Mass Effect Officially Returning With Brand-New Expansion

2 weeks ago 12

Published Mar 16, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT

James is a gaming writer from London who has spent thousands of hours exploring titles from every genre. Though he has a particular affinity for multiplayer titles like World of Warcraft, Destiny 2 and League of Legends, he has also put thousands of hours into single-player experiences, from deep RPGs to epic PC strategies. When he's not playing or writing, he can usually be found supporting his beloved Brentford FC.

The original three Mass Effect games still serve as comfortably one of the best RPG series of all time, with the saga of Commander Shepherd serving as the defining experience in the genre for many who grew up at that time, myself included.

Until then, it's easy to sit forlornly thinking that there aren't other ways to play within the universe they created, but one of the best board game translations anywhere has confirmed a new expansion is on the way to an already very compelling offering.

This'll Make The Wait For Mass Effect 5 Easier... Probably

If you haven't come across it just yet, Mass Effect: The Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz is a miniature-focused translation of the beloved video games that puts the emphasis on player tactics and intelligent use of their troops.

It's pretty much universally loved by those who have played it, and you can easily sink hundreds of hours into it with friends, if you get hold of all the existing content that's on offer.

If you're totally unfamiliar, the game takes place in 2187 on the titular remote world of Hagalaz. After a Cerberus research vessel crashes on the planet during a deadly storm, it's up to you to lead Commander Shepherd and their squadmates through the ship, to uncover exactly what the nefarious organization was up to.

It's a very fitting premise given the events of the video games, and developer Modiphius Entertainment has confirmed that a brand-new expansion is on the way, as well as a ton of additional miniatures. Releasing in Q2 of this year, they have promised eight new miniature sets, including:

Priority Threats Delta
Priority Threats Gamma
Priority Threats Epsilon
Battlefield Scenery Alpha
Battlefield scenery Beta
ATLAS Mech and Marker
YMIR Mech and Marker
Brute and Marker

At the same time, a full expansion is set to release in the early throes of 2027, with some ambitious goals in mind. Those include six additional squadmates, as well as new ways to play, fresh enemies and extra loyalty missions. It's going to be a pretty major release, so getting involved with the game now is a good idea, so you're in a good place to hit the ground running with the expansion if you do enjoy it.

Mass Effect: Priority Hagalaz Is Well Worth Your Time

The main art from the Mass Effect legendary edition

As mentioned earlier, Mass Effect: The Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz really is one of the best ways to continue enjoying the franchise right now. Given that the next game in the Mass Effect series isn't likely to get here until 2029, there's plenty of time to fill, so why not change pace and give this a try?