Mass Effect 3 Trophy Guide: A Comprehensive Plan
This comprehensive guide details all 69 Mass Effect 3 trophies, including a Platinum reward, offering strategies for a streamlined and successful trophy hunting experience.
We’ll cover everything from early-game Bronze achievements to the challenging Insanity difficulty, ensuring you maximize efficiency and avoid common pitfalls during your playthrough.
Importing a save file is crucial for optimal progress, especially regarding squadmate recruitment and maximizing War Asset readiness for the final confrontation.
Embarking on the Mass Effect 3 trophy journey presents a rewarding, yet demanding, experience for completionists. The game boasts a total of 69 trophies – a Platinum, two Gold, thirteen Silver, and fifty-three Bronze – each requiring dedication and strategic planning to unlock. This guide serves as your central resource, meticulously detailing the steps needed to achieve 100% completion.
Success hinges on understanding the interplay between story progression, side quests, and specific challenges. Many trophies naturally unfold as you advance the narrative, but others demand focused effort, like mastering power combinations or optimizing War Assets. A well-planned approach, potentially utilizing a save file from previous installments, is highly recommended.
Be prepared for multiple playthroughs, particularly if aiming for the elusive Platinum trophy on higher difficulties. Careful attention to missable trophies and a proactive approach to side content will significantly streamline your path to victory. Let’s begin!
Understanding Trophy Difficulty & Prerequisites
Mass Effect 3’s trophy difficulty is moderate overall, but certain achievements significantly raise the challenge. Completing the game on Hard or Insanity difficulty, alongside maximizing Galaxy Readiness and recruiting all squadmates, demands meticulous planning and skillful execution. The majority of trophies are attainable on Normal difficulty, making it a viable starting point for less experienced players.
Crucially, importing a save file from Mass Effect 2 is highly recommended, though not strictly required for all trophies. A well-established save grants advantages like retained squadmate loyalty and boosted War Assets, simplifying several objectives. However, some trophies, like those involving power combinations, may necessitate a second playthrough for optimal efficiency.
Be aware of missable trophies tied to specific dialogue choices or actions; Thorough research and adherence to a detailed guide are essential to avoid setbacks and ensure a smooth path to Platinum.
Importing a Save File for Optimal Trophy Progress
Importing a Mass Effect 2 save file is paramount for a streamlined trophy run in Mass Effect 3. A fully imported save, ideally with all squadmates alive and loyalty maximized from Mass Effect 2 (and carried over from Mass Effect 1), provides a substantial head start. This significantly eases the recruitment of squadmates, a requirement for multiple trophies, and boosts your initial War Asset score.
Having established loyalties reduces the effort needed to complete squadmate loyalty missions, saving valuable time and resources. Furthermore, a higher War Asset score directly impacts the ending and contributes towards achieving 100% Galaxy Readiness, essential for a Gold trophy.
While not mandatory, neglecting a save import will necessitate more grinding and potentially multiple playthroughs to unlock all achievements efficiently.
Bronze Trophies — Early Game Achievements
The initial Bronze trophies in Mass Effect 3 are largely story-driven and easily obtainable during normal gameplay. “Completing Priority: Tuchanka” unlocks upon finishing the crucial mission on the Krogan homeworld, a core narrative event. “Scanning 1000 Different Objects” requires diligent exploration; utilize the scanner frequently while traversing planets. “Liberating a Planet from Reaper Control” is achieved by successfully completing planetary liberation missions.
“Completing a Loyalty Mission for a Squadmate” is straightforward, simply finish a loyalty mission for any companion. “Using a Tech Power 50 Times” and “Killing 50 Enemies with Headshots” are naturally earned through combat engagement.
Focus on actively utilizing tech powers and aiming for headshots to expedite these achievements, minimizing the need for dedicated grinding.
Completing Priority: Tuchanka
This trophy is awarded upon successfully finishing the “Priority: Tuchanka” mission, a pivotal point in the main storyline involving the Krogan race and their potential role in the fight against the Reapers. The mission centers around Wrex and Eve, requiring careful decision-making regarding the Krogan genophage.
