In Mass Effect 2, several side quests are worth completing to enhance the overall gameplay experience, such as the loyalty missions for your squad members, the Shadow Broker DLC, and the Overlord DLC. These quests add depth to the story, provide valuable rewards, and impact the outcome of the game.
Introduction
In Mass Effect 2, one of the most critically acclaimed role-playing games developed by BioWare, there are numerous side quests that players can engage in. These side quests not only provide additional gameplay content but also offer opportunities to further explore the richly detailed universe of Mass Effect. Completing side quests can lead to valuable rewards, deepen character relationships, and impact the outcome of the main story. Below are some of the most notable side quests in Mass Effect 2 that are worth completing for an enhanced gaming experience.
N7 Missions
The N7 missions are a series of assignments offered to Commander Shepard as part of the Alliance's special forces program. These missions often involve tasks such as rescuing hostages, recovering lost data, or eliminating enemy threats. N7 missions are known for their diverse gameplay scenarios, from intense combat encounters to stealth operations. Completing N7 missions not only rewards players with experience points and valuable resources but also contributes to the overall war readiness of the galaxy, which can have a significant impact on the game's ending.
Loyalty Missions
Loyalty missions are a unique set of side quests in Mass Effect 2 that focus on individual squad members and their personal story arcs. Each squad member has a loyalty mission that delves into their background, motivations, and moral dilemmas. By completing a character's loyalty mission, players can strengthen their bond with that squad member, unlocking new dialogue options, combat abilities, and potential romantic relationships. Additionally, the outcome of certain loyalty missions can influence the loyalty and survival of squad members during the game's climactic suicide mission.
Normandy Upgrades
While not traditional side quests in the traditional sense, upgrading the Normandy SR-2, Shepard's spacecraft, is an essential aspect of Mass Effect 2. Players can invest resources into improving various systems on the Normandy, such as armor, weapons, shields, and engines. These upgrades not only enhance the ship's combat capabilities but also affect the survival chances of the crew during critical story missions. Prioritizing the right upgrades based on the player's preferred playstyle can make a significant difference in the game's final act.
Shadow Broker DLC
The Shadow Broker DLC is a major expansion for Mass Effect 2 that introduces a new storyline centered around the enigmatic information broker known as the Shadow Broker. In this DLC, players embark on a thrilling quest to uncover the Shadow Broker's secrets and take on a powerful adversary in a series of challenging missions. Completing the Shadow Broker DLC not only expands the lore of the Mass Effect universe but also offers unique rewards, including new weapons, upgrades, and insights into the galactic underbelly.
Citadel Side Quests
The Citadel, a bustling space station that serves as a hub for various alien races, is home to a plethora of side quests and activities in Mass Effect 2. From helping troubled individuals with personal problems to investigating criminal activities in the station's seedy underbelly, the Citadel side quests offer a diverse range of experiences for players to engage with. These quests often showcase the immersive world-building of Mass Effect 2 and provide opportunities for meaningful choices that can impact future interactions with NPCs.
Cerberus Assignments
Cerberus assignments are a series of covert operations that Commander Shepard can undertake on behalf of the pro-human organization Cerberus. While controversial due to Cerberus's morally gray practices, these assignments offer players a chance to delve into the shadowy world of espionage and sabotage. By completing Cerberus assignments, players can uncover hidden secrets, acquire rare resources, and confront ethical dilemmas that challenge their principles. These missions add another layer of complexity to the narrative of Mass Effect 2 and shed light on Cerberus's questionable motives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mass Effect 2 features a wide array of side quests that cater to different playstyles and narrative preferences. Whether it's engaging in intense combat missions, unraveling the personal stories of companions, or making morally ambiguous choices, each side quest in Mass Effect 2 contributes to the overall immersive experience of the game. By investing time in completing these side quests, players not only enrich their understanding of the game world but also reap the benefits of valuable rewards, character development, and impactful decision-making that shape the outcome of Commander Shepard's epic journey.