Mass Effect 3 Weekend Event And DLC Inbound

With the recently announced Mass Effect Trilogy and Omega DLC, many thought the DLC run for Mass Effect 3 would be coming to an end. This is not so, as BioWare has announced the next piece of multiplayer DLC, titled "Retaliation" as well as the next N7 Weekend Event. I'll save the juicy info for last, so here's the N7 Weekend details:



Based on intel recovered during Operation PATRIOT, we are anticipating a massive strike from the Reapers on multiple fronts. Our information officers and special-ops teams stationed behind enemy lines require immediate extraction.

Squad Goal: Full extraction on any map at any difficulty in 20 minutes or less. Squads can be any size.

Allied Goal: Complete 200,000 extraction waves on any difficulty. Squads can be any size. Full extraction not required.

Special Circumstance: None

Squad Goal Success: All squad members awarded a Commendation Pack
Allied Goal Success: All players awarded a Victory PackOperation: OVERDRIVE takes place October 5th thru October 7th.

Now, the moment you've all been waiting for.



"Retaliation" is the biggest Mass Effect 3 DLC yet. It adds the Collectors as a new enemy faction to fight. You'll be facing off against Troopers, Captains, Abominations, the dreaded Scions and Praetorians. The Cerberus faction is also gaining a new Dragoon class, and the Geth are gaining a Drone class.



You will also be able to unlock new classes to play as, such as the Turian Havoc Soldier, and the long awaited Turian Ghost Infiltrator, with "many more to be added on a regular basis," says BioWare.



New weaponry is also available. The Collector Assault Rifle, SMG and Sniper Rifle can now be unlocked, as well as new ammo mods and unique gear upgrades.



Another big new feature are "Hazard" versions of the multiplayer maps, which add certain, well, hazards to the maps to spice things up a bit while you're surviving the enemy onslaught. These hazards include Acid, Lightning, Meltdowns, Sandstorms, Swarms and Whiteouts.



Perhaps the biggest new feature is the new "Challenge System", which is best explained by BioWare:
Think you are the best soldier in the Alliance? Make sure to track your progress in the new “Challenges” database. Complete various multiplayer assignments and feats of strength to unlock titles and banners to display in-game, and then compare your progress against your friend.

How does it work?

The “Challenges” database tracks various in-game statistics, such as your N7 Typhoon usage. To earn challenge points, you’ll need to complete mini-goals. For example, accumulate 140,000 points while using the Typhoon in multiplayer and you’ll be rewarded with 10 challenge points.

Challenge points are used to unlock cool in-game multiplayer bonuses, such as new titles and banners. Want other players to know that you’re a Council Operative? You can do that. Want to be the envy of your friends with a flashy new banner to display in the player lobby? You can do that, too!

Challenge points lead to unlocks, and unlocks allow you to personalize your multiplayer experience. Now, you’ve got some work to do, Soldier!


BioWare has also released a trailer for "Retaliation":



"Retaliation" will be available October 9th and, surprisingly for such a big expansion, is absolutely free of charge. Dust off your weapons, and prepare to get back into the fight.

Thanks to all of you that sent this one in!