Mass Effect Citadel Guide: Interactive Maps, Locations, and What to Do Next

After you finish your first main story assignment on Mass Effect and unlock new Citadel side content—plus an exclusive task tied to your Shepard’s Pre-Service background—this part of the guide turns into a checklist of what to do next. It starts the moment you’re done with that initial mission, and it walks you through the Citadel’s new arrivals, persuasion checks, and where to find specific licenses and loot across multiple districts.

Checklists

This section focuses on activities available on the Citadel after completing your first Mission World, which opens up fresh Side Quests. A major theme here is that certain assignments only appear depending on your Shepard’s Pre-Service History, including a unique path built around your backstory.

Looking for something specific? Click the links below to jump to…

• Overview
• Prelude
  • Asari Diplomacy 1
• Docking Bays 1
  • Snap Inspection
• C-Sec Academy 1
  • I Remember Me 1 (Colonist only)
  • The Fourth Estate 1
• Upper Markets
  • The Fan
• Chora’s Den
  • Old Friends (Earthborn only)
• Wards Access Corridor 1
  • Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 1 (Spacer only)
• Presidium
  • Udina’s Reaction
  • Asari Diplomacy 2
  • Family Matter
• Citadel Tower
  • Privateers
  • Planting a Bug
• Docking Bays 2
  • I Remember Me 2 (Colonist only)
• Back on the Normandy
  • The Fourth Estate 2
  • Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 2 (Spacer only)
• Wards Access Corridor 2
  • Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 3 (Spacer only)
• Sharjila: Asari Diplomacy
• Presidium II: Asari Diplomacy

• Asari Diplomacy 1

• Snap Inspection

• I Remember Me 1 (Colonist only)
• The Fourth Estate 1

• The Fan

• Old Friends (Earthborn only)

• Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 1 (Spacer only)

• Udina’s Reaction
• Asari Diplomacy 2
• Family Matter

• Privateers
• Planting a Bug

• I Remember Me 2 (Colonist only)

• The Fourth Estate 2
• Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 2 (Spacer only)

• Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 3 (Spacer only)

This section of the guide covers everything that becomes available on the Citadel after you complete your first Mission World. If you’re moving through the guide in order, that first stop is typically Therum, where you meet Liara T’Son i. However, you can also qualify by doing Feros or Noveria first instead—those still unlock the same general Citadel expansion.

Every Assignment mentioned on this page, including the exclusive Pre-Service History tasks, is also expanded on dedicated pages. If you want deeper context, those individual pages are where you’ll find it.

If you didn’t end up landing on Sharjila—located in the Macedon system of Artemis Tau—then the next time you jump to a new system you’ll receive contact from Nassana Dantius. That starts the “UNC: Asari Diplomacy” Assignment.

After that contact, head back to the Citadel in the Widow System, because a batch of new activities is now available.

Once you step outside, Rear Admiral Mikhailovich approaches and begins the “Citadel: Snap Inspection” Assignment. He challenges you directly about your own ship, and you can’t just walk past him—your responses have to address the criticisms he raises about you and the Normandy. To pass all of his objections, you’ll need either 9 Charm or 9 Intimidate Points.

Here are the main ways this Assignment can go:

• If you’re playing Renegade and don’t care about forfeiting XP, choose “I don’t think so”, then follow with either “I’m afraid so” or “Damn right I did”. This blocks the Rear Admiral and grants +2 Renegade Points, but you receive zero XP.
• If you don’t have 9 Charm or 9 Intimidate, you won’t be able to clear the fourth Persuasion Check at the end of the Assignment, which means you won’t earn as much XP for completing it.
• If you have 9 Charm, select every Charm choice—this includes “We need to build bridges”—to earn +2 Paragon Points.
• If you have 9 Intimidate, select every Intimidate option—this includes “We need to kick ass”—to earn +2 Renegade Points.

When that’s done, go into the elevator and head down to the C-Sec Academy.

I Remember Me 1 (Colonist only)

If you have the Colonist Pre-Service History, then after you exit the elevator into the C-Sec Academy, a man will contact you with the “Citadel: I Remember Me” Assignment.

