Mass Effect 2 Citadel: The Fan Checklist for Conrad Verner Best Outcome
If you’re working through the Citadel side quest “Citadel: The Fan” in Mass Effect 2, this guide section lays out the exact checklist you’ll want for getting the best possible resolution. The quest is structured as a three-part sequence, and your dialogue choices along the way determine where Conrad Verner ends up—and what you earn for doing it right.
Quick scan: Task checklist
- Essential Stats
- Travel to Widow
- How the “Fan” quest works
- Stage 1 – The Autograph
- Stage 2 – The Picture
- Stage 3 – The Spectre
Essential Stats
- Persuasion Points: 2 Charm / 2 Intimidate
- Minimum Decryption: N/A
- Minimum Electronics: N/A
Travel to Widow
- Location: Serpent Nebula – Widow – The Citadel – Upper Wards – Upper Markets
“Citadel: The Fan” is, as the name suggests, tied directly to the Citadel. This hub sits in the Serpent Nebula and serves as the galactic gathering point, and it’s also where you’ll run the mission “Citadel: Expose Saren.” The Citadel has a single system listed as Widow, and it comes with zero Discoveries—so you’re always anchored to the same place while progressing.
This Assignment is split into three separate phases. You’ll kick things off by speaking with Conrad Verner, who stands at the top of the stairs that connect the Upper and Lower Markets. If you don’t have Rapid Transit to the Upper Markets yet, go to Chora’s Den first, then turn around and enter the door leading to the Lower Markets. From there, take the stairs up—Conrad will be waiting at the top.
Progression for “The Fan” works through completing a Mission World, then returning to the Citadel to continue the next step. The Mission Worlds you’ll need to use are Therum, Feros, Noveria, and Virmire.
Stage 1 – The Autograph
You can start this quest during your first visit to the Citadel, after you’ve already spoken with the Council in the Citadel Tower. When you meet Conrad for the first time, he initially comes across as a little strange—overly focused on idolizing Shepard and highlighting their achievements. After the conversation stretches a bit, Conrad asks for Shepard’s autograph.
- If you choose “No problem” or “I suppose,” Shepard will comply, and Conrad will exit the conversation.
- If at any point you select “Leave me alone” or “What? No,” Conrad will walk away in a bad mood. Even so, that choice doesn’t terminate the quest.
Stage 2 – The Picture
On your next chance to talk to Conrad, you’ll do it after you complete a Mission World and then come back to the Citadel. He stays in the same Upper Markets spot as before. From here, the conversation can branch:
- If you pick “Get lost” or “No! Get out of here!” Conrad becomes irritated and runs off to prove to Shepard that he can be a hero. Later, you may hear a news report claiming he died while fighting some Turians.
- When Conrad asks to take Shepard’s picture, choosing “I suppose” or “Go ahead” will get Shepard to cooperate. Conrad then leaves, satisfied with how it went.
If you’re following this guide in order, the next move after Stage 2 is to head downstairs to Morlan’s Famous Shop so you can pick up a License and a Grenade Upgrade. After that, what Assignment you do next depends on Shepard’s Pre-Service History:
- Earthborns should begin “Citadel: Old Friends” outside Chora’s Den.
- Spacers should begin “Citadel: Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things” in the Wards Access corridor.
- Colonists should go to the Presidium, talk to Udina, and move forward through “UNC: Asari Diplomacy.”
Stage 3 – The Spectre
For the final phase, you’ll complete another Mission World and then return to Conrad in the Upper Markets at the same location. Conrad starts by saying he’s come up with an idea he wants to run past you.
- If you respond “Again? No,” Conrad will storm off to prove Shepard he can still be a hero. A later news alert can report that he died fighting some Turians.
- If you choose “Conrad, I’m pretty busy” or “Go ahead,” Conrad explains that he wants Shepard to help him become a Spectre.
If you didn’t go with “Again? No,” you’ll be presented with five options. Three of those can lead to distinct outcomes:
- If you select “It’s a bad idea,” “It’s not going to happen,” or “No,” Shepard will tell Conrad he isn’t qualified to become a Spectre, even if Shepard had the influence to pull strings. Conrad storms off anyway, and as with other unfavorable branches, a news alert states he dies fighting some Turians.
- If you have 2 Charm available, you can pick “It’s not that easy.” This steers Conrad away from the idea in a gentler way, and you’ll receive +8 Paragon Points.
- If you have 2 Intimidate available, you can choose “Here’s a test,” “That’s a load of crap,” or “There are no good fights” (the exact line depends on Shepard’s Pre-Service History). Shepard pushes a gun into Conrad’s face; even though Conrad is upset, the confrontation convinces him, and he walks away alive.
Looking for more support as you work through Mass Effect 2? The page also points readers toward other help sections such as Legendary Edition changes, general how-to guides, key choices and consequences, romance options, the full walkthrough, and side quest coverage.
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