[EatChildren]

Tomorrow drops Mass Effect 3: Reckoning, the fifth and final multiplayer expansion pack. As with the others, it will be completely free.

Here's the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7nk13M1H4Y

BioWare just did a live stream of the pack, showing most of the new content being added. Here's the list:

Characters:

• Geth Juggernaut Soldier: Huge Geth unit. Cannot dodge or take cover. Cannot be staggered. Powers: Assault Pulse, Hex Shield, Geth Turret.
• Turian Cabal Vanguard: Female biotic Turian, as introduced in Omega. Biotic abilities for dodge. Powers: Poison Strike, Nightshade Blades, Biotic Focus.
• Alliance Infiltration Unit: EDI-like cyborg. Can uppercut because reasons. Powers: Tactical Cloak, Snap Freeze, Repair Matrix.
• Krogan Warlord Sentinel: Gigantic hammer wielding Krogan. Cannot take cover or dodge. Rage regenerates health. Powers: Tech Armour, Biotic Hammer, Electric Hammer.
• Talon Mercenary Engineer: Human mercenary armed with a tech bow because 2013 continues the "Year of the Bow". Powers: Trip Mines, Armor-Piercing Arrows, Concussive Arrows.
• Awakened Collector Adept: Yes, a Collector. Assumed to be controlled by Leviathan. Powers: Dark Sphere, Seeker Swarm, Dark Channel.

Weapons:

• Geth Spitfire Assault Rifle: A portable Geth Gatling gun.
• Venom Shotgun: Explosive round firing shotgun. Charge to have rounds fragment into more explosives.
• Lancer Assault Rifle: New assault rifle.
• Blood Pack Executioner Pistol: One-shot-per-clip high damage Magnum-like pistol.
• Chakram Launcher Assault Rifle: Explosive disk launching rifle.
• Blood Pack Punisher SMG: Heavy submachine gun, good against armour.
• Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle: Electric based rifle. Shoots travelling electrical rounds (no hitscan).

Equipment:

• Geth Scanner: Enhances radar?
• Assault Rifle Ultralight Materials: Lowers weight of assault rifles.
• Pistol Power Amplifier:
• SMG Power Amplifier:
• Shotgun Ultralight Materials: Lowers weight of shotguns.
• Batarian Gauntlet: Replaces any class heavy attack with the Batarian's falcon punch. Looks great on a Volus.

I also thought it would be neat to look back at all the content added via these expansion packs, so here's a list followed by a total comparing the base content to expansions.

• 6 characters (including Geth and Batarians)
• 3 weapons
• 4 consumables
• 2 maps

• 6 characters (including Vorcha, Quarian Male variations, and Cerberus Phoenix)
• 3 weapons
• 2 maps
• 1 new game objective: package retrieval
• 18 gear (new non-consumable upgrades)

• 6 characters (completely new human classes)
• 3 weapons
• 5 weapon mods
• 3 maps
• 1 new game objective: combat drone escort
• 11 gear
• 1 new difficulty: platinum

• 16 characters (including Turian Ghost and Volus)
• 3 weapons
• 3 consumables
• 5 gear
• 6 hazard maps (variations of the original six maps)
• Challenges: new profile banner customisation and challenge system
• 1 enemy faction (Collectors)
• 2 units to exisitng factions (Cerberus Dragoon and Geth Bomber)

• 7 characters (Including Geth Juggernaut, Turian Female variation, and Awakened Collector)
• 7 weapons
• 2 weapon mods
• 4 gear

Mass Effect 3: Multiplayer (no DLC)

• 18 characters (+male/female variations for humans) across six classes
• 33 weapons
• 24 weapon mods
• 14 consumables
• 6 maps
• 3 enemy factions (Geth, Cerberus, Reaper)

Total Added via Free DLC Expansion Packs

• 41 characters
• 19 weapons
• 7 weapon mods
• 7 consumables
• 7 maps
• 6 hazard maps
• 1 difficulty: platinum
• 1 enemy faction (Collectors)
• 2 units to existing factions (Cerberus Dragoon and Geth Bomber)
• 2 game objectives
• 38 gear
• Challenge system + banners

[BabeSlayer]

the post launch support of multi-player for this game has been phenomenal

[Prologue]

A lot of support. Well done :)

[Xevren]

Damn, looks pretty awesome. Was hoping to play this past weekend but was busy/sick, no tribute banner for me :(

Wait, they're reducing the amount of stagger the Geth can do? Hell yeah!

[Dead]

I haven't played the MP as much as Id like, but the amount of free support EA has thrown behind it is laudable. Never mind that the MP itself actually turned out REALLY good.

