will emerge from stairs to the left so be on the ready with Tech and Biotics to destroy their defensive advantages. Take down the next few soldiers that come down from the second floor. Before hacking the door, head over to the right side of the room and collect the medi gel kit and Assault Rifle Piercing Mod.

Head next into the flooded room and duck out left into the lavatories. You'll find a M-76 Revenant by the sink and credits in the locker. Head back out into the wet room and quickly dispatch the Engineer and other goons around here. Restock at the medical station, down the hall, and then hop left through the broken window. Here you'll gain a Sniper Rifle Extended Barrel and the controls to open the sealed elevator.

On next floor check the right side rooms for a Pistol Piercing Mod and some credits. Head through the door on the left and surprise kill the Trooper down the hall. Keep going and slink into the kitchen on the right. Grab the credits and medi gel here and get ready for more Cerberus canker sores. The enemy will drop from across the cafeteria, but for the most part this is the same old fight as before. Just flank around left to wipe the Troopers out of existence.

Cerberus shuttles will drop off a new deadly type of warrior: the Phantom. They move quickly, have barriers, cloak, and can instantly kill with their melee strikes. However, because they need to get in close to deal damage you can quickly take them down with either rifle type. Liara's Warp Ammo will also help here if it has been upgraded a few levels. There will also be a few Troopers and a Nemesis to support these new soldiers, but for the most part concentrate on the Phantoms first before they get close to you or your allies. To keep yourself safe first jump across the chasm ahead to lure the enemy and then jump back to give yourself more distance.

Once done with the fight head forward over the broken portions of the Citadel, grab the credits along the way, and head into the next battle with Cerberus. You'll be up against an Engineer and Atlas. Quickly kill the Engineer before he can deploy his turret before switching attention to the Atlas mech. Use the first room on the left to take cover and flank the Atlas as it gets in close. Once its shields are down and armor is depleted by half a shuttle will arrive to drop off several more Troopers. Ignore them and take the Atlas out first before sweeping up the rest of the fodder.

Ride up the elevators to find the council members. You can prevent most of the Cerberus troops from reaching you by destroying the elevator generators below their lifts. If they do manage to land on you kill the Phantoms as soon as possible to avoid being instantly killed. You don't have to worry about the Troopers too much as you will eventually out last their elevator.

Upon exiting the elevator you must use a moderate Paragon or Renegade check or Ashley/Kaidan will die at your hands or a squad member's. If Ashley/Kaidan lived you can speak with them as you enter the Normandy. You can decide if they should join Hackett's fleet as a 25 point War Asset or become a squad member.

Head to the Far Rim and speak to the Admirals aboard the Quarian Envoy Ship. If Tali was recruited and survived the suicide mission in Mass Effect 2 she will now join the party. She will also become mandatory for this mission. If Tali died or was never saved from Haestorm, Xen will take over her role in the story, but won't actually join you during the fighting.

Watch a few cutscenes and you'll now be able to walk across the broken space tube and onto the Geth ship. Once inside pick up the Shotgun Smart Choke on the and then head up the ladder on the right. Open the door across the gap and pick up the Geth Data. Now, climb the nearby ladder and hit the controls to get your two party members on board. Xen/Tali will give you the Arc Pistol which can be charged for more damage.

With your party in tow head through the passageway and turn on the bridge controls. You'll be attacked by Geth Troopers and Rocket Troopers who also have shields. If you played previous Mass Effect games these enemies aren't anything new. However if Mass Effect 3 is your first romp, try to remember that Geth are synthetic making them weak to Techs such as Overload and Sabotage. Since you'll likely have Tali make use of her powerful hacking abilities to temporarily gain the support of your Geth enemies.

Move around the next few room to gather up Geth Data, a Geth Pulse Rifle, and Archon Visor. Through the next room you'll be against Geth Hunters that can make use of stealth. However, it's not that hard to spot these cloaked enemies with either a scope or once they come into close range. Destroy them all before searching the other side of the room for Geth Data and a SMG Scope. Another wave of Geth will emerge from the left side so take care of them by hunkering down in the opposite corner. Destroy them all and head through the door, down the ladders and into the main engine.

Be careful of walking down the main hall as a burst of energy will stream through every few minutes. You'll easily be able to tell when a new wave of energy will jet through by listening around and paying attention to the motors in the background. Both long ranged attacks such as sniper fire and area damage from grenades will prove useful in killing the Geth inside the engine room. Also remember that the enemies are still weak to Tech, namely the sabotage hacking abilities.

Bypass the next door and gather up the credits and medi gel around. Maintain the same strategy and you will soon come to the center of the ship. If Legion survived Mass Effect 2 you will find him here. Otherwise he will be replaced by a Geth VI. First pick up the Assault Rifle Precision Scope and then free Legion to start up a fight.

This is similar to the last few fights, but you'll soon have to deal with the meaty Geth Primes. They have shields, armor, and hit rather hard. Use overload quickly and follow up with fire attacks to take down the Primes quickly. However, be sure to lay down mines or other area attacks to prevent being swarmed by the cloaked hunters. Still, as long as you keep focused on key targets the battle shouldn't take too long.

To gain this mission you will need to complete one of the two side missions on Rannoch, either shutting down the fighters or saving Koris. It is recommended that you do both first as the outcome of this mission can change. If Tali is alive she will be a mandatory member of your squad, and you should pair her with EDI.

Hack the first geth you come across and allow them to destroy each other. Search their spawn point and you will gain a SMG high caliber barrel. Head up the nearby ladder and ascend to the next level.

Stick to the far left side and take out the geth with ranged powers and drones. Head up the nearby ladder and snatch up the assault rifle piercing mod and Kassa fabrication gauntlets. Climb the next ladder, destroy some rocket troopers and steal the reaper tech and SMG ultralight materials.

