Commander Shepard is the hero of the Mass Effect trilogy, and this character is open to a great deal of customization, from the Commander's sex to their hairstyle, weapons of choice, and, perhaps most importantly, whether the Commander is a paragon or a renegade. There are reasons to take either route, most of them being aesthetic.
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Major plot points will be resolved the same whether Shepard is paragon or renegade, but all the same, choosing paragon or renegade can make the whole game feel totally different, and affect how Shepard's personal life will turn out (and affect their reputation, too). Going paragon or renegade might even affect how Shepard's squadmates view him or her. Now, which route is better?
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10 WHY PARAGON SHEPARD IS BETTER: Paragon Shepard Maximizes The Krogan Faction's Potential Against The Reapers
If Urdnot Wrex survives the first Mass Effect title, then this ambitious Krogan mercenary will return home to Tuchanka and begin uniting the feuding clans. By the events of Mass Effect 3, it's time to disperse the genophage cure to all those Krogan, but doing this will cost Shepard a great deal of Salarian support in the war.
Paragon Shepard will side with their friend Wrex and distribute the cure as promised, and doing this will maximize how powerful the Krogan faction can be. By contrast, renegade Shepard will sabotage things, and weaken the Krogan.
9 WHY RENEGADE SHEPARD IS BETTER: Renegade Shepard Impresses All Krogan
Paragon Shepard will ultimately save the Krogan, but on a personal level, the Krogan will like renegade Shepard much better. Grunt will enjoy renegade Shepard's bloodthirsty dialogue, and side characters such as the Urdnot shaman will approve of renegade Shepard's attitude and willpower.
Most Krogan warriors are renegade themselves, favoring action, brute force and aggression over diplomacy and compromise, meaning renegade Shepard is speaking their language. It's fun to impress so many tough Krogan with renegade dialogue like that.
8 WHY PARAGON SHEPARD IS BETTER: Paragon Shepard Spites The Illusive Man
Whether Shepard is a paragon or renegade, the Commander will successfully take the fight to the Collectors and conquer their hidden base. But then the Illusive Man urges Shepard to spare the base so Cerberus can take advantage of it, and paragon Shepard will say no thank you.
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Paragon Shepard will stick to the plan and set off some explosives to blast the base into bits, which is a good idea lore-wise and even spites the Illusive Man in true style. By now, it's clear that the Illusive Man should not get what he wants.
7 WHY RENEGADE SHEPARD IS BETTER: Renegade Shepard Has Better Interrupts
Mass Effect 2 introduced the concept of paragon and renegade interrupts, physical actions that will alter the course of any conversation or interaction. Paragon interrupts are rather tame, usually involving Shepard preventing someone else from hurting another party.
Renegade Shepard has a lot more fun, shocking other characters and the player alike with punches, gunshots, headbutts, and more. A few of these can even make a fight easier by killing one or two enemies during a conversation before the actual battle begins.
6 WHY PARAGON SHEPARD IS BETTER: Paragon Shepard Adds The Rachni To The War Effort
During Mass Effect, Shepard will first defeat Saren's minion Matriarch Benezia, then determine whether the last surviving Rachni queen should be spared or not. Renegade Shepard will take the safe route and kill her, but Mass Effect 3 makes it clear that this isn't the solution.
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Instead, the Rachni queen will be saved at the hands of paragon Shepard, and the queen was being honest about reforming her species and co-existing with everyone in peace. The Rachni also contribute to the Crucible project, a real boon indeed.
5 WHY RENEGADE SHEPARD IS BETTER: Renegade Shepard Has Witty & Funny Dialogue
Paragon Shepard is all about compromise and pacifism, which can get a bit dull and routine. By contrast, renegade Shepard is all about action and results, and this reflects in the character's dialogue. Arguably, the dialogue is the best part of playing as renegade Shepard.
This Shepard is quick to criticize and berate others, and usually in a memorable and witty way, such as comparing a Krogan scout to a Quarian "with a tummyache" or humorously tricking a stock boy into thinking that a bomb is about to blow. Even Shepard can't believe it worked.
4 WHY PARAGON SHEPARD IS BETTER: Most Squadmates Like Paragon Shepard Better
A majority of Shepard's squadmates will favor paragon Shepard, and if the player is indeed paragon, then they can enjoy the approving remarks of their squadmates, and build some serious relationships with paragon Shepard's empathetic and patient attitude.
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Thane Krios will enjoy speaking with paragon Shepard, and Samara the justicar (a powerful biotic) vastly favors paragon Shepard's Asari-like emphasis on diplomacy and understanding. Kasumi Goto will also like paragon Shepard better, and in general, it's better to be paragon when trying to romance someone.
