Mass Effect 5 is currently in development, but not much is known about the next instalment of the popular sci-fi game. Here’s everything we know so far!
Mass Effect 5 Release Date
The release date for the untitled Mass Effect 5 has not been revealed. The game appears to be in the early stages of development. For N7 Day 2023, Biowear dropped a short trailer of the new game in its acclaimed sci-fi game series. It is likely that we will not see the game’s release until 2028/2029.
The Plot and Timeline
Most knowledge of Mass Effect 5 has come from the short teaser trailer revealed back in 2020. It shows two different galaxies, suggesting that the game will be a sequel to both Mass Effect 3 and Andromeda.
The trailer shows dead Reapers – the trilogy’s core enemy – and the appearance of a fan favourite, Liara T’Soni. As the Asari race can live close to 1000 years, and Liara was 109 during Mass Effect 3, ME5 could be set up to 900 years from the trilogy’s events.
Mass Effect 5 will use Unreal Engine, confirmed via job postings from BioWare producer Brenon Holmes, asking for experienced Unreal Engine programmers. Mary DeMarle – Deus Ex and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy writer – has been appointed the senior narrative director for ME5.
It is unlikely that we will see Commander Shepard, our favourite sci-fi protagonist and worst dancer on the Citadel – but the teaser trailer did have fans speculating. One of Mass Effect 3’s endings could lead to his or her return – if BioWare decides to canonise one ending and continue the story.
Platforms
While this information has not been released, we can speculate. It is safe to assume that ME5 will appear on all the latest PS and Xbox consoles and PC at the time of its release – unless it goes the exclusive release route. If the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are still relevant by then, they will likely be released on these consoles too. As for PS4 and Xbox One, some newer games are already abandoning the previous generation of consoles.
Multiplayer
While BioWare has yet to share any information regarding multiplayer, both ME3 and Andromeda had these elements. Here’s hoping that Mass Effect 5 will take notes from Baldur’s Gate 3 and let you play the entire storyline with your friends.
DLC/Microtransactions
Given Mass Effect’s history and the wider gaming industry’s love of microtransactions and DLC, it is safe to assume that ME5 will also offer additional content at a price. If multiplayer is included, microtransactions are practically guaranteed – for skins and other digital content. Regarding DLCs, Mass Effect has released several DLCs for its games over the years (such as Lair of the Shadow Broker and Citadel). These DLCs added some fun and extra time with our favourite companions without taking away from the main story. Hopefully, any DLCs released will be priced according to their content value.
Mass Effect 5 is not available for preorder yet, but hopefully we’ll learn more in the upcoming game cons.
What are your hopes and expectations for the upcoming Mass Effect game? Any characters from the original trilogy that you’d like to see return? Are there Mass Effect races, locations, or characters that you want to see? Follow us for more gaming news.