Even though the situation sounds urgent, you can take as long as you need to handle what’s happening back in the Docking Bays. Just make sure it’s resolved before you leave the Citadel on the Normandy.

The Fourth Estate 1

Near the elevator stands the reporter Khalisah Bint Sinan Al-Jilani, ready to start the now-iconic “Citadel: The Fourth Estate” Assignment. Players of any Morality should avoid choosing “Go away” and then “I say get stuffed”, because that choice sequence locks you out of Morality Points. There are several ways to conduct the interview:

• If you choose “Time to shut you up” at any time, Shepard knocks out Al-Jilani and earns Renegade points tied to the Normandy. The final moment you can still pick this is when you’re asked about tracking Saren.
  • Notably, this option and “This interview is over” will replace the rewards from any choices you made earlier in the conversation.
• If you choose “This interview is over”, you gain +2 Paragon Points once the interview wraps up.
• If you have 6 Charm Points, you can select two Charm responses during the middle portion of the interview to earn Paragon points on the Normandy.
• If you have 5 Intimidate Points, you can select two Intimidate responses during the middle portion of the interview to earn Renegade points on the Normandy.
• Near the end, if you want to avoid upsetting the Council, pick “I cannot confirm or deny that”. It’s safe here because none of the remaining options at that moment provide Paragon or Renegade points anyway.

• Notably, this option and “This interview is over” will replace the rewards from any choices you made earlier in the conversation.

After the interview ends, head down to the Requisitions Officer to collect Kassa Fabrication and Ariake Technologies Licenses.

Then move to the Upper Markets and speak to the Volus Expat to buy the Armax Arsenal License.

To the right of the Volus, you can speak with Conrad Verner a second time to continue “Citadel: The Fan”. If you’re Renegade, wait until Conrad requests a picture before selecting the lowest option to be as harsh as possible.

Finally, go downstairs and talk to Morlan to obtain the Geth Armory License and another Grenade Upgrade.

If you have the Earthborn Pre-Service History, take the Chora’s Den Rapid Transit and locate Finch from Shepard’s old gang, the 10th Street Reds. Talk to him to begin the “Citadel: Old Friends” Assignment—you’ll receive it even if you answer “No deal”.

You’ll then be told to enter Chora’s Den and talk to a Turian in the bar to get Curt Weisman out of custody. Locate the Turian Guard inside the bar and speak to him; you’ll learn Curt is a xenophobe who committed hate crimes on behalf of the Reds.

If that information doesn’t change your view of Finch’s request, you can use these options to free Curt:

• If you have 8 Charm, select “I need your help” for +9 Renegade Points.
• If you have 8 Intimidate, select the red Intimidate choice (the exact wording depends on what the Turian Guard last said) for +9 Renegade Points.

If the information does shift your opinion, pick either “This changes things” or “I’ve got a warning” to earn +2 Paragon Points. At this point, Finch appears and threatens to expose Shepard’s past with the Reds. From here you can choose:

• If you have 6 Charm, pick “This won’t help you” for +8 Paragon Points.
• If you have 6 Intimidate Points, pick “Do whatever you want” for +9 Renegade Points.
• Alternatively, you can pick “[Shoot him]” for +9 Renegade Points.

In the Wards Access corridor (through the door next to the stairs up to Flux), if your Pre-Service History is Spacer, you can bump into Zabaleta about halfway down to start the “Citadel: Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things” Assignment.

• Pick “I’ll give you the money” for +2 Paragon Points.
• Pick “You’re just a drunk” for +2 Renegade Points.

To finish the Side Quest completely, you’ll need to visit the Comm Room on the Normandy, then return here to speak with Zabaleta again—something the guide covers later.

Udina’s Reaction

Next, head to the Human Embassy on the Presidium and talk to Udina so he can react to how you handled your last Mission World. If you’re following the guide in order, that mission was Therum, meaning there are no dialogue choices for this part.