Ensure you’ve adequately prepared your squad with appropriate weaponry and powers suited for the challenging combat encounters on Tuchanka. Dialogue choices during the mission significantly impact the outcome and the Krogan’s future.
Successfully completing the mission, regardless of your genophage cure decision, will unlock this Bronze trophy, progressing your journey towards the Platinum achievement.
Scanning 1000 Different Objects
This Bronze trophy requires diligent exploration and utilization of Commander Shepard’s scanner. You must scan a total of 1000 unique objects scattered throughout the various planets and locations within the Mass Effect 3 galaxy.
Remember that scanning the same object repeatedly does not contribute to the counter; each scanned item must be distinct. Prioritize scanning anomalies, mineral deposits, and unique environmental features during planetary exploration.
Focus on planets with diverse environments to maximize scanning opportunities. This trophy is often obtained naturally through thorough exploration, but dedicated scanning runs can expedite the process. Keep an eye on your scanner progress in the statistics menu.
Liberating a Planet from Reaper Control
This Bronze trophy is awarded for successfully completing a Planetary Liberation mission. Throughout the game, you’ll encounter planets under Reaper control, indicated on the galaxy map. Selecting one initiates a mission to weaken and ultimately liberate it from the Reapers’ grasp.
These missions typically involve deploying squads on resource-gathering and combat operations. Successfully completing the required objectives, often involving prioritizing specific targets and managing resources, will contribute to the planet’s liberation.
Ensure you meet the minimum readiness level for the planet before attempting liberation. Completing a single Planetary Liberation mission is sufficient to unlock this trophy; you don’t need to liberate every planet in the galaxy.
Completing a Loyalty Mission for a Squadmate
This Bronze trophy requires you to fully complete the loyalty mission for at least one of your squadmates. Loyalty missions are unique assignments tied to individual characters, delving into their personal stories and motivations. These missions become available as you progress through the main campaign and build rapport with your team.
To initiate a loyalty mission, speak with a squadmate who has a blue loyalty icon above their head on the Normandy. Successfully navigating the mission, making crucial dialogue choices, and resolving the character’s personal conflict will earn their loyalty.
Completing just one loyalty mission is enough to unlock the trophy; you don’t need to achieve loyalty for every squadmate. Prioritize characters you enjoy or those crucial for War Asset contributions;
Using a Tech Power 50 Times
This Bronze trophy is straightforward but requires consistent effort throughout your playthrough. You need to utilize Tech Powers – abilities like Overload, Warp, Cryo Blast, and Pull – a total of 50 times in combat. These powers are essential for controlling the battlefield and exploiting enemy weaknesses.
Don’t focus on specific Tech Powers; any ability falling under the “Tech” category counts towards the total. Experiment with different powers to find what suits your playstyle and the current combat situation.
Engage in numerous firefights and actively use Tech Powers to disrupt enemy shields, stun opponents, or create tactical advantages. This trophy will unlock naturally as you progress, especially on higher difficulty settings.
Killing 50 Enemies with Headshots
Achieving this Bronze trophy demands precision and patience. You must eliminate 50 enemies by landing a shot directly on their head. This is best accomplished using sniper rifles, as they offer superior accuracy and zoom capabilities, but any weapon can be used.
Prioritize enemies with exposed heads and take your time to line up accurate shots. Utilizing the slow-motion effect granted by certain power combinations or weapon modifications can significantly aid in landing headshots.
Lower difficulty settings can make this trophy easier to obtain, allowing for more forgiving aiming. Focus on picking off weaker enemies from a distance to build up the kill count efficiently. Remember, consistency is key!
Silver Trophies ⎻ Mid-Game Challenges
The Silver trophies in Mass Effect 3 represent a significant step up in difficulty, requiring more dedication and strategic gameplay. These challenges typically involve completing major story objectives, mastering combat techniques, and optimizing War Asset contributions.
Expect to tackle Priority missions like Omega, demanding skillful squad management and tactical decision-making. Building maximum reputation with a War Asset race is also crucial, requiring careful resource allocation and diplomatic choices.
