Mass Effect Scan The Keepers Complete Mission Guide
Navigating the sprawling Citadel station in the original Mass Effect can be an overwhelming experience, especially when tracking down its most elusive early-game assignment. The Scan the Keepers mission tasks Commander Shepard with analyzing the mysterious, bio-mechanical creatures tending to the station infrastructure. Players must locate dozens of these silent entities across multiple districts to secure valuable experience points and credits early in their journey.
How to Unlock the Citadel Scanning Assignment
To begin this comprehensive exploration quest, players need to locate a Salarian researcher named Chorban in the Citadel Tower directly following their initial audience with the Council. Engaging in dialogue with him reveals his covert research operations regarding the mysterious caretaker species. He will grant Shepard a specialized scanner tool that automatically logs data whenever the player approaches an active keeper.
Alternatively, players can acquire the assignment from a Volus diplomat named Jahleed later in the story if they miss the initial opportunity. Regardless of how the quest is initiated, scanning the creatures provides a steady influx of resources without requiring a final report back to the quest giver. It is highly recommended to complete these scans prior to major narrative choke points to maximize early-game progression.
Locating the Keepers in the Main Tower and Presidium
The hunt begins right next to Chorban where the very first keeper is situated in the main Council chamber area. Three additional creatures reside within the immediate vicinity of the Citadel Tower, tucked away in side corridors and near the primary transit platforms. Tracking these down first establishes a solid baseline before moving toward the larger hub areas.
Moving into the pristine Presidium district rewards players with a substantial concentration of targets scattered across its high-end establishments. Look closely around the diplomatic embassies, the Volus and Elcor ambassador offices, and the open balconies overlooking the station lake. Additional units are positioned near the entrance of the Consort Chambers and hidden within the upper storerooms of the local Emporium market.
Tracking Down Keepers in the Wards and C-Sec Academy
Descending into the bustling underbelly of the station reveals several more targets distributed throughout the Upper and Lower Wards. Players should thoroughly inspect the alleyways behind the local entertainment clubs and check the crowded merchant market squares. One easily missed unit resides inside the transitional elevator corridor connecting the primary hubs.
The final few creatures are stationed near the military sectors of the Citadel Security headquarters. Two distinct units can be scanned inside the Traffic Control room and the main Requisitions office where equipment is purchased. Finally, taking the elevator down to the main Docking Bay reveals the last keeper standing vigil near the boarding gantry of the Normandy starship.