Starting out in Mass Effect: Andromeda can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers to the franchise or players returning from the original trilogy. With its open-world exploration, classless combat system, and new mechanics, it’s important to begin with a strong foundation. Here’s a guide to ten vital tips that will help set you up for success during your first hours in the Andromeda galaxy.
1. Training Replaces Classes – Choose Wisely
While Andromeda has done away with rigid class systems, your starting “training” choice is still a key decision. This selection provides you with a starting ability and early access to two additional skills that would otherwise require more investment to unlock. For instance, choosing the Technician training gives you Overload immediately and makes Invasion and Team Support easier to access. These early tools can define your combat approach and support style until you broaden your skill tree later on. Though you’ll eventually unlock nearly every ability, your training choice creates a powerful early-game edge. Think tactically about the kind of playstyle you want to explore.
2. Focus on Quests for Experience
If you’re aiming to level up efficiently, prioritize quests over combat. The bulk of your experience will come from completing missions, not mowing down enemies. Grinding in Andromeda isn’t a viable method due to the absence of reliable respawn zones. Instead, speak with every NPC you encounter, even those who don’t immediately seem important. They often initiate new side missions or lead you toward exploration objectives. Use your map to locate quest givers (exclamation points), points of interest, and question marks—these markers guide you to meaningful interactions and often unlock additional experience opportunities.
3. Scan Often – But Don’t Obsess
Scanning objects with your omni-tool is introduced early, and it’s both essential and optional depending on your goals. Red-highlighted objects in scan mode indicate undiscovered items. Scanning grants research points in one of three tech categories: Milky Way, Helius, or Remnant. While scanning is necessary at key story points, it’s optional for general progression—unless you’re diving deep into crafting. If crafting excites you, keep scanning. If not, feel free to ignore non-essential items without penalty.
4. Understand the Crafting System
The game splits crafting into two phases: Research and Development. First, scan items to gain research points, then use those to unlock blueprints. These blueprints are sorted by tech category and can be found, bought, or crafted. Once you have a blueprint, shift to the development tab, gather the necessary materials, and build the item. It’s a multi-step process, but it can yield unique weapons and armor not available through looting or vendors. Still, crafting is completely optional—so don’t feel pressured if you’d rather focus on exploration or combat.
5. Experiment with Everything
Regardless of your starting training or how you’re investing skill points, Andromeda encourages experimentation. You can wield all weapon types and use any ability once unlocked. Armor can be swapped freely, and even unattractive sets might surprise you with useful bonuses. Don’t worry about committing to the wrong build—the game allows respecs from the medbay aboard the Tempest. For a small fee (just 20 credits initially), you can reset your skills—and even your squadmates’. Try new strategies, explore new power combos, and change your style as you adapt to tougher challenges.
6. Master Power Combos
Power combos return in Andromeda, now with a slightly different twist. Every ability is tagged as either a combo primer or a combo detonator. Combos require you to use a primer followed by a detonator for bonus effects. For example, using Incinerate (a primer) followed by Overload (a detonator) causes a fire combo. If the primer were Cryo Beam, that same Overload would instead trigger a frost combo. The result depends entirely on the primer. Learning these interactions not only increases your damage output but also opens up powerful crowd control and status effects. Mix and match until you find a rhythm that suits your combat flow.
7. Get Used to the New Cover System
Andromeda replaces the traditional button-based cover system with a contextual one. You’ll automatically enter cover by moving near an appropriate object—but only if your weapon is drawn. This catches many players off guard early on, especially during chaotic firefights. There’s no dedicated crouch button either; instead, Rider will instinctively duck behind even short cover when prompted by proximity and combat state. Take time to test this mechanic in low-stakes scenarios to get comfortable with the flow of combat.
8. Take Advantage of Mobility
Rider is far more agile than Shepard ever was. You can boost, jump, and hover with near-zero cooldown, enabling rapid repositioning and vertical play. Use this to gain high ground in battles—rooftops and ledges are often accessible—and quickly dash between cover points. This mobility is crucial when you’re being overwhelmed or when you want to flank enemies. Jumping doesn’t make you invincible, but it does offer superior battlefield navigation. Embrace it.
9. Resupply Stations Are Your Lifeline
Unlike previous Mass Effect titles, there’s no medigel to instantly restore health mid-fight. Instead, you’ll need to find resupply crates scattered throughout the world to refill both ammo and health. Keep an eye out for red icons indicating health refills. If you’re in trouble, don’t panic—fast travel is always an option, even from within the Nomad. This provides an emergency escape from dangerous zones and gives you a way to regroup before re-engaging.
10. Explore Every Inch
Mass Effect: Andromeda is a game about exploration above all else. The maps are enormous—much larger than they first appear. Use the Nomad to travel far beyond the main path, uncover hidden secrets, and increase planet viability by exploring and completing side activities. Even if some areas are inaccessible at first, they often open up later as viability increases. Don’t be afraid to chart unknown territory and place forward operating bases (FOBs) as you go—these become fast travel points and provide helpful resupply options.
These ten tips will help you lay the groundwork for a smoother, more enjoyable start in Mass Effect: Andromeda. With a little experimentation, smart decision-making, and a thirst for exploration, you’ll quickly feel right at home in the Helius Cluster. So draw your weapon, hit the ground running, and make your mark as Pathfinder.
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