Mass Effect 2 Achievement Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive Mass Effect 2 Achievement Guide! If you're eager to conquer every challenge and unlock every coveted achievement in this iconic sci-fi RPG, you're in the right place. This guide is your ultimate companion through the galaxy, offering detailed strategies for unlocking achievements such as No One Left Behind, surviving the Insanity difficulty, navigating the perilous Suicide Mission, and becoming the Big Game Hunter you were always meant to be. Dive in to enhance your gameplay experience and ensure your Commander Shepard's legacy is legendary!

General Achievement Walkthrough

Getting all the achievements in Mass Effect 2 is no small task, but with a bit of planning, you can earn them all without too much extra effort. Here’s a breakdown on how to snag those sweet, sweet achievement points.

Completionists Rejoice: Story-Related Achievements

First off, you’ll nab a bunch of achievements simply by playing through the story. As you hit key points in the narrative, these will unlock automatically. Here are some examples:

The Convict: Recruit the biotic convict.
The Krogan: Recruit the krogan.
Suicide Mission: Use the Omega 4 Relay.

Just keep progressing and you’ll see these pop up one by one.

Squad Goals: Team Achievements

You can’t save the galaxy alone. Throughout your journey, you’ll want to build a strong, trusted team. Here are some team achievements you'll want to focus on:

The Professor: Recruit Mordin.
The Assassin: Recruit Thane.
The Quarian: Recruit Tali.

Additionally, you'll need to gain the loyalty of every one of your squad members by completing their specific loyalty missions. This is crucial because loyalty affects their survival during the Suicide Mission.

Choose Wisely: Decision-Based Achievements

Mass Effect 2 is all about choices. Decisions you make can open or close doors to certain achievements. Some examples include:

Renegade: Perform 25 non-discriminating interrupts.
Paragon: Perform 25 paragon interrupts.

These involve earning enough Paragon or Renegade points which you can gain through dialogue choices and actions throughout the game.

Tip: Make sure to stick to either a full Paragon or Renegade path for easier decision-making.

Exploration: Collectibles and Side Missions

Don't skip the side missions and collectible hunts. Here’s what you’ll be focusing on:

Prospector: Retrieve mineral resources by scanning planets.
Agent: Complete 5 missions discovered by scanning unexplored worlds.
Explorer: Visit 100% of the planets in an unexplored cluster.

Scanning is tedious but essential. And side missions often have rich stories and additional squad interactions that flesh out the world.

Combat Performance: Action-Based Achievements

Your combat prowess and tactics can earn you achievements as well. Keep these in mind:

Big Game Hunter: Thresher Maw defeated.
Head Hunter: Perform 30 headshot kills with any weapon.
Tactician: Hit an enemy with your biotic powers while he's affected by another.

Using a variety of weapons and biotics, and learning to combo them effectively will really pay off. Also, don't underestimate the Thresher Maw--it’s a beast!

Save the Galaxy, Again: Replays

Finally, you’ll need to make multiple playthroughs:

Insanity: Complete the game on the "Insanity" difficulty without changing the setting.
No One Left Behind: Keep your entire team alive through the suicide mission.
Paramour: Successfully pursue a relationship with a teammate.

For “Insanity”, prepare for a challenge - enemies hit harder and are more aggressive. And for “No One Left Behind”, make perfect decisions during the final mission.

Wrapping Up

Following this guide will help you systematically work through the achievements in Mass Effect 2. Take your time, enjoy the story, and experiment with different choices and combat styles to get the most out of your journey. Happy gaming, Commander Shepard!

No One Left Behind Achievement Guide

Alright, Commander Shepard! Earning the "No One Left Behind" achievement/trophy in Mass Effect 2 is a big deal. This means getting through the suicide mission at the end of the game without losing any squadmates. Here's everything you gotta do to make sure everyone's alive by the time the credits roll.

Prep Work: Loyalty Missions

Step 1: Get Emmy-Buddy

Complete every squad member's loyalty mission. These missions are crucial because a loyal squadmate is much more likely to survive. No loyalty means higher chances of perishing. You need their trust!

Ship Upgrades Are Essential

Step 2: Upgrade, Upgrade, Upgrade

Invest in essential ship upgrades to give the Normandy a fighting chance. Here are the must-have upgrades:
- Thanix Cannon (Garrus)
- Multicore Shielding (Tali)
- Cyclonic Barrier Technology (Jacob)

Missing any of these could result in the death of a squad member during the approach to the Collector Base. Better safe than sorry, right?

Picking the Right Squad for the Job

Step 3: Assign Tasks Wisely

When you start the final mission, you’ll need to choose characters for specific roles. Select carefully based on skills:
- Vents Specialist: Tali, Legion, or Kasumi - they’re tech wizards, perfect for sneaking through.
- Fireteam Leader: Choose a strong leader like Garrus, Miranda, or Jacob.
- Biotic Specialist: Pick Jack or Samara. They are powerful in handling biotic barriers.
Wrong choices here? Your buddies might end up dead.

Step 4: Escort Duty

When you’re asked to send someone back with the crew to the Normandy, pick a loyal squad member who isn’t crucial for the final battles, like Mordin. He might not be the best in an all-out fight, but he’ll get the crew back safely.