[Vesmir]

Say what you want about the ending of the Single Player Campaign, but Bioware really stepped their game up with the MP. Could have easily charged for the packs, had less content or even abandoned the mode (as is the case with other games with tacked-on MP). I still have fun with friends grinding out gold and platinum modes. Good stuff.

[Vashetti]

Yup, can't complain at all about Bioware's support for the MP.

Every single MP expansion has been free. The only thing you need to pay for are the packs if you can't earn the in-game money for yourself.

[Derrick01]

I'm not really a fan of this MP mode at all but I have to say they handled the support pretty well.

[REV 09]

the mp was and still is very good. i can't believe how much legs it has had. I also can't believe it isn't FTP yet.

[EatChildren]

Wait, they're reducing the amount of stagger the Geth can do? Hell yeah!

Yeah, reduced stagger for standard Geth, but I think hunters are the same.

Geth Juggernaut can't be staggered at all, I don't think. Basically a walking tank.

[Mindlog]

Batarian Gauntlet: Replaces any class heavy attack with the Batarian's falcon punch. Looks great on a Volus.

My Volus Vanguard is worried his tumescence will rupture his suit.

Deserves a F2P release. More players in the pool and more money/marketing for BW.

[Demon Ice]

I completely missed the fact that there are now playable Volus characters. Wow.

[PinkCrayon]

Was hoping for some new maps, but still excited for this.

[Darklord]

I like the multiplayer but it has the worst lag ever, it just dumps me into any game no matter the ping.

[Gamer @ Heart]

I would imagine a F2P release with the next Mass Effect game, where buying the disc nets you some in game cash or goodies.

[BigTnaples]

God ME3 multiplayer has been so fucking fantastic especially for a series I NEVER wanted to have multi.

[Subitai]

Yeah, reduced stagger for standard Geth, but I think hunters are the same. Geth Juggernaut can't be staggered at all, I don't think. Basically a walking tank.

The Juggernaut vs Prime battles will never get old.

[RoKKeR]

Fantastic post launch support. Might fire it up with friends this weekend. Do they still make you unlock new characters by purchasing the packs?

That's an aspect I wasn't a fan of.

[Subitai]

Fantastic post launch support. Might fire it up with friends this weekend. Do they still make you unlock new characters by purchasing the packs? That's an aspect I wasn't a fan of.

Yup

MP ME3 gaffers were banking up credits this weekend.

I was not one of them :(

[Dave_6]

Well I will be playing this again for the first time in a while.

[Fruitster]

Some great looking kits, looking forward to trying them out. Another feather in the cap of the Juggernaut is that he can't be sync-killed either. Going toe to toe with a Banshee knowing you're free of magnet hands - can't wait.

[Clint Beastwood]

Say what you want about the ending of the Single Player Campaign, but Bioware really stepped their game up with the MP. Could have easily charged for the packs, had less content or even abandoned the mode (as is the case with other games with tacked-on MP). I still have fun with friends grinding out gold and platinum modes. Good stuff.

While I agree, it's important to note they made it free because they get more money that way. Most wouldn't have paid for MP and I know of 5 people myself who would buy $50 cards to get a headstart on unlocking equipment

Really hope ME4 MP is released standalone.

[That Dude John]

I would imagine a F2P release with the next Mass Effect game, where buying the disc nets you some in game cash or goodies.

I'm actually thinking that this multiplayer is going F2P at some point down the road.

[Mr.LightMan]

Will get back on the to check out the new classes.

[Dr.Acula]

I stopped playing because matches would just end randomly, and I get tonnes of hanging when trying to join, plus I'd get joins and drops all the time. I would literally play one match in an hour, and it would end with two minutes to go. Frustrating. I recall others having such issues. For those that have had such issues, have they been eliminated?

[EatChildren]

Another feather in the cap of the Juggernaut is that he can't be sync-killed either. Going toe to toe with a Banshee knowing you're free of magnet hands - can't wait.

Yeah, this is pretty huge, and a trump card for the Juggernaut. Praetorians also have a tendency to grapple kill. It will be nice to roll over them for once.

[AlphaStriker]

I'm glad and a little surprised they are able to offer all these expansions for free. I guess there is a sizable population purchasing character/gear packs with real money.

[Zod the Bear]

...hadn't realized there were Volus characters. Coming back!

[Sir Garbageman]

Has Bioware put out any statements or press releases as to how much money they've made due to the MP? Considering how much support it has gotten you'd have to assume they've profited from it immensely.

Surprised they haven't spun out a F2P version for it yet. Just seems logical at this point.

[Subitai]

I'm glad and a little surprised they are able to offer all these expansions for free. I guess there is a sizable population purchasing character/gear packs with real money.

Agreed. A couple people I played with dumped a fair amount MS points into unlocking new content faster.

