The Mass Effect Legendary Edition offers a chance to revisit Commander Shepard's epic journey. While many players begin a new playthrough with the intention of altering their choices, they often find themselves falling back into familiar patterns. This guide presents eight distinct challenge runs designed to inject novelty into replays of the beloved trilogy, encouraging players to fundamentally change how they approach the game.
Play as a Vanguard Reborn by Cerberus
For players looking to experience the trilogy anew, consider embracing the Vanguard class after Shepard's revival in Mass Effect 2. If you are importing a save from Mass Effect 1 or starting fresh with the Legendary Edition's option to skip the first game, switching to the Vanguard class offers a significant gameplay shift. This biotic-focused class, centered around the Charge ability, propels Shepard directly into the heart of combat. This approach allows players to explore a playstyle they might not have tried before, with the narrative of Cerberus rebuilding Shepard providing a thematic justification for the change.
Embrace the Renegade Path with Select Exceptions
Navigating the Paragon and Renegade dialogue options presents a distinct path through the trilogy. While Renegade choices often signify ruthlessness and efficiency, particularly in Mass Effect 2 and 3, players can opt for a modified Renegade run. This involves selecting red dialogue options for most situations but making Paragon choices for critical story junctures, such as sparing Wrex, the Rachni Queen, or the Council. This approach allows for a more brutal playthrough while preserving key narrative elements.
Develop an Unconventional Shepard Backstory
Mass Effect 1's character creation allows players to choose a pre-service history and a psychological profile, each unlocking unique dialogue and missions. For a fresh perspective, combine less common history and profile choices, such as a Spacer with a Ruthless background or an Earthborn Sole Survivor. Develop a detailed headcanon for this Shepard and commit to role-playing that character through all dialogue options, especially in the earlier games before Mass Effect 3's more automated conversations.
Delay the Collector Abduction
Mass Effect 2 presents a critical moment when the Collectors abduct the Normandy's crew. Traditionally, players would rush to rescue them. However, this challenge run suggests doing the opposite: undertake every possible side mission and engage with squadmates before confronting the Collectors. This will result in fewer surviving crew members during the final assault, offering a consequence-heavy narrative. Similarly, players could choose to let the Council's flagship fall in Mass Effect 1 to explore different outcomes.
A Pistol-Only Challenge
In Mass Effect 1, the Marksman pistol talent can make a pistol competitive with heavier weapons. This challenge involves relying solely on a pistol for the entire game. Players must master the rhythm of firing and managing weapon heat to succeed. This limitation sacrifices the range of sniper rifles and the close-quarters power of shotguns but emphasizes precision and heat management.
Master Combat from the Mako
The Mako, Mass Effect 1's all-terrain vehicle, is often criticized for its combat capabilities. This challenge proposes fighting as much as possible from within the Mako, disembarking only for interior missions. This includes confronting large enemies like sandworms from the vehicle. A significant drawback is the reduced experience gain compared to on-foot combat, which can slow character progression.
Stick to Your First Weapons
This run involves an unwavering loyalty to the first weapon of each type—pistol, rifle, shotgun, SMG, and sniper—that is found. Players must resist the temptation to upgrade or swap to superior weapons. This means relying on early-game equipment throughout the trilogy, forcing players to adapt their combat strategies to the limitations of their initial armaments.
Ruin the Galaxy by Maximizing Casualties
In Mass Effect 2, the Collector base mission has significant consequences for squadmate survival. This challenge flips the objective: aim to have as many squadmates as possible perish during this mission. While morally dubious, this leads to a humorous scenario where Shepard addresses a nearly empty room during the final speech, filled with