Reaper Battle and Beyond

Step 5: Hold the Line

Your remaining team must hold the line while Shepard and the chosen two go for the final showdown. Make sure the remaining group is strong combat-wise. Characters like Grunt, Garrus, and Zaeed excel at holding the line due to their durability and combat prowess.

Step 6: The Final Fight

Your team selection for the final battle is crucial too. Bring two loyal and combat-strong squadmates. Usually, Garrus, Grunt, Legion, or Tali are good choices. They need to handle the last stand against the Collectors.

Summary

To unlock "No One Left Behind":

Complete every loyalty mission.
Fully upgrade the Normandy.
Assign the right people to each task during the final mission.
Ensure the team holding the line is strong.
Keep the final battle team composed of loyal and effective fighters.

With careful planning and the right choices, you'll have the satisfaction of bringing everyone home. Good luck out there, Shepard!

Insanity: Survive and Thrive

So, you've got your sights set on the "Insanity" achievement in Mass Effect 2. This difficulty level is not for the faint of heart, but achieving it feels absolutely epic. Let's break down some tips and strategies to help you thrive in Insanity mode.

Preparation is Key

1. Character Setup

Start by choosing the right class. Soldiers and Infiltrators tend to have an easier time on Insanity due to their powerful combat abilities. Soldiers can use all weapon types and have access to Adrenaline Rush, which slows down time and boosts damage. Infiltrators also slow down time with Tactical Cloak and can snipe enemies from afar.

2. Upgrades

Upgrades are your lifeline. Focus on these:

Weapon upgrades: Prioritize damage and accuracy.
Armor upgrades: Health and shield boosts are essential.
Tech and Biotic upgrades: Enhancements like overload and warp will make dealing with shields and armor easier.

Combat Tips

1. Cover is Your New Best Friend

On Insanity, you're far more fragile. Always find cover before engaging the enemy. Use the environment to your advantage and move from cover to cover to flank enemies when possible.

2. Squad Management

Your squadmates are invaluable. Customize their loadouts and abilities to complement your playstyle. For example:

Miranda: Her Warp ability is great for dealing with armored and barrier-protected enemies.
Garrus: His Overload can strip away shields, making enemies more vulnerable.

Manually command your squad to take cover and target specific enemies. This keeps them alive longer and makes combat more controlled.

3. Power Combos

Combining powers can devastate enemies:

Overload and Warp: Use Overload first to strip shields, and then Warp to deal hefty damage.
Cryo Ammo and Incendiary Ammo: Freeze enemies and then burn them. This combo is particularly effective against tougher foes.

Specific Encounters

1. Horizon

Horizon is your first major Insanity test. Use cover extensively and target the Collector Guardians first. Their Scions' shockwave attacks can be dodged by moving from cover to cover. This encounter will teach you the value of patience.

2. Collector Ship

Here, your positioning and priorities are crucial. Focus on Harbingers as soon as they appear, and dodge their powerful biotic attacks. Keep your distance and use cover to avoid getting overwhelmed.

3. The Suicide Mission

Ensure all squadmates are loyal and well-equipped. The right team composition for each part of the mission can mean the difference between life and death. Examples:

Tech Specialist: Choose Tali or Legion.
Biotic Specialist: Samara or Jack.
Fireteam Leaders: Garrus or Miranda usually do a good job.

General Tips

1. Save Often

Save your game frequently, especially before tough encounters. This way, if things go south, you can easily reload from a recent checkpoint.

2. Use Your Medigel Wisely

Medigel can revive your squadmates or heal you in a pinch. Don’t hesitate to use it if your team is down or if you’re low on health.

3. Upgrade the Normandy

Improving the Normandy’s shields, armor, and weapons can also make the final mission much easier. Prioritize these upgrades as you gather resources.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Insanity mode in Mass Effect 2 is no small feat, but with careful planning and smart strategies, it’s definitely doable. Stay frosty, Commander, and don’t let those Reapers get you down!

Suicide Mission

The "Suicide Mission" is the grand finale of Mass Effect 2. It’s a dangerous operation that Commander Shepard and their team will embark upon. The stakes are high, and every decision you make matters. Here’s a breakdown on how to guide your squad safely through this mission.

Preparing for the Mission

Before you even think about starting the Suicide Mission, ensure you've completed the following steps:

Loyalty Missions: Complete loyalty missions for all your squadmates. This enhances their chances of survival. It's essential to earn their trust and loyalty. Don’t skip these!
Ship Upgrades: Upgrade the Normandy. Focus on the following critical upgrades:
- Thanix Cannon: Given by Garrus.
- Heavy Ship Armor: Suggested by Jacob.
- Multicore Shielding: Tali’s recommendation.
These upgrades help your ship survive the initial onslaught.