Mastering combat is essential, with trophies tied to utilizing power combinations and exploiting enemy weaknesses. Completing five side missions on a single planet showcases thorough exploration and commitment. Prepare for a demanding, yet rewarding, phase of trophy hunting!
Completing Priority: Omega
The “Completing Priority: Omega” trophy is a pivotal Silver achievement, unlocked during the Omega storyline. This mission centers around Aria T’Loak and reclaiming control of the Omega station from the Collectors and Cerberus forces.
Expect intense firefights and strategic decisions, as you navigate the station’s treacherous environment and confront powerful enemies. Successfully completing all objectives within the Omega priority mission is essential for unlocking this trophy.
Focus on squadmate synergy and utilizing cover effectively, as Omega presents a challenging combat experience. Remember to explore the station thoroughly to uncover hidden resources and side quests. This trophy signifies significant progress through the main storyline.
Achieving Maximum Reputation with a War Asset Race
The “Achieving Maximum Reputation with a War Asset Race” Silver trophy demands strategic alliance building, focusing on maximizing contributions from various races to your galactic war effort. This isn’t simply about quantity; it’s about securing the highest possible reputation with key species.
Prioritize completing faction-specific missions and making choices that align with their values, boosting your standing and unlocking substantial War Asset bonuses. The Krogan, Asari, and Turians are particularly crucial for maximizing your overall readiness.
Carefully manage your Paragon and Renegade choices, as they directly impact your reputation with different factions. Reaching 100% Galaxy Readiness is closely tied to this trophy, demanding meticulous planning and execution throughout the game.
Completing 5 Side Missions on a Single Planet
The “Completing 5 Side Missions on a Single Planet” Silver trophy is straightforward but requires focused exploration. Several planets offer ample side content, making this achievement easily attainable during your playthrough. Focus on planets with a high concentration of missions, like the Citadel, Tuchanka, or Sur’Kesh.
Thoroughly scan each planet for mission beacons and engage with all available NPCs. Don’t overlook seemingly minor quests, as they contribute to the overall count. Remember to fully complete each side mission, ensuring all objectives are met before moving on.
This trophy is best tackled early in the game, allowing you to build up War Assets and gain experience while efficiently progressing towards the Silver reward. Careful planning and diligent exploration are key.
Using a Combination of Powers 25 Times
The “Using a Combination of Powers 25 Times” Silver trophy demands strategic combat engagement. This isn’t simply using two powers in a single fight; it requires actively combining them for synergistic effects. For example, using Warp and then Detonate, or Throw and then Overload.
Experiment with different power combinations to maximize damage and control. Prioritize enemies vulnerable to specific pairings. The game doesn’t explicitly track this, so manual counting is necessary, or a second playthrough may be required.
Focus on encounters with multiple enemies to efficiently rack up combinations. This trophy can be time-consuming, so patience and a tactical approach are essential for success. Remember to vary your combinations for optimal results.
Incinerating an Armor Enemy
The “Incinerating an Armor Enemy” Silver trophy requires a focused approach to enemy targeting. Specifically, you must eliminate an enemy with armor using the Incinerate power. This isn’t a guaranteed effect; Incinerate needs to deplete the armor before finishing the enemy.
Husks and Atlas mechs are excellent targets for this trophy, as they frequently possess armor. Ensure Incinerate is fully upgraded for increased effectiveness and armor penetration. Prioritize enemies with visible armor plating.
Strategic power usage is key; combine Incinerate with other debuffs to maximize damage output. This trophy can be frustrating due to its reliance on chance, so persistence is crucial. Remember to check enemy types before engaging.
Detonating a Fuel Tank Near Enemies
The “Detonating a Fuel Tank Near Enemies” Silver trophy demands careful environmental awareness and tactical execution. You must detonate a fuel tank while enemies are within its blast radius, causing significant damage or ideally, instant kills.
Fuel tanks are commonly found on battlefields, often near objectives or enemy fortifications. Utilize powers like Throw or Warp to trigger the explosion remotely, ensuring enemies are close enough to be affected.
