Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2

Assignments

Get the most out of Mass Effect 2's side quests. This guide details Assignments, their importance for experience, resources, and character development.

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Assments

Assments are the side quests of Mass Effect 2, offering valuable experience, resources, and opportunities to deepen your understanding of the game's lore and characters. This guide provides an overview of assignments and their importance in your journey.

Assments are the lifeblood of exploration and character development in Mass Effect 2. These optional missions range from simple fetch quests to complex investigations and combat scenarios, each contributing to Shepard's overall progress and the galaxy's well-being. Completing assignments not only rewards players with experience points (XP) and credits but also unlocks new gear, upgrades, and crucial information that can impact the main story and the ultimate success of the Suicide Mission.

Types of Assments

Assments in Mass Effect 2 can be broadly categorized:

  • Squadmate Loyalty Missions: These are personal quests for each recruited squadmate, essential for unlocking their loyalty and their unique combat bonus. They often delve into their backstories and motivations.
  • Cerberus Assments: These missions are directly assigned by The Illusive Man and Cerberus, often involving investigating alien threats, recovering sensitive technology, or securing vital resources for the organization.
  • Exploration Assments: These are found by exploring planets, scanning systems, or interacting with NPCs. They can lead to discovering derelict ships, abandoned outposts, or hidden caches of resources.
  • Faction Assments: Some assignments involve interacting with specific alien races or factions, such as the Batarians or the Volus, often requiring Shepard to mediate disputes or retrieve stolen goods.

Importance of Assments

Assments are far more than just filler content. They are integral to the Mass Effect 2 experience for several reasons:

  • Squadmate Loyalty: As mentioned, Loyalty Missions are paramount. A loyal squad is more likely to survive the Suicide Mission and provides significant combat advantages.
  • Resource Acquisition: Many assignments reward players with valuable resources like Palladium, Iridium, or Element Zero, which are crucial for research and upgrades.
  • XP and Credits: Completing assignments provides substantial XP, helping Shepard level up faster and unlock more powers. Credits are essential for purchasing gear, ammo, and ship upgrades.
  • Lore and World-Building: Assments often reveal fascinating details about the Mass Effect universe, its history, and its inhabitants, enriching the player's immersion.
  • Gear and Upgrades: Some assignments lead to the discovery of powerful new weapons, armor pieces, or unique upgrades that can significantly enhance Shepard's combat effectiveness.

Finding and Tracking Assments

Assments are typically discovered through:

  • Conversations: Talking to squadmates, NPCs on the Citadel, or contacts on Omega will often trigger new assignments.
  • Galaxy Map: Scanning planets and systems can reveal anomalies or distress signals that lead to assignments.
  • Ship Terminals: The mission terminal on the Normandy provides a list of available assignments and their current status.

The mission log on the Normandy is your central hub for tracking all active and completed assignments. It provides objective markers and brief descriptions to guide you.

Strategic Approach to Assments

While it's tempting to rush through the main story, dedicating time to assignments is highly recommended. A good strategy is to:

  1. Prioritize Loyalty Missions: Tackle these as soon as they become available to ensure your squad is prepared for the endgame.
  2. Explore Thoroughly: When undertaking an assignment, explore the entire area. You might find hidden items or trigger secondary objectives.
  3. Scan Systems: Regularly scan systems for anomalies that might lead to valuable assignments or resources.
  4. Check Mission Log: Periodically review your mission log to see if any new assignments have become available or if you have objectives to complete in nearby systems.

By engaging with the wealth of assignments Mass Effect 2 offers, You can create a more robust, well-equipped, and lore-rich experience, ultimately leading to a more satisfying conclusion.