The Mass Effect franchise is known for its immersive space travel and the freedom it grants players, allowing them to explore the galaxy alongside a crew of faithful friends (a very well-done feature of BioWare's games). The friends that Commander Shepard makes along the way are at the heart of their journey. It's their unique characteristics that make the relationships players forge feel real.

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Each new member of your team belongs to a different culture and race, each as vibrant and detailed as those here on Earth. Here are names that stand out in the minds of Mass Effect fans, thanks to their brilliant character design.

10 Garrus Vakarian: A Grizzled Fan Favorite With Great Dialogue

A Screenshot Of Mass Effect Character Garrus Vakarian Taken During Dialogue

This retired C-sec employee doesn't like to play by the rules. When he's not busy with calibrations, Garrus is displaying his quick wit and sharp humor. The right choices can take your relationship with this Turian to the next level and reward you with some particularly sassy and sometimes unexpected dialogue.

One of the most noticeable features of Garrus's design is his visor, which even stays on during his romance scene. It's a permanent reminder of his workaholic attitude. With his charisma and loyalty to Shepard, it's easy to see why he's one of the most loved characters in Mass Effect.

9 EDI: Inquisitive And Resourceful AI With A Sense Of Humor

Mass Effect EDI Armed For Battle With A Turian Pictured Behind Her

It could be said that EDI has some of the most consistent character development in the Mass Effect franchise. First installed on the Normandy SR2, EDI is the Illusive Man's way of keeping tabs on Shepard. You can choose to be accepting or distrusting of her built-in presence on your ship. If you choose the latter you certainly won't be alone.

Joker isn't exactly enthusiastic about his new co-pilot. The AI body she claims later in the main story increases her reliability, as she appears in a new form with sleek short hair and an orange visor. Able to accompany Shepard on missions and use a firearm, she proves herself to be as much use as any member of the crew. As Joker shows interest in EDI's more independent form, watching her navigate their relationship as the games go on is fascinating.

8 Thane Krios: A Mysterious And Tortured Assassin

Screenshot Of Thane Krios Sat At His Desk In Conversation

A Drell with limited time on his hands, Thane has Kepler's Syndrome and wishes to atone for his life as an assassin by making the universe a better place before he dies. Little by little, visits to him between missions strengthen his bond with Shepard.

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His loyalty mission tasks players with aiding Thane in preventing his son Koylat from becoming a hitman like him. What makes Thane so intriguing is his dark past and how it contradicts his good nature, as seen with his eagerness to pray for forgiveness with each life he takes.

7 Joker: The Faithful Pilot Of The Normandy

Joker In the Pilot Seat Of The Normandy In Dialogue With The Commander

Jeff Moreau lives up to his nickname, often cracking jokes and playing pranks on EDI. You can find him on the bridge of the Normandy. He's unable to travel far as he suffers from extreme brittleness in his bones. Joker is the one Shepard can rely on to keep them informed when they're away from the ship.

His down-to-Earth humor and lack of restraint when speaking his mind make him the perfect person for players to check in with when the pressure of saving the galaxy gets too much.

6 Calyn: Elcor Ambassador On The Citadel

A Screenshot Of The Elcor Ambassador Calyn In Dialogue On The Citadel

If you've visited the Citadel you might be familiar with these intriguing characters. Interacting with Elcor like Calyn, you might be struck by their monotone speech and habit of announcing the emotion they're expressing. Meeting Calyn for the first time is sure to fill you with questions.

Imposingly large on four legs, the Elcor are almost elephant-like in appearance. Calyn is friendly and forthcoming with facts about his species. Whether it's their unique way of speaking or curiosity about their past, there's something that makes you want to keep talking to them.

5 Jack: A Biotic With A Taste For Blood

Mass Effect Screenshot of Biotic Companion Jack

Fiercely powerful and hungry for a fight, this is one intimidating ex-criminal you don’t want to mess with. Jack was taken by Cerberus as a child. They tortured and experimented on her, pushing her to breaking point psychologically.

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Her defensive attitude and eagerness for violence make her a key asset to Shepard in a fight. She’s almost frighteningly strong. Her tattoos hint at a past that she's reluctant to go into. The horrors in her past gain the players’ empathy and reveal her as someone who was once afraid, not just the weapon Cerberus turned her into.

4 Grunt: A Tank-Bred Warrior

Mass Effect Krogan Grunt Close Up In Dialogue Screenshot

​​​​​​Genetically designed to be everything a Krogan should be, Grunt was bred during experiments into the Genophage, a disease that renders the race infertile. Once you’ve got his tank on the ship it’s your call on whether you want to open it up.

If you do choose to do so, be sure you're ready to face a highly unpredictable and violent Krogan ready to kill you right there. Once you convince him to direct his murderous energy towards your enemies he’s a valuable member of your squad, always relishing a good fight.

3 Mordin: The Very Model Of A Scientist

Mass Effect Scientist Mordin Solus Pictured In The Normandy Tech Labs

This Salarian aims to help people and he isn't afraid to take care of anyone who stands in his way. In the Tech Labs, he spends his time researching the Collectors.

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If you visit him before the romance event with your chosen partner takes place, you'll receive some unexpected personal advice. Whether you're romancing a Drell or a Turian, Mordin is unafraid to talk you through everything, with his usual zeal for sharing knowledge and gaining more. His dedication to Shepard's cause and quirky nature makes him one of the easiest crew members to love.

2 Illusive Man: The Person Who Pulls All The Strings

Mass Effect Illusive Man Pictured In His Classic Chair With Space Behind Him

As secretive as his name suggests, the Illusive Man is always working behind the scenes. Without him, Shepard would be dead. He has the power to use Shepard like a piece on a chessboard. The Illusive Man suspects that missing colonies are connected to the Reapers and he knows Commander Shepard is the person to investigate.

ittle is revealed about this character. He often appears as just a hologram, smartly dressed and composed, sitting on a chair with only a view of the galaxy behind him. Shepard must overcome their distrust so that they can both work toward the common goal of stopping the Reapers. He is a necessary evil.

1 Pelessaria B'sayle: An Adventurous And Spirited Asari

Mass Effect Andromeda Asari PeeBee Pictured In Dialogue

​​​Nicknamed Peebee, this Asari describes herself as young, if 100 years can be called young. She is eager to explore the galaxy. Before meeting Ryder and their team she spent time adventuring on her own and thinks of herself as “daring and death-defying”.

Her restlessness can be attributed to the fact that she is in an earlier stage of her Asari life. Peebee's appearance is striking, the dark streak across her olive eyes reflecting her bold personality. Her high intelligence is invaluable to Ryder's team. Her fluctuating emotions and expressive opinions bring lively energy to the Tempest.

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