3 WHY RENEGADE SHEPARD IS BETTER: Renegade Shepard Empowers Garrus More Than Paragon Shepard Does
Garrus is not evil, but he does respond better to renegade Shepard better than paragon Shepard. Despite being a Turian, born and raised on Palaven no less, Garrus is an independent-minded rogue who makes his own rules, and he has no patience for diplomacy or red tape.
This sets him slightly at odds with paragon Shepard, who's by the book, but Garrus will learn much from renegade Shepard's bold go-getter personality. This will inspire Garrus to take charge of his life and get results, and Garrus has enough of a noble side to keep his reckless streak in check somewhat.
2 WHY PARAGON SHEPARD IS BETTER: Paragon Shepard Shows Humanity's Best Side To All Aliens
Commander Shepard is neither humanity's ambassador nor its councilor, but arguably, Shepard represents humanity better than any politician. The Commander is a rising star and a historic hero, and the entire galaxy is judging humanity based on what they see of Shepard and the Normandy.
Renegade Shepard will reaffirm some aliens' view that humanity is a greedy bully, while paragon Shepard demonstrates that humanity is patient, kind, and cooperative, and thus ready to take part in galactic politics for real. Anderson and Udina are thus more in favor of paragon Shepard. No one wants a thug to represent their entire species.
1 WHY RENEGADE SHEPARD IS BETTER: Renegade Shepard Calls People Out On Their Nonsense
Whether or not Shepard is being witty about it, renegade versions of the character will be quick to contract any liars or hypocrites whom they meet. One example is Khalisah Bint-Sinan Al-Jilani, an obnoxious and biased reporter from Westerlund News. In Mass Effect 2, Khalisah tastelessly questions Shepard's sacrifice of the Alliance 5th Fleet, only to eat a knuckle sandwich.
Later, in Mass Effect 3, renegade Shepard will be furious when Admiral Han'Gerrel, a Quarian, fires on a Geth dreadnought while the Commander is still aboard. Shepard will slug him right in the gut when they next meet, and arguably, Han'Gerral had it coming. He nearly killed the galaxy's best hope of victory because he was too eager to shoot at Geth ships.
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FAQs
Is it better to be Paragon or Renegade in Mass Effect? ›
Paragons Typically Inspire More Love From the People Around Them. Again, this isn't a hard rule (and we'll talk about some of the exceptions to this rule in a bit), but generally speaking, playing as a Paragon means that you're more likely to win over the people closest to you and assist them in their moments of need.
Should I max out both Paragon and Renegade? ›Each is associated with a particular Morality: Paragon for Charm and Renegade for Intimidate. We reccommend putting 5 Points into both stats, as both moralities will benefit from this exploit.
Can you be full Renegade and Paragon Mass Effect? ›It's fully possible to collect both Paragon and Renegade points throughout the game, allowing what seems best in the moment to dictate how you talk with people or wrap up problems. However, there are a lot of things in the Mass Effect games that are dependent on you either being very Paragon or very Renegade.
What is the point of Paragon and Renegade? ›There are two Moralities in the game: Paragon for good actions, and Renegade for bad actions. Unlike games like Knights of the old Republic or inFamous (which move a needle up and down a single meter), in Mass Effect performing good and bad actions earn Paragon and Renegade points.
Is Garrus a renegade or paragon? ›Garrus is Renegade based on his own personal justice, though. His heart's in the right place, but it's also what drives his mentality of accomplishing goals regardless of cost.
Is Canon Shepard paragon or renegade? ›Unfortunately, the system turns the player character into a one-trick pony if players are determined to choose one or the other, but simply looking at the characteristics of each doesn't determine which is canon. The short answer is neither Paragon nor Renegade Commander Shepard is canon.
Does renegade Paragon affect romance? ›Paragon decisions unlock a special scene. Renegade choices cause them to leave, but your romance is still considered permanent enough to carry to Mass Effect 2.
What is the max Paragon LVL? ›There is no limit to a player's Paragon Level and the player will continue to gain paragon points regardless of how high their level is.
How do you get 100 Paragon levels? ›Degree 100 (Max)
Accumulate 16,200,000 pops (or $4,050,000 cash generated) across all sacrificed towers. If in single player, Purchase 45 Paragon Power Totems (40 if the player can purchase a second Crossbow Master for Apex Plasma Master). Master Double Cross MK) with 9 additional Tier 5 towers.
As long as you are male, you will be able to romance Ashley even if you're renegade. It's actually quite difficult to lock yourself out of the romances. Talk to the crew member after each mission and don't be a jerk. If you want to stay on the safe side don't pick the bottom option in the conversations.
Can you max out Paragon points? ›
As soon as you have control, mash the Search button, and you'll get +6 Paragon Points for each one! You'll want to accumulate about 200 Paragon Points in order to max out the Paragon bar in the Squad Menu.
