Skip to main content
Tech Radar
  • Tech Radar Pro
  • Tech Radar Gaming
Tech Radar Gaming TechRadar Game-changing stories
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
RSS
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
  • News
  • Features
  • Reviews
  • How To
  • Deals
  • Switch 2
Trending
  • Switch 2
  • PS5 Pro
  • Black Ops 6
  • Monster Hunter Wilds
  • Fortnite
Recommended reading
A screenshot from Borderlands 4
Gaming I thought I was done with the series, but after three hours with Borderlands 4, I'm ready to be pulled back in again
A screenshot from sci-fi game Pragmata
Gaming After reflecting on my hands-on with Pragmata at Summer Game Fest, I’m even more intrigued by the hybrid combat and puzzle action
Three players look out over Arrakis. One is sat on a bike
PC Gaming The 17 best multiplayer PC games in 2025
A screenshot from the game Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Gaming Death Stranding 2 tips and tricks: what I recommend you do to avoid failure after my nearly 50 hours in the game
The Punisher next to a DualSense Edge controller, against a backdrop of the Asgard map in Marvel Rivals
Gaming Marvel Rivals best controller settings
A screenshot of the party members from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Gaming The 23 best Xbox Game Pass games in 2025
Dune Awakening
Gaming Dune: Awakening review: an engaging survival MMO that’ll teach you to fear the sun
  1. Gaming

Mass Effect Andromeda multiplayer guide

How-to
By Dom Reseigh-Lincoln published 8 April 2017

Master multiplayer with our Mass Effect boot camp

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

You can't stay single forever…

You can't stay single forever…

So you've spent countless hours exploring the new stars and planets of the Andromeda galaxy in single-player… but what about taking on the cosmos in multiplayer mode? It's time to jump into some Apex missions.

Andromeda's co-operative PvE online mode works much like the one in Mass Effect 3 – fight through increasingly tough waves of enemies, with a sprinkling of objectives added for taste – but there are still plenty of new twists to tackle in Bioware's extended cosmos.

So before you embark for some multiplayer mayhem, train yourself into peak science-fiction condition with our set of comprehensive Apex tips and tricks...

PC
XBox One
Other
Mass Effect: Andromeda -...
PC Deals
1 deals availableArrow
Amazon
DownloadDownload
$20
View Deal
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
1. Spend plenty of time in single-player

1. Spend plenty of time in single-player

Andromeda’s multiplayer mode is great fun to play, but for those unfamiliar with the series its mixture of third-person cover-shooting, squad-based combat and RPG tropes might seem a little jarring. Considering that online play is meant to be a little more taxing, we’d strongly advise any Mass Effect newbies to play a good eight to 10 hours of the single-player campaign first.

This will introduce you to all the game’s key systems, enabling you to get to grips with Profiles, and how best to use certain skills and powers against certain enemies. Since it offers a fairly forgiving learning curve on the normal difficulty setting, it’s the perfect way to prepare for multiplayer.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
2. Know your wave patterns

2. Know your wave patterns

Much like Mass Effect 3, Andromeda’s multiplayer offering isn’t a PvP affair but a Horde-style PvE setup that pits you against increasingly tough waves of enemies. Each match consists of seven waves, and since the objective of these waves always remains the same, it pays to know each one in order.

The first two waves simply require you to ‘Survive’ and defeat all enemies. The third is a rotating, time-based objective (upload data from three points, eliminate specific enemies, lock down a hack zone or enable/disable four devices). The fourth and fifth are survival-focused. The sixth is another timed objective, and seventh is ‘Extraction’ (survive until you’re picked up).

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
3. Play to the strength of your class

3. Play to the strength of your class

Each class in Mass Effect Andromeda’s multiplayer mode works in much the same way as Profile in the single-player campaign, so understanding the benefits of each one is key to surviving and thriving online. First off, take note of which classes your team has selected – since this is a team-based effort, stacking up with the same class will lead to consistent disaster.

