Mass Effect beginner guide: Eden Prime, squad equipment and the Mako
Learn the original PC campaign’s opening routine, weapon heat, equipment upgrades and planetary exploration.
Original Mass Effect campaign, first released in 2007; this guide uses the original 2008 PC port and its publisher screenshots. Legendary Edition changes, sequels and DLC missions are outside scope.
Follow Eden Prime into the Citadel investigation
Eden Prime introduces the squad, geth and the beacon before the story moves to the Citadel. Follow the active mission in the Journal and speak to the people named by the investigation. The Citadel is a hub with assignments as well as the main case, so check the map when a new destination is unfamiliar.
Manage weapon heat and use the power interface
Original Mass Effect weapons build heat instead of consuming the thermal clips used in the sequels. Fire controlled bursts and let the weapon cool when necessary. Pause through the tactical interface to assign powers and targets; ordering a companion’s Overload or biotic control can open a safer shot than repeatedly firing into a protected enemy.
Equip the entire team after finding upgrades
Compare damage, accuracy and shots before overheating when changing weapons. Armor, weapon mods and ammunition upgrades are separate equipment choices. Check both active companions after shopping or looting rather than upgrading Shepard alone. Sell or convert unwanted duplicates carefully so the inventory does not fill with obsolete equipment.
Explore planets with the Mako and recruit Liara
The Mako carries the squad across suitable planetary surfaces and can be repaired using omni-gel. Stop in a safer position before repairing under pressure. Once free to choose leads, visiting Therum in the Knossos system of the Artemis Tau cluster recruits Liara. That is a useful early objective if you want another biotic companion available.
Make manual saves before landing on a new world and before committing to a major story decision.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.
References
Covered edition: Original Mass Effect campaign, first released in 2007; this wiki uses the original 2008 PC port and its publisher screenshots. Legendary Edition changes, sequels and DLC missions are outside scope.