In the second game in theMass Effect Legendary Edition, Commander Shepard spends most of their time assembling a team capable of taking on the Collectors. Outside of the main narrative, though, are a bunch of side quests labeled ‘assignments.’ Some of these missions are found by scanning planets, others by running into people, and a few were once part of downloadable content.
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These assignments help build the detailed world ofMass Effectby showing that not every issue is tied to the looming Reaper threat. Several ofMass Effect 2’sside missions stand out as being better or more significant than others. For the richest gameplay experience, here is a collection of adventures that players shouldn’t miss.
10Normandy Crash Site
‘Normandy Crash Site’ is among themany DLCs that are available as part of theLegendary Edition. In it, Shepard visits the wreckage of the SR-1, remembering their time as its Commander. There’s no action to speak off during the assignment, as the only objective is to find and collect the former crews' dog tags.
Bioware didn’t need to include gunfire and biotic powers for this quest. The emotional goodbye to the original ship and crew is enough to make it a must-play for any fans of the first game.
9Citadel: Krogan Sushi
While walking around the Zakera Ward on the Citadel, Shepard can overhear a conversation between two Krogans. The big brutes are discussing if there are fish in the Presidium lakes.
Players can learn what is or isn’t in the water by speaking to the Groundskeeper in the Dark Star Lounge, but it’s up to them what they do with the information. While it’s not a long or complicated assignment, it’s still entertaining and includes one of the funniest uses of the game’s morality system.
8N7: Javelin Missiles Launched
After completing ‘N7: Blue Suns Base,’ Shepard will receive a message about a colony under attack. The attackers are a group of Batarians who are planning to fire Javelin missiles at the area.
Because of the circumstances, the Commander only has five minutes to complete the assignment. Players have to forgo the typicalMass Effecttactics of staying in cover and picking shots to go for a more aggressive approach. It’s always interesting when a quest can make gamers play differently than they’re used to.
7Normandy: Serrice Ice Brandy
While she’s not a part ofMass Effect 2’slong list of squad members, Dr. Chakwas is always a welcome addition to the Normandy crew. First appearing in the original game, the ship doctor is a loyal friend throughout the entire trilogy. And during ‘Normandy: Serrice Ice Brandy,’ players finally spend some quality time with her.
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The assignment only consists of one shopping ship and a conversation. However, the drunken interactions between Shepard and Chakwas are sweet, funny, and a little emotional, providing more depth to the characters.
6N7: MSV Estevanico
‘N7: MSV Estevanico’ is one of the more well-hidden assignments inMass Effect 2. Players only find the quest by scanning Zanethu in the Hourglass Nebula, and those who never stumble across it miss out on a unique experience.
The entire mission takes place in the unstable remains of a downed freighter. Shepard has to traverse the crash site by walking across tight beams, and sometimes creating pathways for themselves. There’s plenty of tension while players are finding their way around the place, with the constant feeling that the whole thing could fall at any minute.
5Omega: The Patriarch
The Queen of Omega, Aria, is a fascinating character. Yet, she’s not the most open person. Any chance to find out more about the powerful Asari is welcome, and that’s just what ‘Omega: The Patriarch’ provides.
In the assignment, her underling, Grizz, asks Shepard to protect the former ruler of Omega, aka The Patriarch. While Grizz delivers the message, it actually comes from Aria, as she wants the Krogan to be safe to serve as her ‘trophy.’ Alternatively, players can figure out their own ways of helping the once proud leader.
4Citadel: Crime in Progress
While on the Citadel, Shepard can come across a dispute between a Volus and a Quarian. The former accuses the latter of stealing his credit chit, and a C-Sec officer is starting to believe the Volus. Players must find out what happened to the guy’s money as part of the ‘Citadel: Crime In Progress’ assignment.
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It’s a short quest, but it’s interesting to see how the Volus and C-Sec officer treat a Quarian. Not only do they distrust her, but they also show her no respect. Thankfully, Shepard can save the day and put both of these jerks in their place.
3N7: Imminent Ship Crash
The Geth are amongthe most powerful races in the galaxyand some of the most fun to fight. Yet, in the second game, players don’t get to battle them too often. They appear as enemies in several missions, but not as often as mercs or mechs.
The inclusion of the synthetic beings in ‘N7: Imminent Ship Crash’ enhances the assignment. Additionally, it’s another tense timed mission, as the story is about the MSV Broken Arrow (found in the Nariph system) being on a collision course with a planet.
2Overlord: Atlas Station
A DLC in the originalMass Effect 2, ‘Overlord’ is one of the most compelling questlines in the entireLegendary Edition. It revolves around an AI/human hybrid that has taken over several Cerberus stations.
In ‘Overlord: Atlas Station,’ players finally get to find out how the hybrid was created, and see all of the project lead’s morally questionable decisions. The fascinating revelations, plus some horror-like tones, make it a memorable section of the game.
1Arrival
‘Arrival’ sees Shepard attempt to stop an incoming Reaper invasion. Unfortunately, a bunch of indoctrination individuals makes the hero’s mission a difficult one. There are a few unique elements to the assignment that make it feel different from the others, such as the inclusion of a stealth section and the absence of any squadmates.
It’s surprising that the game considers Arrival an assignment instead of a main mission, since it’s such a big part of the trilogy’s story. Without revealing spoilers, players should complete this one towards the end of the game, as it sets upMass Effect 3.
