Mass Effect 3: Priority, Earth - walkthrough Mass Effect 3 guide, walkthrough

Last update: 11 October 2022

On this page of the Mass Effect 3 game guide you will find the walkthrough of the main quest Priority - Earth. Our guide tells you how to import your character from Mass Effect 2, how to survive all the battles from the prologue, and what behavior options are available when you meet James.

• New character or imported character
• Prologue - Reaper Attack
• Meeting with James - Paragon or Renegade special option

New character or imported character

Received from: none [Earth: Vancouver]

Unlocked by: Received automatically after beginning the game.

Before beginning the game, you will have to create a hero or import one from z Mass Effect 2. The most "puzzling" step is the window in which you choose the style of gameplay (screen above). It's in fact just a choice of the difficulty level and you should know that the decision isn't final, as you can change it anytime in the menu. If you're creating a new character, I'd also recommend analysing the Virmine Survivor step, as it determines who will accompany you: either Kaidan Alenko (Ashley died) or Ashley Williams (Kaidan died).

The game will begin with a series of cutscenes, the only thing worth mentioning is the possibility to choose an answer twice. Generally the rules are the same as in previous Mass Effect games, that is choosing the upper dialogue options will normally cause you to gain paragon points, while the lower renegade points. Regardless of the choices, you will also gain reputation points, helpful in unlocking special dialogue options (in some conversations).

Prologue - Reaper Attack

The gameplay itself will begin soon after the Reapers attack the building in which the Council meeting was taking place. Wait for Anderson to give you a pistol [M-3 Predator I] and follow him, learning the basic controls while you're at it (running, basic jumps, using ladders, hiding behind covers and from behind them). You will soon have the chance to test your pistol on the Husks climbing up the wall, though nothing will happen if you won't make it in time with killing all of them.

Soon you will reach an area where more Husks are trying to reach a barricaded room. You will be able to hoot only one of them, as the other ones will require melee attacks (F). Look out for the additional Husk that will jump over the balustrade. After the explosion, enter the destroyed room and look around for a Med Kit [100 EXP]. Afterwards approach the locked door and hold down F to perform a strong attack on another Husk.

Interact with the partially opened door, which will lead to a few cutscene (new chances to choose how to act). After you regain control, head onwards and pick up ammo (Heat Sinks) on your way. Follow the only possible path until you reach a spot where you have to jump onto a lower ledge. Make sure you're behind cover and start shooting at the Cannibals in the distance, using your starting powers if needed. Eliminating them shouldn't be too difficult.

After the fight ends, replenish your ammo and approach the wounded soldiers. Listen to what the has to say and use the newly unlocked path, finding another Med Kit [50 EXP] on your way. Remember to use one of the nearby covers when you come across another group of Cannibals, so that you're not too easy of a target for them. Don't head out of the cover until you're sure that the monsters are dead. Head onwards and afterwards turn right, finding a [M-8 Avenger I] assault rifle on your way. Pick up the weapon and interact with the radio afterwards.

You will now have an easy defence mission. Quickly get behind a cover and start attacking the Cannibals that appear in the distance, remembering not to lean out from behind a cover for too long. Shoot with the rifle at first and afterwards switch to the pistol. Don't worry about the lack of any ammo in the area, as the battle will come to an end soon after you use up your supply. Some more cutscene will play.

Meeting with James - Paragon or Renegade special option

Before this quest comes to an end, the game will offer you to test a mechanism that you probably already know. Depending on the choices made thus far, you will be able to use the special option of Paragon (right mouse button) or Renegade (left mouse button) interrupt option. It's important to press the button before the icon in the corner of the screen disappear. Keep in mind that using this option isn't necessary, so you won't fail a conversation if you don't make a decision in time or ignore the possibility (e.g. when an interruption doesn't cover your plan of collecting only Paragon or Renegade points). The next main quest is Priority: Mars which will begin after reaching the title red planet.

Prizes for completing the mission:

1. Mission unlocked: Priority: Mars
2. [2000 EXP]
3. New party member: James Vega
4. New party member: Kaidan Alenko or Ashley Williams
5. New weapon: [M-23 Katana I] (it might also happen that you will be given this rifle a bit later, specifically during the main quest Priority: Mars)