Mass Effect Legendary Edition: Should You Free or Kill the Rachni Queen?
The Mass Effect series is renowned for its player-driven narrative, where every decision has a lasting impact on the game's universe. One such choice in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the fate of the Rachni Queen. Recommended to fans of the sci-fi RPG, this decision will ripple throughout the trilogy, influencing the story and its characters.
Who is the Rachni Queen?
The Rachni Queen, hailing from Noveria, was subjected to experiments by the corporation Binary Helix. Their intention was to clone the Rachni, creating an army under their control. However, after discovering that the Rachni Queen's offspring would become violent and destructive without her presence, Binary Helix's plans quickly unraveled. After defeating Matriarch Benezia, Shepard must decide the fate of the Rachni Queen: free her or terminate her existence.
Freeing the Rachni Queen: A Path of Redemption
Choosing to free the Rachni Queen allows her to escape Noveria, where she expresses gratitude and promises to raise her offspring to behave peacefully. Although you won't encounter her for the remainder of the game, she will reappear in Mass Effect 2 and 3. However, the Council won't approve of your decision, citing the Rachni's violent history. This choice rewards 24 Paragon points and aligns with the game's themes of compassion and understanding.
Killing the Rachni Queen: An Ancient Threat Vanquished
Opting to kill the Rachni Queen results in her demise within Noveria. Her Asari companion attempts to aid her escape, but the attempt is unsuccessful. You won't encounter the Rachni Queen again in the series. The Council will disapprove of Shepard's actions, yet acknowledge that the decision may have been necessary given the Rachni's destructive history. This choice rewards 24 Renegade points and reinforces the game's tough decision mechanics.
The Consequences of Your Choice
The fate of the Rachni Queen has significant consequences that unfold throughout the series. If you spare her life in Mass Effect 1:
The Reapers find and indoctrinate her, forcing her to lay eggs for their army. However, Shepard can rescue her and potentially save the galaxy.
She eventually becomes a valuable ally in Mass Effect 3, providing Shepard with crucial support in the war against the Reapers.
On the other hand, if you choose to eliminate the Rachni Queen:
The Reapers create a fake Rachni Queen, achieving similar objectives as before.
Shepard will miss the opportunity to utilize the Rachni Queen's abilities in the fight against the Reapers.
In conclusion, freeing the Rachni Queen is the recommended choice, as it offers more benefits and opportunities for the player in the long run. Her redemption arc and eventual allegiance to Shepard's cause make her a compelling and powerful ally in the battle against the Reapers.
The Rachni Queen's choices have lasting consequences, illustrating the player-driven narrative that Mass Effect is known for.
Actionable Tips
Before making a decision, consider the following:
Weigh the pros and cons of each choice and consider how they will impact the game's story and characters.
Freeing the Rachni Queen earns 24 Paragon points, while killing her rewards 24 Renegade points.
The choice you make will affect the Rachni Queen's role in the remainder of the series.