How should I spend my Paragon points? ›How to spend Crusader Paragon points. In the Core category, pile all of your points into Movement Speed until it's maxed out - the faster you can clear through content, the faster you'll gain better gear.
Why did Epic stop Paragon? ›Paragon was previously shut down to make space for Fortnite.
What is the best class in Mass Effect? ›Infiltrator is also a bit better in the sequels, but they're arguably still your best overall option in Mass Effect if you want to pick a class that can use some of the game's better tech abilities.
Who replaces Garrus if he dies? ›If Garrus dies there is absolutely no replacement and you have an empty spot on your squad. Also Tali, while nobody takes her place on your squad, is replaced plotwise with Admiral Shala'raan Vas Tombay.
Is Garrus older than Shepard? ›12 He is Younger Than Shepard
BioWare Writer, Patrick Weekes, has stated that he believes Garrus is two to four years younger than Commander Shepard.
Renegade: Garrus began training to be a Spectre but still grew tired of the Citadel and the Council refusing to openly acknowledge the Reaper threat. As a result, Garrus went to Omega and became a vigilante.
What rank is Shepard in me1? ›Lieutenant Commander Shepard, better known as Commander Shepard, is the player character in the Mass Effect video game series by BioWare (Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3).
Does Andromeda have paragon renegade? ›Shepard-ed away.
In the original Mass Effect trilogy, your dialogue choices would very often give you points in either Renegade or Paragon, a sliding scale determining your overall morality. Mass Effect: Andromeda's creative director Mac Walters has explained why this system is no more in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
If you're familiar at all with the Mass Effect series, you know that your character, Commander Shepard, is totally customizable. Shepard can be either a man or a woman, and you can alter the commander's looks to suit your tastes. That said, it seems in most circles that the male version of Shepard is 'canon' Shepard.
Who is the best renegade Shepard romance? ›
I agree with everyone else though: male shep + jack and femshep + Garrus are your best bet for the truest renegade romance. Personally, if you\re going renegade then pick the sweetest romances and then break up with them, it can be devastating.
Who is the best romance option in Mass Effect? ›Liara T'Soni
Liara's status as by far the best long-term romance option in the original Mass Effect game is already reason enough to rank her high on this list, but her lofty placement is really all about how your relationship with Liara evolves across the trilogy.
Jack is only available for Male Shepards, who can begin Romancing her after you've completed her Loyalty Mission, Jack: Project Zero, in Mass Effect 2. Once you complete it, you can begin courting her, which happens in three conversation stages.
What happens after 800 paragon? ›After reaching Paragon 800, all stats in the latter three trees are maxed out, so all further Paragon points are assigned to Core Stats.
How many totems do you need for a level 100 Paragon? ›If these max requirements are met, a minimum of 45 Paragon Tower Totems are needed to level a Paragon to Degree 100, that value obtainable by using the totems as supplements to the Degree 76 Paragon.
Is there a super monkey Paragon? ›Possibly the most difficult Paragon to balance, and definitely the most powerful... the Super Monkey Paragon has finally arrived...
Can Sun Temple absorb paragons? ›Heroes, Paragons, Cave Monkey, and placeable Powers cannot be sacrificed. There are up to 9 different tiers of Temple sacrifices for the Temple.
Is there a wizard monkey Paragon? ›Wizard Monkey Paragon was first reported officially on the June 3rd 2022 blog, mentioning Ninja Kiwi's next planned Paragons, alongside the then-named Engineer Monkey Paragon (Master Builder) and Monkey Ace Paragon (Goliath Doomship).
How many dart monkeys for Max Paragon? ›The degree scales as the game progresses, so there is no set number of sacrifices that are “optimal.” In general, it is better to fuse about six or seven total Tier 5 Dart Monkeys at a minimum to get decent Paragon degrees.
How much power do you need for a degree 100 paragon? ›This can make up the difference needed to reach 200,000 power to get to Degree 100. If every other power is maxed, (110,000 power from pops, money spent, and total upgrades), then you will need 60 Paragon Tower Totems (or 54 if you are making the Apex Plasma Master).
Who is the Canon romance for male Shepard? ›
Although there is no official "canon love interest", Liara is my pick for male Shepard - I think, her story makes most sense with him (and Tali stays with Garrus - also, in Citadel DLC, if Ashley is saved, she can hook up with James, he shows interest in her through the whole game).
Can renegade Shepard get the best ending? ›Yes. Here is a list of largely spoiler free ending info with requirements listed, you have to click to expand the spoiler for each ending. Morality doesn't affect whether you can get the "best" ending, though whether or not you saved the Collector base in ME2 forces your hand for certain ending levels.
