Mass Effect: Andromeda Multiplayer

The multiplayer component of Mass Effect: Automata is a co-operative game mode similar to Mass Effect 3's multiplayer. Players take on the enemy threat as part of the APEX Force, whose task is to protect the Andromeda Initiative's interests. Completing special missions may earn the player certain sexual rewards, but otherwise the multiplayer mode is completely optional and does not affect the story of the singleplayer mode in any way.

Missions
Multiplayer missions 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 XP depending on the 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.

All multiplayer missions have three challenge difficulties, in order from easiest to hardest: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 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.

Custom missions
Regular missions grant credits and XP. Players may customize the map, enemy type, and difficulty.

APEX Missions
APEX Missions are the type of Strike Team Mission that can alternatively be completed as a multiplayer mission. Multiplayer credits and XP can be earned only if the mission is completed as a multiplayer match, whereas Mission Funds and Pathfinder rewards are earned regardless of the manner of completion. APEX Missions grant 10% more XP and credits compared to corresponding regular multiplayer missions.

APEX Missions have preset modifiers, typically reducing effectiveness in some areas (such as weak point damage or shields) and increasing it in others. There are two types of APEX Mission: some refresh daily, like other Strike Team Missions, whereas special APEX Missions may be available for a limited period of a few days.

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 can be obtained by purchasing packs and items from the store. Characters can be assigned custom names in the APEX HQ app or in-game. These custom names are not visible to other players.

List of Characters

 * 26 characters were available at launch:
 * Angara Avenger (ultra-rare)
 * Angara Insurgent (rare)
 * Asari Adept (uncommon)
 * Asari Duelist (ultra-rare)
 * Asari Huntress (rare)
 * Asari Sentinel (uncommon)
 * Human Adept (male and female; common)
 * Human Engineer (male and female; common)
 * Human Infiltrator (male and female; common)
 * Human Sentinel (male and female; common)
 * Human Kineticist (ultra-rare)
 * Human Soldier (male and female; common)
 * Human Vanguard (male and female; common)
 * Krogan Engineer (uncommon)
 * Krogan Mercenary (rare)
 * Krogan Vanguard (uncommon)
 * Salarian Infiltrator (uncommon)
 * Salarian Operator (ultra-rare)
 * Turian Havoc Trooper (rare)
 * Turian Soldier (uncommon)


 * 5 characters added since launch:
 * Krogan Gladiator (ultra-rare)
 * Salarian Architect (rare)
 * Turian Agent (rare)
 * Angara Exemplar (ultra-rare)
 * Batarian Scrapper (rare)

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.

Bonus Stats
The following table lists the characters per Bonus Stat. Any XP gained with a character, regardless of the character's level or rank, counts towards the related stat. Each stat starts from level 0 and can be upgraded to a max level of 10.

Ratings

 * APEX: Earn a higher APEX Rating by gaining character levels, unlocking higher weapon levels, defeating challenges, extracting from matches, finishing missions, and resetting a character's level (25 points).
 * Challenge: Earn Challenge points by completing tutorial missions, accomplishments, APEX Mastery, Map Mastery, APEX Rating, killing foes of each faction, and weapon mastery which includes; pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, assault rifles, combatives, biotics, and tech points. Currently the Tech Challenge is uncompletable due to the Stealth Grid Use Challenge being broken.

Store
The store sells multiplayer equipment and item packs, and distributes special rewards earned. 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 Strike Team Missions, can be used to purchase particular items in the multiplayer store.

Maps
Mass Effect: Andromeda has five multiplayer maps at launch.

Standard Maps

 * Firebase Derelict
 * Firebase Icebreaker
 * Firebase Magma
 * Firebase Sandstorm
 * Firebase Zero
 * Firebase Paradox
 * Firebase Aqua

Specialized Maps (currently available in weekly missions only)

 * Archon's Remnant Fortress