10 tips for getting started with Mass Effect Andromeda

In Mass Effect Andromeda, the civilization of the Milky Way sets out for the eponymous Andromeda galaxy to find a new home there. This also results in some innovations in the game world compared to the previous games, in which you have to find your way around. To get you off to a good start in the new galaxy, we've put together some tips for getting started.

1. Scan

If you're not in a fight, always have Ryder's scanner ready. The game will alert you when scannable items are nearby. If you scan them with the Omnitool, you'll receive research data depending on their origin. You'll need this data to research new equipment and to unlock higher levels of equipment you've already researched.

2. Planet scans

Since you're in a completely new galaxy in Andromeda, it's only logical that planet scanning from the first three games is once again part of the gameplay spectrum this time around. While scanning can be a tedious story if you put it off for too long, it offers two benefits: Research data and larger amounts of resources.

3. Research

To be able to face the enemies in Andromeda effectively, you should regularly visit the research station on the Tempest. Here you can get blueprints for new weapons, armor, improvements and mods. You can also unlock higher levels of already researched items, as long as your level is high enough. The higher the level of an item, the more research data it will require, and the greater the level requirements for your character.

The research data is divided into three categories: Milky Way, Heleus, and Relic. Milky Way data is obtained from scans on the Nexus, for example, while Heleus and Relic data is obtained from the various planets you visit on your journey to Andromeda.

Before a piece of equipment can be produced, it must be researched.

4. Resources

In Mass Effect Andromeda, there are a variety of resources that are necessary for crafting weapons and equipment. It should be noted that each item has different resource requirements: Some weapons are primarily based on metals, while others require Element Zero as a component, for example, which is relatively rare. However, you can get the resources in five different ways:

• Planetary scans
• Direct mining on the planets
• Traders
• Material deliveries through Nexus upgrades
• APEX missions

For both traders and direct mining, it should be noted that not every planet has all minerals. However, this is where the game helps you. Already during the approach you can see which materials are available on the celestial body. The merchant terminal on the Tempest also adapts to the local supply - so in case of doubt you don't have to land, but can simply check on the ship whether the desired material is available.

5. Crafting

In principle, you can craft everything Ryder needs for the fight against the Kett: both weapons and armor as well as modifications for both are available. In addition, there are also improvements for the Nomad, the land vehicle, which provide better shields or higher speed, for example. You can craft your desired equipment at the research and development terminal on the Tempest. The values of the weapons are fixed for each level, so you don't have to worry about the perfect roll.

However, you can still influence the production of your objects by installing improvements. For the armor, for example, there are mods that provide higher health or shields, and for the weapons, among other things, the values for the penetrating power or the damage type are influenced. If you want the ammo times of the first Mass Effect back, you can use a kind of retro mod for infinite ammo, but the weapon also runs the risk of overheating

But be careful: These improvements can no longer be exchanged. You'll only get them back if you dismantle the corresponding object.

The optional enhancements ensure that our armor boosts abilities or weapon damage, for example.

6. Special ammunition and other boosters

In Andromeda, you'll have to deal with different enemy types, some of which are equipped with a shield or armor and present different challenges accordingly. With these enemies, you should not only rely on your skills, but also reach for special ammunition. There are different types here, which set enemies on fire, freeze them or are especially effective against shields, for example

In addition to your improvements built into crafted equipment, you can also make use of boosters. They help you for a short time with the loading time of shields or the cooldown of abilities

Two inventory slots are available for boosters and special ammunition at the start of the game, and you can unlock two more via Nexus upgrades. You decide which boosters you want to take with you before the start of the mission; you can only change them during the game at reconnaissance posts.

7. Skills

An essential part of Mass Effect gameplay since the first part of the series are the abilities. They are divided into three categories: Combat, Biotics and Tech. In addition, there is a division into active and passive skills

The skills have been revised for Andromeda and supplemented with new ones, but the basic principle behind them remains the same. For each level-up, you receive 3 points for Ryder and the squad members at the beginning and later 6 points each, which you can invest in the skills as you wish. The first three points build on each other, from the fourth skill level on you always have to choose between two variants

Which upgrades you choose here is up to you, of course, according to your own playstyle. However, if you have "killed" yourself, you can reset all the points you have spent at the respec station in the Tempest's infirmary and start all over again. However, resetting will cost you credits, so think carefully about how you want to use the points.

8. Profiles and Favorites

Instead of the fixed game classes from the predecessors, Mass Effect Andromeda now has seven different profiles that you can change in the game at any time. The profiles correspond to the old classes. You can still go into battle as a guard, for example. The profiles bring different buffs, depending on the associated skill areas, and can be leveled up. This happens automatically when you invest points in skills.

Since different situations require different approaches, you can save up to four profiles as favorites and assign abilities to them. In battle, you can then switch profiles using the same menu as the weapons. The abilities are then in cooldown, but can be used afterwards.

9. Collect leftovers

A good way to get new equipment, but also consumables and crafting materials, is to collect leftovers after the battle. Here you will regularly get new weapons, armor, but also mods and materials

If you can't do anything with the equipment, then simply dismantle weapons and armor to get additional materials. Mods, on the other hand, should be sold, as they cannot be dismantled, but only destroyed.

In addition to the useful materials, you'll also find additional salvage items that serve no purpose and don't take up any inventory space. On the other hand, you can sell them for a profit at the next best merchant at the touch of a button and thus ensure a steady income of credits.

Keeping your head down helps in fights.

10. Retract your head and weigh up fights

Last but not least, there is a general rule that should also be followed in Mass Effect Andromeda: Take cover and, above all, weigh up which fights you're going to get into

In the Heleus cluster, many small skirmishes await you, but there are also much stronger enemies that can take you out with one blow, such as the Colossi. Accordingly, you should proceed with caution here, especially if you encounter them with a low level

But even enemies that are supposedly easy to defeat can become a problem if they suddenly target you from all sides. So always pay attention to the direction from which you are being shot at and look for new cover accordingly.

With these tips, nothing should stand in the way of a successful start in the new galaxy. Good luck with your exploration of Andromeda!

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