Can you renegade romance Ashley? ›Once you have a Locked In Romance, then when you go to Ilos and start the one-way ticket to the end of the game, Ashley will approach Shepard in their quarters. This is when you'll get the Romance Scene, unless you turn Ashley away with Renegade choices.
Can you mix Paragon and Renegade? ›Outside of exploits, its impossible to max both paragon and renegade in ME2 or 3, but you can max the skills in ME1 via new game +. Currently, there are no known ways to max both in ME3, but it becomes less necessary as in ME3 your total rep can contribute to speech unlock checks rather than individual levels.
How many players do you need for perfect paragon? ›Summary. Play in Co-Op with four players, and make sure everyone is co-operative with accumulating the best stats of one specific Paragon.
What to do with Paragon points after 100? ›With each level up, you'll earn Paragon Points which can be spent on the Paragon Trees (unlocks as soon as players hit the first Paragon Level) to gain more bonus attributes. To make most of these Paragon Trees, you'll need to spend 100 Paragon Points. As you continue to level up, more of them get unlocked.
How many Paragon points do you need for zaeed? ›...
Dossier: The Veteran.
| System | Location | Rich in... |
|---|---|---|
| Sahrabarik | Bindur (3rd planet) | Platinum |
To answer your question: The Miranda/Jack dispute requires 70% paragon or 40% renegade to resolve with both loyal.
Is it better to go Paragon or Renegade? ›Is it better to play Paragon or Renegade? The short answer is that Paragon is usually better. For the majority of players, it will be the best choice, by far, to (almost) always favor the blue answers in all situations and to seek peaceful solutions as often as possible.
What is Paragon's new name? ›In October 14, 2022, Epic Games granted Netmarble Corp. the rights to use all Paragon assets to craft Overprime. These rights included the Paragon trademark, and game title. As a result, Netmarble has decided to change the game title to Paragon: The Overprime in respect to Paragon.
Will they ever bring Paragon back? ›
Spotted by PC Gamer, the defunct MOBA is being reborn as Paragon: The Overprime. It's being developed by South Korean studio Netmarble, PtO and will be a free-to-play action MOBA.
What is the least played class in Mass Effect? ›Only a small percentage of Mass Effect Legendary Edition players chose the Engineer class, making it the least popular choice among six options. The character abilities and combat of the original Mass Effect trilogy revolve around six classes.
Which Mass Effect has the best combat? ›Mass Effect: Andromeda received a mixed reception upon its release, but one aspect it definitely improved over the original trilogy was its combat.
Which Mass Effect specialization is best? ›The Commando specialization makes the best weapons in the Mass Effect series even better by upping their damage output. What's more, you can enhance your Marksman and Assassination skills, too.
What is the best military specialization in Mass Effect? ›The Commando specialization makes the best weapons in the Mass Effect series even better by upping their damage output. What's more, you can enhance your Marksman and Assassination skills, too.
Is Paragon a good guy? ›The Paragon isn't just a good guy, he's the good guy. Everyone looks up to him. He's at the forefront of every battle, gives the Rousing Speeches, and has probably personally trained most of the heroes.
What rank is Shepard in ME1? ›Lieutenant Commander Shepard, better known as Commander Shepard, is the player character in the Mass Effect video game series by BioWare (Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3).
Which Mass Effect ending is best? ›In Mass Effect 3's best ending, it is implied that Commander Shepard survives, along with the entire Normandy squad and all of planet Earth.
What is the best class for all three Mass Effect games? ›Mass Effect Best Class – Vanguard
Throw in the ability to deal huge amounts of damage with shotguns and pistols, medium armor compatibility and a range of debilitating biotic attacks, and it soon becomes clear that the Vanguard is the most versatile and capable class in all three Mass Effect games.
Colossus Armor has the highest damage protection of all armors. It is considered one of the top two armors attainable without console commands, the other being Predator L/M/H Armor. Colossus Armor has lower shields and tech/biotic resistance than Predator L/M/H Armor, but higher damage protection.
Can I romance Liara as a renegade? ›
After you complete all four Mission Worlds and return to the Citadel, the Normandy will be grounded and Liara will appear to comfort Shepard. Unless you consistently pick Renegade options here, your romance with Liara will be Locked In.
Who is the next Paragon monkey? ›It was later released in the 28.0 update. On 4th December 2021, Ninja Kiwi teased the Navarch of the Seas on their Twitter. It was later released in the 29.0 update. Engineer Monkey Paragon has been announced in Ninja Kiwi's Version 30.0 patch notes as the next Paragon.
Is Paragon the utopians son? ›Brandon Sampson, also known as Paragon, is a character on Netflix's Jupiter's Legacy. He is portrayed by Andrew Horton. He is Grace and Sheldon Sampson's son. In training to assume the mantle of the Utopian and become the new leader of the Union of Justice, he struggles to live up to his father's mythic legend.