Timing is critical; wait for a cluster of enemies to gather near a fuel tank before initiating the detonation. Consider using a squadmate to draw enemies into position. This trophy requires a bit of luck and strategic positioning for optimal results.
Completing the Game on Hard Difficulty
Achieving the “Completing the Game on Hard Difficulty” Silver trophy is a significant challenge, demanding strategic combat and careful resource management throughout your entire playthrough. Prepare for relentless enemy aggression and reduced health regeneration.
Prioritize squadmate synergy and power combinations to maximize damage output and control the battlefield. Utilize cover effectively and consistently upgrade your weapons and armor to withstand increased enemy fire.
War Asset contributions are crucial for bolstering your defenses and gaining an edge in the final battle. A well-planned approach, coupled with tactical decision-making, is essential for conquering Mass Effect 3 on Hard difficulty and unlocking this rewarding trophy.
Gold Trophies ⎻ Significant Accomplishments
Earning the Gold trophies in Mass Effect 3 signifies mastery of the game’s core systems and a dedication to comprehensive completion. These achievements represent substantial time investments and strategic planning.
“Achieving 100% Galaxy Readiness” demands meticulous attention to side missions and War Asset accumulation, ensuring all species are fully prepared for the final conflict. This requires extensive exploration and diplomatic efforts.
“Recruiting All Squadmates” is a testament to your ability to navigate complex loyalty missions and maintain positive relationships with your diverse crew. Successfully uniting all allies unlocks this prestigious Gold trophy, showcasing your leadership skills and commitment to the galaxy’s survival.
Achieving 100% Galaxy Readiness
This Gold trophy is arguably the most demanding, requiring meticulous completion of numerous side quests and strategic War Asset gathering. It’s not simply about quantity, but ensuring each species reaches maximum readiness levels before the final mission.
Prioritize missions flagged as contributing to Galactic Readiness, focusing on resolving conflicts and securing alliances across all clusters. Pay close attention to the mission requirements and ensure all objectives are met for maximum impact.
Regularly check the War Assets screen to monitor progress, identifying any lagging species and addressing their needs. A well-planned approach, utilizing a guide, is highly recommended to avoid missing crucial steps and ensure 100% readiness before facing the Reapers.
Recruiting All Squadmates
Securing this Gold trophy demands diligent exploration and completion of individual squadmate loyalty missions throughout the game. It’s vital to actively pursue and recruit every available companion, as missing even one will prevent trophy acquisition.
Be mindful of dialogue choices during loyalty missions, as certain decisions can impact a squadmate’s willingness to join your team. Prioritize completing these missions as soon as each squadmate becomes available to avoid potential roadblocks later in the game.
Remember to check each cluster thoroughly for potential recruits, and don’t hesitate to consult a guide to ensure no one is overlooked. A fully assembled squad not only unlocks this trophy but also provides a significant advantage in combat.
Platinum Trophy ⎻ The Ultimate Goal
The coveted Platinum trophy in Mass Effect 3 represents the pinnacle of achievement, signifying complete mastery of the game and dedication to trophy hunting. Obtaining this prestigious reward requires unlocking all other 68 trophies within the game, a substantial undertaking demanding time and precision.
This includes completing the main story, side quests, and challenges across all difficulty levels, alongside mastering combat techniques and strategic War Asset management. Careful planning and adherence to a comprehensive guide are essential for success.
Be prepared for multiple playthroughs, particularly if missable trophies are overlooked or if tackling the Insanity difficulty proves challenging. The Platinum trophy is a testament to your commitment and skill as a Commander.
Obtaining All Other Trophies
Securing the Platinum trophy hinges on diligently collecting all 68 preceding trophies, a diverse collection spanning combat prowess, exploration, and strategic decision-making. This journey demands a systematic approach, prioritizing trophies based on difficulty and potential missability.
Early-game Bronze trophies are readily attainable through natural progression, while Silver and Gold trophies require more focused effort, often involving specific challenges or completing major story arcs. The Insanity difficulty trophies present a significant hurdle, demanding meticulous preparation and tactical execution.
