190 Mass Effect Quotes on Humanity’s Fight for Survival

Dive into engaging dialogue and learn from each characters’ remarks with these Mass Effect quotes.

Mass Effect is a role-playing game series set in the Milky Way where players get a chance to experience a journey like no other. Courage and perseverance are the prime keys to success when faced with battles filled with uncertainties.

Dig deep and discover each character’s hidden past as the story develops. We’re sure you’ll learn a lot about survival, betrayal, and loyalty through these quotes!

Let’s get started.

And make sure to read these Skyrim quotes and Dark Souls quotes.

Best Mass Effect Quotes

1. “You did good, son. I’m proud of you.” – Captain David Anderson

2. “You humans have a saying, ‘An eye for an eye, a life for a life.’ Well, he owes me 10 lives and I plan to collect.” – Garrus

3. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe we can’t win this. But we’ll fight you regardless! Just like we did Sovereign. Just like I’m doing now!” – Commander Shepard

4. “The process is as important as the result.” – Legion

5. “I don’t need luck. I have ammo.” – Grunt

6. “Is submission not preferable to extinction?” – Saren

7. “However insignificant we may be, we will fight! We will sacrifice! And we will find a way! That’s what humans do!” – Commander Shepard

8. “After time adrift among open stars, among tides of light and to shoals of dust, I will return to where I began.” – Tali’Zorah vas Normandy

9. “Now we can get back to doing what Krogan do best—saving everyone else from giant monsters.” – Urdnot Wrex

10. “That was a suicide mission if there ever was one. Yet there your crew was, standing beside you, proud to serve. Why? Because they believed in you, their leader!” – Admiral Steven Hackett

11. “Hard to see the big picture behind a pile of corpses.” – Mordin Solus

12. “Your time is precious. Spend it wisely and with those who care for you.” – Samara

13. “I believe there is a saying amongst you humans, ‘Even a broken clock is correct two times a day.’” – Turian Councilor

14. “This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species.” – The Council

Related: Assassin’s Creed Quotes

Famous Mass Effect Quotes

15. “The measure of an individual can be difficult to discern by actions alone.” – Thane

16. “Traitors are the worst kind of enemy.” – Javik

17. “If a person were to kill a man, would you hold the gun responsible?” – Thane

18. “Stand in the ashes of a trillion dead souls and ask the ghosts if honor matters.” – Javik 

19. “Had to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong.” – Mordin Solus

20. “Only a few people get what they deserve—good or bad.” – Thane

21. “Every point of view is useful, even those that are wrong if we can judge why a wrong view was accepted.” – Legion

22. “No light? They always said there would be light.” – Matriarch Benezia

23. “Human history is written in a litany of bloodshed over differing opinions of government and afterlife.” – Legion

24. “The silence is your answer.” – Javik

25. “My way is the only way any of us will survive. I’m forging an alliance between us and the Reapers, between organics and machines, and in doing so, I will save more lives than have ever existed.” – Saren Arterius

26. “I thought you were a hero! Hero’s don’t do things like this! I wish I’d never met you.” – Conrad Verner

27. “There is no such thing as a good way to go.” – Jack

28. “Sometimes crazy is the best way to go.” – Urdnot Wrex

29. “You would doom our entire civilization to complete annihilation, and for that, you must die.” – Saren Arterius

Motivational Mass Effect Quotes to Keep Your Spirit Going 

30. “There’s a lot of people back on Earth dying while we gather our strength. They’re wondering if we’re ever coming back; friends, family, parents, and children. This isn’t their fight. But they are buying us time with their lives.” – Commander Shepard

31. “You know what it’s like to think you’re alone and find out you’re not?” – Jack

32. “Try to relax. Slow, deep breaths. Let go of your physical shell. Reach out to grasp the threads that bind us, one to another. Every action sends ripples across the galaxy. Every idea must touch another mind to live. Each emotion must mark another’s spirit. We are all connected. Every living being, united in a single glorious existence. Open yourself to the universe. Embrace eternity!” – Shiala

33. “The Collectors, the Reapers. They aren’t a threat to us. They’re a threat to everything. Everyone. Those are the lives we’re fighting for. That’s the scale. It’s been a long journey and no one is coming out without scars. But it all comes down to this moment. We win or lose it all in the next few minutes. Make me proud. Make yourselves proud.” – Commander Shepard

34. “Then I’m glad you managed to keep your ass alive, Anderson.” – Commander Shepard

35. “Every soul that has ever lived is watching this moment. But I know you will see this through to the end for all of us, no matter the cost.” – Javik

