During a mission called UNC: Hades' Dogs inMass Effect 1, players will have to decide whether or not to sell the Shadow Broker information. This isone of the many choices that players can makein this groundbreaking RPG, and some people might want to make the most optimal decision here. This guide contains everything you need to know about this decision inMass Effect.
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The guide contains spoilers regarding a side mission inMass Effect 1
Updated on July 18, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:The first Mass Effect title elevatedBioWare’s name to a whole new level. The developers were lauded for the sheer depth of the game’s universe and its amazing story-driven approach that made the experience feel positively epic. This series has influenced a bunch of story-driven RPGs in the modern era, andthe Legendary Editionhas helped iron out the kinks that might’ve prevented some people from getting into this amazing title.
Mass Effect was lauded for the sheer impact its choices had. A big part of why people hatedMass Effect 3’s ending was because all these choices felt meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but the way that the first two games weaved a player’s choices in the game still feels magical. One such decision in Mass Effect comes when the player is given the option of leaking sensitive Cerberus information to the Shadow Broker. Here’s a detailed look at everything pertaining to this choice.
Overview
What Is Cerberus?
An organization that believes in the power of humans and their superiority over other races,Cerberus is a destructive groupthat justifies all of its heinous actions by declaring them for a greater cause. Led by the charismatic Illusive Man, Cerberus is easily one of the most interesting groups in the game that players will be engaging with time and time again.
This organization plays a fairly minor rolein the first game, being introduced and fleshed out through a number of side stories, codex entries, and the like. However, Cerberus ends up playing a major role in the second and third games, posing as allies in the former while turning into one of the major antagonists later on.
Who Is The Shadow Broker?
The Shadow Broker is a mysterious entity whose organization deals in the information business. They sell sensitive and game-changing information to the highest bidder and play the odds just right so that the organization never gets overwhelmed by an outside force.
The Shadow Broker plays a pretty major role in the second game, as a part of the Lair of the Shadow Broker DLC. This story sees Shepard andLiara take on the head of the organizationthemselves. This culminates in an entertaining battle, with Liara taking over as the Shadow Broker after the previous one is laid to rest. In the first Mass Effect, the Shadow Broker plays an important role in certain moments, including this decision.
Events of Mass Effect
Hearing About The Shadow Broker For The First Time
Commander Shepard will first hear about the Shadow Broker from Wrex inMass Effect 1. In this instance, the Shadow Broker hiredWrex to kill Fistwhen Shepard is first introduced to the Krogan in the Citadel. But the Shadow Broker is the head of a large organization, selling information to the highest bidder and trading the secrets of other businesses.
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Later on, Shepard can make a deal with the Shadow Broker during the mission UNC: Hades' Dogs, which succeeds the mission UNC: Missing Marines. This mission can be assigned from Admiral Kohaku located near the steps leading up to the Citadel Council.
First Contact With Cerberus
During the Hades' Dogs mission,Commander Shepard will findAdmiral Kohaku dead inside a Cerberus base. To speak with the Shadow Broker, Shepard will first need to raid the Cerberus base on Nepheron.
After clearing out the base, Shepard should use a terminal in one of the rooms, prompting a message that Shepard has datamined some files from the computer. The next time Shepard uses the Galaxy Map aboard the Normandy, a message from the Shadow Broker will come in.
The Choice
According to the Shadow Broker’s agent, Kohaku had been hired by them to obtain these files from Cerberus but died in the process. Now, the Shadow Broker wants to trade the info in return for some credits. If Shepard complies,they’ll receive Renegade points as well. Refuse, and Shepard will get Paragon points instead.
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While it might seem like the “good” option is to refuse as the Shadow Broker isn’t dealing in the cleanest of businesses, those who may have playedMass Effect 2in the past would know that Cerberus isn’t a morally good entity either.
Consequences
If Shepard refuses, the Shadow Broker will say they won’t forget it if Shepard needs help in the future. However, this decision doesn’t affect anything inMass Effect 2or3like many other decisions do, despite the fact that the Shadow Broker becomes more prominent inMass Effect 2.
The only real impact this mission has on Commander Shepard orMass Effectis Paragon and Renegade levels and nothing more. However, somedialogue regarding Miranda Lawsonand Tali will change in the sequel. An Asari Spectre will also be aware of Shepard’s involvement in this mission.
The Shadow Broker plays a bigger part in theMass Effect 2DLCLair of the Shadow Broker.
Mass Effect: Legendary Editionis out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
More:Mass Effect Legendary Edition Complete Guide - Tips, Tricks, Discussions, & News
