The fifth mainstream game in the Mass Effect series, Mass Effect 5 is currently in development, according to a statement from BioWare. The next RPG appears to have a premise that could serve as a direct continuation of the stories of Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Andromeda.
With Anthem 2.0 abandoned and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition long since published (see our review of it if you're on the fence about buying it), BioWare appears to be giving both Mass Effect 5 and Dragon Age Dreadwolf its full attention. Below, we discuss all we presently know—which, to be honest, isn't all that much—about Mass Effect 5.
launch date
A Mass Effect 5 release date has not yet been disclosed by BioWare. Since we now know a little bit more about the upcoming Dragon Age and that game was first teased two years before the announcement of Mass Effect 5, we presume BioWare will release Dreadwolf before Mass Effect. However, we'll have to wait and see since BioWare did say Dreadwolf is already playable from beginning to end.
Mass Effect 5 is now in the development stage, with developers experimenting with "ideas and experiences" for what the game will be, according to BioWare GM Gary McKay in February 2022, further suggesting the game is still a ways off. In April 2022, BioWare posted a blog post reiterating this sentiment, claiming Mass Effect 5 is in "early" development still. A note stating that Mass Effect 5 is currently in pre-production and that this phase of development is "proceeding extremely well" was issued by BioWare on November 7 this past N7 Day.
What is known
The majority of what we know about Mass Effect 5 comes from the game's announcement video. The video suggests that Mass Effect 5 could be a sequel to both Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Andromeda, portraying a story that spans two different galaxies. This notion is supported by the trailer's depiction of two different galaxies.
The game at the very least appears to be a legitimate follow-up to Mass Effect 3, as evidenced by the presence of dead Reapers and an aged Liara T'Soni in the teaser. Since Liara is 109 in Mass Effect 3 and the asari, her species, can live for up to a thousand years, Mass Effect 5 may occur up to 900 years after the events of the first three games.
Mass Effect 5 will also use Unreal Engine, according to BioWare developer Brenon Holmes, according to a job posting that seeks programmers with experience using Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5. The new Mass Effect will be the focus of the programmers' attention.
Mary DeMarle, a writer for Deus Ex and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, has joined BioWare as the senior narrative director for Mass Effect 5.
Platforms Although the launch platforms for this new Mass Effect have not yet been disclosed, we assume that they will include PC as well as the current-generation consoles, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, as well as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Although nothing has been formally ruled out, we don't think it will be published for the Switch, Xbox One, or PS4 of Microsoft or Sony.
PC specifications
Again, this game's compatibility with any hardware, including PC, has not yet been guaranteed. The minimum and recommended PC specifications for Mass Effect are still unknown, as is the possibility of a PC release. Like, the likelihood that it will be is 99%, But unless BioWare or EA make that statement official, there is no way to be certain.
Multiplayer information
The existence of multiplayer in the upcoming Mass Effect has not been disclosed by BioWare. We can only hope so, as both Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Andromeda had a really enjoyable online Horde mode multiplayer that prioritized cooperation and planning.
Details of DLC/Microtransactions
Neither BioWare nor publisher EA have provided any information regarding the upcoming Mass Effect's support for DLC or microtransactions. Microtransactions were present in the multiplayer modes of Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Andromeda, and the original trilogy included paid DLC expansions that provided extra squadmates, story-driven side quests, and extra weapons and equipment. The Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 remains among the best post-launch DLCs for any RPG. and Citadel expansions, but if BioWare can replicate that level of storyline in Mass Effect 5, we won't mind paying for DLC.
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