Take the assault rifle stability damper and quickly get into cover. There will soon be more geth that will attack from the left side balcony, but aren't much of a problem for a good tech user. Along the left side also be sure to snatch up the geth plasma shotgun, which is among the best weapons in the game. Salvage several pieces of data and restock the med kit.

Your new geth shotgun will be just the thing to clear out the next wave of geth. It can even be charged to deal long range damage to the nasty pyros that come your way. Head towards the elevator and you'll be ambushed by a number of geth primes. Instead of using your new shotgun, grab the nearby spitfire and quickly destroy the massive enemies.

Once the geth are destroyed, move forward and target the base ahead. It will reveal a Reaper and start up a turret chase. During this time hit the monster directly in the eye to find its weak point. You'll be separated from the rest of the team and only have a targeting laser. Use the targeting laser to slowly deploy lasers from the Normandy. You'll also need to be quick about running or dodging as the Reaper can kill you with a single eye laser. After four Normandy shots the Reaper should fall.

The next part depends on your imported ME2 data and if you saved Koris in the previous mission. If you saved Tali from exile and destroyed the heretic geth back in the previous game you will have a good leeway to broker peace between the races. Otherwise, you'll have to choose either to slaughter the geth and quarians. Which ever race(s) survives will join as war assets.

You'll need to complete this mission or the one to save Admiral Koris to unlock the final push for Rannoch. This mission will strengthen the power of the Geth and any war assets they provide.

This is the most straight forward mission in the whole game. There are no enemies and no other form of danger. You simply have to look around the area for glowing blocks and destroy them with your imaginary brain gun; the gun even auto reloads when out of ammo. The only thing to look out for is a reaper code fragment sitting around.

In later areas the data code will be stronger along the virtual streams. You will need to find the second glowing blocks further down each stream and destroy them before going for the one directly blocking your path (or connected to data clusters).

This is the second mission you can undertake in order to advance the Geth-Quarian war. Finishing this quest has the potential to bolster the Quarians and their war assets.

Head down the narrow pathways and you'll encounter a number of geth. They only consist of basic assault and rocket troopers, making them not at all difficult. After clearing out the enemies grab the geth parts and javelin rifle. Destroy a few more geth in the way and continue down to the next section.

At the first set of towers you'll be able to steal some geth technology and a geth spitfire. As in past missions you'll need to have one of your teammates fix the tower. Choose the one that is less combat savvy against geth (Vega, Kaidan, etc.). Focus on taking down the geth prime first and any others that attempt to rush you. After a few waves the tower repairs will be complete. Advance forward and gain the assault rifle magazine upgrade, medi gel, and shotgun shredder mod before moving on.

In the next area you can search around for more geth parts and a SMG magazine upgrade. Speak with the dying Dorn to learn about what happened. Fight through more geth, this time making use of the powerful spitfire. Even the mighty geth primes will only be an even match to such a strong gun. Take the Armax arsenal chestplate and head over to either AA gun to shut them down.

Assign the same character who repaired the earlier tower and get ready for a massive wave of geth. There will be too many to take on safely with just guns, but thankfully there will be a nearby turret that can easily shred through the enemy. If one of the geth gets to the turret be sure to eliminate them quickly and re-man the gun. After clearing out one AA gun you'll need to repeat the process at a second. Outside of some extra geth pyros the battle will be the same as the last AA gun.

You'll be picked up by Cortez and finally be able to contact Koris. If you have enough Paragon or Renegade points you can convince him to come along, otherwise you will instead have to rescue his men. Either way you'll soon be in a turret sequence. Destroy the remaining geth to save the stranded Quarians and gain them as war assets.

First head to the Citadel and speak with the Asari councilor to learn about the problems on Thessia. She's located inside Undia's old office. After the talk, fly over to Thessia and deploy along side Liara. Ashley, Garrus, or James will be work as a second partner.

Upon landing on the planet search the area for a free Umbra visor and loot the nearby supplies. Head over to the small band of Asari and speak to Kurin to find what's happenings. Reapers will soon emerge and you'll need to man the turret and defend the crushed barrier. Take out the smaller husks first and then concentrate on the larger brutes.

Head across the bridge and you'll do battle with more enemies. The bulk of the Reaper forces will be marauders and cannibals, but still be mindful of the few banshees that emerge. These are the same enemies you've fought time and again, so stick with the same strategies from the past.

Grab the med kits, salvage the computer, and hack your way to the next area. You'll have support from an Asari sniper that will distract a number of Reapers. For the most part stay up high, destroy the barrier engines, and order Liara to deploy constant singularities. Search the area for a shotgun high caliber barrel and move down to gain the M-98 widow.

Around the next corner you'll gain support from an Asari fighter that will blast through a good number of enemies. Still, you should concentrate on taking on the banshees before they get in too close. Head up the ramp and take the assault rifle extended barrel. Destroy the remaining husks and marauders before moving on.

Harvesters will soon arrive and annihilated your Asari support. Destroy the barrier engines first and any husks that attempt a rush. Next take out the harvesters with your strongest weapons and take the SMG heat sink. With the Reapers down, you'll have passage to the Asari temple.

Inside the temple, take the medi gel laying around. You need to search several statues inside to unlock the secrets of Athame. First check the center statue, followed by the artifacts on the far left, right and back at the entrance.

Kai Leng will soon attack, but isn't a threat at all. Use any form of distraction attack such as building a turret or proximity mines and the assassin won't even get close. Still, get in to cover quick each time the drop ship emerges to provide Leng with support fire or a barrier recharge. With Liara on your side, this fight won't last very long.

This mission may change depending on if Miranda survived the events of ME2 and how you've treated her during your past meetings. You'll be fighting a mix of Cerberus and Reapers here, making it a good place to bring Ashley or James and Liara.

Upon reaching the front courtyard you'll be attacked by a phantom and nemesis. Order your team to distract the sniper first while you quickly gun down the run away ninja. Enter Sanctuary and check the area for extra medi gel and XP from the data pads. Destroy the basic Cerberus troopers and loot the area for a pistol scope.

