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Race Against Time: Escape the Citadel
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition (ME1)

Race Against Time: Escape the Citadel

Complete walkthrough for the 'Race Against Time: Escape the Citadel' mission in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition (ME1). Includes steps to free the Normandy and start the Ilos mission.

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Complete walkthrough for the 'Race Against Time: Escape the Citadel' mission in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition (ME1). Includes steps to free the Normandy and start the Ilos mission.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Upon returning to the Citadel, watch the cutscenes. You'll speak with Udina, the Council, and your romantic interest.
  2. 2
    Captain Anderson will contact you and ask you to meet him at Flux in the Wards.
  3. 3
    Before heading to Flux, go downstairs from the C-Sec Academy elevator and turn left towards the Med Clinic. Speak with Carlos Saracino to start the assignment Citadel: Our Own Worst Enemy.
  4. 4
    Head back towards Flux. Outside, speak with Elias Keeler to start the assignment Citadel: Negotiator’s Request.
  5. 5
    Enter Flux and speak with Captain Anderson. He will present a plan to free the Normandy.
  6. 6
    You will have a choice: have Anderson target either Citadel Control or Udina’s office. Both options lead to the same outcome for the mission, but targeting Udina's office is suggested for narrative satisfaction.
  7. 7
    Return to the Normandy. Watch the following cutscenes.
  8. 8
    You are now free to travel the galaxy and complete remaining assignments, but you cannot return to the Citadel.
  9. 9
    When ready to proceed with the main story, travel to the Pangaea Expanse cluster, the Refuge system, and land on Ilos.
Tips
  • Ensure you have completed all necessary core missions (Therum, Feros, Noveria, Virmire) before this point, as you will be unable to return to the Citadel afterward.
  • The assignments Citadel: Our Own Worst Enemy and Citadel: Negotiator’s Request are optional but recommended to complete before leaving the Citadel.
  • The choice of Anderson's target (Citadel Control or Udina's office) does not affect the main quest progression but offers different dialogue and a sense of closure with Udina.
  • The achievement Paramour I can be earned by establishing a romantic relationship in Mass Effect 1, 2, or 3.
  • The Normandy is freed, allowing progression to the next stage of the main story (Ilos).
  • Access to remaining assignments before proceeding to Ilos.

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