2025 has just begun, and the next set of video games is on the horizon for the coming years. Among them is none other than BioWare’s highly anticipated sci-fi RPG. What’s next for the Mass Effect titles? Here’s what we could expect from this series going forward:
A Fresh Start
We all know that Mass Effect 3 ended with three different endings, but BioWare has to stick with one canon conclusion to kickstart a new narrative. There is speculation that the ‘Destroy’ ending would be the most viable option, as it involves the least amount of damage in the galaxy.
Either way, BioWare can start anew, but it shouldn’t deviate from the legacy that Commander Shepard and their companions established during the Reaper Invasion. Instead, it must maintain what the series is known for: a compelling story with relatable characters.
A world-ending threat like the Reaper Invasion might not work anymore, as it could feel too constrained by a time limit. Mass Effect 4 should have more room to breathe — something reminiscent of the first game, where Shepard strolls around the Citadel, interacting with its many inhabitants.
New & Familiar Faces
Mass Effect has always been about its characters, and BioWare knows how to craft compelling stories for each of them. Characters like Garrus, Liara, Tali, Wrex, and more have resonated with fans, making them feel like people we want to interact with. I’ve enjoyed mingling with them during the Normandy’s downtime.
With the new Mass Effect, it would be exciting to see familiar faces return, especially the original cast that we’ve grown to love. Besides, some races, such as the Asari and Krogan, have longer lifespans than humans, making their return plausible.
Mass Effect 4 doesn’t need Shepard anymore, as evidenced by Andromeda (though it didn’t quite hit the mark). A new protagonist should take the helm — someone who could lead the galaxy's future into another frontier, not the Ryders.
Grand Science Fiction Scale
The Mass Effect series doesn’t hold back on its grand science fiction scale. New concepts and possibilities could outshine the first three games as the series progresses. We have no concrete idea where the plot threads might go, but as a sequel, we could see humanity and other alien races unifying to make the Milky Way a Type 3.0 civilization. Mastering the Mass Relays could potentially transform the galaxy into something powerful.
With the Reapers gone — assuming the ‘Destroy’ ending is canon — there could be a period of peace as the galaxy recovers from the trauma of the invasion.
One lingering question left unresolved is the mystery of the Leviathans, as introduced in the Leviathan DLC from Mass Effect 3. We know the Reapers were synthetic constructs built and turned into rogue AI, and the Leviathans created them. The upcoming game might explore this mystery.
Complex Choices
Aside from its characters and grand sci-fi elements, choices make Mass Effect a fantastic RPG. The original trilogy’s strength lay in how player decisions accumulated across three entries, culminating in significant payoffs at key moments.
Mass Effect 2’s ‘Suicide Mission’ is a well-known high point for its choice-driven narrative, where every action impacts the fate of characters. The next Mass Effect should not replicate this setup but improve the complexity of its choices, sparking meaningful conversations among players for years to come.
This is essentially what BioWare did from Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s ending, which raised the stakes during its climactic finale. While Mass Effect 3’s ending remains controversial, BioWare can take lessons from past mistakes to ensure that choices in the next game carry significant weight for players despite the galaxy’s infinite possibilities.
Enhanced Combat
While combat may be secondary for some players, it is essential to making Mass Effect an action-packed RPG. The third-person shooting mechanics still hold up today, especially given the success of Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s combat system.
BioWare seems capable of refining Mass Effect’s combat mechanics as each entry gets better and better combat-wise. They could take a page from Mass Effect: Andromeda, which had a good framework with its combat despite being notorious for being the series' black sheep.
I’d prefer the return of a solo playable protagonist rather than controlling multiple party members. Giving orders and strategizing team-ups made Mass Effect’s combat engaging but faster, more responsive mechanics would improve the experience.
Additionally, one area needing improvement is the cover system, which often felt clunky. Hopefully, the next entry can shift focus from hiding to more dynamic, fluid combat as BioWare shifts to utilize the power of Unreal Engine 5.
Renewed Hope
Despite the mixed reception of Mass Effect: Andromeda, players remain eager to see where the series goes next. Fortunately, BioWare gave us a glimpse into the future with a reveal trailer featuring Liara T’Soni, set years after the Reaper Invasion. This narrows down the timeline and suggests a new chapter in the Milky Way’s history.
Mass Effect 4 can be the series’ best entry, assuming BioWare learns from past mistakes. With the strong foundation of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and its previous entries, there’s hope that the next Mass Effect will deliver a memorable experience. Perhaps this year’s N7 Day will finally reveal what BioWare has in store for us.