Controls & User Interface
Mastering the controls and understanding the user interface (UI) are crucial for navigating the vast galaxy of Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This section provides a comprehensive overview for both PC and console players, detailing key bindings and explaining the essential on-screen elements.
PC Controls
The PC version offers a highly customizable control scheme. The default mappings are designed for intuitive third-person shooter gameplay:
- Movement: WASD keys
- Jump/Mantle/Cover: Spacebar
- Interact/Use: Spacebar (context-sensitive)
- Primary Fire: Left Mouse Button
- Aim Down Sights: Right Mouse Button
- Melee Attack: F key
- Power Selection: Number keys (1-9)
- Weapon Swap: Mouse Wheel Scroll or Number keys (if assigned)
- Squad Commands: Various keys, often bound to function keys (F1-F12) or specific mouse buttons. Consult the in-game options for detailed squad control mappings.
- Pause/Menu: Escape key
Console Controls
Console controls are streamlined for gamepad use, mirroring conventions found in many modern third-person shooters. While specific button layouts can vary slightly between PlayStation and Xbox, the core functions remain consistent.
Xbox Controller (Default Mappings)
The Xbox controller provides a tactile and responsive way to experience Mass Effect Legendary Edition.
| Action | Button/Input |
|---|---|
| Movement | Left Analog Stick |
| Camera Control | Right Analog Stick |
| Jump/Mantle/Cover | A Button |
| Interact/Use | A Button (context-sensitive) |
| Primary Fire | Right Trigger (RT) |
| Aim Down Sights | Left Trigger (LT) |
| Melee Attack | B Button |
| Power Wheel/Selection | Hold Left Bumper (LB) to bring up the power wheel; use Right Analog Stick to select, release LB to activate. |
| Weapon Swap | Y Button |
| Squad Commands | D-Pad Up (Select Squadmate), D-Pad Left/Right (Command Type), D-Pad Down (Cancel Command) |
| Pause/Menu | Start Button |
PlayStation Controller (Default Mappings)
The PlayStation DualSense controller offers a similar layout and functionality to its Xbox counterpart.
| Action | Button/Input |
|---|---|
| Movement | Left Analog Stick |
| Camera Control | Right Analog Stick |
| Jump/Mantle/Cover | X Button |
| Interact/Use | X Button (context-sensitive) |
| Primary Fire | R2 Button |
| Aim Down Sights | L2 Button |
| Melee Attack | Circle Button |
| Power Wheel/Selection | Hold Left Bumper (L1) to bring up the power wheel; use Right Analog Stick to select, release L1 to activate. |
| Weapon Swap | Triangle Button |
| Squad Commands | D-Pad Up (Select Squadmate), D-Pad Left/Right (Command Type), D-Pad Down (Cancel Command) |
| Pause/Menu | Options Button |
User Interface (UI) Elements
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition UI is designed to provide essential information at a glance without cluttering the screen. Understanding these elements will significantly improve your combat effectiveness and situational awareness.
- Health Bar: Typically a green bar, this indicates Commander Shepard's current health. When it depletes, Shepard is incapacitated.
- Shield Bar: Usually displayed above or alongside the health bar (often blue), this represents Shepard's regenerating shields. Shields absorb damage before health is affected, making them a vital defensive layer. They recharge automatically after a short period out of combat.
- Power Icons: Located at the bottom of the screen, these icons represent Shepard's available biotic, tech, and combat abilities. Cooldown timers are often displayed on or around these icons, indicating when a power can be used again.
- Squadmate Status: Icons or small portraits representing your active squadmates are usually displayed, often near the power icons. These show their current health and shield status, allowing you to quickly assess their condition and issue commands.
- Targeting Reticle: The crosshair in the center of the screen indicates where your weapon fire will land. Different weapon types may have distinct reticle appearances.
- Ammo Count: Displays the current ammunition for your equipped weapon.
- Objective Marker: A prominent marker on your HUD, often a directional arrow or icon, guiding you towards your current objective.
- Minimap/Radar: A small circular or square display, usually in a corner of the screen, showing your immediate surroundings, enemy positions (if detected), and points of interest.
Navigation and Information Tools
- Galaxy Map: This is your primary tool for interstellar travel. From the Normandy, you can access the Galaxy Map to plot courses to different star systems, planets, and mission locations. It also displays available side quests and important story points.
- Journal: Accessible from the main menu, the Journal is your quest log. It details active and completed missions, providing descriptions, objectives, and relevant lore.
- Codex: The Codex is an in-game encyclopedia containing extensive information about the Mass Effect universe, including species, characters, locations, technology, and history. New entries are unlocked as you progress through the game.