Switch off the water pump and head across the newly accessible ladders. Grab the Rosenkov Materials shoulder guard and into the building. You'll be attacked by marauders, banshees, and ravagers. With these many enemies, quickly take them down with any grenades or keep them busy with a biotic blast.

Check the PDAs and collect research data. Clear out more Reapers (mostly Marauders) and equip yourself with both the M-12 locust and shotgun blade attachment. Climb up into the tower and take out the next wave of marauders. This time they will have plenty of barrier engines, so destroy the machines first.

Pick up the medi gel and head into the elevator. In the next room you'll have to deal with both brutes and a banshee. The room is big enough that you can circle around and kite the enemy while your teammates destroy them. Take more medi gel and the M-99 saber.

There will be one last computer to salvage before heading into the final lift. During the cut scene you will need a moderate to high amount of paragon or renegade to save Ms. Lawson. Otherwise, you'll be out another useful amount of war assets.

This is the point of no return. Finish up all of your remaining side quests from the Citadel and collect war assets before going on this mission. You will be forced to use EDI during this mission and pairing her with a beefy fighter (Garrus, Ashley, James) will work out best.

You smash right into a Cerberus hanger so be ready to defend yourself against the waves of troopers. Take over and be ready to counter-snipe the nemesis on the upper left catwalk. After the first wave you'll need to destroy an Atlas. Once it's cleared out, head up the ladder to the second level.

Loop around to the other side, killing each trooper you run into, and hit the rotation controls. Search the area for extra medi gel and a PDA containing XP and cash.

Head back down to the first floor and turn on the clamp controls on the right. This will release the Cerberus fighter and clear a path to the next zone. Destroy the atlas that emerges and take the M-37 Falcon dropped in its wake.

Roll down the ladder ahead and destroy more waves of flimsy troopers. Take the medi gel and spare parts before taking the next ladder. Take the Serric Council greaves and blast down more Cerberus troopers and nemesis.

Sneak around the centurions and take them out with close range blasts. You can detonate the shield generators to take out the turrets and engineers rather quickly.

For the next wave of turrets stick to any grenades or mines you have. EDI's decoy is also nice for distracting any form of gun fire. Take the ladder up and check the consoles to more XP medi gel, and a delumcore overlay.

The next area will contain a large number of Cerberus forces. If you failed to save Jack you will fight her as a phantom. Also, it is possible for Legion to appear if you gave him to Cerberus back in ME2. Regardless, you'll be against phantoms and snipers while moving along a narrow catwalk.

Concentrate on the closest enemies while you order your squad to provide cover fire. Over all it should prove to be that hard. Head up to the top ladder and check the consoles for more info about the Illusive Man.

In the next room you'll find a VI you can talk to, but none of the dialogue choices will affect anything. Kai Leng will appear again and you'll have the exact same fight from last time. He does have a few more pals and the floor may change around, but Kai Leng is a pathetic assassin. A turret, mine, or singularity will keep all of the foes at bay and open for a spanking.

After the enemy is destroyed keep your fingers ready for one final renegade prompt.

This is the final battle for the universe. Head down to the Normandy's cargo hold and buy all of the best weapons and armor from Cortez. We preferred shields and weapon damage for this battle, but go with something that aligns with your class and play style.

You can take whoever you want, but having Liara or Javik with their biotics works best. For a second teammate go for Garrus or Ashley. You'll be up against a massive amount of cannibals and marauders with very little cover. Get into hiding and quickly snipe down as many enemies as possible.

A brute will soon emerge, so concentrate your armor piercing weapons on it before it can get in close. Climb up to the next level and Cortez's shuttle will be attacked. If you lack enough war assets he will die horribly; he survives if your arbitrary numbers are high enough.

On the next floor you'll be attacked by more cannibals. However, your objective is to snatch up the M-920 Cain and blow up the reaper in the background. Don't worry, you have like three or more of these so don't worry about ammo.

At this point you may fight Morinth if she lived through ME2, otherwise it will be a basic banshee. Both possibly enemies will be joined by more cannibals. Use any Cains that still have before switching to a good sniper rifle.

You'll be rescued and sent to the military encampment. To all of your squad members, as well as surviving crew members from ME2. Along the way will be a turret sequence, but your only foes will be weak husks. Take them out quick and head further to speak with Anderson. Pick your final party members for the last section of the game. For us we sticked with the classic pair of Garrus and Liara.

Help escort the Alliance tanks by blasting through the first wave of marauders and cannibals. Be mindful of enemies above you who can easily shoot over lower chest high walls. A harvester will soon appear should be the focus of your ire. The only threat after that will be a lone banshee and you've already fought a billion of those.

Head into the garage and disable the husks with a strong singularity or well tossed grenade. Brutes will soon the tiny area so powerful area of effect attacks will do nicely. Head through the next ladder and loot the damage apartment for a small bit of medi gel.

More marauders will attack, soon followed up by a brute and several husks. As always, destroy the weaker enemies before going after the meaty brute. Destroy the cannibals that emerge around the corner and loot the area for medi gel.

Now for the last stand as you attempt to power the missile battery. Destroy the brutes quickly with any means of fire power. Around the zone will be at least four medi gel and a hydra launcher that can be used to clear out several waves of foes. At first you'll just need to deal with cannibals, but as the hoard mode increases you'll be up against more brutes, banshees and harvesters at once. These later rounds are when you should whip out the hydra and blow everything to kingdom come. Once EDI alerts you to the battery's repairs, ignore the enemy and make a blitz towards the controls.

It's time for the final push against Harbinger and the Reapers. Don't worry about the giant mega death laser of murder, as Harbingers shots won't actually hit you. Just keep running forward and you'll be blasted into a new zone, complete with charred armor. Destroy the husks and/or marauder in your way. Yup, that was the last boss, now head into the beam for talkie time.