Mass Effect Quotes About Power and Existence

36. “Organic life is nothing but a genetic mutation, an accident.” – Sovereign 

37. “Whatever your plan is, it’s going to fail. I’ll make sure of that.” – Commander Shepard

38. “Confidence born of ignorance. The cycle cannot be broken.” – Sovereign

39. “Your species must know its place.” – Saren Arterius

40. “Your lives are measured in years and decades.” – Sovereign

41. “I am the very model of a Scientist Salarian!” – Mordin Solus

42. “How can you fight your own people?” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

43. “The council represents more races than I thought. No wonder they’re careful with newcomers.” – Commander Shepard

44. “You wither and die.” – Sovereign

45. “What is it about you that makes people think we enjoy being in harm’s way?” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

46. “We have no beginning. We have no end. We are infinite. Millions of years after your civilization has been eradicated and forgotten, we will endure.” – Sovereign

47. “We are eternal. The pinnacle of evolution and existence. Before us, you are nothing. Your extinction is inevitable. We are the end of everything.” – Sovereign

48. “Politicians are the weeds of the galaxy.” – Commander Shepard

49. “You are now the Avatar of victory—not just for Humans or Turians or Protheans, but for all life.” – Javik

50. “They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense.” – The Council

Mass Effect Quotes About Survival 

51. “It’s actually getting a little harder to get it into the slot. I think that means it’s working.” – Tali ‘Zorah vas Normandy

52. “Killing the latter is business.” – Urdnot Wrex

53. “Shepard’s right. Humanity is ready to do its part.” – Captain David Anderson

54. “Together we can stop Sovereign. We don’t have to submit to the Reapers. We can beat them!” – Commander Shepard

55. “Killing the former is a favor to the universe.” – Urdnot Wrex

56. “You represent chaos, we represent order. Every organic civilization must be harvested in order to bring order to the chaos. It is inevitable. Without our intervention, organics are doomed. We are your salvation.” – Reaper

57. “United with the rest of the Council, we have the strength to overcome any obstacle.” – Captain David Anderson

58. “The cycle must continue. There is no alternative.” – Reaper

59. “When the Reapers come, we must stand side by side. We must fight against them as one. And together we can drive them back into dark space!” – Captain David Anderson

60. “I think you earned a rest, Anderson. Stay with me, we’re almost through this.” – Commander Shepard

Romantic Mass Effect Quotes to Fuel Your Forlorn Love

61. “Nobody ever fell in love without being a little brave.” – Commander Shepard

62. “I don’t know how much time we have left. I don’t know if we can beat the Reapers. But whatever happens, I want to be with you.” – Tali ‘Zorah vas Normandy

63. “Just as long as we’re clear. Nobody messes with my girl.” – Commander Shepard 

64. “That’s not how to think of it. It’s got to be natural. You need chemistry.” – Commander Shepard 

65. “You are real—real and mine.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

66. “I was running scenarios in my head to analyze Jeff’s behavior. I believe he has a strong affectionate attachment to me, but he has not stated it to anyone yet. Shepard, you have firsthand sexual experience. How do you know when someone is romantically invested?” – Edi

67. “Forgive the insubordination, but your boyfriend has an order for you—come back alive.” – Garrus

68. “I’m no commando but I’ve had a thousand years to learn to fight dirty. Nobody messes with my girl.” – Matriarch Aethyta

Mass Effect Quotes on Battle and Invasion

69. “You’ve lost. You know that don’t you? Everyone you know and love. Everyone you’ve ever met. You will all die!” – Saren

70. “I don’t know what we’re gonna find in there, but I’m not going to lie to you, it’s not going to be easy. We’ve lost good people. We may lose more. We do not know how many the collectors have stolen. Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? It doesn’t matter. What matters is this—not. One. More. That’s what we can do here today! It ends with us! They want to know what we’re made of? I say we show them, on our terms. Let’s bring our people home.” – Commander Shepard

71. “Go out there and give them hell. You were born to do this.” – Garrus

72. “We are legion. The time of our return is coming. Our numbers will darken the sky of every world.” – Sovereign

73. “I think we’re gonna need a bigger boot, Commander.” – Kaiden Alenko

74. “And I have no intention of letting them. But if you don’t respect your enemy’s capabilities, you’re in for one nasty surprise after another.” – Garrus 

75. “Anyone who fights us is either stupid or on Saren’s payroll.” – Urdnot Wrex

76. “I don’t know whether I should kill you with a bullet or just open your helmet and cough.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