Biotics are great at dealing with large groups of enemies, so use this class for survival and extraction waves, while the trust Infiltrator is ideal for sneaking off to hack devices during the time-based objective sections. This is also a great time to adapt to a class you wouldn’t normally choose.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
4. Memorise maps and ammo locations

4. Memorise maps and ammo locations

There are currently five multiplayer maps available with the launch version of Mass Effect Andromeda – Firebase Zero, Firebase Magma, Firebase Icebreaker, Firebase Sandstorm and Firebase Derelict – although expect more to be added in future DLC packs and updates.

Each map is relatively big, but the design remains the same each time so start acquainting yourself with important details such as choke points, cover and flanking positions. Also make a note of ammo box locations, so you can restock with confidence while under the gun. Knowing a map’s layout will turn you into a ruthless soldier in no time.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
5. Manage your Mass Effect currencies

5. Manage your Mass Effect currencies

Mass Effect Andromeda’s multiplayer loves its RPG DNA so much it’s packed in three – count ’em, three – different in-game currencies that build up in a variety of needlessly complicated ways. These currencies are Andromeda Points, Multiplayer Credits and Mission Funds, and each one can be used to buy loot boxes and unlock new weapons and armor.

Andromeda Points are the premium currency, and can be bought via microtransactions. These are the fast-track way to get new gear, but they’re also the most pricey. Multiplayer Credits are accrued by completing matches, while Mission Funds are a single-player-based currency built up by sending out Strike Teams from the Tempest.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
6 Prioritise enemy types for quicker firefights

6 Prioritise enemy types for quicker firefights

This being a Horde mode-style setup, Andromeda’s multiplayer will test your mettle by flinging a variety of enemies at you in ever-increasing numbers. Such a challenge won’t trouble you too much for the first few waves, but the further you push, the harder this becomes as far tougher foes begin entering the mix.

Much as in Mass Effect 3 – and Andromeda’s own single-player battles – make sure you target weaker enemies such as the Kett first, reducing the amount of potential damage you and your team can receive. Then when something larger and tougher, such as a Hydra, shows up you can direct your collected fire without fear of flanking.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
7. Always have Strike Teams on the go

7. Always have Strike Teams on the go

Remember those Mission Funds we mentioned earlier? Well, to accrue this unique kind of currency you’ll need to make the most of one Andromeda’s passive features tied to multiplayer – Strike Teams. You can find this at the main terminal aboard the Tempest in single-player (and from the main menu in multiplayer) and you can have up to six teams operating at once.

Mission funds serve a dual purpose – you can either use them in the single-player campaign, or use them to purchase packs from the multiplayer store. These packs contain armor and weapons for your multiplayer characters, so Strike Teams is a resource you really shouldn’t be playing without.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
8. Don’t promote your characters when they cap

8. Don’t promote your characters when they cap

Back in Mass Effect 3, characters levelled to the level cap of 30 were considered war assets, and a resource vital to getting the best possible outcome in the game’s apocalyptic endgame. Sadly, that mechanic didn’t go down too well with fans, and ultimately made its multiplayer feel surplus to requirements. Thankfully, Andromeda does away with this feature, but its own characters do have level caps.

Right now, as of launch, the level cap for each multiplayer character is 20, but we’d expect this to increase over the next 12 months or so as Bioware begins rolling out new missions, characters and various DLC packs. In the meantime, don’t promote a character if they hit their respective cap – each can still accrue XP at a higher rate than those still levelling, so keep them in play for the long run.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
9. Don’t rush to an extraction point straight away

9. Don’t rush to an extraction point straight away

Each online match in Mass Effect Andromeda ends with an Extraction Wave that pits you against a tough tide of powerful enemies while a timer ticks down. While there’s a designated point on the map that will serve as your exit when the timer elapses, that doesn’t mean you should leg it there as soon as the final round begins.

