The release of Mass Effect Legendary Edition and the announcement of an upcoming fourth game in the series have fans of the franchise more excited than ever. The games are also incredibly replayable, meaning most fans are probably killing time by revisiting their favorite characters.
The world of Mass Effect is vast and expansive, full of intriguing alien races that add color and complexity to the already intricate galaxy. However, not all races are as universally beloved as the turians or asari; and fans certainly have their favorites, ranking them above all others.
Vorcha
The vorcha are among the most aggressive races in the game. They live in the darkest corners of the galaxy, including Omega, and have a notorious hatred for Citadel races like humans and Asari.
Most races consider the vorcha pests; in return, the vorcha live up to their infamous reputations, acting mainly as mercenaries and scavengers and bringing violence everywhere they go. The vorcha play a small but meaningful role throughout Mass Effect, although their interventions usually reduce them to the role of disposable enemies or minor allies on occasional missions.
Batarians
The batarians have a better reputation than the Vorcha, but barely. They are famous pirates and ravagers, known for their imposed self-isolation in the darkest corners of space. Batarians are infamous for their paranoid tendencies, with the government exerting complete control upon civilians and refusing them to leave batarian-control space.
Unlike the vorcha, batarians prefer to earn their means through official albeit frowned-upon pursuits like slavery and drug running. Commander Shepard has several encounters with batarians throughout Mass Effect, and although these aliens often play antagonistic roles in the series, it's not always the case.
Hanar
The hanar, better known as the "big stupid jellyfishes," are among the only non-bipedal races in the Citadel. Hanar are famous for their distinctive speech -- they refer to themselves as "this one" -- and their near-fanatical religious views towards the Protheans, who they call the "Enkindlers."
Commander Shepard has numerous encounters with the hanar throughout the trilogy, mostly taking a comedic tone. Indeed, some of the funniest cutscenes in Mass Effect include at least one hanar. Outside their comedic role, hanar do little in the series and mostly serve to add more color to the galaxy.
Elcor
The Elcor also have a distinctive speech pattern. Native to the planet Dakuuna, Elcor speaks in a soft and monotonous speech full of pauses and subtleties. Elcor are very slow but possess immense physical strength and imposing size, making them valuable allies in battle.
Appearing sporadically throughout Mass Effect, Elcor mainly appears in optional and side missions or as curious NPCs in the Citadel and Omega. Still, they are among the most distinctive races in the franchise, and they should really have a more prominent role in the fourth game.
Protheans
For years, protheans remained an elusive civilization lost to time. Mass Effect 2 revealed that a portion of them survived and became indoctrinated by the Reapers, eventually transforming into the Collectors. Furthermore, Mass Effect 3 featured Javik, the last living prothean, who offered more insight into the once-great empire.
Alas, protheans were less impressive than previously believed. Overly militaristic and even cruel, the protheans ruled with an iron fist. They weren't the enlightened race many thought they were but rather an unforgiving and sadistic empire that exercised absolute control over their cycle. At least Javik is one of the best companions in Mass Effect.
Salarians
Mass Effect included some of the all-time best video game companions, including the salarian Mordin Solus. Mordin was the poster child for salarians, perfectly representing his race's trademark qualities. Salarians are fast-talking, fast-thinking, somewhat egotistical, and extremely accomplished in science.
Salarians have high metabolisms that prevent them from living long. Thanks to their minds, they hold a privileged place in galactic matters; however, their attitudes aren't exactly popular, mainly because of their conceitedness. Salarians are also somewhat treacherous, as Commander Shepard learns throughout their journey.
Quarians
Quarians are the galaxy's ultimate pilgrims. Known for their technological abilities, quarians are nonetheless looked down on by the other Citadel races. After the geth evicted them from their homeworld, Rannoch, Quarians began living aboard their Migrant Fleet.
Tali'Zorah vas Normandy is the most prominent quarian in the game. She appears in every entry, acting as Shepard's most likable and loyal companion after Garrus Vakarian. It's hard not to feel sympathy for the quarians, even if players eventually learn they are solely responsible for their predicament.
Krogan
The krogan are arguably the most beloved race in Mass Effect. Krogan are famous for their violence and raw strength. They have one of if not the most complicated history out of any race in the galaxy, being the victims of the genophage at the hands of the salarians and turians.
Whether fans sympathize with the krogan or not, their relevance is undeniable. The series is full of crucial and likable krogan characters, including but not limited to Wrex, Wreav, Grunt, and Eve. Krogans' might not have the best reputation in the galaxy, but their influence spreads far outside Tuchanka.
Asari
Widely considered the most influential and respected race in the galaxy, the asari are a mono-gender group renowned for their diplomacy, biotic prowess, and beauty. Asari are arguably the most influential race in the galaxy, being the first to visit and colonize the Citadel after the protheans.
Liara is arguably the best companion in Mass Effect. She is also arguably the canon romance for Shepard, male or female, which is pretty impressive. Aside from Liara, asari play a major role in the franchise, representing the best the galaxy has to offer.
Turians
Turians come from the planet Palaven. A highly militaristic race, turians are among the largest contributors of soldiers and starships to the Citadel Fleet. They are among the most respected races due to their contributions to security and peacekeeping, although their close-minded views often earned them a bad reputation.
Although some fans might disagree, the consensus among fans is that Garrus is the absolute best companion in Mass Effect. He is a worthy representative of the turians, acting like Shepard's loyal companion throughout the trilogy. Other major turian characters include the first major antagonist, Saren, and Primarch Adrien Victus, cementing the race as the most important in the series.