Briskly lug your bloody corpse into the main room and get ready for dinner with Anderson and TIM. If you lack high enough paragon or renegade points you will have to be mindful of the renegade prompts. If you success in all dialogue choices, the Illusive Man will kill himself. Otherwise he may first kill Anderson, and then turn the gun on you for a game over. Just keep talking and things can flip around.

After taking the magic elevator and speaking with space Jesus you may or may not have several options ahead of you. If you lacked war assets the Starchild will block off paths and endings. If you had 4000 EMS and Anderson lived or 5000 EMS and Anderson died you will have access to all possible Mass Effect endings. If you have a high color pick A, B, or C and watch the light show.

This mission can be gained by talking to Traynor on your ship. The lab is located on Sanctum in the Decoris system. It starts easy enough by taking out a squad of Cerberus Assault Troopers and Centurions. Before grabbing the artifact you can also snag some credits, data pad worth XP, a sniper rifle scope, and Alien Medi-Gel Formula Artifact. The second wave is mostly rinse and repeat, but things will get much more hectic for the third.

Cortez will have to fly away for a short time, meaning you'll have to wait and hold ground until he comes back. Cerberus will unleash some of their more nasty soldiers: shielded troopers and engineers. Use whatever Biotics you have against the shield holders to make them vulnerable; also concentrate on the engineers first before destroying the turrets they can deploy. Most importantly be mindful of all the grenades that will be tossed around and roll away from them right way.

After about three or four more waves, Cortez will arrive again allowing you to escape. Back on the Normandy you'll be rewarded with Cerberus Research Data worth 50 War Assets.

Traynor will mention the Academy some time after clearing Palaven. Head to the Perta Nebula Cluster and find what's going on. Parts of this mission will change depending if Jack survived Mass Effect 2's Suicide Mission.

Kill the first few Cerberus Troops in your way and you'll come to a locked door. Backtrack and instead head to the right to find Kahlee Sanders. Head through the previous locked door and surprise kill the two soldiers down the halls. Check the bench on the far right for extra Credits and talk to the Biotic Riley for some Reputation. Hope the left wall, read the Tactical Analysis Review for XP, and grab the SMG Heat Sink.

Head into the next room and kill the Cerberus troops by destroying the Shield Generators for extra damage. Head into the left room and take the M-22 Eviscerator off the bench before doubling back the way you came. Quickly run down the hall and turn right to save Riley's sister Seanne. Pickup the M-96 Mattock sitting on the bench before heading through the next open door.

After chatting with Jack/Prangley you'll need to destroy an Atlas along with two waves of Centurions and Assault Troopers. Clear out the weaker enemies first other wise they will get the jump on the Grissom students and destroy the barrier. For the Atlas stick to any form of Tech to stun or distract it, namely Drones or Sabotage. After the fight check the benches around the perimeter to gain some medi gel, datapad worth XP and disable the camera controls. Head up to the room the students are inside and check the desk for Credits, an Assault Rifle Precision Scope and the Door Override.

Through the next door will be a large fight: an Atlas, many Centurions, Guardians, and very soon Engineers with turrets. Try to bunker down where you enter from but watch your right side as the enemy will attempt to flank you every so often. You'll want to take out the Engineers first so they don't spawn or repair turrets. The Guardians are easily dealt with via Bitoics such as Singularity. The Atlas is actually too far to hit you with most of its weapons, but still be very careful of its power rocket launcher. Once the first two waves of enemies are cleared head down to the main floor and through the door on the right. Loot the medi gel and credits through the hall and into the other side of the atrium.

The other half of the room will be even more frantic. You'll be assaulted by not only Guardians but three different Engineers with turrets. Use any Techs you can muster, mainly ones that can quickly destroy or disable the rapid fire turrets. If you get too overwhelmed run back to the previous room and take cover behind the incline separating the two sections. This will allow you to pop out and kill a few targets was remaining moderately safe.

Head into the next hallway and talk to Octavia to gain some Paragon or Renegade points. Down the hall will be a terminal containing Biotic Amp Interfaces. Kill the Engineer through the next room and steal the Atlas for your own private use. You can use the cannon while moving, but will have to stop to melee or fire a missile. The cannon is strong enough to kill enemies in one or two hits, making it your best option. Destroy the foes in the center, followed by waves on each side of the room. You'll then fight a fourth wave on the second floor above. They can easily be kill by using missiles on the generators. After a fifth wave of soldiers an enemy Atlas will appear. This time around stick to launching a constant stream of missiles to detonate the rival mech hastily.

Before heading out to the shuttle grab the SMG Magazine Upgrade sitting on a bench in the room's entrance. You'll be rewarded with the Biotic Company and Kahlee Sanders War Assets for a combined total of 95. You can also boost your War Assets slightly by heading to your Spectre terminal and authorizing Citadel Entry for Grissom instructors and students.

This mission can be gained after completing Sur'Kesh. There will be a good amount of Cerberus enemies around, mostly Troopers and Centurion, but also a few Engineers with turrets. If you explore the area you can pick up a pair of Armax Arsenal Gauntlets, credits, and some medi-gel. When you're ready hit the control console for the second wave.

For this next round take out the Nemesis sniper right away as they move fast and can deal close to near fatal damage. Next sweep up the Engineer before moving onto the Centurions and last the Assault Troopers. Shoot off the two latches on each Power Module to restart the cannon's systems.

The last bout will be against Guardians and an Engineer held up inside the control room. If you can, send up your allies from the front entrance stairs or side ladder, while you sneak up from the back and take out the turrets or shield user. This will also help to avoid being destroyed by grenades.

After the mission you'll be given a 50 point bonus to the Krogan First Division War Asset.

You'll gain this mission from Traynor after either helping with the Turians on Tuchanka or dealing with the Rachni. Before entering right into the battle search the first building ahead and read the Data Pad resting on the sink bathroom.

