For now, all signs point toward some culmination of the two, as Mass Effect 4 seems to canonize the Destroy Ending, is connecting the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies in some way, and likely features some form of time skip.
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The latter appears likely, as not only does the Milky Way have to recover from the Reaper invasion, but one Mass Effect 4 trailer seemingly shows off an older Liara. That’s not to mention how much time it takes for the original Initiative to get to Andromeda. Thus, the biggest question is how the various races introduced throughout the franchise have grown and changed in the wake of the Reaper Invasion. While largely speculation at this time, there are enough hints based on in-game events to suggest the general direction the races played after their release.
Mass Effect Trilogy Races
Asari: As a race, the Asari often adapt a “long view,” meaning change for them may also come slower. Still, Asari were reluctant during the Reaper War at first but eventually joined in the overall war effort, although during all of it, their home world of Thessia fell. The Asari likely rebuilt quick and may, more or less, maintain their status quo in Mass Effect 4, especially with characters like Liara surviving. Drell: Drell, and their relations in the Hanar, played a notable role in the war but, as they were for much of the game, were mostly relegated to the background outside potential interactions with companion Thane. While the Drell may change in some way through the time skip, it’s not likely directly connected to the Reapers and may be more so through unseen personal politics with the Hanar. Humans: Humans were newcomers to the galaxy, and thanks to their resourcefulness and size, spread quickly. Because of this, humans suffered millions of deaths during the Reaper War, and Earth served as a major battleground throughout the war. With Shepard bring the Reaper Invasion to an end, it’s likely humans are more recognizing in the new era and may naturally have a more leadership role, especially as distrust and damages sway other races. They may not be as widespread with colonies as they once were, but humans will probably be more respected among all cultures. Salarian: Through mostly strokes of luck, Salarian space suffered some of the least damage, but aside from individual actions, a few groups and a fleet deployed to the alliance, and the potential cure for the Genophage, the Salarian union mostly sustained a defensive policy throughout the war. As much as they could, they were in essence a third party, and this likely means that—while their intellect and skills remain valued—they may have sown the seeds of mistrust for themselves in a post-Reaper galaxy. Turians: Turians took heavy casualties from the Reapers early in the war. With or without Krogan assistance depending on choices, Turians would play a vital role in the final battles against the Reaper, though withdrawing from their own fronts. Despite this heroic role, the sustained damages likely mean that, however much time passes, Turians may not be as dominant in the galaxy as they once were, but they should be considered heroes. How time honors their sacrifices, of course, remain to be seen. Quarians: Ultimately, there are three fates for the Quarians following the events of Mass Effect 3: eventual extinction if they are repelled by the Geth, victory in destroying the Geth and reclaiming Rannoch, or compromise and peace between the Quarians and Geth. Given the destruction of the Geth no matter what, the latter two endings make the most sense and could be rationalized without many game-changing elements. Still, with Quarians reclaiming their home world, it’s likely they are even more isolated than before, focusing on internal affairs.
Geth: Per the Destroy Ending, the Geth are likely dead. This is at least true for any Geth who were in the Milky Way Galaxy, but as it is canon that Geth were looking into other galaxies, it is possible some small amount of them survived somehow. Krogan: The Krogan are among the most interesting possible changes. BioWare will have to canonize the Genophage events in one way or another. If it is cured, the Krogan have likely grown much larger. If it is not, then it would make sense that they are even angrier before. If BioWae tries to keep it ambiguous, Krogan could be relegated to the background, which many fans wouldn’t want. This is especially true as Krogan live a long time, and characters like Grunt could return in ME4. Reapers: The Reapers lose the war and are ultimately destroyed by Shepard’s choice. While Reaper Tech may play some role in future games, BioWare is unlikely to somehow weaponize the Reapers again. Leviathans: In the Leviathan DLC, Shepard is able to convince this “Apex Race” to join the war effort against the Reapers. They play a major role but, afterward, are likely to return to the dark corners so they can continue to simply observe the galaxy. With Shepard’s death, it’s unlikely anyone has attempted any further contact. Protheans: Alongside the surviving Javik, it is possible some Collectors are able to be reverted back by Mass Effect 3’s Leviathans. It is likely that these events are canonized alongside the Destroy Ending, meaning that it is possible Protheans now have some small role in the new galaxy. There’s almost no way they return to Empire status, but it would be interesting and isn’t impossible if one or two popped up during the events of the game. They may be more like Collectors than Protheans, but still, there’s a small chance. Rachni: The Rachni are either driven extinct or prove themselves to be strong allies in the Reaper Invasion. If the former is canonized alongside the Destroy Ending, they are likely just ghosts talked about around camp fires. If they do somehow survive, they still likely relocate outside of Citadel Space and may play a slim role in future games once more. One ending has them earn Tuchanka as a home, but that ending feels unlikely to be canonized.
Mass Effect Andromeda Races
Although these races are not impacted by the Reaper Invasion, the Andromeda Galaxy’s importance to Mass Effect 4 makes the aftermath of the game just as important. The exact impact and time passage as it relates to Andromeda remains to be seen, but the Angara learn more of their culture and history. It’s likely there are more secrets to be revealed, especially in their relationship to the Remnant and Jardaan. It’s hard to see how these mysteries don’t play a major role in the new game.
The Kett, on the other hand, may be largely defeated in the Heleus Cluster, but the larger Kett Empire hasn’t been seen. They may still play a hostile role, but more into their military and political rationales may be explored. The Archon in Mass Effect: Andromeda was obsessed with Remnant tech, and this colored player perception of them. Fans may get a wider scope of this race come Mass Effect 4.
Who knows, with a lot of time potentially passing, it would also make sense to see new races rising from the ashes of the Reaper Invasion in Mass Effect 4. Who and what the Jardaan are, more of the Kett, and other races belonging to the Andromeda Galaxy could also appear. Overall, Mass Effect 4 has a ton of galactic potential with where each and every race could be and the role they’ll have in-game.
Mass Effect 4 is in development.
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