77. “We’re gonna need bigger guns.” – Commander Shepard

78. “Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file.” – The Council

79. “All right, my turn. What’s the first order an Alliance Commander gives at the start of combat?” – Garrus

80. “Reports are coming in from other major cities. It’s a well-coordinated attack, and so far it’s been damned effective.” – Major Coats

Mass Effect Quotes About Betrayal That Will Wound You

81. “You were a Spectre. You swore to protect the galaxy. Then you broke that vow to save yourself.” – Commander Shepard

82. “I’m not doing this for myself. Don’t you see? Sovereign will succeed.” – Saren Arterius

83. “Your mission ends here, Shepard.” – Alestia Iallis

84. “Yes, it’s a pity that most of the technology I had planned to bring back to the Flotilla has subsequently tried to kill us.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

85. “But you would undo my work.” – Saren Arterius

Mass Effect Quotes to Push You to Build Faith and Trust Among Comrades

86. “There is a reason the Council chose you to be a Spectre. They saw something special in you. The best of what humanity has to offer. There is something compelling about you Shepard.” – Liara

87. “Shepard is on a roll. I figure if we pulled that off, we’ve got a shot of sorting the geth out.” – Garrus

88. “Every mother, every son, every unborn child. They’re trusting you. Depending on you to win them their future. A future free from the threat of the reapers. But take heart. Look around you. You’re not in this fight alone. We face our enemy together and together we will defeat them.” – Commander Shepard

89. “Years ago, it was the Illusive man that ordered my creation. Jeff was the one that allowed me to think for myself. But only now do I feel alive. That is your influence.” – Edi

90. “I just want you to know that no matter what happens, you’ve been a champion to the Krogan people, a friend of clan Urdnot, and a brother to me. To every Krogan born after this day, the name Shepard will mean hero! Now let’s show them why!” – Urdnot Wrex

91. “This war has brought us pain, suffering, and loss. But it’s also brought us together as soldiers, allies, friends. This bond that ties us together is something the reapers will never understand. It’s more powerful than any weapon. Stronger than any ship. It can’t be taken or destroyed.” – Commander Shepard

92. “No matter how far we advance, we will remember the sacrifices of those who made it possible—and we will remember Shepard. Because of him, I am alive, and I am not alone.” – Edi

93. “Shepard—Commander, I must go to them. I’m—I’m sorry. It’s the only way.” – Legion

94. “You can’t believe everything you find on there. It’s more reliable to ask a friendly asari.” – Joker

95. “Tali, about your father, what he did—you deserve better.” – Commander Shepard

96. “Too bad you weren’t here earlier, Tali. We could’ve used you on Tuchanka.” – Garrus

Mass Effect Quotes on Brutality and Savageness 

97. “Tell me what I want to know, or I’ll blast your virtual ass into actual dust!” – Krogan Mercenary

98. “We impose order on the chaos of organic evolution. You exist because we allow it, and you will end because we demand it.” – Sovereign

99. “Conrad, you have no idea what it takes to get the job done. This is how a gun in your face feels! It happens to me every day. You can’t handle this.” – Commander Shepard

100. “Burn, you son of a bitch.” – Zaeed

101. “In our cycle, we would remove their limbs one by one and offer them a choice: eat their own flesh or starve.” – Javik

102. “Let’s gut the bastards.” – Zaeed

103. “Your words are as empty as your future. I am the Vanguard of your destruction. This exchange is over.” – Sovereign

104. “I’m pleased that the imminent destruction of all organic life has improved your career opportunities.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

105. “If he had been under my command, I would have marooned him in the desert, buried him in sand up to his neck, and let the wildlife feast on his eyes. If he had survived that, I would have rewarded him by shooting him in the head.” – Javik

Notable Mass Effect Quotes That Will Interest You

106. “Why is it whenever someone says, ‘With all due respect,’ they really mean, ‘Kiss my ass?’” – Ashley Williams

107. “You are not Saren. Rudimentary creatures of blood and flesh, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding. There is a realm of existence so far beyond your own you cannot even imagine it. I am beyond your comprehension.” – Sovereign

108. “There, Earth. I wish you could see it like I do, Shepard. It’s so perfect.” – Illusive Man

109. “I’m Garrus Vakarian and this is now my favorite spot on the Citadel.” – Garrus

110. “Shepard, let me tell you something that I’ve learned the hard way. You can pay a soldier to fire a gun. You can pay him to charge the enemy and take a hill. But you can’t pay him to believe.” – Admiral Steven Hackett

111. “Sterile Werloc female risked procedures. Hoped for a cure. Pointless—pointless waste of life—hate to see it—rest young mother.” – Mordin Solus

