Galaxy Map

For known mass relay paths, see Milky Way.

The Galaxy Map is an interactive holographic tool used for navigating the Milky Way. It is located on both the SSV Normandy and Normandy SR-2 in the Combat Information Center, behind the cockpit and ops stations. Only the CO can access the map and change the Normandy's course. There are several layers to the map, in increasing detail:

• Milky Way - the galaxy
• Clusters - an individual cluster within the galaxy
• Systems - an individual star system within a cluster
• Planets - a single planet or object within a star system

The Galaxy Map also has details of individual planets once one has been selected, including relevant statistics (temperature, gravity, orbital period etc) and any historical points of interest relating to that world. Over one hundred planets can be examined, yet only a few can be explored on foot due to most being non-terrestrial or too inhospitable.

In Mass Effect, even if a planet is too dangerous to land on, many can be surveyed to search for valuable resources and assignment-relevant items. Systems may also contain asteroids, which can be scanned by sweeping an asteroid belt with the cursor, and points of interest like derelict spacecraft.

In Mass Effect 2, planets can be scanned for resource deposits and mined by probes. Scanning and deploying probes can also locate assignments. In addition, traveling between the various systems of a cluster requires fuel, which can be purchased at Fuel Depots. If the Normandy SR-2 expends all of its fuel, a quantity of a resource (element zero, platinum, palladium, or iridium) is consumed and the Normandy is returned to the cluster's gateway system.

In Mass Effect 3, the galaxy map experiences significant changes. First, some star clusters now have an icon above them which indicates the clusters are currently being invaded by the Reapers. In addition, 'loot' is now obtained by activating a scan while exploring individual solar systems and subsequently investigating red 'blips' from the scan. Scans only cover a limited area around the Normandy, so it may be necessary to scan several locations in a solar system to locate all available loot. Loot now includes possible fuel or credit rewards, as well as certain assignment objectives and War Assets (see Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War). If the player scans multiple times in systems which are being invaded, they may eventually attract the attention of Reaper ships, which will chase the player around the solar system. Leaving the solar system or activating a Mass Relay is sufficient to evade the Reaper ships. Reaper ships will continue to patrol a solar system in which they detected the Normandy, chasing them again if they re-enter the system, until a certain amount of time (completed missions) has passed. Note that, if Reapers are currently chasing the Normandy and the player investigates a planet or other feature, time effectively stops and the Reapers won't get any closer until the player zooms out again.

Since mass relays function as a network, ships must change relays repeatedly to cross to the far side of the galaxy. The Galaxy Map automatically calculates the paths necessary to reach the desired location.

Trivia

• Standing close to the Galaxy Map reveals that the pop-ups on the display read PLANET 42-518P-111. This designation appeared in early footage of the Galaxy Map, referring to "a small, icy planet orbiting the STAR 42-518P." However, numerical designations are not used in-game; planets and stars are referred to by their names.