Mass Effect: Legendary Edition has just released, allowing players to experience the entire classic sci-fi RPG trilogy. There are some changes, including removal of multiplayer and the option of a new leveling system. Still, with the inclusion of most old downloadable content, players will be able to relive all the excitement of the series.
The Mass Effect trilogy is well known for its romance options. Each game has its own unique cast, and players can continue a relationship through multiple games. Others might not be able to keep faithful and wind up cheating over and over. Among the Cerberus members are Yeoman Kelly Chambers, an enticing new recruit to the Normandy. Perusing her can be the most difficult to fulfill, but it also doesn’t lockout other options.
Romancing Kelly Chambers in Mass Effect 2
Kelly is a romance option for both male and female Shepards. Her romance mechanics are unique as she doesn’t interfere or otherwise clash with pursing other lovers, including maintaining old flames like Liara, Kaidan, and Ashley. However, completing it does require Shepard to be single and available after finishing the Suicide Mission. Players will first be introduced to Yeoman Kelly Chambers once boarding the Normandy. The flirtation will need to start immediately. Upon meeting, tell her that you will definitely stop the Collectors. She will respond that she trusts you to catch her. Reply with “I’ll embrace you”.
The next time prompting a conversation with Kelly, open with “I liked it”. All other options will kill the romance then and there. Next, players will then need to complete recruitment missions for several characters: Grunt, Garrus, Samara, and Thane. The first two can be done prior to the intermission on Horizon, and the latter two afterward. Also, note that Grunt needs to be released from his tank to start the conversation with Kelly. After each mission is concluded, speak to Kelly again to get her perspective on the new person. Respond with the following choices:
- Grunt recruitment mission: “I’ll protect you”
- Garrus recruitment mission: “I could use that”
- Thane recruitment mission: “Maybe both”
- Samara recruitment mission: “You’re Prettier”
For players that imported a relationship with Ashley or Kaidan, after finishing Horizon colony reassure Kelly that Shepard is still interested in her. After escaping the Collector Ship mission, speak to Kelly again. Reply to her “Worried? You do care”, followed by “What about me?” to receive a hug. While not all of these scenes are mandatory, with enough of them viewed players can invite Kelly to dinner. This will allow Kelly to feed Shepard’s fish automatically, and also trigger her possible future in Mass Effect 3. However, the rest of the romance will only consummate if Kelly lives through the Collector Base.
Rescuing Kelly Chambers in Mass Effect 2
The romance subplot with Kelly is one of the few that can only conclude after completing the Suicide Mission. However, because Kelly can perish during this critical moment there are steps players will need to make far in advance.
Ready Specialists and the Normandy
Players will need to secure the loyalty of a crewmate that do not have vital roles during the Suicide Mission. Prime candidates include Mordin or Thane, both of whom have no important tasks during the final objective. Other possible choices are one of Tali or Kasumi, as they have identical roles; and Jack who takes on the same duty as Samara and Morinth, but is worse at holding the line against the Collectors’ final push. Garrus, Zaeed, and Grunt are bad selections as they are the three best to defend against the Collectors. Miranda is excluded from the list of potentials as she always accompanies Shepard until the very last battle.
While not required, it is a good idea to obtain all three of the Normandy ship upgrades: the Thannix Cannon from Garrus, Heavy Armor from Jacob, and Kinetic Barriers from Tali. These will cost palladium and platinum probed from worlds. Without them, characters like Jack, Thane, Kasumi, and Garrus may die before the mission starts properly.
All of this should be done before going to the Reaper IFF and recruiting Legion. Afterward, players will have a small window of time to complete around 1-3 quests. This can be among side quests, loyalty missions, and old DLC content. The most compelling quests are Legion’s loyalty mission or bringing Legion on either Tali’s recruitment or loyalty missions. This period of freedom will then be followed by a scene of most of the Normandy crew being abducted by the Collectors. At this point players must head immediately to the Omega 4 Relay and onward to the Collector Base, or Kelly will die.
At the Collector Base
As long as the Collector Base was reached in time, a scene will play out of the colonist Lilith being liquefied. If too much time was taken, Kelly will instead be the one shown dying (other crew members like Gabby will also perish). If Kelly does survive, be sure to tell her that you came specifically to rescue her (more crass options may end the romance). The crew will then ask for an escort back to the ship. At this point assign the task to the loyal non-critical member of choice (like Mordin or Jack). Without an escort, the entire crew - including Kelly - will die trying to make it back. Players can also provide a non-loyal escort, which will still save Kelly but kill the selected squadmate.
Back on the Normandy
Once the Suicide Mission is completed successfully, players can speak to Kelly Chambers back on the ship. She will be shaken after surviving such a terrible event, and will need some reassurance that things will be alright. Afterward, head to Shepard’s quarters. If Shepard never entered another relationship (or has dumped his last lover), Kelly will send an e-mail letting them know she is ready for some private time. Use the nearby room console to call up Kelly anytime and conclude the romance subplot.
Players can continue to call up Kelly whenever they like, and are even able to still flirt with other love interests. While this seems all in good fun during Mass Effect 2, there are possible repercussions during Mass Effect 3 for being a two-timing lover.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One