THE Mass Effect The trilogy is known for its detailed world-building and fascinating characters, many of whom could join Commander Shepard aboard the Normandy on his mission to stop the Reapers. But in addition to the crew members and the other characters in more primary roles, there were tons and tons of secondary and tertiary characters that made the galaxy of Mass Effect really feel alive. Often these characters would only interact a few times, but they could have a greater impact on the story as a whole than players expected.
Many of these side characters made surprising returns in future games, with messages sent to Normandy or in cameos during missions. And while Mass Effect 5the story and the protagonist have not yet been revealed, it is clear that the game will take place in the same galaxy as the original trilogy, meaning certain people from the side could return. These 10 characters should reappear, not just because it would make sense story-wise, but because they were delightful parts of the series that deserve another appearance.
10
Conrad Verner should get at least some mention
The balance between funny and annoying, perfected
As excited as Mass Effect fanbase is about the protagonist, Commander Shepard, no one is more supportive than Conrad Verner. In the same style as The Elder ScrollAdored fan, Verner is an overly avid admirer of the Normandy commander, to the point of invading his personal space and even buys an exact replica of his armor. He praises Shepard whether his actions fall more on the exemplary or renegade side of the spectrum, and he wishes to one day become just like them.
At the same time, he is terribly inept and annoying in his attempts to be useful despite Verner being a proven genius, which may even lead to his wife abandoning him and his untimely death in the third game. Still, it's possible for players to save the man's life if they complete certain side missions throughout the trilogy, and even for him to get a happy ending amid the war with the Reapers. Conrad is expected to reappear in some form in the new game, even if it's just a cameo, just to let players know where his misadventures will take him next.
9
Admiral Hackett's role in the Reaper war makes him essential
A key actor in the aftermath of the conflict
One of the most beloved and respected human characters in the original trilogy is Admiral Hackett, the leader of the Alliance's Fifth Fleet and eventually a high-ranking soldier in the war against the Reapers. Hackett's unwavering loyalty and stoic commitment to his people won him many fans, and by the end of the third game, he had cemented himself as one of the most capable military leaders in the galaxy.
After the Reaper War, people like Hackett would be essential to keeping galactic civilization alive, especially towards the end where most space technology became useless. Depending on how long after the original trilogy this new game takes place, it's possible that Hackett has retired or even passed on. But I hope this character gets a few scenes cementing his role in saving the galaxy, especially since this could mean the return of Lance Henriksen's voice.
8
Aria T'Loak will probably still be in power
A crime lord who could be a good enemy or ally
Aria is another character who has gained favor with fans, but she is on the opposite side of the morality spectrum than Hackett. Aria is a crime lord on asteroid Omega, ruling the rock ball in her club.the afterlife. She works with Commander Shepard several times in the second and third games, helping them find and recruit allies, and even recruiting Shepard to remove Omega from Cerberus' control.
Aria is by no means a good person, but she is a ruthless and calculating force who keeps Omega's chaos under some level of control. Unless something monumental happened between games, she will probably still be in power in this new entry in the franchisemeaning this Asari could be working for or against the player character depending on how events play out. Her position in galactic society makes her a clear choice for a reappearance.
7
The Thorian probably isn't gone forever
A resilient alien still hiding somewhere in the galaxy
It is true that the Thorian was defeated in the first Mass Effectand was presumed dead since falling into the depths of the planet Feros. But Something as ancient and powerful as the Thorian could probably have survived the weapon attacks that Shepard and her crew threw at itat least in one way or another. Furthermore, it would not be the first alien presumed dead in Mass Effect this makes a surprise appearance in a future game – Shepard's choice regarding Queen Rachni could cause the feared creature to return later.
Hopefully the Thorian survives, because it's a major antagonistic force for the sci-fi fantasy setting these games take place in. The Thorian is a huge plant-like organism that controls the minds of those nearby, eventually turning them into mindless slaves to help. he survives. Apparently it has existed for several galactic cycles, making it one of the few sentient creatures to survive many different attacks from the Reaper. And, after Shepard's actions in the first game, he has a good reason to hate humans.
6
Blasto's Specter movie could chronicle the Reaper war
A less than accurate retelling of the original trilogy
In terms of tertiary characters, Blasto is probably one of the least known, only appearing on posters and in one ME3 DLC. Still, he's a fun character and one of the few named Hanar in the series. Blasto is an actor who plays a Specter on screen, appearing in subpar films about fighting in space.
