Mass Effect Andromeda FAQ: Everything We Know So Far [Updated]

There’s a new Mass Effect game coming soon. What’s it about?

Despite any feelings you may have about how Mass Effect 3 ended, chances are you’re probably at least a little excited for its next gen follow up Mass Effect Andromeda. With the promise of more exploration elements and another galaxy to explore, the game certain looks interesting… but what do we really know about it?

Well, if you’re asking that question you’re in luck. We’ve created this handy FAQ to answer any and all questions you may have about the game with the latest info we have.

[Update 12/29/15] We’ve added information regarding the game’s director leaving the project in the “Who’s developing it?” section!

What is the title of the game?

Mass Effect Andromeda

Why is it called that?

Because the game takes place in the Andromeda galaxy. Your character is sent there to explore it through what we can only assume is a newly discovered long range mass effect relay… through it could be through different means entirely.

Who’s developing it?

Bioware Montreal, who also developed the Mass Effect 3: Omega DLC. The game will also use DICE’s Frostbite engine similar to Dragon Age: Inquisition.

[Update 12/29/15] The game’s director, Chris Wynn, has left the project and its parent company Bioware altogether. We’re not sure who will replace him or how this will effect the game’s development.

Bioware issued the following statement regarding Wynn’s departure: “Chris was a great member of the team. We want to thank him for his contributions and we wish him the best in his new adventures. Development of Mass Effect Andromeda continues to move full speed ahead at BioWare Montreal, Edmonton and Austin.”

What’s the game about?

First, here’s the official trailer that we analyzed back in June:

Here’s the official blurb from Bioware:

“While we aren’t ready to go into too many details just yet, as you saw in the trailer and can tell by the name, this game is very much a new adventure, taking place far away from and long after the events of the original trilogy. You will play a human, male or female, though that’s actually not the character you saw in the trailer (more on that later). You’ll be exploring an all-new galaxy, Andromeda, and piloting the new and improved Mako you saw. And through it all, you will have a new team of adventurers to work with, learn from, fight alongside of, and fall in love with.”

There has been, however, several leaks that have given us info on the story.

There are plenty of tid bits including:

• The game will take place in the Helius Cluster, a group of hundreds of star systems in the Andromeda galaxy. The cluster is reportedly 4 times the size of Mass Effect 3‘s galaxy map.

• The goal of your character’s expedition to the Helius cluster is to find ideal locations for colonies for Citadel races, which is probably a contingency plan in case the Reapers destroy all life in the galaxy.

• You will also come across “the remains of a once powerful and mysterious alien race, the Remnant, whose forgotten technology holds the key to gaining power to this region of the galaxy.”

How will it connect with the original Mass Effect trilogy?

Given the game takes place in another galaxy entirely, we’re guessing the fact your character’s expedition being sent by the Citadel is about it. It’s also probably a given that other setting details such as races and technology will also carry over.

Who’s the central character?

Your character will go by the nickname “The Pathfinder,” though there have been rumors that the character’s last name is “Ryder,” inspired by the first female American astronaut Sally Ride. This makes sense, as Commander Shepard’s name was inspired by Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

The Pathfinder seems to be a product of the N7 program, based on the armor we’ve seen them in the marketing.

Who are the party members?

It’s rumored that you will have the same three party member squad as before. We don’t know everyone, but a few potential party members have been leaked out:

The first is a Krogan named Drack:

The second is a biotic capable woman named Cora, though we don’t have any pictures of her yet. Since she can use biotics, it’s probably a safe bet she’s either Human or Asari.

The rumor is there will be seven squad members in total, which leaks the following established species left to use: Salarians, Drell, Quarians, Turians, Geth, Hanar, Elcor, Batarians, and Volus to fill out the remaining five slots. That’s assuming, of course, you won’t get a squadmate from a totally new species.

Each squad member is also rumored to have a loyalty mission ala Mass Effect 2.

Lastly, unlike the last two games it seems Bioware is committed to the greater customization they returned to with Dragon Age: Inquisition. You will be able to customize your team mate’s appearances and abilities with unlockable blueprints found throughout the game. Whether these options extend to off duty clothes or armor we have yet to know.

Who are the bad guys?

We’re assuming the Remnant will play into the antagonists of the game. Either they will be the bad guys or they’ll be more like the Protheans in that they’ll have left behind some ancient technology essential to the bad guy’s plan.

It’s been recently rumored that other antagonists will include “a human soldier with armor similar to yours but without N7 insignia” and a faction called “the Khet” who are opposing your arrival in the Helius Cluster. The enemy soldiers reportedly look like a cross between a Vorcha and a Collector.

Will you have a new ship?

You will! It’s rumored to be called “Tempest.”

It’s been implied there is a new and improved galaxy map system, but also rumored there is a system where you manually fly the ship.It’s also rumored that, like the other Mass Effect games, the Tempest will have a section devoted to the Pathfinder’s quarters.

How will you explore planets?

You will have a new and improved Mako that is rumored to be customizable. Your squad will also be equipped with jet packs for easy navigation of terrain.

How will the game play?

There seems to be more emphasis on mobility in this game, with the jetpacks and Mako playing a key role on exploring what we’re sure will be very large areas.

It’s rumored you’ll tasked with exploring the galaxy and clearing out Khet strongholds that will become colonies for your own faction, much like how the newer Assassin Creed games have you taking over Templar camps. What kind of colonies you build is rumored to be up to you, as Recon and Mining settlement options have been reportedly available. Each type of settlement will reportedly provide different types of resources that play into the overarching game. We wouldn’t be surprised if there were many more choices in the main game.

Also like Assassin’s Creed games, a minigame will allow you to create AI controlled “strike teams” to deploy on time sensitive missions across the map.

The dialogue system will supposedly “add deeper control over your conversations through a great ability to interrupt and change the course of the conversation as it is happening.”

We’re not sure what weapons will be in the game, but we’re willing to bet the classic M-8 Avenger will make an appearence. As for the rest of the weapons, nothing is confirmed but we have our theories.

Will there be multiplayer?

Reportedly, yes. It’ll be similar to Mass Effect 3‘s four player horde mode that will give you in game currency (called APEX funds) that can be used in the single player campaign. You will also reportedly be able to prestige your muliplayer units and turn them into assets in the single player campaign.

Is anyone from the original Mass Effect trilogy coming back?

Given the premise, we’re willing to bet any appearances will be brief at the most. However, the latest N7 day trailer implies Commander Shepard could make a possible cameo at the beginning of the game.

When will the game be out?

The game is scheduled for Holiday 2016 at present.