Ashley Williams returns to Mass Effect 3 as a squad member and potential romantic partner for those playing as a male Shepard, as long as she survived the events of the first game. She doesn't need to have been romanced previously in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition collection, but there are additional scenes and dialogue options for those who did.

It's also possible for Ashley to die during a key story moment, so it's important to make a lot of correct decisions in order to keep her alive and continue a relationship with her to the end of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.

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How to Romance Ashley in Mass Effect 3

Male Shepard talking to Ashley during Mars mission in Mass Effect 3

Ashley appears right at the beginning of the game, but these dialogue options have no repercussions. Feel free to choose any response. During the first conversation the pair have on Mars about Shepard's ties with Cerberus in Mass Effect 3, respond with "You know me better than that". During the next conversation regarding Cerberus, pick "You think I'm like him?" and "I'm still that guy".

Buy The Collected Alfred Tennyson volume of poems from Sirta Supplies at the Huerta Memorial Hospital and give it to a recovering Ashley to get some bonus dialogue with her when they next speak. This will occur when Ashley sends a message to Shepard's private terminal after another mission has been completed.

During the conversation with Ashley after she wakes up, make sure to pick "Never" if she asks if they should cut ties, or apologize and choose her over another character romanced in the second game. Although she does seem somewhat supportive if players romanced Tali in Mass Effect 2. After the conversation, leave to complete one more mission in order to get another message from Ashley. Return to the Citadel and speak with her again.

How to Save Ashley in Mass Effect 3

Cerberus and Udina will attempt a coup as part of "The Citadel II" mission after "Tuchanka" has been completed. As Ashley is now a Spectre, she is trying to protect Udina and the Council. She must trust Shepard enough to convince her he is not working with Cerberus. This somewhat convoluted point system for how to save the Virmire survivor in Mass Effect 3 can be a little confusing.

Thankfully, players carrying over a romance with Ashley from Mass Effect 1 will receive a handy point boost. Even without this boost, Ashley is guaranteed to survive if:

  • Shepard was nice to her on Mars.
  • Players visit her both times at the hospital (and apologize for cheating in Mass Effect 2).
  • The Paragon prompt is selected while trying to convince Ashley to trust Shepard.
  • Players use intimidate or charm options to convince Ashley to trust them.

As long as these choices are made, even if players receive negative points for past decisions not related to Ashley for this skill check, she will survive if players have enough reputation in Mass Effect 3 to charm or intimidate her into trusting Shepard. After this major event, Ashley will be waiting outside the Normandy. Pick "Welcome Aboard" to continue romancing her.

How to Get Romance Scene With Ashley

Renegade Male Shepard talking with Ashley on the Citadel in Mass Effect 3

Ashley can now be talked to on the Normandy, but nothing will start or continue a romance with her yet. Wait for an email from her and then head to the Holding Area Memorial in the Docks at the Citadel. Make sure to pick all the paragon options, including the paragon prompt to interrupt and support Ashley.

Wait for another message from her, then meet her at the Presidium on the Citadel. Pick "You're very distracting" and "Yes" to lock in a relationship with Ashley, whether continuing a romance or starting a new one. The dialogue will be slightly different depending on their prior relationship status. It's recommended to leave the Citadel DLC in Mass Effect 3 until after the pair's relationship is locked in to experience some additional romantic scenes between the pair during the fan-favorite mission.

Renegade Male Shepard kissing Ashley in bed during Mass Effect 3

As long as players have locked in a relationship with her, Ashley will come to Shepard's quarters when the mission to assault Cronos Station is started. Select "I love you" to spend the night with her. Make sure to talk to Ashley before the final push on Earth for one last extended talk between the pair. If she is a squadmate during the final assault and survives as part of the best ending in Mass Effect 3, Ashley is forced back to the Normandy. Shepard can tell her they love her one last time before parting ways.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

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