Mass Effect 3
Mass Effect 3

Datapad Locations Guide

Locate all Datapad terminals and logs scattered across Mass Effect 3's many planets and locations to unlock valuable lore and potential side quests.

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Datapad Locations Guide

Throughout Mass Effect 3, datapad terminals and logs are scattered across various planets and locations. These provide valuable lore, background information, and sometimes even unlock side quests or grant small bonuses. Finding all of them can be a rewarding endeavor for lore enthusiasts and achievement hunters.

Datapads are small, portable data storage devices that contain snippets of information from the game's universe. They can range from personal logs of soldiers to official reports or research notes. Locating them often requires thorough exploration of mission areas and hubs like the Citadel.

General Tips for Finding Datapads:

  • Explore Thoroughly: Always check corners, alcoves, and less obvious paths within mission areas. Datapads are often placed off the beaten path.
  • Listen to Dialogue: Sometimes, NPCs will mention specific locations or objects that might lead you to a datapad.
  • Use Your Scanner: While not as prevalent for datapads as for resources, sometimes scanning environments can highlight interactive objects.
  • Check Vendor Terminals: Occasionally, datapads can be found near vendor terminals or in shops.

Specific Datapad Locations (Examples):

Datapad locations are tied to specific missions and areas. Here are a few examples of where you might find them:

  • Prologue: Earth: During the initial escape from Earth, look for datapads on desks, tables, and near fallen soldiers. One might be found in the building after the first Husk encounter.
  • Priority: Mars: Explore the Archives and surrounding areas carefully. Datapads might be found near research stations or in debris.
  • Priority: Palaven: During your time on the Turian homeworld, check military encampments and destroyed structures for datapads left by Turian soldiers.
  • Citadel: The Citadel is rich with datapads. Look in the Presidium Commons, Zakara Ward, Spectre Office, and various shops. Specific quests might lead you to unique datapad locations. For example, during the Leviathan DLC, Dr. Bryson's lab contains several datapads with crucial lore.
  • Rannoch: During missions involving the Geth or Quarians, search through abandoned bases, ship wreckage, and communication outposts.

Datapad Content:

The information found in datapads can include:

  • Personal stories of soldiers and civilians caught in the war.
  • Background on alien species and their cultures.
  • Details about Reaper technology and history.
  • Clues to hidden caches or side objectives.
  • Lore entries that expand the Mass Effect universe.

Achievement/Trophy Hunting:

For players aiming to unlock all achievements or trophies, collecting all datapads is often a requirement for specific in-game accolades. Keep a checklist or refer to a comprehensive collectibles guide if this is your goal.

By diligently searching every nook and cranny, you'll uncover a wealth of information that enriches the Mass Effect 3 experience.