Since these points are almost always open and exposed (making them incredibly difficult to defend for long periods), play smart, and keep the action far from this section of the map so that you can sprint away to extraction when the timer finally counts down to zero.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
10. Character weight can make a huge difference

10. Character weight can make a huge difference

While it’s less of an issue in Mass Effect Andromeda’s vast single-player campaign, the amount of gear you wear and carry can adversely affect how you play. Apart from actively reducing your movement speed (which is pretty disastrous when you consider how important movement is to multiplayer) it can also slow cooldown times on abilities.

If you’re playing biotic or engineer, having your abilities encumbered by too much gear is a recipe for disaster, so be sure to only carry the gear that’s absolutely essential to your performance (extra ammunition, Revive Packs, etc). However, if your playstyle doesn’t include many abilities, a reduction in cooldown shouldn’t cause you too many problems.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
Dom Reseigh-Lincoln
Read more
A screenshot from Borderlands 4
I thought I was done with the series, but after three hours with Borderlands 4, I'm ready to be pulled back in again
A screenshot from sci-fi game Pragmata
After reflecting on my hands-on with Pragmata at Summer Game Fest, I’m even more intrigued by the hybrid combat and puzzle action
Three players look out over Arrakis. One is sat on a bike
The 17 best multiplayer PC games in 2025
A screenshot from the game Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Death Stranding 2 tips and tricks: what I recommend you do to avoid failure after my nearly 50 hours in the game
The Punisher next to a DualSense Edge controller, against a backdrop of the Asgard map in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals best controller settings
A screenshot of the party members from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
The 23 best Xbox Game Pass games in 2025
Latest in Gaming
Meta Quest 3S on cyan background with TechRadar price cut sign
Prime Day is almost over, so I'm begging you to scoop up the best VR headset around at its lowest price before it's too late
Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake
One of the all-time best RPGs just shot down to its lowest ever Switch price as Amazon Prime Day comes to a close
Final Fantasy 1 Amazon Prime Day deals.
Get six incredible Nintendo Switch RPGs at a record low price – it's literally under eight dollars per game
Three DualSense controller on a green background with white big savings text
Turns out the best PS5 DualSense deals this Prime Day aren't even at Amazon - they're at this retailer instead
Prime Day KontrolFreek deals.
I rely on these thumbstick add-ons for my sweatiest gaming sessions – and they could be yours for less than $15 or £10
The Thrustmaster eSwap X pro controller on a green background with white big savings text
I think this is one of the best Xbox controllers ever made – and it's had its price slashed for Prime Day
Latest in How Tos
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand volley against Taylor Fritz of United States during the Gentlemen's Singles semi-final match on day twelve of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 11, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
How to watch Alcaraz vs Sinner online: live stream Wimbledon 2025 men's final
Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates her victory with her nephew Jackson after her victory against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the Quarter-Finals of the Ladies' Singles Competition
How to watch Wimbledon women's final on BBC iPlayer (it's FREE) today
Owen Farrell in training for British & Irish Lions.
AUNZ Invitational vs Lions FREE streams: How to watch British & Irish Lions tour live online from anywhere
Three members of staff wave towards a red helicopter in Billion Dollar Playground
How to watch Billion Dollar Playground season 1 for free online from anywhere
Jofra Archer in practice for England cricket.
How to watch England vs India 3rd Test: Live stream cricket online – scores level on 387 after both first innings
The girls have a serious chat in Love Island USA season 7
How to watch Love Island USA 2025 Finale for FREE
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    These Wi-Fi routers can help detect motion in your home, but are also sparking privacy worries – here's why
  2. 2
    You can get up to $1,200 off the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 this weekend - enough to get a device for free
  3. 3
    The MacBook Air that offers "unbeatable performance in its class" plummets to a record-low price at Best Buy
  4. 4
    Get 20% off audiovisual gear at Elgato with our exclusive code
  5. 5
    “It's an incredibly exciting time” - Google Cloud head on why embracing AI could be the best move your business could make

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...