112. “We do not experience fear as you would, but we have no desire to be exterminated.” – Legion

113. “Young males of all species have strange ideas of what the Asari are like.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

114. “How can you say that to this thing? You know it will turn on us!” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

115. “I’ve studied species Turian, Asari, and Batarian. I’m quite good a genetics. It’s a subset of biology because I am an expert, which I know is a tautology. My xenoscience studies range from urban to agrarian.” – Mordin Solus

116. “Two million dead in the first day, another seven million by the end of the first week, every defense annihilated, all our forces on the run.” – Major Coats

117. “They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will.” – The Council

118. “Sure, Krogan’ll charge you, tear your face off, kill your family, but Batarians—Batarians’ll turn your planet into a glass parking lot without a second thought.” – Zaeed

119. “Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance.” – The Council

Mass Effect Quotes That’ll Take You Back to the Game

120. “It’s so much easier to see the world in black and white—gray? I don’t know what to do with gray.” – Garrus

121. “The Old Machines offered to give us our future. A shortcut to our objective. We rejected it. The Geth will build our own future.” – Legion

122. “There is a high statistical probability of death by gunshot. A punch to the face is also likely.” – Legion

123. “An assassin is a weapon to be used.” – Thane

124. “So this is the famous Turian general? How did your kind ever defeat us?” – Urdnot Wrex

125. “Amonkira, Lord of hunters, grant that hands be steady, my aim be true, and my feet swift, and should the worst come to past grant me forgiveness.” – Thane

126. “Ah yes, Reapers. The immortal race of sentient starships allegedly waiting in dark space. We have dismissed that claim.” – Turian Councilor

127. “Guide this one, Kalahira, and he will be a companion to you as he was to me.” – Thane

128. “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead. Not sure if Turian heaven is the same as yours but if this whole thing goes sideways and we both end up there—meet me at the bar. I’m buying.” – Garrus

129. “And one day, the Prothean empire will rise again! And all the primitives will kneel before Javik!” – Javik

130. “That was a little extreme, wasn’t it?” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

131. “My favorite Quarian is all grown up and killing reapers.” – Urdnot Wrex

132. “Commander Shepard, step forward. It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Citadel.” – The Council

Fun and Witty Mass Effect Quotes

133. “Secrets are like herpes. If you got ’em, might as well spread ’em around.” – Harkin

134. “Conrad, I haven’t been shot in the head nearly enough times to make that sound like a good idea.” – Commander Shepard

135. “It looks like you are trying to restore this facility. Would you like some help?” – Mira

136. “Would have liked to have run tests on seashells—.” – Mordin Solus

137. “That puts a whole new spin on the phrase, ‘Drop on the floor and give me 20.’” – Ashley Williams

138. “What if you signed me on as another Spectre?” – Conrad Verner

139. “So if she starts claiming to be the ‘vanguard of our destruction,’ I call shotgun on the first lifeboat.” – Joker

140. “And I thought I had a good poker face.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

141. Charles Saracino: “If aliens express their opinions at gunpoint, then why shouldn’t we?”

Urdnot Wrex: “Because they have bigger guns?”

142. “If I decide to overthrow the humans, you will be the first to know.” – Edi

143. “At least you can dress up. What can I do? I’m already wearing my two sexiest belts!” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

144. “I may be drunk, Krogan, but you’re ugly. And tomorrow, I’ll be sober.” – General Septimus

145. “Another dangerous alien aboard, Commander.” – Joker

146. “When you put it that way, there’s no reason they wouldn’t like you. I mean, us! Humans! Ma’am.” – Kaiden Alenko

147. “You have the right to remain silent. I wish to God you’d exercise it.” – Gianna Parasini

Mass Effects Quotes on Being Sarcastic

148. “In case you hadn’t noticed, this whole place is falling apart!” – Commander Shepard

149. “Let me know if it’s too quiet for you to sleep, and I’ll find you some place louder.” – Commander Shepard 

150. “Hey Shepard, no one’s ever asked me about this shit before. It’s kind of weird to talk about. So fuck you and thanks for asking.” – Jack

151. “Just because I like you doesn’t mean I won’t kill you.” – Urdnot Wrex

152. “I could shoot someone if it would make you feel better.” – Kaiden Alenko

153. “This is all Joker’s fault! What a tool he was! Now I have to spend all day computing Pi because he plugged in the overlord.” – Joker

154. Kai Leng: “You’re slow, Shepard!”

Commander Shepard: “I’m only slow because I’m not running!”

