Urdnot Wrex is one of the most beloved characters inMass Effect. The surly, scaly, alien bounty hunter gradually evolves from the cynical mercenary to the charismatic unifier of the Krogan people. But that all depends on him surviving the firstMass Effect.
During the mission Priority, Virmire, Commander Shepard, and their crew learn that Saren found a cure for the sterilizingGenophage bioweapon used against the Krogancenturies ago. He plans to use it for breeding an army, but Wrex doesn’t want to destroy the cure. The ensuing confrontation can potentially lead to Wrex’s death.
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There are three ways to save Wrex depending on specific actions made earlier in the game. This guide will explainhow to save Wrexand unlock theCharismatic Achievement/Trophy inMass EffectandMass Effect: Legendary Edition.
Wrex’s Family Armor
It’s much easier to talk Wrex down if Shepard helped retrieve his Family Armor. If Shepard made a point of talking to Wrex on the Normandy, they’d repeatedly have the option of asking about his past. Keep asking until Wrex tells the story of his exile from the Krogan homeworld. Afterward, the player will get a side quest to retrieve his Family Armor from a base on Tuntau, the fourth planet in the Phoenix System of the Argos Rho cluster.
Alternatively, the player can begin the quest by heading to Tuntau directly. Wrex does not have to be present during the mission, although the player misses out on unique dialogue if he isn’t there.
The base is due south of the player’s landing site. It appears on the map as an exclamation point labeled “Hidden Structure.” The few enemies outside areeasy work for the Mako’s weapons. The fight inside is straightforward but difficult due to the number of enemies. The only advice is to advance slowly, use the crates as cover, and try to keep Shepard and their squad healed. The player can find Wrex’s Family Armor in a safe in the room at the far end of the second floor.
If the player helped Wrex, there will be three options when they talk to him on Virmire. Picking the options “We are” or “I wouldn’t do this otherwise” convinces him to stand down. The third option, “This isn’t up for debate,” continues the conversation as if Shepard never retrieved the Armor.
Charm or Intimidate
If the player did not retrieve Wrex’s Family Armor, they have the option of persuading Wrex to back down. Doing so requires 8 points in either the Charm or Intimidate Talent. Note that Commander Shepard will need a significant number of Paragon or Renegade points to get Charm or Intimidate that high. If Shepard has enough points in either Talent, the corresponding dialogue choice will be available. Choosing either the red or blue option convinces Wrex to back down. Any other option gets Wrex killed, causingrepercussions inMass Effect 2andMass Effect 3.
Not Enough Party Members
There is a third, much less common wayto save Wrex inMass Effect. If the player only has four party members, Wrex will always accept Shepard’s decision. This means not recruiting Garrus on the Citadel and not visiting Therum until after Virmire.
To completeMass Effect’sCitadel story missions without Garrus, ask Barla Von for help tracking down Fisk. The player can find Barla Von in the Bank on the Presidium. It’s across the lake from the Citadel Tower and directly adjacent to the Emporium. He’ll tell Shepard to meet Wrex in the C-Sec Academy. After that, follow the signs and map markers and talk to Wrex. Then, proceed immediately to Chora’s Den in the Wards without looking for Garrus.
Playing this way locks the players out of Garrus’ quest and most of his and Liara’s dialogue. However, it guarantees that Wrex makes it out of the firstMass Effectwith all his scales intact. It even counts towardsMass Effect’s Charismatic Achievementwithout having to persuade anyone of anything.
Mass Effect: Legendary Editionis available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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