Mass Effect Andromeda First Murderer Quest Investigation Guide
Navigating the early stages of Mass Effect Andromeda presents players with complex moral choices and intricate investigative side missions. Among the most compelling early assignments on the Nexus is First Murderer, which tasks Pathfinder Ryder with evaluating a high-stakes crime. Uncovering the truth behind Nilken Rensus and the death of Chief Reynolds requires gathering physical evidence across multiple worlds.
Starting the Investigation on the Nexus
To initiate the quest, speak with a distraught turian named Mariette located near the militia office on the Nexus. She believes her husband, Nilken, has been falsely accused of murdering his commanding officer during an expedition. After taking the case, consult with Sergeant Aker and Chief Tiran Kandros to gain access to critical audio logs and witness testimony.
Reviewing the security recording reveals a tense argument between Nilken and Reynolds right before the fatal shot. However, a quick discussion with witness Cassidy Shaw reveals that leadership never retrieved the victim's body due to lingering hazards on Eos. Speaking with Director Jarun Tann unlocks the authorization required to travel to the surface of Eos to search for physical evidence.
Examine the Crime Scene on Eos
Upon landing on Eos, navigate toward the designated search area in the Golden Wastes while monitoring environmental radiation levels. Utilizing the omni-tool scanner reveals audio logs and fragments scattered across the desert landscape. Following these digital footprints eventually guides players toward Kaerkyn Cave, where hostile local fauna must be eliminated before proceeding.
Inside the cave, scanning the recovered omni-tool belonging to Reynolds unearths a shocking narrative twist. The ballistic data confirms that while Nilken fired a shot with lethal intent, his shot actually missed the officer. Instead, a local creature delivered the fatal blow shortly after Nilken fled the scene.
Confronting Nilken and Deciding His Fate
Return to the Nexus prison block to present the newly discovered evidence directly to Nilken. While Nilken admits to pulling the trigger, the physical evidence proves he is not technically guilty of murder. This revelation leaves Ryder with a critical choice when reporting back to Director Tann.
Choosing to exile Nilken punishes him for his attempted treason, resulting in him later appearing in the Kadara Slums. Alternatively, clearing his murder charge leads to his release, though social exile eventually causes him to voluntarily enter cryo-stasis. Evaluating these narrative outcomes ensures players achieve their desired story progression while completing this memorable investigation.