The first wave of enemies isn't much of a problem. Just a few Troops and Engineers that stand in your way. For the second wave you'll need to walk over to the trapped civilians being over run by Cerberus troops; still not that hard. The last wave is the most annoying as Cerberus Engineers and Centurions will constantly spawn from all directions. It's best to bunker down in a corner to avoid being flanked by the enemy.

Eventually the enemies will stop instant respawning and Cortez will arrive to pick you up. Explore the area some more if you haven't already. There is a Capacitor Helmet sitting near a trash bin the far right corner of the map. You'll gain a good amount of Reputation and the Arcturus First Division as a 60 point War Asset. You can also now purchase information on Bilal Osoba via the Spectre terminal on the Citadel.

You'll get word about a Cerberus Fighter Base on Noveria after dealing with the problems on Tuchunka. As with many other N7 missions this is a spruced horde frenzy of sorts, but this time with Shepard and the gang. Finishing this mission will net you 75 more War Assets in the form of the Advanced Fighter Squadron.

Take out the first wave of Cerberus agents, mostly just Troopers and Centurions so not much to worry about. Head down below and activate the Security console. One of your teammates needs to handle the codes so they will be indisposed for a while. It's best to have some type of crowd control for the next wave so keep EDI or Liara with you.

As long as you stay bunkered in the same room and use lots of Techs and Bitoics the enemies won't really have a chance to hurt you. Just in case be sure to guard both doors to prevent getting flanked. For the next round head back up the stairs and be sure to snag the medi gel on the wall, several datapads worth Credits, and a Pistol Magazine Upgrade sitting on a bench.

The next stage will be against some more nasty fighters including Engineers with Turrets and quick Nemesis snipers. Use as many disabling Techs as possible to stun the turrets and concentrate on eliminating the sniper first. After that the smaller Troopers won't last long. For a last minute touch Cerberus will release an Atlas into the main landing zone. As long as you were holed up in the center the Atlas should be too far to even shoot you. Peck away at it with heavy armor piercing shots to complete the mission.

Liara will give you this mission after hearing from the quarian fleet. Travel to the Mesana system within the Nimbus Cluster and land on planet Lesuss. You'll meet Samara during this mission if she survived Mass Effect 2. You'll also get some different dialogue if you picked Morinth over Samara.

Once you've landed pick up the Assault Rifle Stability Damper and head into the door. Descend down the ladder and move through the darkened halls. Search around and you'll gain both a Pistol Melee Stunner and Gallae's Electronic Signature. There will be a room on the side which contains credits within a wall safe and a Sniper Rifle Spare Ammo upgrade. Open up the door and you should be able to search a fllen Asari for some extra XP.

You'll soon need to fight it out with a Banshee, which may likely be your first encounter with this enemy type. Banshees use powerful Biotics, can teleport, and have an instant kill melee attack. Quickly break down the Banshee's barrier with Overload or rapid fire weapons. The Banshee has armor instead of health requiring use of stronger single hit weapons or fire damage. Also be on the look out for Husks and Cannibals that show up, but don't let them distract you from gunning down the Reaper Ardat-Yakshi.

Once the enemies are dead, bypass the door and enter the main building. Cannibals and Marauders are inside and fight like every other previous encounter with them. Break down their shields and they won't be able to stand for long. Search the nearby rooms to gain some more medi gel, credits, a Serrice Council Shoulder Guards, and Disciple. You'll be attacked by another wave of Reapers including a Banshee supported by Husks. This fight isn't much different: concentrate on the Banshee unless you're overwhelmed by the Husks. After the fight grab the Assault Rifle Precision Scope sitting on the left. Once you're prepared, head through the elevator and into the main hall.

Loot the two medical stations for more healing items and touch the bomb to start a new fight with the Reapers. Because of the smaller space and larger amount of Banshees, take out the Husks fast with area attacks such as grenades and Biotics. Always stay out of the Banshee's range, using assault rifles to tear down their barriers and sniper rifles to penetrate the thick armor.

If Samara survived past this entire ordeal, you may use the Paragon prompt to recruit her as a 25 point War Asset. However, it's up to you to decide the fate of the Ardat-Yakshi. In addition you will gain the Asari Commando War Asset.

You'll gain this mission from Traynor after hearing from the quarians. Your objective is to head over to Gellix and save a group of defecting Cerberus Scientists. Portions of this mission will change if both Jacob survived the suicide mission and you gave the Collector Base to the Illusive Man back in Mass Effect 2.

Upon landing you can get a drop on the distracted Cerberus Troopers and Centurions that are trying to gun down the scientists. As with Tuchunka, you should destroy the shield generators to cause strong area damage. Talk to Jacob/Webber and a second wave of enemies will arrive. Once again this will comprise of basic Cerberus soldiers so there isn't much strategy.

Once inside the base talk to the various scientists to gain extra information and check the data pads for XP. On the upper levels you can also collect more medi gel, an Assault Rifle Magazine Upgrade, Kassa Fabrication Greaves, Shotgun High Caliber Barrel, and the Turian Toxin Data inside a microscope. Once you're ready, talk to Brynn and the other, and then head up the ladder to the roof.

Quickly pick up the M-6 Carniflex. Shoot out the shield generators and concentrate first on the Engineer and his turret. Clean out the other Troops and Centurions before grabbing the SMG High Caliber Barrel off to the left side. Keep heading forward through the enemies and you'll locate Telemetry controls. Gather up the remaining medkits and turn on the console.

Back track the other way and ascend up the steps towards the AA guns. Most of the enemy troops will deploy from a Cerberus shuttle, making them easy pickings to continuous Biotic attacks such as Singularity. As for the rest, destroying the shield generators and other area attacks are great for wiping the enemy. Once the area is clear, gather up the Sniper Rifle Piercing Mod, Shotgun Spare Ammo and the remaining medi gel. Now head up the ladders ahead and activate the AA guns.

