What If Commander Shepard Never Existed in the Mass Effect Universe?

This article contains major spoilers for the Mass Effect trilogy.

In a groundbreaking shift for role-playing games, the Mass Effect trilogy revolutionized the genre by combining engaging gameplay mechanics, gripping narratives, and unforgettable characters. At the heart of this epic story lies Commander Shepard, skillfully portrayed by Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale in performances that convey a character carrying the fate of the entire universe. Players journey through political intrigue, confront villains, and explore advanced technology set in a future where space travel is commonplace. The protagonist of Mass Effect stands as the only hope to address the cosmic perils that could wipe out all life across galaxies. Without Shepard, nothing gets done; there would be no leader to unite the galaxy, no decision-maker, and no one to halt the Reapers. The cycle just goes on.

In essence, Commander Shepard plays a crucial role in the fabric of the Mass Effect series. As a new Mass Effect game is being made, fans are speculating whether Shepard will reappear in the storyline. This possibility has left many players pondering, and it also opens up an intriguing debate: what would the Mass Effect universe be like without Commander Shepard? If Shepard were to be excluded, the narrative wouldn’t just change but the entire Mass Effect universe might take on a significantly different form. This alternate universe could potentially face dire consequences.

Mass Effect: If Shepard Were to Not Answer the Call

The character Shepard is so crucial in the game Mass Effect that it’s almost inconceivable to envision the galaxy without them. From the instant they assume the mantle of a Spectre and face the danger posed by Saren, their actions decisively mold the destiny of history, both subtly and dramatically. In their absence, significant events would transpire differently, alliances would realign, and the power dynamics in the galaxy could experience a profound transformation. Upon reflection on the occurrences in Mass Effect, it’s evident just how much the lack of one individual could alter the destiny of an entire cosmos.

The Council’s Beaurocracy Is the Galaxy’s Doom

In the original Mass Effect, Shepard overcuts bureaucratic obstacles within The Citadel Council to give organic life a fighting opportunity. By rising to the position of Spectre, Shepard becomes a symbol of hope for humanity. Though humans initially don’t hold a prestigious seat on The Council, as a Spectre, they sound the alarm against the Collector and Reaper danger. If not for them, The Council’s inactivity could lead every cosmic species to fend for themselves individually, making it simpler for the Reapers to erase entire civilizations. To add insult to injury, the fate of The Council is placed in Shepard’s hands from the very beginning, despite their initial inaction.

Companions’ Lives Would Go Uninterrupted

The essence of Mass Effect wouldn’t be the same without the companions who journeyed with Shepard. The game is renowned for its exceptional character development, creating a cast of unforgettable characters that continue to resonate with players even after more than a decade. However, without Shepard, there would be no Normandy crew. Without the Normandy crew, we wouldn’t experience the formation of those iconic friendships or witness the character growth arcs. Characters like Garrus might not have left C-Sec for new opportunities, Liara could have spent her days studying Prothean relics instead of exploring the galaxy, and Tali may never have returned to her flotilla. Moreover, we wouldn’t have been privy to the beautiful friendship between Shepard and Joker. Sadly, Shepard served as the bond connecting these characters together. To imagine a universe where players never hear Garrus discussing his calculations is almost unbearable.

The Rachni’s Fate Remains a Mystery

In each Mass Effect game, Shepard encounters crucial decisions that can dramatically change history. The first game introduces players to this tense system early, such as the choice between saving or eliminating the Rachni queen. This decision offers insight into the game’s Paragon and Renegade mechanics. If Shepard doesn’t make a choice, the destiny of the Rachni remains uncertain across the galaxy. In the most unfavorable situation, the Rachni might have been transformed into relentless organic war machines under Reaper control.

