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Mass Effect 1 Legendary Edition

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Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things

By
Nathan Garvin

One of the origin-related assignments, this assignment will only be available if you chose Spacer as your Pre-Service History.

How to Start

After completing one of the three missions after leaving the Citadel for the first time (either Therum, Feros or Noveria you’ll find a man named Zabaleta in the “Citadel: Flux and Wards Access” area - just ride down the elevator near the Plaza area on the Presidium.

After learning about Zabaleta’s downfall, return to the burnout and decide his fate.

Zabeleta’s Downward Spiral

Talk to Zabaleta and he’ll ask you for twenty credits, name-dropping your mother and his past service with her to soften you up. Pick the option “I’ll give you the money.” for Paragon +2 or “You’re just a drunk.” for Renegade +2. Neither of these options will affect your ability to progress the assignment.

Return to the Normandy and enter the Comm Room, where you can contact your mother and learn some details about Zabaleta’s ordeals.

After learning about Zabaleta’s past, return to the Citadel and find him in his roost in the “Citadel: Flux and Wards Access” area. Talk to him and eventually you’ll get several options, including a Charm and Intimidate option. All of them will resolve the assignment, but there are some variations in your reward:

  • “I’ll give you 20 for food.” - you’ll gain Paragon +8 and Omni-gel x5.
  • “Take the money.” - you’ll gain Omni-gel x5.
  • “Screw you.” - you’ll gain Renegade +2 and Omni-gel x5.
  • [Charm 4] “The Veteran’s Affairs Office.” - you’ll gain Paragon +8 and Omni-gel x5.
  • [Intimidate 5] “No one understands! Waaah!” - you’ll gain Renegade +9 and Omni-gel x5.
Paragon/Renegade
Renegade +2 or Paragon +8 or Renegade +9
Charm/Intimidate
If you have 4 ranks in Charm, you can convince Zabaleta to get help.
If you have 5 ranks in Intimidate, you can bully Zabaleta into getting help.

However you respond to Zabaleta, you’ll complete the assignment.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Electronic Arts
  • Platforms,
    PC, PS4, XB One
  • Genre
    Action RPG, Third-person shooter
  • Guide Release
    14 May 2021
  • Last Updated
    17 August 2021
    Version History
  • Guide Author

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The guide for Mass Effect 1 Legendary Edition features all there is to see and do including a walkthrough containing coverage of all Assignments, detailed breakdown of all the important choices, class builds and much more!

  • Full coverage of all the Main Missions.
  • Every Assignment covered.
  • In-depth look at the major choices and consequences of each.
  • Full details on how to romance Ashley, Kaiden or Liara
  • Class builds to get the most out of your chosen class.
  • Details on every Talent.
  • How to spec your squad.
  • Breakdown of all Paragon and Renegade opportunities.
  • Trophy/Achievement guide.

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