Securing Jacob Taylor’s Loyalty in Mass Effect 2: A Comprehensive Guide
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Gaining the loyalty of your squadmates is crucial for surviving the Suicide Mission in Mass Effect 2. One of the first loyalty missions you’ll likely encounter is Jacob Taylor’s. To secure his loyalty, you must first unlock his mission by progressing through the main storyline and engaging in regular conversations with him. Specifically, after completing the Horizon Mission, speak to Kelly Chambers, and she will inform you that Jacob wishes to speak with you. Accept this request to trigger his loyalty mission, “Jacob: The Gift of Greatness.” Successfully completing this mission will guarantee Jacob’s loyalty.
Understanding Jacob’s Loyalty Mission
Jacob’s loyalty mission delves into his past and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of his father, Elias Taylor, who was part of a survey team that crash-landed on a remote planet. The mission tasks you with investigating the crash site and uncovering the truth about what happened to the crew.
Unlocking the Mission
The key to unlocking Jacob’s loyalty mission lies in your interactions with him and the progression of the main storyline. Regularly talking to Jacob after each main mission will build rapport and eventually lead to Kelly Chambers informing you of his request. The trigger point is usually after completing the Horizon Mission.
The Gift of Greatness: Mission Walkthrough
Once the mission is unlocked, travel to the planet Aeolus in the Alpha Centauri system. Here’s a breakdown of the mission’s key steps:
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Landing Site and Initial Investigation: Upon landing, you’ll encounter feral humans exhibiting unusual behavior. Proceed through the area, engaging the enemies and gathering clues.
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Discovering the Truth: As you progress, you’ll uncover evidence suggesting that the original crew members have devolved into a primitive state, driven by some unknown factor.
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Meeting Dr. Cole: You’ll encounter a survivor, Dr. Cole, who reveals the truth about the crew’s condition. He explains that Jacob’s father, Elias Taylor, used his influence and charisma to manipulate the other survivors and establish himself as their leader. He then used them sexually. The pheromones from plants on the planet caused the others to follow him blindly.
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Confronting Elias Taylor: You will eventually find Elias Taylor, who admits to his actions. You’ll then have to make a crucial decision: arrest him or leave him to face the feral men.
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Making the Choice: Regardless of your choice, Elias Taylor will ultimately commit suicide. If you attempt to arrest him, he requests a gun with a single shot, ostensibly to defend himself against the feral men, but in reality, to end his life. If you leave him, he’ll still use the gun to the same effect.
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Completing the Mission: After Elias Taylor’s suicide, the mission is complete. Jacob’s loyalty is earned.
Key Considerations and Choices
While you can’t technically fail the mission itself (Elias Taylor’s death is a fixed outcome), your choices during and after the mission can have repercussions, particularly concerning other characters’ loyalties.
Dealing with the Miranda vs. Jack Conflict
A potential issue arises after completing Jacob’s loyalty mission (and others). Depending on the order you complete loyalty missions, you may have to deal with a conflict between Miranda and Jack. Choosing sides can result in losing the loyalty of the other character. The only way to avoid this is to pass a high-level Paragon or Renegade check.
Maintaining Loyalty
After completing the loyalty mission, be mindful of your actions and dialogue choices, as certain decisions can still impact Jacob’s loyalty or the loyalty of other squad members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does Jacob’s loyalty mission become available?
Jacob’s loyalty mission unlocks after you complete the Horizon Mission and have spoken to Jacob regularly between missions. Kelly Chambers will eventually alert you that Jacob wants to speak with you.
2. Can you fail Jacob’s loyalty mission itself?
No, you cannot technically fail Jacob’s loyalty mission. Regardless of your choices, the mission will conclude with Elias Taylor’s death. However, your actions during and after the mission can affect the loyalty of other squad members.
3. What happens if I don’t do Jacob’s loyalty mission?
If you don’t complete Jacob’s loyalty mission, he will not be loyal. This decreases the chances of his survival during the Suicide Mission at the end of the game, it also decreases your chances of successfuly making it through.
4. What is the best squad to take on Jacob’s loyalty mission?
Given the prevalence of shielded enemies and mechs on Aeolus, consider bringing squadmates with abilities effective against these types of threats. Tali, Garrus, or Miranda are excellent choices. You have to take Jacob with you.
5. What are the Paragon/Renegade choices in Jacob’s loyalty mission?
The main Paragon/Renegade choice revolves around whether to arrest Elias Taylor or leave him to face the feral men. Arresting him leans towards Paragon, while leaving him is more Renegade. However, regardless of your choice, Elias Taylor will commit suicide, and Jacob’s loyalty remains unaffected.
6. How does Jacob react to his father’s actions?
Jacob is deeply affected by the revelation of his father’s manipulative behavior. He struggles to reconcile his image of his father with the truth he uncovers on Aeolus.
7. Can I romance Jacob?
Yes, as a female Shepard, you can romance Jacob after completing his loyalty mission. This will be initiated through conversation.
8. What are the consequences of losing Jacob’s loyalty?
Losing Jacob’s loyalty significantly decreases his chances of surviving the Suicide Mission. It may also impact your ability to achieve the “No One Left Behind” achievement.
9. Can Jacob die during his loyalty mission?
No, Jacob cannot die during his own loyalty mission. He is an essential character for completing the mission.
10. What is the significance of the feral men on Aeolus?
The feral men are the descendants of the original crew members, who have been driven to a primitive state due to the influence of Elias Taylor and the pheromones produced by plants on the planet.
11. How does Dr. Cole factor into the mission?
Dr. Cole is a crucial source of information. He reveals the truth about Elias Taylor’s actions and the conditions on the planet.
12. What happens if I choose to side with Miranda over Jack after Jacob’s loyalty mission?
Choosing to side with Miranda over Jack will result in Jack losing her loyalty, unless you can pass a high-level Paragon or Renegade check to smooth things over.
13. Are there any achievements/trophies tied to Jacob’s loyalty mission?
There are no specific achievements or trophies directly tied to Jacob’s loyalty mission itself. However, securing his loyalty is essential for achieving the “No One Left Behind” achievement, which requires all squadmates to survive the Suicide Mission.
14. How does Jacob’s loyalty affect the ending of Mass Effect 2?
A loyal Jacob significantly increases your chances of a positive outcome in the Suicide Mission, ensuring his survival and contributing to the overall survival rate of your squad.
15. Where can I learn more about the design of games and the importance of loyalty in games like Mass Effect?
You can explore resources from organizations dedicated to the study of game design and learning, such as the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to find research, articles, and community discussions about game design, game-based learning, and the impact of game mechanics on player behavior. GamesLearningSociety.org highlights how elements like loyalty systems influence player engagement and decision-making.
Securing Jacob’s loyalty in Mass Effect 2 is a crucial step in preparing for the challenges ahead. By understanding the mission’s objectives, making informed choices, and maintaining squad cohesion, you can ensure Jacob’s survival and increase your chances of a successful outcome in the Suicide Mission.