Each time an AA gun is turned on, Cerberus will unleash more troops, including the deadly Phantoms. Luckily there is a mounted turret settled next to the AA guns, allowing you to mutilate even the beefiest enemies that come your way. At the second set of controls you'll need to choose a teammate to man the activation. Pick one of your more offensive characters (Ashley, James) while someone with crowd control supports you (Liara, Javik). Keep on the AA guns and Cerberus won't last for long.

Once the AA guns are working, report back to Jacob. You'll now need to fight more Cerberus soldiers at the entrance. The enemy will once again arrive by shuttle, making them easy to disable or toss around with Biotics. Soon you'll be up against a few Engineers and an Atlas mech. Stay far back out of the turrets' range and you'll be able to take out the Atlas easily with sniper shots and incinerate. If you even aim for the glass you should be able to kill the pilot, steal the mech, and eradicate the reaming enemies.

Upon completion the surviving scientists and Jacob will join as a large amount of War Assets.

You'll gain this mission after destroying the Geth dreadnought. Be careful about moving around right away as most of the zone is contaminated with toxin. Speak to Riley near the entrance and take the nearby Medical Treatment Plans and Rosenkov Materials Chestplate.

On the other side of Captain Riley will be a set of crane controls. Use the buttons to move the crates from the left side and clear a path. Salvage the nearby parts for credits and head through the newly created path. Start up the vent controls to start a battle with Reaper forces.

You'll mostly be up against Husks and Marauders for the first few waves. Remember to destroy the barrier engines, otherwise the Reapers may recharge their barriers. Try to hunker down in either the extration zone or the central energy core. Once the first wave is cleared, grab the PDAs for extra XP and repower the reactor to summon more enemies.

You'll eventually have the option to send a team member to rescue Riley and her team. Do so, as her survival means more war assets. Once it's just down to two members you'll be ambushed by a wave of brutes. Use the two sets of ramps to run circles around them and use fire based attacks (incenerate, incendary ammo) to destroy them.

Citadel Missions

The Citadel acts as a town hub where you can pick up many side quests for extra cash, War Assets, and Reputation. some of these quests even link to past events from Mass Effect 1 and 2.

Aria from Omega can be found inside Purgatory. She wants you to unite the Blood Pack, Blue Suns, and Eclipse. If Zaeed survived Mass Effect 2 he might change this mission slightly. You can recruit these mercs in any order, with the Blood Pack being the fastest. Might as well start there.

Head down to the Commons and into the apartment area. Meet with Narl to gain some Reputation and an update to the Terminus Fleet War Asset. For Eclipse head to the Embassies and chat with Bailey. You can try to force him to release Sederis for Renegade points, but this will fail anyway. You'll need to head to the C-SEC office in the Commons and talk to the criminal directly. She's clearly crazy, but can released for Renegade points. For the Paragon option head down to the Docks: Holding Area and convince her second in command to take over Eclipse.

For the Blue Suns Vosque can be found in the Holding Area at Cargo Hold A. He will ask you to take care of Oraka in the Commons. Talk to the General yourself to hear his story. You can take the Renegade path and off him, or choose Paragon and find a new weapons source. Talk to Kannik over in the Market and he will agree to supply weapons in exchange for an artifact. The one he wants is in the Kite's Nest Cluster, Vular System, on the planet Vana. With Kannik's help you can convince Oraka to leave the Blue Suns alone.

With all three tasks complete the mercenary groups will help you in the war effort.

You'll get an e-mail about this while on the Normandy. Head to the Embassy and talk to Jondum Bau. If Kasumi survived Mass Effect 2 parts of this mission may be fairly different. Move over to the Spectre Terminal and enable Hanar Embassy Tracking. Now head to the Terminal in the Embassy Offices to get the first piece of evidence. There are two more pieces of evidence in the Holding Area, one at the Security Check Point and the other over in Bay E28.

Head back to the Embassy and talk to Bau to confront the Hanar. There will be a Renegade prompt to save Bau, but if you ignore it and let him die you will gain Hanar and Drell Forces (50 War Asset). Choose carefully.

Inside the Commons you can speak to the bartender Aethyta. She will reveal her relation to Liara. You can either go the Renegade path and send her away. Alternately, you may talk to Liara at the nearby table and convince her to talk to her father. Doing so will update the War Asset Asari Fifth Fleet.

On the Normandy you'll get mail from Victus after the Citadel Attack. It appears that the Turians are looking for an Ambassador named Korlack last seen on the Citadel. Head to the Spectre terminal and use the tracker to locate Korlack. Head over to the Embassy Office and talk to the guard to gain access to Korlack's office. Listen to all three messages on the terminal to find out about the mercenaries that have captured Korlack. If Zaeed survived Mass Effect 2 he will be among them. Head over to the desk on the other side of the room and listen on the head set. You'll be taken to the Commons where you will need to check two apartments. The first will always be the wrong one, so go to the second right after. You'll save the Volus, and possibly with the help of Zaeed. If Zaeed was loyal in Mass Effect 2 you'll be able to gain him as a War Asset down in the Docks. However, if he was disloyal he will perish during this mission.

You'll gain this mission by walking around the Commons and listening in on a Turian talk about a wounded Batarian. Head down to the Holding Area and talk to the Nurse. You can choose to either kill the Batarian (Paragon) or leave him to suffer (Renegade).

People on the Citadel and Normandy are looking for various items. Just by walking by someone you may overhear a request to pick up an item. These fetch quests can be completed by scanning planets, searching area during missions, or sometimes buying them from your Spectre terminal.

Scanning List

While traveling around the galaxy inside the Normandy you can discover many planets. By scanning these worlds you can unlock extra Credits, War Assets and Shadow Broker Intel to boost both your squad members and the entire war effort. New Clusters unlock by progressing through the story and listening to NPCs on the citadel for clues.

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mass effect 3 side missions guide

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Mass effect 3's best side-missions.

Mass Effect 3 has multiple side missions that help the galaxy better prepare for the war against the Reapers. Which ones are the most worthwhile?

