Mass Effect 3: Attican Traverse, The Rachni - walkthrough Mass Effect 3 guide, walkthrough

Last update: 11 October 2022

On this page of the Mass Effect 3 game guide you will find a walkthrough of the main quest called Attican Traverse - The Rachni. Our walkthrough explains where the planet Utukku is, where to find the first flamethrower, how to safely destroy the spores, how to kill Ravagers, how to destroy the Reaper blockades, and how to behave during the meeting with The Rachni.

• Reaching the planet Utukku
• Exploring the Scout Camp
• Path through the tunnels and the first battle against Ravager
• Battle in a large cavern
• Getting rid of Reaper barriers
• Meeting with Rachni Queen - an important choice
• Return to Normandy

Reaching the planet Utukku

Received from: Wreav or Wrex [Normandy SR-2: Combat Information Center]

Unlocked by: Received automatically after completing Attican Traverse: Krogan Team.

Open the galaxy map and head to the Ninmah Cluster. After getting there (Maskim Xul system), grab some fuel and fly to the neighbouring system of Mulla Xul. Here you need to fly to the planet of Utukku and land on its surface.

During a cutscene you will meet the leader of the Krogan commando. It might be either Grunt, or Dagg, if the first one died in the previous game. Regardless of you interlocutor, you will learn of the discovery of a Rachni nest. You can begin to explore [Utukku: Scout camp].

Exploring the Scout Camp

Start off by examining the small barrack right beside the landing zone to find some spare parts [1625 credits], the [Pistol High Caliber Barrel] and [M-300 Claymore I]. Afterwards head to the Krogan camp, where you will find a weapon bench, the [SMG High Caliber Barrel] and spare parts [875 credits].

In the end enter the barrack beside which the Krogans are standing (screen above). The whole construction will collapse and you will have to examine the tunnel network without the help of Dagg/Grunt and his squad.

Path through the tunnels and the first battle against Ravager

Head onwards. Examine the corpse of the Krogan and pick up the [M-451 Firestorm]. It's a unique weapon which cannot be added to your inventory. What's more you can't even get ammunition for it, though luckily in the further part of the mission you will come across multiple more, so don't worry about running out of fuel.

Use any weapon you like to destroy the nearby webs. Further on you will come across spores, which you should destroy from a safe distance as they explode upon contact and can deal high damage.

Slowly navigate through the tunnels, destroying the webs and spores. On your way you will find another [M-451 Firestorm], so you don't have to save ammo.

Save your game after reaching a bigger cavern and only afterwards jump onto the lower level. You will have to fight not only Husks, but also a Ravager, a Rachni mutated by the Reapers. It's extremely important to place your whole team behind covers, as the Ravager uses ranged attacks which can deal large damage.

Start off by eliminating the Husks and destroy the barrier generator from a distance. Afterwards head right on your own and follow the unprotected path. That way you will be able to flank or even approach the Ravager from behind. It's of course worth to use the Firestorm against it.

Be careful after it dies, as Swarmers might come out of its body. Keep the mat distance, as direct contact might end rather badly for Shepard.

After the battle, I'd recommend taking a good look around the cavern. To the left of the starting point you will find the [Shotgun Shredder Mod], and nearby the place where the Ravager was, a new [M-451 Firestorm].

Choose the upper path, destroying new spores and webs on your way. After reaching a barricaded passage, get rid of the webs on the right. Explore the new area, picking up another [M-451 Firestorm]. Afterwards use a weapon or power of choice to destroy the Reaper node [400 EXP].

You can renew the exploration of the tunnels and soon a short and unimportant cutscene will start. Whether you choose the lower or upper path doesn't matter really.

I'd suggest destroying the webs you come across on your way, as it will let you find the Reaper tech [3750 credits], a corpse of a Krogan scout which can be searched and another [M-451 Firestorm]. Expect trouble after reaching the next big cavern, in which you will have to jump onto the lower level (screen above). It would be good to save your game here.

