What Happens in Mass Effect 3 if Legion Dies?
In Mass Effect 3, the fate of Legion, the geth platform that carries a collective of geth programs, has profound implications for the overarching narrative and especially for the crucial conflict between the geth and the quarians. If Legion dies before the events of Mass Effect 3 due to choices made in Mass Effect 2, or if you start a new game without importing a Mass Effect 2 save, his role is filled by a Geth VI (Virtual Intelligence). This substitution fundamentally alters the possibility of achieving peace between the geth and quarians. With Legion absent, the player is forced to choose between the two species. Saving the geth leads to Tali’s suicide, a tragic consequence of losing the potential for understanding and reconciliation that Legion embodies.
The Geth VI is essentially a placeholder, mimicking Legion’s appearance but lacking the unique perspective, accumulated experiences, and nascent individuality that made Legion such a critical figure. The Geth VI cannot facilitate the nuanced dialogue needed to bridge the gap between the creators and their creation. The character will have a different dialogue as well that will further hinder your chances of obtaining peace. Without Legion’s presence, a peaceful resolution to the geth-quarian conflict becomes impossible, leading to a devastating choice that will have long-lasting consequences for the galaxy.
The Significance of Legion in Mass Effect 3
Legion, like Tali, is a pivotal character in the narrative arc concerning the geth and quarians. His journey from a seemingly emotionless machine to a being capable of independent thought and even sacrifice is crucial for persuading both sides to reconsider their deeply ingrained prejudices. Without Legion to act as a bridge, old wounds remain unhealed, and the conflict escalates to a point of no return.
The Role of a Geth VI
The Geth VI serves as a mechanical replacement that fulfills a gameplay function. The character resembles Legion, featuring similar visual cues, such as the N7 armor fragment and the damage to its platform. However, it lacks the personality and influence Legion possesses. This substitution means the player misses out on key dialogue, critical insights into the geth collective, and the opportunity to shape the narrative toward a peaceful resolution.
The Impossible Peace
The absence of Legion means the player can no longer achieve the best possible outcome: peace between the geth and quarians. Instead, the player is faced with a binary choice: side with the geth, which results in the deaths of countless quarians, including Tali, or side with the quarians, which results in the complete destruction of the geth. This stark choice underscores the importance of Legion’s role as a mediator and highlights the tragic consequences of his absence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Legion survive Mass Effect 3?
Yes, Legion can survive the events leading up to the final mission in Mass Effect 3. However, even with the proper choices made and a high enough reputation score, Legion inevitably sacrifices himself to upload the Reaper code to the geth collective, granting them true individuality. This sacrifice is a poignant culmination of his character arc.
2. Why does Legion die in Mass Effect 3?
Legion dies to give the geth the potential for true sapience and individuality. By uploading the Reaper code, he essentially elevates the entire geth collective to a level of consciousness akin to his own. It is a final act of service to his people and a necessary step for achieving true peace (albeit temporary) between the geth and quarians.
3. What are the consequences of letting Legion upload the code?
If Legion uploads the Reaper code, the geth gain true intelligence, and if you’ve managed to foster enough goodwill between the geth and quarians (by meeting certain prerequisites, such as resolving Tali’s loyalty mission fairly in Mass Effect 2), you can broker peace. However, Legion will die in the process.
4. What happens if Tali dies in Mass Effect 2?
If Tali does not survive the events of Mass Effect 2, her role in Mass Effect 3 is replaced by Admiral Shala’Raan vas Tonbay. While Shala’Raan is a competent admiral, she lacks the personal connection and emotional weight that Tali brings to the conflict, further complicating the possibility of achieving peace.
5. How many war assets do I need to save both the geth and quarians?
To achieve peace between the geth and quarians and save both Tali and Legion (until his sacrifice), you need a high reputation score and must have made specific choices in both Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. The game checks for certain flags representing previous decisions and accumulated reputation points. While the exact numbers vary depending on the version of the game (original or Legendary Edition), aiming for maximum Paragon/Renegade points during key moments is crucial. To achieve the Perfect Ending in Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition, you would need 7800 Total Military Strength or higher.
6. What happens if I don’t have enough Paragon/Renegade points?
If you don’t have enough Paragon/Renegade points to make the crucial dialogue choice during the confrontation between the geth and quarians, you will be forced to choose between them. This results in either the destruction of the geth or Tali’s suicide.
7. Can you romance Tali if she gets exiled in Mass Effect 2?
You must ensure Tali is loyal to you by NOT presenting the evidence against her father to the Admiralty Board. You can pick an option that results in her being exiled and still have her available, but if you presented the evidence, a Romance with her will NOT be possible.
8. What are Legion’s last words?
Legion’s last words are to Tali, thanking her for understanding, saying “Keelah se’lai” before deactivating.
9. What happens if I sell Legion to Cerberus in Mass Effect 2?
If Legion is sold to Cerberus in Mass Effect 2, you will face him in battle during Mass Effect 3. If he dies in this encounter, his role will be replaced by a Geth VI, preventing any chance of achieving peace between the geth and quarians.
10. What is the “perfect ending” in Mass Effect 3?
The “perfect ending” in Mass Effect 3 typically refers to an outcome where Shepard survives, and the galaxy is left in the best possible state. This often involves choosing the Destroy ending with a high enough Effective Military Strength (EMS) to ensure Shepard’s survival, as well as having brokered peace between the geth and quarians.
11. Is the Destroy ending the only “good” ending?
The perception of the “best” ending in Mass Effect 3 is subjective and widely debated among fans. While the Destroy ending is often considered the most satisfying by those who prioritize the destruction of the Reapers, it comes with its own set of ethical and practical considerations. Other endings, such as Control and Synthesis, offer alternative visions for the future of the galaxy, each with its own merits and drawbacks.
12. How does Mass Effect 3 address the criticisms of its original ending?
BioWare released the Extended Cut DLC to address criticisms of the original Mass Effect 3 ending. This DLC added more context, clarification, and closure to the ending sequences, providing players with a greater sense of the consequences of their choices.
13. What is Tali’s age in Mass Effect 1?
Tali’Zorah nar Rayya is 22 in Mass Effect 1, born in 2161.
14. What does Tali look like under her mask?
If you speak to her on the Normandy after the Rannoch mission, she will tell you that she left something for you in your cabin. If you then go to your cabin, you will find a picture of her without her mask next to your bed. Tali still has a human-looking face (except for the all white eyes).
15. Does Mass Effect 3 have a bad ending?
Criticisms included the ending rendering character choices inconsequential, a general lack of closure, plot holes, and narrative inconsistency. An example of fan criticism directed at the perceived futility of choice between the original endings of Mass Effect 3. The Extended Cut DLC tried to address these issues.
The consequences of Legion’s death in Mass Effect 3 are far-reaching, impacting the fate of entire species and shaping the player’s ultimate decisions. His presence is a catalyst for understanding and reconciliation, and his absence underscores the tragic potential for conflict and loss in a galaxy teetering on the brink of destruction. For further learning on video games, their impact and the process behind making them, visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.