Mass Effect: Andromeda Multiplayer

The multiplayer component of Mass Effect: Andromeda is a co-operative game mode similar to Mass Effect 3's multiplayer. Players take on the enemy threat as part of the so-called APEX Forces. Completing special Missions may earn the player certain singleplayer rewards, but otherwise the multiplayer mode is completely optional and does not affect the story of the singleplayer mode in any way.

Matches
Multiplayer matches consist of pitting the player and up to three allies against waves of enemies on various battlefields throughout the Heleus Cluster. The number of waves is seven by default. As in Mass Effect 3, some waves are completed by killing all the enemies, whereas objective waves have a time limit. After completing the objective, remaining enemies have to be eliminated to finish the wave. Each objective awards a certain amount of credits depending on difficulty as well as speed of completion. The mission fails if the timer expires before the objective is completed or all players go down.

On the last wave, all players must defend against the enemy for a set time period, then retreat to the designated extraction zone within the time limit.

Matches have three challenge difficulties, in order from easiest to hardest: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.1 Higher difficulties feature stronger and more numerous enemies, as well as difficult enemy types in earlier waves and in larger numbers, but also grant better rewards.

1 There is no Platinum difficulty "for now".

Missions
Described as the link between single- and multiplayer, Missions can be completed either through NPC Strike Teams or multiplayer matches. Multiplayer rewards can be earned only if the Mission is completed as a multiplayer match, whereas singleplayer rewards are earned regardless of the manner of completion.

Missions will be a part of Weekend Events planned for the game.

Development
As opposed to having dedicated servers, Mass Effect: Andromeda multiplayer employs a peer-to-peer system like Mass Effect 3. There are currently no plans for supporting cross-platform play. The multiplayer mode is not region-locked, although the matchmaking system prefers towards good connection.

Character Customization
Characters' appearance, weapons, and equipment can be customized between matches, and additional equipment obtained by purchasing packs from the store. Unlike in Mass Effect 3, characters can't initially be given custom names.

Prestige
Mass Effect: Andromeda introduces permanent bonuses to characters through a mechanic called Prestige. Each character is associated with a group of bonus stats; progressing a particular stat will, up to a limit, apply the related bonus to all multiplayer characters. Like other types of online progress, these bonuses do not apply to additional accounts or platforms.

Store
The store sells multiplayer equipment and item packs. Contents of these packs include weapon upgrades, mods, character unlocks, and more. Packs may be purchased with in-game credits earned through gameplay, or alternatively with real currency. Mission Funds, a new currency earned through Missions, can be used to purchase special equipment in the multiplayer store.