BioWare had already teased the return of Commander Shepard in the first official teaser for its next Mass Effect game back in 2020, and now, a new listing on the BioWare Gear shop is adding to the theory that the customizable protagonist will return in some capacity for the next installment of the hit sci-fi RPG franchise. Although it’s now been altered, the listing for a new “Mysteries from the Future” lithograph featuring artwork from the upcoming title had included a synopsis that seemingly confirms Shepard had canonically survived his final battle against the Reapers at the end of Mass Effect 3. BioWare is yet to confirm who the protagonist of Mass Effect 4 (or 5, assuming Andromeda is considered a mainline title) will be, but Shepard is apparently alive and well, along with other survivors, who must now “pick up the pieces” following the destructive events of the third game.
Shepard’s final quest may have ended the threat of the Reapers but at great cost including Earth itself. While Shepard and the survivors are left to pick up the pieces, fans are left wondering what’s next.
Mass Effect will continue. And with the sneak peek poster we got from the BioWare team as part of the N7 Day 2021, there is a lot to unpack. From countless theories regarding the setting of the next game to the bewilderment on whether Geth would make a comeback, eagle-eyed fans have a lot to make of this Mass Effect Mysteries from the Future Lithograph.
Source: BioWare Gear (via MrHulthen)