Side Missions & Assments
Beyond the main narrative, Mass Effect 3 is filled with numerous side missions and assments that offer valuable rewards, deepen the lore, and provide crucial war assets. These optional quests allow Commander Shepard to assist various factions, uncover hidden truths, and make a tangible difference in the galactic war effort.
Assments are critical for bolstering your war assets, which directly influence the game's ending. They range from simple fetch quests to complex investigations and combat scenarios. Completing these assments not only provides tangible benefits but also enriches the player's understanding of the Mass Effect universe and its inhabitants. Many assments become available as you progress through the main story or interact with characters on the Citadel and the Normandy.
Types of Assments:
- N7 Missions: These are special, high-stakes missions that often involve direct combat against Cerberus or other significant threats. They are usually triggered at specific points in the main campaign.
- Faction Assments: Quests given by or on behalf of various galactic factions, such as the Turians, Asari, Salarians, Krogan, Quarians, and Geth. These often involve resolving disputes, retrieving lost technology, or aiding in their war efforts.
- Citadel Assments: Missions that take place on or around the Citadel, often involving investigations, rescue operations, or political maneuvering.
- Personal Assments: Quests that are tied to specific squadmates or characters, offering insights into their past or personal struggles.
- Reconnaissance & Retrieval: Missions that involve exploring specific planets or systems to gather intelligence, retrieve valuable items, or scout enemy positions.
Notable Assments and Their Sificance:
- Arrae: Ex-Cerberus Scientists: A mission that involves rescuing scientists who have defected from Cerberus, providing valuable intelligence and war assets.
- Mesana: Distress Sal: Investigating a distress sal that leads to a confrontation with pirates or other hostile forces, often yielding useful resources or intel.
- N7: Cerberus Fighter Base: A direct assault on a Cerberus facility, crucial for disrupting their operations and gaining significant war assets.
- Citadel Side Missions: Numerous small quests on the Citadel that can involve anything from finding lost items to mediating disputes, all contributing to your war effort.
How to Find and Complete Assments:
- Check the Mission Log: Your mission log (accessible via the map menu) details all available assments, their objectives, and current progress.
- Talk to NPCs: Many assments are initiated by speaking with characters on the Citadel, the Normandy, or during missions on various planets. Pay attention to dialogue prompts.
- Explore the Galaxy Map: Some assments are triggered by scanning systems or planets on the galaxy map, revealing anomalies or distress sals.
- Listen to the Radio: Occasionally, you'll receive assment updates or new leads via the Normandy's comms system.
Completing assments is not just about ticking boxes; it's about actively participating in the war for survival. Each completed assment strengthens your forces and brings you closer to a galaxy united against the Reapers.