Let’s face it—Mass Effect: Andromeda hasn’t exactly been showered with praise since launch. Between awkward dialogue moments and a somewhat clunky rollout, it left many players underwhelmed. But once you look past the memes and bugs, there’s actually a solid, if sometimes grindy, experience waiting to be unearthed. If you’re sticking with it or just now stepping into the Helius Cluster, here are eight practical and insightful tips to help you get more fun—and less frustration—out of your time in Andromeda.
1. Start Each Planet by Completing Its Vault Mission
Every major planet in Andromeda has a monolithic Remnant Vault—an underground zone filled with puzzles, enemies, and story relevance. These vaults are not just mandatory story beats—they’re your best early investment. Unlocking a Vault improves the planet’s viability and drastically reduces environmental hazards, especially on hostile worlds where managing life support becomes a serious chore. These missions are some of the more dynamic ones in the game, combining gentle combat with puzzle mechanics and varied enemy types—like shield-wielding tanks and assembler units. Doing this first clears the way for easier exploration and smoother access to the planet’s other quests.
2. Crafting Is Optional—But Surprisingly Rewarding
Despite the intimidating number of crafting systems and menus, you can complete Andromeda without ever crafting a single item. There’s plenty of viable gear lying around in loot crates or dropped from enemies, including nostalgic N7 gear and alien armor sets for squadmates. That said, if you give crafting a chance, you’ll find it holds some of the game’s deepest customization. With effort, you can create gear with creative effects—rifles that fire homing plasma darts, shotguns that trigger explosive payloads, or armor that electrifies melee attackers. Pro tip: always deconstruct unused weapons instead of selling them to free up space and collect materials. Once you get past the cluttered menus, there’s a lot of power and satisfaction to be found here.
3. Explore Dungeons Thoroughly—Every Fork Has Its Reward
Here’s a simple dungeon-delving rule that holds almost universally true in Andromeda: when the main path continues one way, the side path almost always hides a loot crate. Waste-high wall? There’s probably something behind it. This kind of environmental predictability might feel formulaic, but it also helps you plan your exploration. Keep your eyes peeled and your scanner ready—loot is plentiful for those willing to peek around corners.
4. Squad Up With Characters You Actually Like
All your squadmates gain experience, even when benched. That means you’re free to roll with whoever you enjoy most without sacrificing combat viability. Pick companions whose personalities resonate with you—don’t force yourself to babysit someone just for their stats. That said, certain teammates like Cora come with powerful passive buffs that can subtly shift the tide in battle. If you’re looking to boost your defense, Cora’s abilities are a natural pick. Still, the emotional vibe of your team often matters more than marginal combat perks.
5. Prioritize Cryopod Perks for Long-Term Gains
Each time you level up the Nexus—essentially your home base’s progression—you earn cryopod points that unlock permanent passive bonuses. Some are more impactful than others. The ones that deliver periodic drops of crafting materials or credits are invaluable for cutting down the grind. Also, be sure to unlock the upgrade that expands your inventory capacity; space fills up fast, and managing it mid-mission is no one’s idea of fun. To earn more Nexus levels, complete side quests and planet activities that increase viability. It’s a loop, but one that feeds into meaningful rewards.
6. Don’t Sweat the Filler—Focus on the Best Quests
You’ll run into a sea of minor fetch quests—scanning power nodes, tracking wildlife, or mapping uncharted planets. Feel free to skip them unless you’re really in the mood. Instead, focus your energy on more narrative-rich side missions like the Asari and Turian ark quests, or your squadmates’ companion missions. These often involve clever mechanics—like venting atmosphere to weaken enemies—or deeper character development. A standout example is Cora mentoring a young Asari commando, guiding her over the radio while you secure a besieged vessel. It’s in these moments that Andromeda feels most like the Mass Effect fans remember.
7. Explore Eos and Voeld—Then Don’t Miss Elaaden
Voeld is easily one of Andromeda’s most visually striking planets, with icy landscapes and powerful storylines, but Elaaden might be the real hidden gem. It’s another desert world, sure, but it features a jaw-dropping sandworm encounter, a sprawling derelict Remnant ship, and a Krogan colony packed with humor and heart. The environmental storytelling and atmospheric flair make it an unforgettable destination. Drive the Nomad through the towering sandstone cliffs and bioluminescent caves—Andromeda rarely looks better than it does here.
8. Save the Galaxy—Then Keep Exploring
Finishing the main story doesn’t end the adventure. You can keep playing afterward, tying up side quests and discovering secrets at your own pace. So don’t stress about 100% completion before hitting the campaign’s conclusion. You won’t miss your chance. In fact, some missions—especially those tied to arcs or companions—feel even more impactful after the dust of the main quest has settled.
Mass Effect: Andromeda may stumble, but it also finds solid footing if you know where to look. With the right approach, a little patience, and a lot of Nomad miles, there’s still a rewarding journey to be had in the Helius Cluster.
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