This is the first mission in Mass Effect, which will begin immediately after you’re finished with character creation.

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Often the top-right choices in dialog will have a Paragon bias, while the bottom-right choices will have a Renegade bias.

Joker and Kaiden on the Bridge¶

After the intro scenes you’ll find yourself chatting with Joker and Kaiden, who are bickering over Joker’s disdain for Nihlus. Your first dialog option in the game is also your first opportunity to earn Paragon or Renegade points, and a fine excuse to discuss a system that’ll be ubiquitous throughout the trilogy. If you pick “I agree.” (the top-right option) you’ll earn Paragon +2, while if you respond with “Cut the chatter!” you’ll earn Renegade +2. The top-right option in dialog is usually Paragon-leaning, while the bottom-right option is often Renegade-leaning, although it’s important to note that this doesn’t always result in you gaining Paragon or Renegade points, as the next response you can make is relatively inconsequential. Dialog options in other locations on the dialog wheel tend to be neutral and/or exploratory, the exception being blue or red colored text, which indicates that you’re using your Charm or Intimidate talents, respectively.

Normandy: Combat Information Center¶

Make your way down the hallway opposite the bridge and as you go note the airlock to the right. Beyond a row of terminals you’ll find the CIC - Combat Information Center, where you’ll hear Navigator Pressly arguing via an intercom. Chat him up and exhaust his dialog options to score some Codex Entries, which are worth some XP.

Continue on past the CIC table until you hear more arguing, this time between Corporal Jenkins and Doctor Chakwas. Jenkins is playing the gung-ho marine and Chakwas is arguing for restraint. When you get the chance, respond with “Relax Jenkins.” for Paragon +2 or “Part of the job, Doc.” for Renegade +2, then exhaust their dialog options for another Codex Entry.

Normandy: Communications Room¶

Continue on into the Communications Room and talk to Nihlus, who will grill you a bit before Captain Anderson shows up and reveals the truth: this isn’t just a shakedown run. Worst kept secret on the ship, really. Captain Anderson will fill you in on the details and you’ll be able to question him at your leisure. When you’re done, a transmission from Eden Prime changes the nature of your mission considerably, and provides you with a much better opportunity to prove yourself to Nihlus.

After a bit more chatter with Anderson you’ll be deployed on Eden Prime.

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An unexpected development on Eden Prime changes the nature of your mission.