Prothean Artifacts Locations
Discovering Prothean artifacts is a key objective in several missions and side quests throughout Mass Effect, offering insights into the ancient Prothean civilization and often yielding valuable rewards. These artifacts are typically found on alien worlds, within ancient ruins, or on derelict Prothean installations. Their discovery is crucial for understanding the galaxy's history and the Protheans' role in it.
One of the most sificant Prothean artifact quests involves locating the Prothean data archives. These are often found on planets with a history of Prothean presence, such as Ilos. On Ilos, you'll need to navigate through ancient ruins, often guarded by Geth forces. Look for glowing consoles, intricate metallic structures, and holographic displays that are distinct from the surrounding environment. The Prothean data archives themselves are usually large, obelisk-like structures or chambers filled with intricate machinery. Interacting with these artifacts often triggers lore entries or provides crucial information for your current mission.
Another common type of Prothean artifact is the data shard or beacon. These are smaller, portable items that can be found scattered throughout various locations. For example, on the planet Therum, during the recruitment mission for Liara T'Soni, you will encounter numerous Prothean ruins containing these artifacts. Keep an eye out for glowing objects on the ground or embedded within walls. Some artifacts might require specific abilities to access, such as a tech skill to bypass a security lock or a biotic power to move an obstruction. The rewards for finding these artifacts can vary, from direct experience point bonuses and credits to unique weapon or armor schematics. Always be thorough in your exploration of Prothean sites, as even seemingly insificant debris might be a fragment of a larger artifact. The quest "UNC: Prothean Data Files" specifically tasks you with finding several such artifacts across different star systems, making systematic exploration essential.