#two minute tutorials

Avoid the infamous BioWare ninjamances in Mass Effect 1

There are posts around about it but it never hurts to throw it up again, bc let’s be honest it’s just really awkward to be dating someone without knowing it.

This ScreenRant article details the conversation options to stop a romance with each Ashley, Kaiden, and Liara before it begins. If you missed that, or started a romance by accident, it also recommends how to cut the relationship off later, to at least avoid it being flagged for future games — if not avoiding an interesting time for the apparently socially awkward Commander Shepard.

This BioWare Social Network post also adds a helpful detail, explaining how each of the three crew mates refers to Shepard as “Commander” if you have successfully closed off the romance.

Annotated bibliography of web resources

Even if you’re not a completionist, don’t like spoilers, or prefer not to have to look things up, there are a few cases where some help is handy. Myself, I have a long list, but here’s the highlights.

Mass Effect 1:

GameFaq - Suggested Mission Order Guide

My favorite ME1 resource. Minimal to no spoilers, basic mission order, and includes the side missions with best story and for outcomes in the later games. Also includes the reputation cost for important checks throughout the game.

Mass Effect 2:

Giant Bomb - Save Everyone Guide

Guides you through the basic preparation for the final mission, and then team comp to ensure everyone’s survival even at higher difficulties. Not too many story spoilers, besides the obvious nature of job assignments.

GameFaq - DLC Order

If, like me, you want to know how to best fit the DLC into the story, check this out. Brief spoilers referencing the nature of the ME2 storyline. I use the last post, by the user MurphysGhost, except I like The Lair of the Shadow Broker after the final mission, before Arrival.

Mass Effect 3:

Mass Effect Wiki - Side mission timing

Lists what order side missions appear in, and when they should be completed by. Links to pages about individual missions, in case you get stuck. Also lists time sensitive missions, useful since that was a new feature in ME3. No spoilers, unless you count mission names.

GameFaq - Best time to play DLC

Similar to the ME2 version, only I couldn’t find one as smooth. The last one (by user ME BERISHNIKOFT), again is most useful; just ignore the extra commentary, and I completed the Citadel Party just before the endgame.

GamesRadar - Planet Scanning Guide

Shows the location of all assets in the galaxy, by star system. Includes helpful photos. Let me put it this way, even if you know the exact location of every asset, you will still get chased around by Reapers. You’re not losing anything in experience. This is a lifesaver. Um, literally sometimes.

GameFaq - How to get the Geth and Quarian

Hardest check in the game. If you don’t mind the spoilers, this is pretty handy.

Arqade - How to save Miranda

Again, obvious spoilers, but since it can be easy to mix up, I like the help.

All games:

GameFaq - ME1 & ME2 carryover to ME3

Managing resources and equipment, Mass Effect 1

Collecting Funds:

If you’re having a hard time collecting funds, here’s a reliable pattern. As you travel the galaxy, you will pick up more equipment than you will ever possibly use. Equip your crew with the best stuff, then follow this method: First, omni-gel equipment with low resell value; I often go for my lowest level pistols and upgrades, omni-gelling just enough to meet my needs. Additionally, early in the game, complete the mission Citadel: Dr. Michel. Not only does she give you a discount, but she also buys for slightly more money. The effect is increased with Renegade’s “Motivated Buyer” perk. Sell Michel everything in your inventory, excepting one or two things you might hang onto to counter various kinds of enemies, if desired. Continue exploring the galaxy. Rinse. Repeat. Swim in cash.

Get the Best Gear:

Random merc bases in Mass Effect 1

This works for mines, but especially for the repeating base structure on the random side missions around the galaxy. Haven’t tested for higher levels, but the logic should work the same.

The Bottleneck Method:

Enemies are sensitive to sound, and like to attack and chase Shepard. Use this to your advantage. These random bases always have a first room with no enemies. Position your companions here, preferably in cover, with a clear line of fire to the hallway to the main area. Move into the hallway and open the door. Shoot into the main room (not at anything in particular).

Fighting in the Mako, Mass Effect 1

First:

If possible, stay at range and snipe. Not only will this make you less likely to be swarmed by tiny baddies, but if you’re far enough away, you can actually see enemy missiles incoming and just move out of the way.

Second:

Picking your squad mates by stats.

Mass Effect 1:

The little “combat, tech, biotic” bars on the squad selection screen actually work, since the powers for each type distribute pretty predictably. For example, if a class has any combat proficiency, it will include two or more weapon skills. Just balance out combat, tech, and biotic bars, and then level your powers to complement each other.

Mass Effect 2-3:

I know Tumblr isn’t the go-to place for tutorials. Like, at all. But a friend of mine started playing Mass Effect lately, and isn’t stats minded. So I thought I’d start putting up some quick tips and tricks to help with basics. Plus I like it, so.

Tuesday Two-Minute Tutorial: Tumbling Letters Effect - Part 2