[EatChildren]

Has Bioware put out any statements or press releases as to how much money they've made due to the MP? Considering how much support it has gotten you'd have to assume they've profited from it immensely. Surprised they haven't spun out a F2P version for it yet. Just seems logical at this point.

I guess they're busy with Dragon Age 3, Mass Effect 4, and whatever else, but I thought it was weird they never went F2P and continued support. In my head it made sense to go F2P eventually and keep churning out free expansion packs.

Finalising the expansion pack why the mode is still behind a pay wall has killed that dream. I really hoped they'd at least make hazard variations of all the maps. But going F2P would still be good, if just for the larger player community.

[Clint Beastwood]

Has Bioware put out any statements or press releases as to how much money they've made due to the MP? Considering how much support it has gotten you'd have to assume they've profited from it immensely. Surprised they haven't spun out a F2P version for it yet. Just seems logical at this point.

I think after the first SP DLC they said they made twice as much from MP.

They have to making a lot of money because they said they'll keep doing MP DLC as long as there's demand and they make money.

[GSR]

They've really been spectacular with the support for MP. Personally I haven't been into it as much as some people, but it's still fun to do a few rounds with friends, especially when new content drops.

[MrTroubleMaker]

I cringed at the bow :( But the Geth Juggernaut looks interesting. I guess these MP weapons will be paid dlc for the SP at some point?

[Cheesus Crust Pizzeria]

Alliance Infiltration Unit: EDI-like cyborg. Can uppercut because reasons.

That tickled me

[Major Williams]

Wow, this came out today?

I am pumped. I haven't touched this game since October, I will definitely be down to play soon.

[Vhalyar]

If this is the final MP pack, then here's hoping that ME4 will have a similar mode with equal support.

[Astery]

I've just installed ME3 back to play some multiplayer. Last I played was like May last year which didn't have many things there is now. Are the "gears" that are in the consumable powers equip screen consumables as well?

[MAtgS]

Surprised we never gotten spectres, seemed kinda obvious for rare characters.

[CypherSignal]

I've just installed ME3 back to play some multiplayer. Last I played was like May last year which didn't have many things there is now. Are the "gears" that are in the consumable powers equip screen consumables as well?

No, Gear is not a consumable. It's just a little extra buff.

[Mindlog]

Wow, this came out today? I am pumped. I haven't touched this game since October, I will definitely be down to play soon.

Tomorrow.

I cringed at the bow :( But the Geth Juggernaut looks interesting. I guess these MP weapons will be paid dlc for the SP at some point?

I think all of them are former paid SP DLC.

[Tsukumo]

I cringed at the bow :( But the Geth Juggernaut looks interesting. I guess these MP weapons will be paid dlc for the SP at some point?

Actually, some time ago one gaffer came up with an idea for an Omni-tool generated bow in the ME3 MP OT. Probably Major Williams.
Come to think of it, I haven't seen his posts in a while, did he get banned?

edit: wait, saw him just now ^___^

[Melchiah]

I guess they're busy with Dragon Age 3, Mass Effect 4, and whatever else, but I thought it was weird they never went F2P and continued support. In my head it made sense to go F2P eventually and keep churning out free expansion packs. Finalising the expansion pack why the mode is still behind a pay wall has killed that dream. I really hoped they'd at least make hazard variations of all the maps. But going F2P would still be good, if just for the larger player community.

Well, at least it now comes available for free for European PS+ subscribers. I wonder how much it will raise the amount of MP players on the platform?

[exYle]

I wonder if the ME3 MP OT in the Community forum will get some more love now.
Seriously, will we make it to OT2?

Actually, some time ago one gaffer came up with an idea for an Omni-tool generated bow in the ME3 MP OT. Probably Major Williams. Come to think of it, I haven't seen his posts in a while, did he get banned? edit: wait, saw him just now ^___^

I tracked down the post. He had an idea for a bow/crossbow weapon, and I was more interested in a Omni-Bow power for an infiltrator.

[HalfBakedProphet]

Only thing that sucks about new characters is everyone using them at once. I was sick of jumping into games with 3 volus players when they first came out.

Geth Engineer is one of my favorite classes, I hope the Juggernaut is awesome

[EatChildren]

It's up on Xbox 360 I think.

[BeauRoger]

They have been really generous with the MP content for this game, im very grateful for that, cause this kind of support shouldnt be taken for granted.

[EatChildren]

Reckoning is now out on every platform, and comes with a gift pack that will unlock one of the characters from the new roster. So if you wan't to jump in, now is a good time.

[Subitai]

Reckoning is now out on every platform, and comes with a gift pack that will unlock one of the characters from the new roster. So if you wan't to jump in, now is a good time.

Noooooo! I got the Talon first :(

Fortunately I got the Krolord next XD

[Phat Michael]

the juggernaut can be staggered btw. not often but it has happened to me.