The Pathfinder's Burden

Andromeda Initiative // Mission Status: Critical // Clearance: Ryder

Mass Effect: Andromeda does not have a Paragon or Renegade meter. Instead, it asks you to make practical decisions in a galaxy where there are no right answers, only survival.

Your choices here determine who rules the Heleus Cluster, which species survive the Kett war, and who stands beside you in the final battle for Meridian.

Choice 1: Raeka vs. Drack's Scouts

The Mission: Hunting the Archon (Salarian Ark)

The Archon has captured the Salarian Pathfinder, Raeka, and several of Drack's Krogan scouts. You only have time to save one group.

Option A: Save Raeka (The Pathfinder)

Outcome: Raeka survives. The Salarian Ark is fully restored with its original leadership. Raeka joins you in the final battle.

Consequence: The Krogan scouts are "Exalted" (turned into Behemoth monsters) by the Kett. You have to kill them later. Drack is furious and may leave the team if not loyal.

Option B: Save the Scouts (The Krogan)

Outcome: The scouts survive. Drack is grateful. The Krogan commit fully to the Initiative.

Consequence: Raeka dies. She is replaced by Captain Hayjer, a less experienced leader. You lose a valuable asset for the final battle.

Tactical Recommendation: Save Raeka. She is one of the few original Pathfinders left. Losing her weakens the Salarian union significantly. Drack will be angry, but if you complete his loyalty mission, he will stay.

Choice 2: Sloane Kelly vs. Reyes Vidal

The Mission: High Noon (Kadara Port)

Kadara is a lawless port run by the Exile warlord Sloane Kelly (former Nexus security). The "Charlatan" (Reyes Vidal) challenges her for control.

Option A: Save Sloane (Lawful Evil)

Action: Use the interrupt to push Sloane out of the way of the sniper.

Outcome: Sloane remains in charge. She is brutal but keeps order. She agrees to help the Initiative.

Consequence: Reyes escapes. The Collective (his spy network) remains a threat.

Option B: Let Sloane Die (Chaotic Neutral)

Action: Do nothing. The sniper shoots Sloane.

Outcome: Reyes takes over. He rules from the shadows. Kadara becomes more open but less secure.

Consequence: You gain the Collective's support, which is better for covert ops. (Bonus: Reyes is a romance option for both Ryders).

Tactical Recommendation: Side with Reyes. Sloane is unstable and hostile to the Nexus. Reyes is a pragmatist who offers better long-term cooperation.

Choice 3: The Exaltation Facility

The Mission: A Trail of Hope (Voeld)

You find the Kett facility where Angara are being turned into Kett. The Moshae Sjefa (Angaran spiritual leader) begs you to destroy it, even though there are still Angaran prisoners inside.

Destroy the Facility: The Moshae is pleased. You strike a massive blow against the Kett war machine. The prisoners die.
Save the Prisoners: The Moshae is angry that the temple of horror still stands. The Kett continue to use it.

Tactical Recommendation: Destroy the Facility. The Kett "Exaltation" process is irreversible. Saving the prisoners only delays their suffering or leaves the facility operational for the Kett to use on others later. The Angaran resistance needs the win.

Phase 4: The Perfect Ending Checklist

To get the "Best" ending where Captain Dunn survives the crash of the Hyperion, you need:

100% Viability: On all 5 habitable planets (Eos, Voeld, Havarl, Kadara, Elaaden).
All Pathfinders: You must have saved Raeka (Salarian), the Asari Pathfinder (Sarissa), and the Turian Pathfinder (Avitus Rix).
Loyalty Missions: Complete all squadmate loyalty missions (especially Cora and Drack).