Mass Effect 2: A Death Sentence Without Shepard

As Mass Effect 2 commences, the universe is on the brink of anarchy. The enigmatic Collectors secretly kidnap entire human colonies without any apparent resistance. Simmering tensions between species persist, while the elusive Cerberus organization adds another layer of mystery to the storyline. Shepard’s reemergence serves as a catalyst, rallying an unlikely group of experts and offering hope for all organic life in their struggle against an adversary that other factions fail to acknowledge. If it weren’t for Shepard’s guidance, the narrative arc of Mass Effect 2 would unfold very differently, leaving the galaxy exposed to threats that are hard to fathom.

Cerberus Remains Unchallenged

In Shepard’s absence, Cerberus might have expanded their power substantially. Without Shepard as his top agent, The Illusive Man could have turned to questionable and unethical tactics, amplifying Cerberus’ influence without any moral opposition. The Illusive Man may have influenced galactic events unrestricted, leading humanity to become a dominant yet ethically suspect civilization. If humanity were indoctrinated by Reaper technology (which The Illusive Man was already experimenting with), Cerberus could have morphed into an extension of the Reapers themselves.

The Loss of More Companions

In the absence of Shepard’s guidance, the heterogeneous and at times contentious team members from Mass Effect 2 might find it challenging to rally behind a shared objective. Furthermore, many key narrative elements in Mass Effect 2, particularly the loyalty missions, could undergo significant changes or even be omitted entirely. Shepard serves not only as the unifying force among the Normandy’s crew but also plays a crucial role in shaping the loyalty and personal development of each squad member. Characters such as Jack, Zaeed, and even Garrus might become ensnared in their own vendettas without Shepard, while others like Thane or Samara may never find the redemption they yearn for. Miranda and Jacob, initially loyal to Cerberus, would probably continue serving the Illusive Man rather than forging their individual convictions.

The Failure of the Suicide Mission

Reminiscing about Mass Effect 2‘s climactic and skillfully crafted final mission, players’ pulses quicken just thinking about it. During the last mission, Shepard determines who will head the squad to triumph under their command. However, without Shepard, the suicide squad lacks a leader at the helm. The Normandy without Shepard would be a disorganized group. If the suicide mission were to occur without Shepard, it might truly live up to its name and never take place.

Mass Effect 3: In the Face of Anihilation Without Shepard

As I immerse myself in the captivating world of “Mass Effect 3”, I find myself on the edge of my seat as the Reapers make their ominous arrival. The galaxy is teetering on the precipice of obliteration, with each significant civilization scrambling for survival. However, unity remains elusive due to long-standing feuds and political schisms that threaten to derail any attempt at cooperation. It falls upon Shepard, a beacon of hope in these desperate times, to unite the fractured factions and form seemingly impossible alliances. Without Shepard’s leadership, the future of the war and the very essence of galactic civilization could plunge into a far more dismal abyss.

The Krogan Question Remains Unanswered

One prominent theme that consistently stands out in the trilogy is the genophage dilemma involving the krogan. In Mass Effect 3, Shepard faces another critical choice: administering the cure or deceiving the krogan with a swiftly exposed placebo. However, without Shepard’s intervention, this contentious issue might not have been so pressing. The genophage cure could very well remain unaddressed, leading to the slow demise of the krogan if they even manage to endure the Reaper threat.

No Shepard Results in the End of Organic Life

The conclusion of Mass Effect 3, while a subject of much discussion, leaves us struggling to envision a continuation of the Mass Effect saga without Commander Shepard. Without Shepard, the galaxy would be defenseless against the impending Reaper attack, as they would wipe out civilization without hesitation. The Council’s dismissal of early warnings traced back to the first game would have signaled the start of the end. Shepard is a unique figure with enough authority and influence to rally the Systems Alliance, turians, krogan, quarians, and even the geth into an unstoppable alliance. Without this unified force, these factions would likely remain fragmented, significantly reducing the galaxy’s chances of survival. By the time others realized the severity of the threat, it would already be too late – there would be no Normandy crew to assemble allies, no concerted effort to unite the species, and certainly no Crucible to attempt halting the cycle of annihilation.

2025-04-02 00:05