One of the most fascinating and nuanced storylines in Mass Effect is the conflict between the Quarians and the Geth. Their longstanding animosity comes to a head in Mass Effect 3 when the Quarians launch a surprise attack that causes the Geth to ally with the Reapers.
Despite the centuries of violence, it’s still possible for both races to coexist. However, doing so relies on a complicated set of prerequisites and a hidden points system that factors in decisions from Mass Effect 2. This guide will show how to end the Quarian-Geth War in Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.
Prerequisites
For peace to be possible in Mass Effect 3, players must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Commander Shepard chose to activate Legion in Mass Effect 2
- Commander Shepard completed Legion’s loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2
- Both Tali and Legion survived Mass Effect 2
- Commander Shepard completed the mission Rannoch: Geth Fighter Squadrons in Mass Effect 3
The third task is the most difficult, as either can die during Mass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission. However, it’s much easier if Shepard secures the loyalty of both characters. To do so, Shepard first needs to complete both of their Loyalty Missions then resolve the ensuing confrontation. Players will need a Paragon/Renegade score of 70% to earn both character’s loyalty. The player can regain Tali’s loyalty later, but that will make the peace process harder in Mass Effect 3.
It’s also a good idea to buy the Heavy Ship Armor, Multi-Core Shielding, and Thanix Cannon upgrades before entering the Omega 4 relay. One character dies for each upgrade not purchased. Different upgrades protect different party members with both Legion and Tali at risk if the Shields fail.
During the Suicide Mission, never assign either character as a squad leader. Only choose one of them as the Tech Specialist if that character is loyal. It’s also a good idea to have Tali escort the Normandy survivors if she’s loyal, but the player doesn’t intend to use her against the final boss. Loyal escorts always survive, and Tali is one of the most vulnerable characters during the last stage of the mission.
Hidden Point System
In addition to the prerequisites, Mass Effect 3 uses a hidden point system to determine if peace is possible. The player must earn a minimum of 5 points based on actions in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. Players gain points by doing the following:
- +2 if the Admirals acquitted Tali at her trial in Mass Effect 2
- +2 if Shepard destroyed the Geth Heretics during Legion: A House Divided in Mass Effect 2
- +1 if Shepard used a Paragon/Renegade option to resolve the confrontation between Legion and Tali in Mass Effect 2
- +1 for completing the mission Rannoch: Admiral Koris in Mass Effect 3
- +1 for choosing to save Admiral Koris in Mass Effect 3
Priority: Rannoch
The final important choice comes at the end of the story mission, Priority: Rannoch. Players will need at least a 75% Paragon or Renegade score to unlock the options “Rally the Fleet” or “Warn the Fleet” in the final dialogue wheel. If the player meets all other requirements, choosing either will force an end to the conflict.
Mass Effect 3 is available on PC, PS3, PS4, and Xbox 360, and Xbox One. It’s included in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.