Mass Effect 3 Walkthrough: Getting EDI Back Online and Back to Operations
After completing Priority: Palaven and getting EDI back on track, this part of the Mass Effect 3 mission walkthrough focuses on what you can do once you’re back aboard the Normandy. Think of it as your “get moving again” checklist—starting with the immediate call down to the AI Core, then rolling into conversations, side interactions, and the early steps toward Search and Rescue pickups.
Checklists
This section of the Mass Effect 3 wiki guide covers the period right after Priority: Palaven when EDI goes offline, along with everything you can tackle after finishing up your stop at Menae. In other words, it’s your “Back on the Normandy” phase for that mission.
- Go to the AI Core
- Normandy Conversations
- Search and Rescue
Go to the AI Core
Once you’ve spoken with the Asari Councillor through the Vid Comm and then met Primarch Victus in the War Room, head back out to the Briefing Room. As you move toward the security scanner, the lights will briefly cut out and then return. Joker will page you over the intercom, explaining that EDI has been shut down for an unspecified reason—and that you should go straight to the AI Core located on the Crew Deck.
There’s some easy-to-miss conversation content during this stretch, so if you want to catch it all, consider the following:
- Use the Galaxy Map if you want to check where you can go next.
- Talk to Joker and Traynor while you’re on the CIC deck.
- Allers in Engineering has a single brief line if you’re in the mood to stop by.
- Visit Liara in her Crew Deck quarters.
- Visit Garrus on the Crew Deck—but do not talk to him yet.
The AI Core itself is on the Crew Deck, accessible via the back entrance of the Med Bay where Dr. Chakwas is stationed. Speak with Dr. Chakwas and Engineer Adams, then interact with the door to proceed.
Here’s what you’ll learn: EDI has taken command of Dr. Eva’s body. Just like the Geth operate as a physical extension of software, EDI effectively uses that body as a new hardware platform. You can also earn Morality Points during the conversation:
- After EDI explains what happened:
- Choose “That was dangerous” to gain +2 Paragon Points.
- Choose “Nice going” to gain +2 Renegade Points.
- EDI then notes that her new platform can travel with Shepard as a Squad Mate:
- Choose “Test it first” to gain +2 Paragon Points.
- Choose “We can do that” to gain +2 Renegade Points.
Normandy Conversations
With the AI Core situation handled, it’s time for a quick Normandy sweep—catch up with the crew and pick up any fresh information you’ve unlocked.
- Start by talking to Dr. Chakwas for a short conversation about EDI.
- Check Liara’s Office at the Broker Terminal to grab a new email.
- Then head into the Main Battery. After Primarch Victus finishes his talk, speak with Garrus to finally catch up and learn what he’s been up to since Mass Effect 2. This will award you +2 Reputation and unlock the Armor-Piercing Rounds Bonus Power for Shepard. You can also receive four additional post-chat comments from him.
Next, there are a few “lower decks” stops worth making:
- In Engineering, you can overhear Diana Allers chatting with Traynor about reporter presentation. You’ll also get two new comments from Allers—though the second one requires you to go through the dialogue branch that starts with “Do you want to kick me off the ship?”.
- In the Shuttle Bay, James will also have things to say regarding Primarch Victus and EDI.
- Traynor will talk with you about the EDI situation, and then offer the “Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation” Side Mission.
- Stop by the scanner room that leads toward the War Room to hear an easy-to-miss exchange between two security guards: Privates Sarah Campbell and Bethany Westmoreland.
- Talk to Joker to hear his reaction to EDI’s new platform, plus a post-chat comment.
- You can speak with EDI three times: first to address her important questions (earning you +2 Reputation), then to cover broader general topics, and finally to receive a post-chat comment.
- Finally, check your Private Terminal. Read through important emails from different characters:
- Aria T’Loak, regarding three Side Missions available on the Citadel.
- Your Virmire Survivor, for a visit at Huerta Memorial Hospital.
- Thane (if he lived through Mass Effect 2), also connected to Huerta.
- A Spectre named Jondum Bau, which unlocks “Citadel: Hanar Diplomat”.
Search and Rescue
Once you’ve cleared Priority: Palaven and resolved everything with EDI, you’ll unlock additional systems where you can collect Search and Rescue items.
If you want more help for Mass Effect 3, the guide also points you toward these additional pages:
- Legendary Edition Changes
- How-To Guides
- Key Choices and Consequences
- Romance Guide
- Walkthrough
- Side Missions
Up Next: Citadel Excursion 1
Top Guide Sections
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- Game Basics
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