Mass Effect 3 Kite’s Nest: Pillars of Strength Guide—Artifacts & Choices
Mass Effect 3’s Kite’s Nest: Pillars of Strength is a side mission built around tracking down valuable artifacts and bringing them back to the right people. This guide page walks you through where to find every item tied to the mission, how to handle the fighting you’ll run into, and what decisions matter for your playthrough.
Looking for something specific? Jump to:
- Mission Stats
- Find the Pillars
- Travel to Widow
- Deliver the Pillars
Mission Stats
Video Guide
Mission Rewards
- Reputation: +5 Reputation
- Mission Credits: 15,000 credits
- War Asset: +40 TMS to Batarian Fleet
Find the Pillars
- Location: Kite’s Nest – Harsa – Khar’shan
The Pillars of Strength are unusual in that they’re available as soon as you’re free to explore the galaxy at your own pace. Start by heading to the Kite’s Nest star system, which sits near the southeastern edge of the Milky Way.
Once you reach the Harsa system, find Khar’shan—Batarian territory and the second planet in that system. Use a Scan to verify that the mission objective is located there. From the system map, enter Khar’shan’s orbit, then begin a planetary scan and follow the white direction indicator shown in your reticle to pinpoint the exact spot. When you arrive at the right location, fire a probe to retrieve the Pillars.
While you’re in the area, you can also check nearby systems for extra loot. Keep in mind that the Vular system only opens up if you take the Paragon path during the “Aria: Blue Suns” side mission; however, that detour is limited to a quest item and some fuel.
Travel to Widow
- Prerequisite: Complete “Priority: Palaven”
- Location: Serpent Nebula – Widow – Citadel – Docks: Holding Area – Cargo Hold: C
Delivering the Pillars isn’t something you can do immediately. You’ll need to finish “Priority: Palaven” first, because that mission unlocks the full set of areas you can access on the Citadel. The Citadel serves as the galaxy’s central hub, and it will always be located in the western side of the Milky Way map.
Deliver the Pillars
Go to Docks: Holding Area to turn everything in. In this space, locate Cargo Hold: C, which is the Batarian portion of the refugee camp. On the map screen, it’s marked with a 7. Near the kiosk for Batarian State Arms, you’ll find a Preacher grieving the loss of the Pillars of Strength. Speak with him to complete the delivery.
Your conversation rewards you with +5 Reputation, 15,000 credits, and a +40 TMS boost to the Batarian Fleet War Asset.
Want more Mass Effect 3 help? Explore:
- Legendary Edition Changes
- How-To Guides
- Key Choices and Consequences
- Romance Guide
- Walkthrough
- Side Missions
Up Next: Nimbus Cluster: Library of Asha
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