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Mass Effect: Andromeda novel Nexus Uprising will make sense of the latest trailer on March 28

Mass Effect: Andromeda Nexus Uprising

Despite us not knowing much about the universe ourselves, Bioware are already hard at work expanding the backstory of Mass Effect: Andromeda. The previously announced novels have now been finalised with titles, release dates and even the odd plot hint. In an interview with Eurogamer, Bioware confirm these novels, particularly the first, provide more context for a variety of situations you actually encounter in-game – including what was showcased in the most recent trailer.

For what else there is to know about Mass Effect: Andromeda’s release date, story, characters and more, check our dedicated article.

As announced by Titan Books, the three novels will be:

  • Mass Effect: Nexus Uprising, by Jason M. Hough and K.C. Alexander. Out March 28.
  • Mass Effect: Annihilation, by Catherynne M. Valente. Out in summer.
  • Mass Effect: Initiation, by N.K. Jemisin. Out in fall.

While we know little about the latter two other than the titles, that title and an interview today on Eurogamer points towards information about exactly how the Andromeda galaxy’s non-native races – i.e. the ones we brought with us – got there.

“What you see in the trailer is a tease of what happens to the different arks,” explains producer Fabrice Condominas. “Obviously this is central to the story of how things didn’t go as planned [on arrival in Andromeda]. People got spread out. You don’t know what happened to the other arks. You may have seen we just announced some Mass Effect novels – I encourage you to look at their titles…”

With Sloane Kelly appearing as a warlord in the trailer and a rather more civilised head of security in the Andromeda Initiative briefings, exactly how one became the other is an important note. Presumably, this was after everyone came out of cryostasis for the journey, given it’s rather difficult to start a fight while your blood is frozen.

Bioware also make mention that outposts like the one seen in the trailer won’t be limited to construction by level designers. You’ll make your own on worlds you conquer / liberate / explore as part of the game – making sure everyone’s got somewhere to live.

A bit more in the Eurogamer interview, if you’re after it.