In addition to the main storyline of Mass Effect 3 , players are given the opportunity to complete various side missions across the galaxy. These missions oftentimes serve to provide additional war assets, which can have a large impact on the galactic readiness rating in the ending of the game. Other times, optional quests can reunite players with characters from previous games in the trilogy. Here are some of ME3 's most worthwhile side missions to complete.

Each game in the Mass Effect trilogy features similar optional missions for Shepard to undertake . In the first game, these missions primarily provide worldbuilding and set up characters or organizations that would become prominent in later games, such as Cerberus. In the second game, players can gain important upgrades or materials in order to prepare for the suicide mission at the ending of Mass Effect 2 . ME3 's side missions, on the other hand, serve to better prepare the galaxy for war.

Related:  Mass Effect: Every Known Spectre in the Series

Mass Effect Legendary Edition was released in May 2021, and combines all three of the trilogy's original titles with almost every  DLC released for the Mass Effect series . Because of these inclusions, more side quests will be available in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition release of ME3 than were available in the initial release of the game. Players who are encountering these DLC for the first time should be sure to double-check in order to ensure they don't miss out on any side content as they progress through Mass Effect 3 .

Best ME3 Side Missions: Conrad Verner's Sabotage

Mass Effect 3's Best Side-Missions

The Mass Effect series is well-known for its meaningful player choices. These impacts aren't always large, however, and an example of small examples of player influence can be seen in Conrad Verner's side quest in Mass Effect 3 . Players can encounter him on the Citadel, sabotaging Medi-Gel dispensers and preaching about joining Cerberus in an attempt to follow in Shepard's footsteps. Once he's been dissuaded, he can offer players additional war assets if they completed various side tasks in Mass Effect 1 - and even Conrad's survival at the end of the mission is dependent on seemingly inconsequential player choices from the first game.

Best ME3 Side Mission: Aria's Negotiations

Mass Effect 3's Best Side-Missions

Aria T'Loak is a fan-favorite character from Mass Effect 2 and the star of the Omega DLC in Mass Effect 3 . She can also be encountered earlier on in the game while on the Citadel. During this side mission, Aria offers Shepard the services of Omega's three prominent gangs as war assets in the fight against the Reapers. In order to obtain their loyalty, however, players will have to reach an agreement with the leader of each gang. The demands of each gang leads players into various other missions across the galaxy, and each pathway offers multiple options to resolve the problem and gain their loyalty.

Best ME3 Side Missions: Party Preparations

Mass Effect 3's Best Side-Missions

The shore leave mission is part of Mass Effect 3 's  Citadel DLC , which is included in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition version of ME3 . It introduces a new line of missions for Shepard and their crew, as well as a new area of the Citadel and a combat arena to fight in. The highlight of the DLC, however, is the side missions given to players after the completion of the main storyline. Before beginning the DLC's party mission, players will receive emails or spontaneous visits from their crewmates looking to spend time with Shepard. These range from combat practice to funeral services, and each one serves to let players spend more time with their favorite characters before reaching the ending of Mass Effect 3 .

Next:  What Mass Effect 3 Ending Is Best (& Why)

Video Games, Wikis, Cheats, Walkthroughs, Reviews, News & Videos

Mass Effect 3 Walkthrough – Side Missions

Mass Effect 3 includes 25 side-missions or side-quests that can be completed by players who have purchased the game.

These side-missions should not be confused with the Citadel missions or the N7 missions featured in ME3 , even if sometimes they are connected.

The difference between a Mass Effect 3 side mission and an N7 mission, for example, is that sometimes, to complete a side-mission, players must explore the universe, and specific planets; while in an N7 mission, Shepard and his crew will be sent to different combat zones to complete specific objectives.

Because of this, most side-missions can be completed faster; however there are several side-missions that involve combat situations.

An important aspect regarding several  Mass Effect 3 side-missions is that they can be unlocked only after reaching specific priorities, or points in the game.

In other words, to gain access to a cluster, system, or planet featured in Mass Effect 3 , players may have to complete more main-missions.

One of these side missions is Irune: Book of Plenix , which can be started immediately after Priority: Perseus Veil .

For this specific mission, the player must find and scan Planet Irune , which is included in a cluster named Aethon .

Even if this side-quest begins in an early stage of the second act, Planet Irune becomes available in the Milk Way, later in the game.

Completing all Mass Effect 3 side-quests is an important step in the game, especially because, these tasks provide experience points, War Assets as well as credits and Paragon/Renegade Points.

For each mission a different walkthrough was created; with the purpose of helping players who wish to beat these missions.

All walkthroughs explain when to start the missions, when to complete them and what rewards players should expect to receive.

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mass effect 3 side missions guide

Mass Effect 3: Optimal Mission Order

With an abundance of quests available and consequences for your actions, it's always good to know the best way to tackle things.

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Prologue: getting back in action, act 1: the genophage, act 2: the geth and quarian conflict, act 3: asari and cerberus.

Despite not being as open as its predecessor, Mass Effect 3 gives you plenty of freedom regarding mission order. You need to do nearly all of the Priority quests in a set sequence, but you have more control over when you play each secondary operation . However, there are some risks to embarking on some adventures at the wrong time . After all, several missions are time or progression-sensitive, so those are easy to fail if you're not careful .

RELATED: Mass Effect Legendary Collection: Early Game Tips For Those Starting Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3 is a story-heavy game, and the order you do missions can positively or negatively impact the flow of the narrative . For instance, if you've just heard about a colony under attack, then it doesn't make sense for Shepard to spend the next few hours roaming around the Citadel. Therefore, if you want a playthrough that makes narrative sense and stops you from missing out on quests , then here's a guide.

Updated on February 11, 2023, by Gabrielle Huston: There's no worse feeling in the world than missing out on something just because you altered the order of a few missions! The ripple effect means that it can have lasting consequences. We've updated this guide to make sure you know everything you need to know in order to get the results you're looking for, including recommended companions, timed quests, and DLC content.