Remember to utilize online guides and resources to avoid overlooking any missable opportunities, and be prepared to revisit earlier sections of the game to fulfill specific requirements. Patience and persistence are key to unlocking this comprehensive achievement.
Missable Trophies & Avoiding Pitfalls
Several Mass Effect 3 trophies are easily missed if not approached with caution, demanding careful planning and attention to detail throughout your playthrough. Key areas of concern include squadmate loyalty missions, War Asset acquisition, and specific side quests with limited availability.
Failing to fully resolve a squadmate’s loyalty mission can prevent unlocking their associated trophy, while neglecting certain War Assets may hinder achieving 100% Galaxy Readiness. Thoroughly explore each planet and engage with all available dialogue options to uncover hidden opportunities.
Utilize a comprehensive checklist and consult online guides to track your progress and ensure no trophy slips through the cracks, especially during the endgame sequence. Save frequently and consider multiple playthroughs to guarantee complete trophy acquisition.
Trophy-Specific Strategies for Insanity Difficulty
Attempting to unlock trophies on Insanity difficulty significantly increases the challenge, requiring meticulous preparation and strategic gameplay. Prioritize squadmate builds focused on crowd control and damage mitigation, as enemies inflict substantial damage.
War Asset optimization is crucial; maximizing military strength provides a vital advantage during the final battle. Utilize powers strategically, exploiting enemy weaknesses and prioritizing high-value targets. Save scumming may be necessary for particularly challenging encounters.
Certain trophies, like completing the game on Hard difficulty, are inherently tied to Insanity, while others demand precise execution under immense pressure. Patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of game mechanics are essential for success.
War Asset Optimization for Trophy Requirements
Achieving 100% Galaxy Readiness and maximizing War Assets is paramount for several trophies, particularly those related to the final mission and overall completion. Prioritize completing side missions and loyalty quests to unlock additional assets from various races.
Focus on acquiring assets from all three categories: Military, Political, and Economic, ensuring a balanced contribution to the final War Asset total. Importing a save with a high War Asset count from Mass Effect 2 provides a significant head start.
Strategic choices during the game influence asset availability; carefully consider dialogue options and mission outcomes to maximize potential gains. A high War Asset score not only aids in trophy acquisition but also improves the chances of a favorable ending.
Detailed Walkthrough for Combination Power Trophies
The “Using a Combination of Powers” trophies require strategic execution, demanding 25 combined power uses throughout the game. Focus on pairing powers that synergize effectively, such as Warp and Singularity to group enemies, then follow with Nova or Throw.
Lower difficulty settings facilitate easier execution, allowing for more consistent combinations without immediate threat. Utilize squadmates with complementary powers to streamline the process and maximize efficiency during combat encounters.
Certain enemy types are more susceptible to specific combinations; experiment with different pairings to discover optimal strategies. Remember to actively track your progress to avoid missing the required number of combinations before the game’s conclusion.
Troubleshooting Common Trophy Issues
Several trophies can be problematic, often stemming from missed triggers or game glitches. The “Liberating a Planet” trophy requires full completion of all missions on a planet, ensuring no side content is overlooked. If it fails to unlock, revisit the planet and verify mission completion.
Combination power trophies can be finicky; ensure powers are genuinely combined, not simply used sequentially. Save frequently before attempting these, allowing for easy reloading if issues arise.
For War Asset related trophies, double-check asset totals and ensure all import bonuses are correctly applied. If a trophy remains locked, consider restarting the game or consulting online forums for specific solutions and community workarounds.
Resources and External Links for Trophy Hunters
For dedicated Mass Effect 3 trophy hunters, several online resources offer invaluable assistance. PlayStationTrophies.com provides detailed guides, trophy lists, and community forums for troubleshooting. TrueAchievements.com offers similar features, including achievement tracking and roadmap discussions.
YouTube channels like PowerPyx and 360GameTV feature video walkthroughs demonstrating trophy-specific strategies, particularly for challenging combinations or missable content.
Reddit’s r/masseffect is a vibrant community where players share tips, ask questions, and offer support. Utilizing these resources will significantly enhance your trophy hunting journey, ensuring a smoother path to Platinum completion.
