New enemies, characters, weapons, upgrades, and features are coming to the online mode

Oct 5, 2012 08:01 GMT  ·  By

BioWare has confirmed the next free downloadable content pack for Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer mode, in the form of the Retaliation pack, which brings all sorts of new things, from a Collector enemy faction, to new characters or weapons, as well as revised versions of all the maps included in the game.

Mass Effect 3 delivered an intense single-player experience, bringing an end to the adventure of Commander Shepard, and also brought an impressive online cooperative mode that tasked players with fighting against different enemies on various maps around the galaxy.

After releasing several free DLC packs for the online mode, BioWare has now revealed the newest and biggest add-on for the multiplayer, in the form of the Mass Effect 3: Retaliation pack.

Besides bringing lots of new characters, weapons or upgrades, it also includes an all-new enemy faction, in the form of the Collectors, which first appeared back in Mass Effect 2.

What’s more, special “Hazard” versions of existing maps will be available, with different environmental dangers coming to certain levels.

Last but not least, a brand new multiplayer challenge feature will also be added by the DLC, which rewards players with points depending on their various achievements. These points can be spent on customizable banners and titles that will be seen by others during the lobby before a match.

Check out all the details about the Mass Effect 3: Retaliation pack below.

New Enemy Faction

Prepare to face off against the Collector Praetorian, Scion, Abomination, Trooper, and Captain. Reports have also come in that Cerberus has enlisted the Dragoon to their ranks and the Geth are deploying new Drones to the battlefield.

New Class Kits to Unlock

A host of new characters have joined the war to fight this new threat, including the Turian Havoc Soldier, Turian Ghost Infiltrator, with many more being added on a regular basis.

New “Hazard” Versions of Existing Maps Wage war across six maps, featuring new environmental hazards and traps. A regular rotation of Firebases will be introduced to different hazards as they come under attack. Survive the onslaught of Acid, Lightning, Meltdowns, Sandstorms, Swarms and Whiteouts!

New Unlockable Weapons

The Collectors have also brought deadly new weapons to the fight: the Collector Assault Rifle, Sub-Machine Gun, and Sniper Rifle. Unlock these weapons and new equipment upgrades to build to your arsenal.

New Powerful Upgrades

Outfit your weapons with new ammo modifications and fortify your gear with unique upgrades to defeat even the toughest foes.

New Multiplayer Challenge Feature

Think you are the best soldier in the Alliance? Make sure to track your progress in the new “Challenges” database. Complete various multiplayer assignments and feats of strength to unlock titles and banners to display in-game, and then compare your progress against your friend.

How does it work?

The “Challenges” database tracks various in-game statistics, such as your N7 Typhoon usage. To earn challenge points, you’ll need to complete mini-goals. For example, accumulate 140,000 points while using the Typhoon in multiplayer and you’ll be rewarded with 10 challenge points.

What Can You Do With Challenge Points?

Challenge points are used to unlock cool in-game multiplayer bonuses, such as new titles and banners. Want other players to know that you’re a Council Operative? You can do that. Want to be the envy of your friends with a flashy new banner to display in the player lobby? You can do that, too! Mass Effect 3: Retaliation is out next week on October 9, for the PC and Xbox 360 worldwide and for PS3 users in North America, and on October 10 for PS3 owners in Europe. As with previous multiplayer packs, it can be downloaded free of charge.

Until then, check out a video with the DLC in action below.