Mass Effect 3 Reaper Towering above city as ship flies past

The first few missions of Mass Effect 3 are all about the Reaper invasion and the galaxy's response to it. You are forced to play them in the order the game dictate

Mission Order:

Mass Effect 3 Mordin close up with fire in the background

After visiting the Citadel for the first time, the game begins to open up. You have control of the Normandy and can go anywhere that's available. This section of the story focuses on Shepard trying to acquire the help of the Turians, Salarians, and Krogan .

RELATED: Mass Effect: Things You May Not Know About The Krogan Genophage

Optimal Mission Order:

Mass Effect 3 Tali and Legion standing together, close up

During the second act of the game, Shepard finds themself in the middle of the strife between the Quarians and the Geth. It's up to you how their long-running conflict finally ends.

You can start a romance with a companion during this act.

Mass Effect 3 Kai Leng On Thessia extending arm

Various things happen in Act Three, such as the Asari joining the war effort and Cerberus continuing to cause problems. There are not many secondary missions in this section of the game as things start to build towards the climax.

RELATED: Things In Mass Effect 3 You Only Catch On A Replay

Shepard worn out And Catalyst glowing blue and white in Mass Effect 3.

In the last two missions of the game, you attempt to stop Cerberus and the Reapers for good.

NEXT: Mass Effect 2: Optimal Mission Order

Mass Effect Wiki

Forum : Side mission timing guide

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General order to do side missions in:

  • [!T] - Must do before completing tuchanka
  • [!!!] - Do immediately

After Priority: The Citadel I

  • [!T] Citadel: Alien Medi-Gel Formula

After Priority: Palaven

  • [!T] Citadel: Biotic Amp Interfaces
  • [!T] Citadel: Hanar Diplomat
  • Apien Crest: Banner of the First Regiment
  • Aria: Blood Pack
  • Aria: Blue Suns
  • Aria: Eclipse
  • [!T] Ismar Frontier: Prototype Components
  • Shrike Abyssal: Prothean Obelisk
  • Kite's Nest: Pillars of Strength

After Priority: Sur'Kesh

  • [!!!] Tuchanka: Bomb
  • [!T] Citadel: Improved Power Grid
  • [!T] Benning: Evidence
  • [!T] Citadel: Barla Von
  • Citadel: Krogan Dying Message

After Priority: Tuchanka

  • Irune: Book of Plenix
  • Citadel: Heating Unit Stabilizers

After Priority: The Citadel II

  • Citadel: Cerberus Retribution
  • Citadel: Inspirational Stories
  • Citadel: Batarian Codes
  • Citadel: Cerberus Automated Turret Schematics
  • Citadel: Medical Supplies
  • Citadel: Medi-Gel Sabotage
  • Citadel: Volus Ambassador
  • Citadel: Wounded Batarian
  • Citadel: Cerberus Turian Poison
  • Athena Nebula: Hesperia-Period Statue
  • Nimbus Cluster: Library of Asha
  • Valhallan Threshold: Prothean Data Drives
  • Citadel: Asari Widow

After Priority: Geth Dreadnought

  • Citadel: Target Jamming Technology
  • Citadel: Reaper Code Fragments
  • Citadel: Kakliosaur Fossil

After Priority: Rannoch

  • Citadel: Chemical Treatment
  • Dekuuna: Elcor Extraction
  • Hades Nexus: Obelisk of Karza
  • Hades Nexus: Prothean Sphere
  • Silean Nebula: Rings of Alune

After Priority: Thessia

  • Citadel: Cerberus Ciphers
  • Mass Effect

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Best Mission Order In Mass Effect 2

Quick links, prologue: joining cerberus, act 1: putting together your team, act 2 – part 1: finishing recruitment, act 2 – part 2: gaining loyalty, act 3: endgame.

For the most part, Mass Effect 2 is a linear RPG. However, the game does give you some freedom when it comes to mission order. Each act of the adventure has an abundance of quests to take on, and it doesn't matter which you do first or which you save for later.

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Yet, playing each mission in a specific order can improve a playthrough in various ways. For instance, if you complete quests in the optimal sequence, you lower the risk of losing characters by the end of the game. Plus, your narrative experience can be enhanced simply by doing certain missions at certain times. So, here is the order in which you should complete all of the main content.

Updated January 26, 2024 By Ben Jessey: You can play most of the Mass Effect 2 missions in any order you want. However, there is an optimal order that improves the narrative experience and keeps characters alive. We laid out that optimal order in this guide. And now, we've returned to the piece to make sure it's still accurate and easy to read.

During Mass Effect 2's prologue, you have no control over which missions you play . The sequence of events includes an attack on the Normandy, Shepard joining Cerberus, and a visit to Freedom's Progress.

The lack of freedom in the opening stages makes sense as the game slowly introduces you to its mechanics and sets up the story.

Mission Order:

Things start to open up once the prologue ends as the Illusive Man gives you multiple recruitment missions to do at your leisure . You also have a few other quests to keep you busy.

Optimal Mission Order:

After the Horizon quest, the Illusive Man points you toward three more people you should recruit. Plus, this is when loyalty missions start appearing, so make sure you're regularly talking to your teammates.

For the first part of this act, you can only do five quests before triggering the next Collector assignment.

You have plenty of freedom in the wake of the Collector Ship investigation as the game doesn't force you to start the next mission. In fact, you want to avoid initiating the Reaper IFF quest for quite some time .

Instead, the second part of Act 2 is about getting almost all of the loyalty missions done . And these quests are crucial because they help you keep everyone alive during the Suicide Mission .

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Act 3 serves as the endgame , and it doesn't allow much time for side content. So, make sure that you've done everything before starting these quests .

Mass Effect 2 LE: How To Keep All Squadmates Alive In The Suicide Mission

Best Mission Order In Mass Effect 2

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
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