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What Triggers the Citadel DLC in Mass Effect 3? A Comprehensive Guide

The Citadel DLC is a beloved and arguably essential piece of Mass Effect 3, offering a lighthearted and character-driven epilogue to the main story. But when exactly can you access this fantastic addition?

The Citadel DLC becomes available after completing the main questline ‘Priority: Citadel II’, which involves thwarting the Cerberus coup attempt on the Citadel. Once this mission is finished and you’ve spoken with Anderson or Hackett back on the Normandy, Admiral Hackett will send you an email inviting you to Anderson’s apartment on the Citadel. This email is your signal – the Citadel DLC is now active and ready to be explored.

Delving Deeper: Timing and Considerations

While ‘Priority: Citadel II’ unlocks the DLC, many players wonder about the optimal time to experience it. There are a few factors to consider:

Story Impact: The Citadel DLC is designed as a farewell to the crew. Playing it before the final mission, ‘Priority: Earth’ provides the most emotional resonance and feels like a proper send-off.
Character Availability: Certain characters must be recruited or have survived previous missions to participate fully in the DLC. For example, characters like Grunt, Zaeed, Kasumi, and Javik need to be alive and present on the Normandy to interact with them.
Gameplay Mechanics: The Citadel DLC offers several unique gameplay elements, including the Armax Arsenal Arena and the Casino. These can provide valuable experience points, credits, and even equipment that can be helpful in the main game.

In essence, while you can technically start the Citadel DLC immediately after ‘Priority: Citadel II’, many players recommend holding off until just before launching ‘Priority: Earth’. This ensures all available characters can participate, and the story has maximum emotional impact.

Starting the Citadel Adventure

Once you’ve received Hackett’s email and feel the time is right, simply head to the Citadel Docks: Holding Area and interact with the Private Shuttle. This will initiate the DLC’s storyline, beginning with your arrival at Anderson’s apartment. From there, the adventure unfolds, filled with intrigue, humor, and heartwarming moments with your crew.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play the Citadel DLC before finishing the main story?

Yes, you can. It unlocks after completing the main quest ‘Priority: Citadel II’. However, most players prefer to save it for near the end of the game for maximum emotional impact.

2. Will all my squadmates be present in the Citadel DLC?

Not necessarily. It depends on which squadmates you recruited and which survived previous missions. Certain squadmates, like Grunt, Zaeed, Kasumi, and Javik, need to be alive and on the Normandy to participate. Squadmates like Thane (if he dies in ‘Priority: Citadel II’) will obviously not be available.

3. What happens if I start the Citadel DLC and then continue the main story?

You can freely switch between the Citadel DLC and the main story missions. Once you’ve unlocked the Citadel content, you can return to it at any time using the Private Shuttle from the Citadel Docks.

4. Is the Citadel DLC worth playing?

Absolutely! The Citadel DLC is widely considered one of the best pieces of DLC ever made for the Mass Effect series. It offers a unique blend of humor, character development, and action, providing a fitting send-off to the crew.

5. Does the Citadel DLC affect the ending of Mass Effect 3?

While it doesn’t directly change the ending choices, the Citadel DLC significantly impacts the emotional weight of the ending. The enhanced relationships and shared experiences make the final mission far more impactful. Furthermore, completing the various activities within the DLC contributes to your Galactic Readiness score, which influences the outcome of the main story.

6. Do I need to have played the previous Mass Effect games to enjoy the Citadel DLC?

While not strictly required, having played the previous Mass Effect games will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the Citadel DLC. The DLC relies heavily on established character relationships and recurring jokes that are more meaningful if you’ve experienced them throughout the trilogy.

7. How long does it take to complete the Citadel DLC?

The main story of the Citadel DLC takes approximately 3-5 hours to complete. However, fully exploring all the content, including the Armax Arsenal Arena and the various side activities, can easily add several more hours to your playtime.

8. What is the Armax Arsenal Arena?

The Armax Arsenal Arena is a combat simulator within the Citadel DLC where you can test your skills and earn rewards by completing various challenges. You can customize your squad, choose your enemies, and adjust the difficulty to create your own combat scenarios.

9. Can I use different squadmates in the Armax Arsenal Arena?

Yes, you can use any of your available squadmates in the Armax Arsenal Arena. This allows you to experiment with different team compositions and strategies.

10. What kind of rewards can I earn in the Armax Arsenal Arena?

The Armax Arsenal Arena offers a variety of rewards, including experience points, credits, and even unique weapon mods. These rewards can be helpful in the main game.

11. Is the Casino in the Citadel DLC worth visiting?

The Casino offers a fun diversion from the main story and allows you to earn credits by playing various games of chance. While you can’t get rich quickly, it’s a good way to pass the time and potentially earn some extra cash.

12. Are there any missable items or events in the Citadel DLC?

Yes, there are a few missable items and events in the Citadel DLC. Pay attention to your surroundings and talk to all your crewmates to ensure you don’t miss anything.

13. Can I replay the Citadel DLC after completing it?

Unfortunately, the Citadel DLC cannot be replayed separately without starting a new playthrough of Mass Effect 3. So make sure you experience everything you want to before moving on.

14. Does the Citadel DLC add any new weapons or armor to the game?

Yes, the Citadel DLC adds several new weapons, armor, and mods that can be obtained through completing missions, exploring the map, or purchasing them from vendors.

15. Is it possible to fail any missions in the Citadel DLC?

While you can die during combat, there are no missions in the Citadel DLC that can be permanently failed. You can always reload a previous save and try again.

In conclusion, the Citadel DLC is triggered after ‘Priority: Citadel II’, but its optimal timing is just before ‘Priority: Earth’. It’s a fantastic addition to Mass Effect 3, offering a memorable and emotional farewell to your beloved crew. Make sure you don’t miss out on this essential piece of the Mass Effect experience!

What triggers the Citadel DLC?