Mass Effect: The Definitive Guide to Saving Wrex on Virmire
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The fate of Urdnot Wrex, the battle-hardened Krogan warrior, hangs in the balance on the planet Virmire in the original Mass Effect. His survival significantly impacts the rest of the trilogy. So, how exactly do you stop Wrex from dying and ensure his continued presence in your fight against the Reapers?
The answer is straightforward: successfully pass a Charm or Intimidate check during the confrontation on Virmire. If you have enough points in either the Charm or Intimidate skill, you can use the corresponding dialogue option during the argument with Wrex to convince him to stand down. Selecting any other option, including attempting to reason with him without the requisite skill points, leads to his tragic demise.
The Virmire Standoff: A Step-by-Step Guide
The confrontation occurs after Shepard decides to prioritize saving either the Salarian team or rescuing Ashley/Kaidan (depending on who you sent with the Salarians). Upon returning to the Normandy, a heated argument ensues between Shepard and Wrex regarding Saren’s plan to cure the Genophage using the research facility on Virmire.
Here’s how to navigate the scene successfully:
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Engage in Conversation: Listen to Wrex’s grievances. He believes Saren is offering a cure for the Genophage and that destroying the facility would rob his people of that hope.
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The Dialogue Choice: This is the critical moment. If your Charm or Intimidate skills are high enough (requiring at least 8 points in the original Mass Effect), you’ll see blue (Charm) or red (Intimidate) dialogue options. These options will read something like:
- Charm: “These aren’t your people!” (This convinces Wrex that Saren is manipulating him and that his people are not truly benefiting from the facility’s existence.)
- Intimidate: “Don’t be so naive!” (This choice makes Wrex question his own judgment and acknowledge the danger of trusting Saren.)
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Choose Wisely: Selecting either of these options will successfully persuade Wrex to stand down, earning you Paragon or Renegade points accordingly.
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The Alternative – Failure to Persuade: If you lack the necessary Charm or Intimidate points and choose a neutral dialogue option, Wrex will remain unconvinced and hostile. This forces Shepard to make a heartbreaking decision.
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The Aftermath: If you fail to persuade Wrex, Ashley (or Kaidan, depending on who is present) will shoot him to protect Shepard. This has significant ramifications throughout the trilogy, as Wrex is replaced by his brother, Wreav.
The Importance of Saving Wrex
Saving Wrex is highly recommended, especially for players aiming for a Paragon or neutral playthrough. Wrex provides significant benefits throughout the trilogy, including:
- Leadership: Wrex’s leadership qualities are invaluable in uniting the Krogan clans and securing their support in the fight against the Reapers.
- Wartime Assets: He provides considerably more War Assets in Mass Effect 3 compared to Wreav.
- Moral Compass: Wrex acts as a counterbalance to some of Shepard’s more pragmatic decisions, offering a Krogan perspective that often challenges the status quo.
- Genophage Cure: His presence greatly influences the storyline surrounding the Genophage cure, and having him alive allows for a more nuanced and ultimately beneficial resolution.
While a Renegade playthrough might justify killing Wrex for strategic advantages, most players consider his survival crucial for the long-term success of the Milky Way galaxy. The story beats are richer and the overall narrative more compelling with Wrex alive. This choice is also highly discussed within the Games Learning Society, where the ethical implications of in-game decisions are analyzed extensively. You can find more information on the relationship between games and ethics on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about saving Wrex in Mass Effect:
1. How many Charm/Intimidate points do I need to save Wrex?
In the original Mass Effect, you need at least 8 Charm or Intimidate points to successfully persuade Wrex. This requirement may vary slightly depending on your game difficulty settings.
2. What happens if I don’t have enough Charm/Intimidate points?
If you lack the necessary points, Wrex will remain hostile and Ashley (or Kaidan) will shoot him to protect Shepard.
3. Is it better to save Wrex or kill him?
Saving Wrex is generally considered better due to his positive influence on the Krogan clans, the increased War Assets he provides in Mass Effect 3, and the impact he has on the Genophage storyline.
4. Who replaces Wrex if he dies?
If Wrex dies on Virmire, he is replaced by his brother, Wreav.
5. How does Wreav differ from Wrex?
Wreav is more traditional and less concerned with the long-term well-being of the Krogan race than Wrex. He is primarily focused on his own clan’s power and influence.
6. Does saving or killing Wrex affect the Genophage cure?
Yes, the decision significantly affects the Genophage cure storyline. Wrex’s presence makes a cure more likely and ensures the Krogan are more cooperative in the war against the Reapers.
7. Can I romance Wrex in Mass Effect?
No, Wrex is not a romance option in any of the Mass Effect games.
8. Why does Ashley shoot Wrex?
Ashley shoots Wrex because she perceives him as a threat to Shepard. She acts as an Alliance officer protecting her superior officer.
9. What are the long-term consequences of Wrex’s death?
Wrex’s death leads to a more chaotic and unpredictable Krogan presence in the galaxy. Wreav’s leadership often results in negative outcomes.
10. Does saving Wrex impact Mordin Solus’ fate?
Indirectly, yes. Saving Wrex can lead to a scenario in Mass Effect 3 where you must choose between supporting the Krogan (and potentially saving Mordin) or siding with the Salarians.
11. Can I save both Wrex and Mordin?
It is exceptionally difficult to save both Wrex and Mordin. To save Mordin, Wrex must be dead, and Eve (a Krogan female who can stabilize the Krogan population) must also be dead. Further, the Genophage must remain uncured.
12. How does saving Wrex affect my Paragon/Renegade score?
Saving Wrex through Charm earns you Paragon points, while saving him through Intimidate earns you Renegade points.
13. Is it possible to talk Wrex down without Charm or Intimidate?
No, you absolutely need either sufficient Charm or Intimidate points to successfully persuade Wrex to stand down. Attempting any other dialogue path will result in his death.
14. Does my class affect my ability to save Wrex?
While any class can develop Charm or Intimidate, some classes (such as the Soldier) may have more difficulty allocating skill points to these abilities due to their focus on combat skills.
15. If I’m playing as a Renegade, should I still save Wrex?
Even as a Renegade, saving Wrex can be strategically beneficial. He can be a valuable asset despite your differing ideologies. However, the decision ultimately depends on your desired narrative outcome.
Saving Wrex on Virmire is more than just keeping a character alive; it’s about shaping the future of the Krogan and the galaxy. Choose wisely!