The Hanar's preference for aquatic environments means Blasto isn't a real threat on land, but he still fulfills his role as comic relief. And how the Citadel DLC revealed, he is currently working on a film chronicling the Reaper War, although his depiction may not be exactly accurate. It would be fun to see a version of the first three games told with Blasto at the forefront, and maybe even see what this fake Mass Effect Specter is doing it now.
5
Shala'Raan could act as an ambassador for the Quarians
This character may or may not return depending on the war with Geth
This may or may not work, because it is possible that Shala'Raan and the rest of the Quarian government are dead. Shepard will decide the conclusion of the Quarian war with Geth, and Shala'Raan will die in the event of Geth's victory. Still, she's a great character voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, and if the Quarians are still around, she'll likely play an important role in their leadership.
Shala'Raan is Tali's aunt and her closest surviving family after her father's death. She supports and guides her niece as she takes on a role in leading the Quarians, and If they manage to make peace with the Geth, she will act as an ambassador between their species. Raan is probably the most likable of the Quarian admirals and the one who aligns most closely with the Normandy crew. Seeing her return as she advances her relationship with Geth could be a lot of fun for veteran players.
4
Dr. Michel could be a good medical officer on a new ship
A character who always felt underused
Doctor Michel appeared just enough in the original trilogy to feel important, but not enough to really make an impact. As a human doctor in the Citadel, she provided medical treatment to people in the wardsand later served at the Huerta Memorial hospital during the Reaper War. Michel seemed attentive and cautious, but she was always overshadowed by the more important Dr. Chakwas.
Chakwas may or may not return in the next game, but regardless, the player's ship will need a doctor. Bringing Michel back to fill this role would be a good way to maintaining character continuity while exploring one of the least developed cast members from previous games.
3
Captain Bailey will need a job with the new galactic government
What will C-Sec be without the Citadel?
The destruction of the Citadel will undoubtedly be a major plot point in the next Mass Effect game, the repercussions of which will extend to affect the entire galactic society. One group that will need to be completely overhauled is Citadel Security, or C-Sec, who served as trained law enforcement officers on the massive space station. Leading them in later games was Captain Bailey, a stubborn and somewhat rebellious police officer who helped Commander Shepard several times throughout the trilogy.
Bailey was a more controversial figure, abusing his power to assault suspects and let potential criminals escape, as explored in Thane's book. Mass Effect 2 loyalty mission, if it seemed like a lesser evil. He looked after Zakera Ward, where crime was rampant, especially after Sovereign's attack in the first game. He is later promoted to head of the department and seems to grow a little in this new role. Now, C-Sec will probably have been disbanded and it would be interesting to see where this guard ends up following the war that destroyed his life.
2
Joker should return in any new game
The best pilot in the galaxy
Calling Joker a secondary character is definitely a stretch, as this pilot takes center stage in later games. Still, he is a non-companion crew member without the fame or notoriety of characters like Garrus or Liara, but his role in the crew is nonetheless essential. He is the Normandy's ace pilot, who tells jokes and supports his crew, even going so far as to join Cerberus to stand by Commander Shepard's side.
His arc in the third game in the trilogy had him falling in love with EDI, an AI that develops sentience, and overcoming some of his social anxieties as he grew closer to his crewmates. He's a very likable and steady character who improves every scene he's in, and Although Shepard may not be present in the next game in the series, Joker is still expected to return in some way to the franchise.
1
Urdnot Bakara will be an important figure for the Krogan
Eve's story is not yet complete
Finally, Urdnot Bakara needs to return during the next entry in the series. Bakara, or “Eve”, is the Krogan who made the survival of his species possible, enduring Salarian experiments and combat in order to develop a cure for the Genophage. She's been through a lot, but maintains the resilience and optimism she shares with Wrex as they both work to save the Krogan from extinction.
Depending on the player's choices, the Genophage may or may not have been cured during the third game, and Wrex may not even be around anymore, but Eve is practically guaranteed to survive. Whatever the current state of the Krogan in the next game, Bakara will likely be an important figure in the leadership of his people, and must be sure to appear wherever the Mass Effect franchise goes next.