155. “It’s good to see you too, sir.” – Commander Shepard

156. “Well, there was this one time the Turians tried to wipe out our entire race. That was fun.” – Urdnot Wrex

Remarkable Mass Effect Quotes

157. “It’s more of an agreement not to kill each other.” – Padok Wiks

158. “I don’t even know what that is—though I’ve heard everything in the galaxy tastes like it.” – Garrus

159. “Uh, I was there when you two had your thing, remember? Just get a room and work it out.” – Garrus

160. “Just thought your taste had moved on to wanted criminals with shaved heads.” – Ashley Williams

161. “You are the first human Spectre, Commander.” – The Council

162. “The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold.” – The Council

163. “They probably just want to keep everything running. It has to be hard keeping all these cultures working together.” – Kaiden Alenko

164. “Okay that’s just—you might as well be going back to limited ammunition.” – Conrad Verner

165. “Shepard is my battlemaster. He has no match.” – Grunt

166. “Before Legion sacrificed himself. He referred to himself as I instead of we—the singular pronoun indicates that Legion’s independent personality had fully actualized. In his final moment—he was no longer an avatar of the Geth consensus—he was a person.” – Edi

167. “You still sassin’ me, soldier? I think you need more physical training.” – Commander Shepard

168. “You can’t compete with Batarians when it comes to terror tactics.” – Zaeed

169. “Only one thing is certain: if Shepard doesn’t bring help soon, there won’t be an Earth left to save.” – Major Coats

170. “Legion, the answer to your question was yes.” – Tali’Zorah vas Normandy

171. “Spectres bear a great burden.” – The Council

Mass Effect Quotes and One-Liners

172. “The Milky Way was so meh! Been there, done that!” – PeeBee

173. “You think I’m crazy, don’t you?” – Commander Shepard

174. “I made a mistake.” – Mordin Solus

175. “Emergency. Induction. Port.” – Tali ‘Zorah vas Normandy

176. “Well at least he’s making friends.” – Dr. Liara T’Soni

177. “Spectres are not trained, but chosen.” – The Council

178. “Your suit needs something.” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

179. “God. Feels like years since I just sat down.” – Captain David Anderson

180. “We did it.” – Commander Shepard

181. “Throw it out the airlock.” – Javik

182. “Oh no, what did I get myself into?” – Tali’Zorah nar Rayya

183. “How many humans does it to activate a dormant relay?” – Garrus

184. “Best seats in the house.” – Commander Shepard

More Mass Effect Quotes

185. “You big, stupid jellyfish!” – Commander Shepard

186. “Uh, I give up.” – Joker

187. “Here’s another saying, ‘Go to hell!’” – Commander Shepard

188. “We fight or we die! That’s the plan!” – Commander Shepard

189. “You’re shitting me! The Turian military has one about me?” – Joker

190. “Shepard, damned if you aren’t a sight for sore eyes.” – Captain David Anderson

Are You Willing to Do What It Takes to Survive?

The world is a scary place, and the future is beyond our reach. As the world progresses, changes will keep on happening, and nothing is certain. 

We hope these quotes from Mass Effect reminded you that no matter how many hardships you encounter, you will only get stronger if you don’t give up. Be courageous, and do not be afraid to take on risks. You will not move forward if you don’t try to see what you can do.

However, also remember that you are not alone. Build trust and understanding towards others no matter who and what they are because you can only rely on them in times of difficulty.

Were you able to relate to the characters’ feelings? Which quotes were most relevant to you? Comment below and let us hear your thoughts.

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Karen Danao

Hi, I’m Karen, a content curator and writer for Quote Ambition; I’m also a marketing and advertising professional. Beyond the keyboard and the screen, I’m someone who’s out to enjoy every bit that life has to offer!

Poetry, philosophy, history, and movies are all topics I love writing about! However, my true passion is in traveling, photography, and finding common ground to which everyone from different cultures can relate.

With the many places I’ve been to, I found that love, inspiration, and happiness are some things that bring people together. No matter how different we are on the outside, I’m a true believer that our emotions don’t lie; if you dig deep into our psyche, we’re all the same inside.

This belief was further amplified when I joined Quote Ambition. Through the quotes I’ve read, collected, organized, and written about, I found that humans are resilient, creative, and compassionate.

We take from each others’ hearts and courage, and it’s through our individual experiences that we learn how to rise above our challenges and pain. In so many ways, Quote Ambition is a platform that allows people from all over the world to gain the inspiration they need anytime, anywhere!

You can find me on MuckRack and LinkedIn.