Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2

Dossier: The Justicar

Recruit Samara in Mass Effect 2. Guide to 'Dossier: The Justicar' mission on Illium, combat tips, and dialogue to gain her loyalty.

·Multi-source verified (88/88)

Dossier: The Justicar

The mission 'Dossier: The Justicar' is a critical early-game quest in Mass Effect 2 that introduces Shepard to the formidable Asari Justicar, Samara. This mission is essential for recruiting Samara to your crew and provides a deep dive into the strict moral code and combat philosophy of the Justicar order. Successfully completing this mission adds a powerful biotic and melee specialist to your team.

The mission begins with Shepard receiving information about a dangerous Asari who is operating outside the law, yet adhering to a strict personal code. This individual is Samara, and she is currently hunting down a rogue Asari named Benezia, who has fallen prey to the Ardat-Yakshi condition, a genetic anomaly that makes her a danger to others. The mission takes place on the planet Illium, in the Nos Astra district.

Mission Walkthrough:

  1. Arrival on Illium: Shepard arrives on Illium and begins investigating the whereabouts of the target. You'll need to gather information from various sources within the city.
  2. Information Gathering: Speak with contacts and informants in Nos Astra. This will lead you to a club called the Baria Frontiers, where you'll learn more about Benezia's activities and Samara's pursuit.
  3. The Club Encounter: Inside the Baria Frontiers, you'll encounter a group of mercenaries who are either working for Benezia or are simply caught in the crossfire. Engage them in combat.
  4. Samara's Intervention: As you fight, Samara will make her presence known. She will engage the mercenaries with her formidable biotic and combat abilities, showcasing the power of a Justicar.
  5. Confrontation and Recruitment: After the initial combat, you'll have a conversation with Samara. She explains her role as a Justicar and her mission to stop Benezia. Shepard must convince Samara that their mission against the Collectors is a greater priority and that her skills are needed. Dialogue choices are crucial here to persuade her to join your crew.

Key Elements and Strategies:

  • Combat: The combat encounters in this mission are moderate. Focus on using cover and coordinating your squad's abilities. Samara herself will be a powerful ally during this mission, often using biotic powers to control the battlefield.
  • Dialogue: Your dialogue choices with Samara are paramount. Demonstrating an understanding of her code, showing respect for her mission, and highlighting the urgency of the Collector threat are key to recruiting her. A successful persuasion check can significantly aid in convincing her.
  • Samara's Abilities: If recruited, Samara is an exceptional biotic powerhouse. Her abilities include powerful biotic explosions, crowd control, and a strong melee attack. She is particularly effective against shielded and armored enemies.
  • Benezia's Fate: The mission also involves dealing with Benezia. Depending on your choices and dialogue, you may have options that affect her ultimate fate, though this is secondary to recruiting Samara.

Successfully completing 'Dossier: The Justicar' ensures that Samara joins the Normandy. Her unwavering dedication to her code, her potent biotic abilities, and her unique perspective as a Justicar make her an invaluable member of Shepard's team, especially when facing the existential threat of the Collectors.