**Introduction: The Ultimate Goal of a Completionist**
If you’ve ever played the Mass Effect series, you know how epic the story is. But for some players, just finishing the main mission is not enough. No, they want to *complete everything*. Every side quest. Every upgrade. Every item. Every conversation. These are the players we call “completionists”. They are the heroes of the galaxy who make sure they collect every single thing before the final credits roll. But is it always as fun as it sounds? Let’s dive into the world of “completionist Mass Effect” and see if it’s truly worth the effort.
**The Problem: Is Completionism a Blessing or a Curse?**
Being a completionist in Mass Effect is no easy task. The games are huge, with many planets to explore and side missions to finish. The problem is, some of these tasks are *very* repetitive. You might find yourself traveling from one planet to another, scanning items or completing fetch quests that don’t seem to matter much to the overall story.
In addition, Mass Effect games often have a *lot* of choices to make. While this is great for storytelling, it can also lead to an overwhelming number of different paths and consequences. For a completionist, this can feel like a never-ending series of “Did I do everything right?” questions.
**Where Does This Show Up in the Game?**
This problem tends to show up more when you’re playing Mass Effect on higher difficulty levels or in later parts of the game when you’ve already done most of the important stuff. On some platforms, like PC, players might also experience more technical issues with tracking completion progress, especially when mods are involved or game updates don’t work as expected.
It can also be worse in open-world sections or areas with repetitive side missions. As you go from planet to planet or system to system, you start to feel like you’re stuck in a loop. How many times do you really need to scan the same minerals or fight the same enemies? This part of the game can feel less like a rewarding challenge and more like a grind that you just have to get through.
**The Players’ Experience: Emotional Rollercoaster**
If you’ve ever tried to 100% complete Mass Effect, you know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One minute, you’re feeling accomplished because you’ve completed a particularly difficult side mission. The next, you’re screaming in frustration because you’ve missed one tiny objective that means you can’t get that perfect completion status.
This is what the completionist experience is like—highs and lows that make you question your choices and sometimes even your sanity. But for many players, these little setbacks only make the final achievement feel that much sweeter. After all, nothing says “I’m a true fan” more than unlocking every achievement and finishing every side quest, right?
**So, How Can You Tackle This?**
Here are some practical tips for tackling the “completionist” challenge in Mass Effect without losing your mind:
1. **Plan Ahead**: Before you start exploring every corner of the galaxy, read guides or watch videos that show you the locations of all the collectibles and side quests. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
2. **Focus on One Area at a Time**: Don’t try to complete everything all at once. Focus on completing one planet or system before moving to the next. This helps avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of tasks.
3. **Don’t Forget About the Journal**: Mass Effect has a journal system that tracks all your quests. Pay attention to it, and you’ll have an easier time figuring out what’s left to do.
4. **Use Mods (If You’re On PC)**: Some players find mods that track their completion progress or make side missions less repetitive. Mods can help make the whole process feel less like work and more like fun.
5. **Be Patient**: Sometimes, achieving the “completionist” status takes time. Don’t rush the game, and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
**What Are Other Players Saying?**
Many players in the Mass Effect community have shared their thoughts on completing everything. Some say it’s a rewarding experience that lets you dive deep into the lore and history of the galaxy. Others complain about the grind, especially when trying to finish the more tedious tasks, like scanning planets or finding hidden items.
On forums like Reddit, players often discuss their struggles with completing side quests, especially when it feels like the game doesn’t give you enough clear direction. Some feel that the game is designed in such a way that it almost *forces* you to miss things, which can be frustrating for completionists who want everything.
**Your Experience: What About You?**
Have you ever tried completing *every* task in Mass Effect? Did you enjoy the journey, or did you feel like it was too much? Maybe you found some creative ways to make it easier for yourself. Whatever your experience, we’d love to hear it. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
**Conclusion: Worth It or Not?**
Being a completionist in Mass Effect is both a rewarding and frustrating experience. It requires patience, strategy, and a bit of luck. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right approach, you can conquer every task and truly become the ultimate hero of the galaxy. But remember, it’s okay if you miss a few things along the way. After all, even Commander Shepard didn’t save the universe on their first try.
