Bring Down the Sky: Level Recommendations and Essential Tips
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The burning question on every Commander Shepard’s mind when tackling the Bring Down the Sky (BDtS) DLC for Mass Effect is: What level should I be? The short answer is: Aim for around Level 25-30. This is the sweet spot for a challenging but manageable experience, provided you’re playing the original release. However, the Legendary Edition changes the game, mostly due to the Mako handling, so read on for the full picture.
The optimal level isn’t just about survivability; it significantly impacts the quality of loot you’ll acquire. Waiting until later levels, especially closer to Level 50, maximizes your chances of snagging the exceptionally valuable Colossus X armor and other top-tier gear. Let’s dive deeper into the best approach for this thrilling DLC!
Understanding the Level Scaling in Bring Down the Sky
Original vs. Legendary Edition
In the original Mass Effect, your level determined enemy difficulty and loot drops. BDtS scaled to your current level, but going in too early could lead to frustrating battles. Level 25-30 was a good balance, providing a fair fight without requiring excessive grinding. The Legendary Edition adjusts the combat, particularly with the Mako. Enemy accuracy has been tuned, but you can still get swarmed. In this version, level is less about enemy difficulty and more about loot.
Loot and Level Correlation
The later you tackle BDtS, the better your rewards. The quest rewards are determined when the area is loaded. Waiting until you’re at a high level, preferably closer to Level 50, drastically increases your odds of obtaining Colossus X armor.
Choosing Your Squad
The article snippet mentions that for organic opponents, Garrus and Wrex are excellent choices due to their heavy-hitting abilities. Wrex in particular is excellent in the confined quarters that much of this DLC takes place in. Ashley and Wrex is a less favorable combination unless Shepard has Hard Decryption skills.
Strategies for Bring Down the Sky
When to Start the DLC
While technically you can start BDtS at any point after gaining access to the Galaxy Map, waiting until right before or immediately after Virmire is generally recommended. By this point, you’ll be significantly more powerful, making the fights less punishing.
Locating the Asteroid X57
The asteroid X57 will appear on the Galaxy Map in the Asgard system of the Exodus cluster. The system is only available after downloading the “Bring Down the Sky” DLC. Selecting the asteroid will initiate the mission, and upon landing, the DLC’s storyline will commence.
The Moral Dilemma: Balak’s Fate
A significant choice in BDtS is whether to let Balak live or die. Letting him live guarantees the survival of the hostages, including Kate Bowman, but allows Balak to escape and continue his anti-human vendetta. Sparing Balak leads to consequences in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, adding depth to your decisions.
Bring Down the Sky: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about tackling Bring Down the Sky, designed to enhance your understanding and strategic approach.
1. How do I start the Bring Down the Sky DLC?
Go to the Galaxy Map and find the Asgard system within the Exodus cluster. This area only becomes visible after the “Bring Down the Sky” DLC is installed. Select the asteroid marked X57 to land and begin the mission.
2. What happens if I let Balak go?
If you spare Balak, he escapes and resurfaces later in the series. In Mass Effect 2, he plays a minor role, and in Mass Effect 3, he aids the remnants of the batarian fleet. Importantly, he continues his anti-human actions.
3. What level should I be for the Legendary Edition of Bring Down the Sky?
The same logic applies. Level 25-30 is acceptable for the challenge, but waiting until later (closer to 50) is preferable for better loot, like the Colossus X armor.
4. Can I do Bring Down the Sky after Ilos?
No. BDtS must be completed before you land on Ilos. Once you complete the main storyline, you’ll revert to the main menu and need to load a previous save to access BDtS.
5. Is Pinnacle Station included in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
No. Due to code corruption, Pinnacle Station was not included in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Only Bring Down the Sky made the cut.
6. Who should I take to Bring Down the Sky?
Garrus and Wrex are strong choices because they have heavy-hitting abilities that are especially helpful against organic enemies. In the original Mass Effect, their armor was less significant and your defensive powers were less critical than pure damage output. In the Legendary Edition, the Mako handling has been improved, and you may want more diverse skills to help with more tactical play.
7. What armor does Simon Keyes give you as a reward?
Simon offers various armor options as a reward: Light, Medium, or Heavy Human Colossus armor. He also provides a rare set of Quarian armor or the Savant Omni-Tool if you use your Charm or Intimidate skills effectively.
8. Where can I find the Body of C. Hymes?
The body of C. Hymes is located inside Survey Station 1. You can easily drive up to it from the first Fusion Torch. The station contains an Aid Station, the Body of C. Hymes, and Station Logs explaining her fate.
9. Why should I wait to do Bring Down the Sky?
Waiting until you are a higher level (e.g., after Virmire or near Level 50) increases the value of the loot you obtain. The higher your level, the better the gear you’ll find as rewards.
10. What is the Asteroid X57?
Asteroid X57 is a massive asteroid in the Asgard system of the Exodus cluster, approximately 22 kilometers long. Allowing it to strike Terra Nova would result in cataclysmic upheaval, making the planet uninhabitable for potentially millions of years.
11. What are the consequences of letting Balak escape to the Citadel?
If Balak escapes, he later aids the remnants of the batarian fleet during the Reaper invasion by hacking Council transmissions. He remains committed to his anti-human vendetta.
12. What are some consequences of choices made throughout the Mass Effect trilogy?
Choices made throughout the Mass Effect trilogy impact the Total Military Strength in Mass Effect 3. Achieving a high TMS (7800 or higher) is essential for the “Perfect Ending,” where Shepard survives. This system counts all War Assets obtained based on choices made throughout all three games. Playing the games using the skills you learn at sites like GamesLearningSociety.org, such as negotiation skills and moral decision making, can dramatically alter the plot of the game and unlock all the possible endings.
13. What should I consider when deciding between saving Ashley or Kaidan?
Your choice between saving Ashley or Kaidan depends on your Shepard’s class and your preferred playstyle. Ashley is a soldier specializing in assault weapons and soldier powers, while Kaidan is a biotic who offers biotic abilities.
14. Can Tali wear human armor?
No, Tali can only wear Quarian armor. Her unique physiology necessitates specialized protective gear.
15. Where can I buy Colossus armor?
Colossus armor can be found at merchants on the Citadel. The C-Sec Requisition Officer often has human Colossus armors, while Morlan in the Lower Markets tends to have non-human Colossus armors. Save before speaking to a merchant, and reload if their inventory doesn’t have what you need.
By understanding the level scaling, loot system, and moral choices within Bring Down the Sky, you can ensure a rewarding and impactful experience within the Mass Effect universe. Prepare your squad, choose your path wisely, and brace yourself for an unforgettable mission!