Not too long after the reveal of the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, fans of BioWare’s space RPG soon got news in the form of a teaser trailer during the 2020 Game Awards. Though there’s not been much revealed about it yet, Mass Effect 4 is confirmed to be in development currently. Before the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, players dove back into the world of Mass Effect with Mass Effect: Andromeda — a game with middling critical reception, and Steam reviews helped redeem that criticism. Most conversations about Mass Effect 4 are nothing but speculation, but it’s been confirmed that there were indeed two different galaxies shown in the teaser trailer.
The existence of two galaxies within the same trailer implies Mass Effect 4 will merge the original Mass Effect Milky Way galaxy with Mass Effect: Andromeda. BioWare is well-known for its storytelling and romantic storylines. If players are to believe that the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies will meet in the upcoming game, there’s a good chance romances may resume depending on the protagonist. Given the various endings of Mass Effect 3, chances are good that Shepard won’t be returning and players will resume the role of Pathfinder Ryder. However, that doesn’t mean that some of Shepard’s romantic interests won’t return.
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The teaser trailer has already confirmed that Liara will return in Mass Effect 4. Given how old asari live, it makes sense that Liara would not only be alive so long after the ending of Mass Effect 3, but she’d still be conducting research because of her love of science. The trailer also shows her picking up a piece of N7 armor and smiling at it, implying that there’s a chance she could be out there looking for Shepard. This theory is a bit more unstable, though, as it would confirm Mass Effect 3 has a canon ending, therefore undoing the other two choices players could make at the end of the game.
Liara returning in Mass Effect 4 could also indicate a romance with whoever the protagonist ends up being. Shepard may be gone, but that doesn’t mean Liara would have to give up on love entirely. However, it’s also possible that Liara stays true to Shepard even in death, so she would not pursue any romantic relationship with the player character or any other NPCs. While this is all largely speculation, it’s interesting to think about how Liara fits into the plot of Mass Effect 4 and the overall effect her presence will have.
One of the standout romances of Mass Effect: Andromeda, Jaal is angara and can be an excellent partner for Ryder. He’s also able to be romanced by both Sara or Scott Ryder, so continuing the relationship wouldn’t be difficult one way or another. Provided Mass Effect 4 really does combine the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, it would be intriguing and fun to see Jaal return as a love interest for the player character.
It’s not a Mass Effect game without an asari romance; at least that’s what would be said if Mass Effect 2 didn’t exist. While Peebee may have at first been resentful of being aboard the Tempest, she learns to adapt to the chosen family around her. Ryder helps her do that, whether it be as a friend or romantic interest. Because the asari are mono-gender, it makes sense that Peebee can have a relationship with both Scott or Sara Ryder. It’s also likely she’ll make an appearance in Mass Effect 4 as a continuing love interest.
Vetra is the first turian in the Mass Effect franchise who can be romanced by the player character of either gender. Vetra was one of the first to join the crew of the Tempest, making her a special asset and romantic partner overall. The romance between Vetra and Ryder is a bit awkward but overwhelmingly sweet, making her a great romance choice in Mass Effect: Andromeda with a good chance of returning in Mass Effect 4.
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Cora was technically second in line to be Pathfinder until Alec named Ryder his successor. Despite the tension between Cora and Ryder at the start of Mass Effect: Andromeda, Scott Ryder can eventually woo Cora and have a romance with her. It would make sense for this romance to continue in Mass Effect 4, especially because Cora was already so close to Ryder and the Tempest team. While it’s unclear what kind of role Cora could have, she was still a staple in Mass Effect: Andromeda and therefore a bit expected to return.
Another of the original squadmates of Mass Effect: Andromeda, Liam can be a romantic interest for Sara Ryder. From the beginning, it seems Liam is always friendly and fond of the Pathfinder, but it could eventually lead to something more if players choose. Both Cora and Liam’s romances are often less talked about by players when compared to characters like Jaal, Peebee, or Vetra. However, given Liam’s importance on the Tempest, it’s pretty likely he’ll return as a romance option in Mass Effect 4.
Gil and Suvi are both humans aboard the Tempest but they can never be squadmates. Gil is a potential love interest for Scott Ryder, while Suvi can be a romantic interest for Sara Ryder. While these romances aren’t as highly regarded as others, they can still be a fun story for players to have their Ryder engage in. Gil and Suvi may return in Mass Effect 4, though it may not be as likely as the main squadmates return.
Additionally, it’s also possible that these potential romantic continuations could follow the route of Liara in Mass Effect 2, meaning they may be largely absent from Mass Effect 4. They could have gotten caught up in other missions or work, or might have just left the Tempest entirely. For now, there’s no official way to know what romances will or won’t return in Mass Effect 4. However, players can get their fill of Mass Effect romance thanks to the recently released Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.
Mass Effect 4 is currently in development.
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