Mass Effect 3 carries over the ingenious interrupt system that its predecessor introduced. Like in Mass Effect 2, players can disrupt a scene with actions whenever a Paragon or Renegade prompt appears on the screen.
These interrupts can show either the ruthless or gentler side of the infamous human Spectre, Commander Shepard. Learning of its positive reception from fans, Bioware went all out for this game’s interrupts and the following DLC. Here is a look at every single chance players get to be a Paragon.
33 Forcibly Cut Off James
James confronts Shepard after the first mission and demands they go back to Earth.
Whether players choose the Paragon or Renegade option, Shepard can interrupt James. The Commander will be less harsh during the Paragon choice.
32 Sparring With James
While sparring with James after the Mars mission, there are four chances to interrupt him.
Pick the two Paragon choices, and James will thank Shepard for the pep talk.
31 Kissing Jack At The Academy
While Jack is talking about her tattoos to her students during the Grissom Academy mission, Shepard can pull her in for a kiss.
This option is only available if players romanced Jack in the previous game.
30 An Old Rival
Mass Effect 3 continues the running gag of Shepard running into reporter Khalisah al-Jilani. Paragon players will be pleasantly surprised when an opportunity to reassure Khalisah.
It certainly is a more rewarding experience than knocking her to the ground.
29 Reuniting With Kelly Chambers
If Yeoman Kelly Chambers survives the Collectors’ in the previous game, she can be found in the Citadel docks helping refugees.
Kelly is delighted to see Shepard and exclaims, “I could just hug you!” The heartwarming Paragon choice allows the Commander to embrace Chambers.
28 Meeting Liara’s Father
Matriarch Aethyta, Liara’s father, can be found working at Apollo’s Cafe in the Presidium Commons. While discussing Liara, Aethyta hints that she disapproves of Shepard’s former alliance with Cerberus.
Shepard can interrupt by saying, “I only worked with Cerberus to fight the Reapers.” Aethyta responds by saying she wouldn’t have let Liara near the Commander if that wasn’t the case.
27 Bonding With Cortez
Shepard has two encounters with shuttle pilot Steve Cortez on the Citadel. Cortez can be found looking out a window close to the Normandy’s dock. When he brings up his late husband, Robert, the player can distract him from his sad memories.
Later at the Memorial Wall, Shepard can reassure Cortez as he says goodbye to Robert. Both encounters happen close to one another.
26 Wrex’s Handshake
On Tuchanka, before summoning the thresher maw to the Shroud, Urdnot Wrex thanks Shepard for being an ally to the krogan.
This Paragon option allows Shepard and Wrex to share a handshake meant for the closest of friends.
25 Trying To Stop Mordin
Before Mordin sacrifices himself to cure the genophage, Shepard can try to stop him.
Mordin, in all his confidence, says he needs to be the one to do it. Watching a fan-favorite die like this will bring a tear to most fans’ eyes.
24 Convincing The Virmire Survivor
During Cerberus’ attack on the Citadel, Shepard confronts Councilor Udina after the salarian councilor suspects him as a threat.
The Virmire survivor protects Udina and the other councilors. Shepard needs to convince Ashley or Kaidan that Udina is the threat. The interrupt has Shepard and the squadmates lower their weapons to regain the Virmire survivor’s trust.
23 Saving Samara
While investigating the disappearance of Asari commandos at an Ardat-Yakshi monastery, players reunite with Samara if she survived the Collectors conflict.
After rescuing Falere, Samara’s last remaining daughter, the Justicar will attempt to take her own life to fulfill the Justicar code. The interrupt option lets Shepard restrain Samara to save her life.
22 On The Dance Floor With Cortez
If male Shepard players choose to romance Steve Cortez, they have the option to kiss him while dancing in the Purgatory Bar on the Citadel.
It’s a touching moment that leads to more romantic dialogue options with Cortez.
21 Being There For Ashley
Back at the Citadel Memorial Wall, Ashley is with her sister Sarah and worries for her.
This interrupt shows Shepard’s caring side as they comfort Ashley.
20 “I Don’t Think That’s Gonna Work”
While in the Citadel Embassies, players can approach Javik as he looks out over the Presidium.
A turian, asari, and hanar will approach the duo asking about the Prothean-Reaper War. Javik begins a grim speech, but when Shepard steps in, the Protean changes his tone to sound more optimistic.
19 Standing Up For Legion
After the Geth Dreadnaught mission, Legion will join Shepard and Tali in the Normandy’s War Room.
When Admiral Xen comments about experimenting on Legion, Shepard can interrupt her by asserting that Legion is an ally.
18 Cutting Off A Reaper
After defeating the Reaper on Rannoch, it’ll start chastising Shepard and say Reapers will bring order back to the universe.
The Paragon interrupt allows Shepard to cut it off right before it dies.
17 Trying To Save Tali
If players decide to save the geth over the quarians on Rannoch, it will result in the annihilation of the quarians (although players can save both if they play their cards right).
Tali will jump off a cliff after watching her people die. Shepard attempts to catch and save her but fails.
16 Breaking Up A Fight
After the mission on Thessia, Liara and Javik start fighting on the Normandy.
When it seems like Liara will use her abilities against the Prothean, Shepard can step in and break up the fight.
15 Comforting Liara
Liara will retreat to her quarters after the fight. She’ll be sitting on her bed when she questions how many asari died because of her.
Shepard can interject by answering “none” and encourage Liara to remain hopeful.
14 Interrupt Vendetta
During the Cerberus Headquarters mission, Shepard will speak to a Prothean Virtual Intelligence named Vendetta.
While the VI is concerned about the Commander’s odds of surviving, Shepard cuts it off and remains confident.
