Learn how to find and apply upgrades in Mass Effect. Discover whether to buy or research, and which upgrades are essential for your first playthrough.
Hey there! So, you're looking to get your gear in tip-top shape in Mass Effect, huh? Upgrades are super important, and there are a couple of ways to snag 'em. You can either find them out in the wild during missions and then pay up at the Research Terminal in the Tech Lab, or you can just buy them outright from merchants. Honestly, if this is your first time playing, don't feel pressured to buy every single upgrade, especially the weapon ones. Focus on what you're actually using. But hey, if you stumble upon an upgrade during a mission, make sure to jot it down and get it researched back at the lab for the real benefit. Purchased upgrades are instant, but they'll chew through your Credits faster than you can say 'Geth'.
There's a whole appendix with a list of where to find all the upgrades, sorted by type, but let's talk about the cost if you're aiming to get everything. If you're not playing as an Engineer (they get a sweet passive ability that cuts down on research materials), you're gonna need a hefty pile of minerals:
- EEZO: 42,500
- Iridium: 215,000
- Platinum: 275,000 (this includes 50,000 for the Med Bay upgrade, so keep that in mind!)
- Palladium: 195,000
Just a heads-up, these numbers are also listed again in that appendix right after the upgrade locations, so you've got backups!
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