Mass Effect 2 planet scanning and research: where your minerals go
Use probes efficiently, unlock research projects and reserve minerals for essential Normandy upgrades.
Original Mass Effect 2 (2010), with original PC publisher images; not the Legendary Edition remaster. Core recruitment and finale advice applies to the original campaign. Zaeed and Kasumi require their original downloadable content and are optional alternatives where named.
Open the lab before planning a research purchase
Mordin’s recruitment activates the Normandy research lab. Projects become available through recovered technology, purchases and conversations, depending on the upgrade. Finding a plan does not automatically apply its benefit. Visit the research terminal to inspect the requirement and spend the appropriate resource when you decide to build it.
Scan for peaks before launching a probe
From orbit, enter the scanner view and move across the surface while watching the mineral readings. Fire a probe at a strong signal rather than repeatedly probing the same depleted patch. Probe capacity is finite and refills cost credits, so use promising planets and compare the resource you need with the peaks actually shown.
Balance fuel, probes and the resource list
Iridium, palladium, platinum and element zero serve different projects. Check the lab before a scanning trip so that a shortage has a specific target. Keep fuel and probes topped up when a depot is convenient; traveling between systems and searching planets are easier when the ship is not forced into an unnecessary supply run.
Reserve the finale’s armor, shield and cannon budget
The three survival-related Normandy projects require 30,000 palladium in total for Heavy Ship Armor and Multicore Shielding, plus 15,000 platinum for the Thanix Cannon. Other upgrades improve weapons, protection or convenience, but they do not substitute for these three installations. Confirm each is researched before committing to the final relay mission.
More Mass Effect 2 quick answers
How to save everyone in Mass Effect 2’s Suicide MissionMass Effect 2 classes and powers: which Shepard suits your playstyle?Scan with a shopping list from the research terminal; there is no need to exhaust every planet simply because it is available.
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