Choosing Your Team

Choosing who does what in the mission is crucial for survival. Here’s a handy breakdown:

Tech Expert (Vents): You'll need a skilled tech expert to navigate through the vents and disable the security. Tali and Legion are ideal for this role. If you choose someone unfit, it’s a guaranteed death.
Fireteam Leader: Lead the distraction team with a loyal and respected squad member. Good picks include Garrus, Miranda, or Jacob. Don’t assign someone with little leadership experience.
Biotic Specialist: For the part where you need a strong biotic to create a shield, pick someone powerful and loyal like Jack or Samara. They must hold the barrier to protect your team.
Second Fireteam Leader: Just like the first, this leader should be someone loyal and experienced. Again, Miranda, Garrus, or Jacob work well.
Escort for Surviving Crew: Don’t neglect your crew! Assign an escort to bring them back to the Normandy. Select a reliable and loyal squadmate, such as Mordin.

Final Battle Decisions

During the final fight, balance is key. Leave a mix of strong fighters and versatile members at the base:

Take a mix of damage dealers (Grunt, Garrus, etc.) and support/biotic specialists (Miranda, Thane, etc.)
Leave strong defensive characters back to hold the line (Grunt, Zaeed, etc.)

Critical Tip: Ensure everyone assigned to a specific role is loyal and well-suited for their task. Non-loyal or poorly chosen members will not survive, affecting your team’s overall strength.

Specific Scenarios

Here are a few outcomes based on commonly made choices:

Choosing the Best Tech Expert
- Tali or Legion: Safely navigates the vents.
- Non-tech: Anyone else leads to vent death.
Fireteam Leader Choices
- Garrus, Jacob, Miranda: These leaders usually ensure the team’s safety.
- Non-leaders: May result in unnecessary casualties.
Biotic Specialist’s Barrier
- Jack or Samara: They hold the barrier perfectly.
- Non-biotic/weak biotic: The barrier fails, leading to team losses.

Outcome and Survival

To achieve the best outcome (all squadmates survive), make sure every key player is loyal, upgrade the Normandy, and assign characters to roles they excel at. Unequal assignments or not finishing loyalty missions will lead to fatal mistakes.

Final Note: It’s not just about winning the battle; it’s about ensuring everyone makes it out alive. Take the time to get to know your team, finish their loyalty missions, and make the right choices.

Equip yourself, make your decisions wisely, and you’ll lead your squad through the Deadliest rescue mission in the galaxy! Good luck, Commander!

Big Game Hunter Achievement Guide

Mass Effect 2 is full of challenges and exciting moments, but few are as thrilling as earning the Big Game Hunter achievement. Let's break down exactly how you can conquer this feat and earn those precious gamer points.

What is Big Game Hunter?

The Big Game Hunter achievement is earned by defeating the thresher maw in the mission "Grunt's Rite of Passage". The thresher maw is a giant, worm-like creature that pops out of the ground to ruin your day. It's one of the most memorable battles in the game, and with our guide, you’ll have no trouble taking it down.

Preparing for the Fight

Team Composition

The right squad can make a huge difference. Here’s who we recommend:

Grunt: Since it’s his loyalty mission, bringing him along is essential. Plus, his high durability will be a lifesaver.
Garrus: His long-range firepower and armor-piercing abilities make him perfect for this fight.

Weapons and Abilities

Make sure you gear up properly. Here's what you'll need:

Heavy Weapons: The Collector Particle Beam or the Arc Projector are excellent choices for laying down serious damage.
Powers: Overload and Warp are great for dealing with the thresher maw's armor.
Ammo: Incendiary or Armor-Piercing Ammo will help whittle down its immense health bar faster.

The Battle

Phase 1: Stay Mobile

When the fight begins, the thresher maw will emerge in front of you. The key here is to keep moving. Staying still makes you an easy target for its acid attacks.

Use Cover: Dodge behind the rocky outcrops scattered around the battlefield to shield yourself from incoming acid.
Circle Around: Try to stay on the move in a circular pattern to make targeting you harder for the maw.

Phase 2: Target Critical Points

The thresher maw's glowing orange underside is its weak point. Whenever it surfaces, aim your shots for maximum damage.

Focus Fire: Have both squadmates concentrate their fire on its vulnerable points.
Power Use: Don’t forget to unleash powers like Warp and Overload to deplete its health faster.

Phase 3: Heavy Weapon Blast

When the thresher maw is nearly defeated, it may try to retreat. Now's the time to unload your heavy weapon.

Collect Weapons: By this stage, you hopefully have ammo for the Particle Beam or Arc Projector. Empty it directly into the thresher maw.

Tips for Success

Save Before the Fight: This should be a no-brainer. Save right before the fight, so if things go south, you can try again without backtracking.
Monitor Health and Shields: As you dodge around, keep an eye on your health and shields. Use Unity to revive fallen squadmates.
Conserve Heavy Ammo: While it’s tempting to go all out, conserve your heavy weapon ammo till the last moment for a finishing blow.

Aftermath

Once the thresher maw goes down, you’ll not only earn the Big Game Hunter achievement but also solidify Grunt's loyalty. This makes him even stronger for future battles.

Also, take a moment to appreciate the spectacular in-game sequence that follows your victory. It’s one of the most satisfying accomplishments in the game!

So there you have it. Follow this guide, bring your A-game, and you’ll have no trouble earning the Big Game Hunter achievement in Mass Effect 2. Good hunting, Commander!