The galaxy is too big for it just to be humans around. There has to be another species out there. Or several dozen in the world ofMass Effect. Some aliens can even make it aboard the Normandy, aiding Commander Shepard in their fight against the Geth, Collectors, and Reapers. Moreover, some of the most powerful teammates in the franchise are from a different species. Be they technically or biotically sound; they all have something to offer.
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Of course, there is more to life than being good in combat, and some of them really know how to let their hair down. So, who among Shepard’s alien friends deserves to be by his side, and which ones would be better left at home?
16Morinth
The daughter of Samara is the most underwhelming and forgettable of all the alien squad members. Her presence aboard the Normandy is subject to her mother’s loyalty quest, with Shepard making some questionable choices. Interms of biotic capabilities, she is on the weaker end of the spectrum. She doesn’t offer much that gives good reason to have her on board over Samara. Moreover, Morinth will only be on the team for the late stages ofMass Effect 2, while she meets an unfortunate end inMass Effect 3. Only appearing towards the very end of the game.
15Javik
Given that Javik is a DLC character and a Prothean, he was a bit disappointing. Shepard, and players worldwide, had heard about the alien species for years. Many wanted to meet one. Then several wished they hadn’t bothered. There just isn’t much to Javik in terms of battle prowess and personality. Conversations with him start off interesting, then several chats later, it all becomes stale. As for combat, he has one ability, Dark Channel, that is unique to him, and it is not the most effective skill. The rest can be found elsewhere. Some are even possessed by human teammates.
14Jaal
Jaal is an Angara, the only new alien species to be introduced to the squad. There really isn’t too much to say about this squaddie, other than he serves as the perfect reminder of incredible species' such as the Quarians, never making it to Andromeda. Jaal is just a bit lackluster in combat and is easily the weakest of the Alien teammates to be found aboard the Tempest. However, he is romanceable, and while his personality may not be enticing, it is an exciting prospect toexplore a relationshipwith a new species.
13EDI
While not an alien, EDI is not a human either, so on this list, she falls. The AI is quite an interesting character and can be somewhat useful after giving herself a body. Moreover, it is nice to witness EDI and Joker’s budding relationship develop after she gets some arms and legs. She is also good for a laugh or two, even if the AI doesn’t necessarily mean to be funny.
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12Legion
The Geth are enemy number one inMass Effect. Yet, come the sequel, Shepard can welcome a Geth aboard the Normandy. Legion is quite an interesting character, one that is worth talking to when the Commander has downtime. As they point out, the Geth are many, meaning Legion is not one single entity, giving him a unique trait that no other squadmate in the franchise has. In terms of combat, they are a tech specialist, that is equally as adept at using their sniper rifle. However, Legion lacks background and has little to offer in terms of story, though it does tie in with Tali’Zorah.
11Thane Krios
The assassin is more intriguing than anything else. Thane is mysterious upon first meeting him, yet the layers can be peeled back over time. His loyalty mission inMass Effect 2is one of the better ones on offer. Issues concerning family are always more impactful, and Thane has ground to make up with his son. However, personality-wise, the Drell is more mellow than his counterparts, meaning he can fade into the background. Unfortunately, Thane’s story has an abrupt ending, though the Assassin does get a fitting end to his arc. As for combat, Krios is biotic, which does go against him, given there are numerous biotically charged squadmates available.
10Samara
Samara is an Asari Justicar, one that is introduced in the second half ofMass Effect 2. At first glance, she appears to be just another Asari. She has biotic capabilities and can handle herself in combat. In fact, save for an interesting loyalty mission, that just about sums Samara up. She is formidable enough on the battlefield to warrant consideration when taking a biotic approach. However, it is her personality that lets the Justicar down. She is strictly in line with her code and has little to discuss outside of her daughter, Morinth. Should Shepard ensure Samara survives tillMass Effect 3, her story will be continued. Unfortunately, like many in the trilogy’s final chapter, she doesn’t get much screen time. As such, it is hard to form much of a connection at any point.
9Mordin Solus
Who doesn’t love Mordin Solus? The doctor could be classed as one of the most popular squad members to have featured inMass Effect. He did a good job of holding his own against some serious powerhouses inMass Effect 2. Should Bioware decide to introduce another Salarian squadmate, they would have some big shoes to fill. The Commander could well be scarred for life after getting ‘the talk’ from Mordin, should they pursue Jacob or Miranda.
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Mordin should be recognized as a scientist with morals, a rare find in Mass Effect. The Salarian seeks to right some wrongs inMass Effect 3, making for some hard-hitting scenes in a game filled with loss and devastation. Let it be known that while he may be the only Salarian squad member, Mordin holds his own against the other species.
8Peebee
NoMass Effectgame would be completed without an Asari, and Peebee had the team covered inMass Effect Andromeda. Also, no squad should be without a resident comedian, and Peebee has that sorted too. Her reluctance to let people in and settle in one place makes some amusing conversations and witty one-liners. She also happensto be extremely flirty. If Ryder needs entertainment or wants to be kept on their toes, they need look no further than Peebee.
Furthermore, the young Asari is no slouch on the battlefield either, offering great biotic support to the Pathfinder. She can be paired effectively with most members of the Andromeda, giving the Pathfinder plenty of room in which to maneuver. However, nobody will look at escape pods the same way after they are done with Peebee.
7Vetra
Vetra describes herself as an “Initiative wrangler, provisioner, gunner, and everything in between,” and with good reason. There is not much that this Turian cannot do. Ryder would certainly benefit from bringing her along on missions. Her lifetime of experience means that Vetra has a higher health pool and can withstand more damage before being taken down. She can also use armor just to reinforce her usefulness that much more.
Besides the defensive skills, she can also use concussive shot and turbocharge. The former is capable of knocking enemies out in a single hit, while the latter increases weapon damage and improves thermal clip efficiency. Vetra has an interesting story, one that is worth learning. It must be a Turian thing because she is as much of a loyal friend as Garrus.
