What Happens if You Destroy the Reapers?
In the Mass Effect trilogy, the Reapers are a recurring threat to the galaxy and humanity. They are massive, ancient machines that seem to be driven by an insatiable hunger to harvest and destroy all intelligent life in the galaxy. So, what happens if you destroy the Reapers?
The Red Ending: Destruction of the Reapers and Synthetic Life
The red ending, also known as the "Destroy the Reapers" ending, is a possible outcome for Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 3. In this ending, Shepard makes the bold decision to destroy the Reapers, along with all synthetic life in the galaxy, including the geth, EDI, and even Shepard’s own cybernetics.
** Destroying the Reapers:
| Consequence | Effect |
|---|---|
| Reaper Fleet Destroyed | All Reaper vessels and ships in the galaxy are destroyed. |
| Synthetic Life Destroyed | All synthetic life forms in the galaxy, including geth, EDI, and advanced artificial intelligences, are destroyed. |
| Mass Relay Destruction | The Mass Relay network, which allows for faster-than-light travel in the galaxy, is damaged and unable to function effectively. |
| Rise of New Threats | Without the Reaper threat, new threats could emerge in the galaxy, such as the rise of the krogan krogan or the discovery of new, hostile civilizations. |
The Blue Ending: Becoming the New Intelligence
The blue ending, also known as the "Control the Reapers" ending, is another possible outcome for Commander Shepard. In this ending, Shepard makes the decision to upload their consciousness into the Reapers’ collective intelligence, effectively becoming the new controller of the Reapers.
** Becoming the New Intelligence:
| Consequence | Effect |
|---|---|
| New Intelligence | Commander Shepard’s consciousness becomes the new intelligence behind the Reapers, allowing for a new era of intergalactic cooperation and cooperation. |
| Potential for Abuse | The new intelligence, based on Shepard’s personality, could potentially be used to control and manipulate the Reapers, leading to unpredictable and potentially disastrous consequences. |
| Risk of Conflict | The possibility of conflict between the Reapers and other civilizations arises, as the new intelligence may have its own goals and motivations that do not align with those of the galaxy’s inhabitants. |
Alternatives to Destroying or Controlling the Reapers
There are other possibilities for dealing with the Reaper threat beyond destroying or controlling them. These alternatives might include:
- The "No" Ending: Refusing to make a choice, allowing the Reaper fleet to destroy the galaxy.
- The "Synthesis" Ending: Choosing to merge organic and synthetic life, potentially leading to a new era of cooperation and understanding.
- The "Destroy Prothean Beacon" Ending: Destroying the Prothean beacon, effectively ending the Reaper threat forever.
Ultimately, the choices made by Commander Shepard and the fate of the galaxy depend on the player’s decisions throughout the Mass Effect trilogy.