Asari Diplomacy 2

When you’re finished there, go to the Embassy Lounge and speak to Nassana to continue the “UNC: Asari Diplomacy” chain. You’ll learn that Nassana’s sister Dahlia was on a vessel attacked by slavers. Dahlia managed to contact Nassana again, but the slavers now demand a ransom—your job is to rescue Dahlia. The guide notes that this will be handled later, after you complete what’s available on the Citadel.

Before moving on, stop by Delan—the Hanar shopkeeper in the Emporium—to purchase the Devlon Industries and Serrice Council Licenses.

Family Matter

After that, make your way to the Rapid Transit near the Bank and run into an arguing couple. This begins the “Citadel: Family Matter” Assignment. You can choose either “Let her choose” or “Get the treatment”, and each path offers its own set of Charm and Intimidate options.

• If at any time you choose “Never mind”, “I wish I could do more”, or “Goodbye”, the Side Quest ends with no rewards.
• If you choose “Let her choose”, you can follow up with:
  • If you have 2 Charm, pick “It’s still her choice” to get +8 Paragon Points.
  • If you have 3 Intimidate, pick “You’re not helping” to get +9 Renegade Points.
• If you choose “Get the gene therapy”, you can follow up with:
  • If you have 3 Charm, pick “It’s worth it” for +8 Paragon Points.
  • If you have 2 Intimidate, pick “Think of the child” for +9 Renegage Points.

• If you have 2 Charm, you can pick “It’s still her choice” to get +8 Paragon Points.
• If you have 3 Intimidate, you can pick “You’re not helping” to get +9 Renegade Points.

• If you have 3 Charm, you can pick “It’s worth it” for +8 Paragon Points.
• If you have 2 Intimidate, you can pick “Think of the child” to get +9 Renegage Points.

Citadel Tower

Privateers

If you visited planet Xawin and found Captain Willem’s body in the Privateer base, talk to Garoth to wrap up the “UNC: Privateers” Assignment.

• Choose “This must be hard on you” for +2 Paragon Points.
• Choose “You were fooling yourself” for +2 Renegade Points.

Planting a Bug

Now, if you completed the “Citadel: Reporter’s Request” Assignment, you can locate Emily Wong at the bottom of the steps leading to the Council Chamber to start the “Citadel: Planting a Bug” Assignment.

The expected route for this Side Quest is to accept Emily’s plan, then place the bug at the Inconspicuous Location near the Keeper in the Traffic Control room of the C-Sec Academy. After that, return to her and claim your reward with “It’s a good cause” or “You’re welcome” to receive +2 Paragon Points.

However, there’s an alternate method that changes the outcome and can lead to bigger rewards: don’t do what she asks. Speak to Emily again without planting the bug, and you’ll get these options:

• If you have 4 Charm Points, pick “I’ve changed by mind” for +8 Paragon Points.
• If you have 5 Intimidate Points, pick “[LIE] I already did it” for +5 Intimidate Points.

If you have the Colonist Pre-Service History, returning to the Docking Bays will trigger the “Citadel: I Remember Me” Assignment in earnest. Your objective is to take three steps toward Talitha so you can either convince her to take the sedative or force her yourself.

The guide advises checking whether the “(Take a step back)” option is available—if it is, you must not step forward, or Talitha will take her own life. To safely open the way forward, use Investigate options to learn more about her, which allows you to move closer. This can stack: if you use two Investigate options back-to-back, you can safely take two steps toward Talitha.

Once you’re close enough, there are three resolution routes:

• After speaking to Talitha once, Renegades can exit the conversation and order Lieutenant Girad to shoot her. This grants +9 Renegade Points, but you’ll earn less XP.
• If you take three successful steps toward Talitha, choose “(Give her the sedative)” for +8 Paragon Points.
• If you take three successful steps toward Talitha, choose “(Use the sedative)” for +9 Renegade Points.

The Fourth Estate 2

After your interview with Al-Jilani, use the Galaxy Map on the Normandy and you’ll receive a call from Admiral Hackett about how you handled the situation. Several possible outcomes grant Morality Points at the end:

• If you selected two Charm options during the middle of the interview, you’ll earn +8 Paragon Points.
• If you selected two Intimidate options during the middle of the interview, you’ll earn +9 Renegade Points.
• If you chose “Time to shut you up” at any point, you’ll earn +2 Renegade Points, overriding any other Morality rewards you might have received.
• Anything else yields no Morality Points after the Hackett scene.

Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things 2 (Spacer only)

If you have the Spacer Pre-Service History and you spoke with Zabaleta in the Wards Access corridor, then go into the Comm Room and use the Comm Terminal to contact Shepard’s mother, Hannah. She confirms his story and advances “Citadel: Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things”.

After this, the Assignment requires you to return and speak with Zabaleta again.

Once you’ve done that, come back to the Wards Access area for a final conversation with Zabaleta. The guide lists these finishing options:

• Pick “I’ll give you 20 for food” for +8 Paragon Points.
• Pick “Screw you” for +2 Renegade Points.
• If you have 4 Charm Points, pick “The Veteran’s Affairs Office” for +8 Paragon Points.
• If you have 5 Intimidate Points, pick “No one understands! Waaah!” for +9 Renegade Points.

Congratulations—you’re done. At least on the Citadel.

UNC: Asari Diplomacy—Sharjila follow-up

The final step is to go to the Macedon system in the Artemis Tau cluster and land on Sharjila, the first planet, so you can keep going with the “UNC: Asari Diplomacy” Side Quest. It’s located at the Exclamation Mark marker directly north of your starting position on the map (the spot marked with a 1 on the guide’s map).

Before entering, make sure your squad can handle Hard Decryption so you can grab all loot available there.

Inside, you can find the following items:

• Lower Floor:
  • Medical Kit – In the entryway area looking into the main room, it’s sitting on top of crates ahead and to your right. You can open it without needing to vault over the crates.
  • Upgrade Kit – On the south side of the crate pile that contains the Medical Kit.
  • Crate x3 – In the lower side-room, directly across from the entry door.
  • Medical Station – Easy Decryption. Located in the middle of the lower side-room.
• Upper Floor:
  • Malfunctioning Object – In the upper side-room, to the left of the entry door.
  • Hardened Storage Locker – Hard Decryption. In the upper side-room, across and slightly to the right of the entry door.
  • Hardened Wall Safe – Hard Decryption. In the north-west corner of the upper side-room.

• Medical Kit – In the entryway area looking into the main room, it’s sitting on top of crates ahead and to your right. You can open it without needing to vault over the crates.
• Upgrade Kit – On the south side of the crate pile that contains the Medical Kit.
• Crate x3 – In the lower side-room, directly across from the entry door.
• Medical Station – Easy Decryption. Located in the middle of the lower side-room.

• Malfunctioning Object – In the upper side-room, to the left of the entry door.
• Hardened Storage Locker – Hard Decryption. In the upper side-room, across and slightly to the right of the entry door.
• Hardened Wall Safe – Hard Decryption. In the north-west corner of the upper side-room.

Investigate the desk in the upper side-room to advance the “UNC: Asari Diplomacy” Assignment.

Presidium 2: Asari Diplomacy

After completing the Sharjila portion, return to the Embassy Lounge and speak with Nassana again to conclude the Asari Diplomacy Side Quest. The guide outlines these conclusion options:

• Choose “Don’t bother” for +2 Paragon Points.
• Choosing “Fair enough” provides no extra rewards beyond the existing XP and Credits.
• Pick “It better be” for +2 Renegade Points.
• If you have 3 Charm, select “I’ve got a better deal” to obtain the Armali Council License and receive no Morality Points.
• If you have 4 Intimidate, select “Credits won’t cut it” to obtain the Armali Council License and receive no Morality Points.

The guide recommends going for the Armali Council License using the choices above because it’s one of the easier licenses to miss. Getting it also opens access to strong Omni-Tools and Biotic Amps through the Normandy’s Requisitions Officer.

Want more Mass Effect help? Check out the following pages:

• Legendary Edition Changes
• How-To Guides
• Key Choices and Consequences
• Romance Options
• Walkthrough
• Side Quests

Up Next: Feros

Top Guide Sections

• Legendary Edition Changes
• Basics
• Tips and Tricks
• How-To Guides

Was this guide helpful?

In This Guide