Battle in a large cavern

Right after jumping onto the lower level you should place your team behind covers, as there's another Ravager in the area. Also note that apart from Husks, Cannibals will participate in this fight as well, so look out for ranged attacks. Just like before, try to flank the Ravager and at the same time look out for the Swarmers that will appear on the battlefield from the very start.

Eliminating the first group of enemies won't do the job however, as the further part of the cavern is occupied by monsters as well. Remember about using covers, focusing your efforts on destroying the barrier and killing the second Ravager. Flanking him isn't possible, so try to attack him from a distance or run to the rocks beside the Ravager.

You can now explore the cavern to find the [Shotgun Spare Ammo]. Head onwards and be careful, as from now on Swarmers will come out of most spores you destroy. It's of course still worth to keep your eyes open, as you can find Reaper tech [3125 credits], another [M-451 Firestorm] and the [Ariake Technologies Shoulder Guard].

Eventually you will see Krogans fighting in the distance and despite what it might look like, you don't need to rush to help them. Continue onwards through the tunnels until you reach a room with a node.

Start off by looking for a [M-451 Firestorm], Med Kit [50 EXP] and [Pistol Piercing Mod] and only afterwards destroy the Reaper node [600 EXP]. It will initiate a short cutscene.

Getting rid of Reaper barriers

Use the only possible passage and you will find Reaper tech on your way [3125 credits]. Use the narrow passage and you will reach the Reaper nest.

Unfortunately you can't end the mission just yet, as there are still Reaper barriers blocking your way. Start off by destroying the Reaper node directly above you (screen above), though saving your game early on would also be a good idea.

One of the barriers will be lowered and you have to act quick, as enemy forces will attack almost instantly. Don't forget about using covers, as apart from Swarmers, Husks and Cannibals, two Ravagers will take part in this battle as well.

Luckily you will be able to approach both of them rather easily and eliminate them using the Firestorm or other weapon effective at short range. Just remember not to rush and check the enemies' location each time before leaning out of the cover. Also don't risk the life of your team members and use them mainly as distraction. After the battle, save you game, pick up the [M-451 Firestorm] and destroy the next Reaper node.

Don't rush it back to the starting point, as new monsters will appear in the meantime. Once again you will most of all have to look out for two Ravagers, trying to flank them if possible. Be careful while moving between covers as well, so that you don't become an easy target.

Save your game after eliminating the enemies and head to the recently unlocked are on the right. Fight off more monsters, remembering about the possibility to use the side paths. It will let you flank the Ravagers, though at the same time you should also look out for the other monster types and don't let any surprise you. Also don't forget about destroying the generator fast, as it will make winning the battle much easier.

Traditionally look around for a new [M-451 Firestorm] and destroy the Reapers node. Now you're in for the last battle, including monsters from around the starting point. I don't think I have to remind you that placing your party members behind covers and focusing on killing the Ravagers is essential. You need to keep fighting until you eliminate all the monsters [1000 EXP], which will automatically start a cutscene with the Breeder.

Meeting with Rachni Queen - an important choice

The course of the conversation might surprise you a bit, as you will learn that the Rachni queen wants to breed new children and use them to defeat the Reapers. In the end you will be able to make a choice - you can either refuse to cooperate and leave her imprisoned (upper right dialogue option), or free her (lower right option).

If you've been working with Dagg up until now, then the choice described above has no impact on further events, as he will sacrifice his life while running from the nest in both cases. If, on the other hand, you were accompanied by Grunt, he can survive, but only if you maintained a good relationship with him in Mass Effect 2 and completed his loyalty mission.

Return to Normandy

You will eventually be transported on board the Normandy. If you have left the Breeder in the nest he will be satisfied, as if you've set her free he will be furious, though you don't have to worry about any aggression.

Prizes for completing the mission:

1. [12500 credits]
2. War asset [Aralakh company]