Mass Effect: Beyond the Relays – Beta

Due to the release of 3.4 ‘Cepheus’ and Overlord DLC, we are diligently working on a compatibility hotfix to bring BTR and it’s sub-mods up to date with the current game version. Until then, in order to ensure maximum play-ability and BTR save game compatibility we strongly recommend rolling back to 3.3.4. Here is how to get it should you need a guide!

(on Steam), right-click Stellaris > Properties > Betas tab and choose "3.3 Libra" from the drop-down.

– Beyond the Relays devteam

Currently in a beta status, Beyond the Relays is committed to bringing you the most accurate and thorough representation of the Mass Effect universe possible Currently featuring a map designed around a fully functional Mass Relay Network, 2 different map types, and 24 empires available to play, there is a lot here for fans of Mass Effect or Stellaris to dive into and enjoy.

The Map

Designed around a fully realized Mass Relay Network, the map of BtR follows the same structure that is shown in the Mass Effect trilogy, with each star system forming part of a star cluster. These clusters are disconnected from one another via hyperlanes, leaving only Mass Relays as the primary means of traversing the galaxy. Currently including every system from Mass Effect lore, as well as many pulled from popular mods for the trilogy, fan fiction, and our own original creations, our smallest map is what has been released so far containing 400 star systems. We currently offer 2 map modes:

• Sandbox – the traditional Stellaris game mode, start with a fledgling empire who has just reached the stars, and forge your destiny amongst the other empires of the galaxy.
• Hybrid – Step into the role of the leader of your favorite empire in the year 2165, with all of the territory, colonies and struggles that are to be expected from running an advanced empire.

Empires

Containing all of the empires you’d expect from the Mass Effect series, as well as a few of our own creation to help flesh out and balance the map. Each empire comes with unique traits, civics, origins, modifiers, and AI personalities.

• Aralakh Kahmat (Tuchanka)
• Asari Republics (Thessia)
• Batarian Hegemony (Khar’Shan)
• Cerberus (Cronos Station)
• The Collectors (The Collector Base)
• Courts of Dekuuna (Dekuuna)
• The Followers of Nazara (Heretic Station)
• Geth Consensus (Rannoch)
• Gothones Remnant (Vindicta)*
• Illium Corporate Interests (Illium)
• Illuminated Primacy (Kahje)
• Lystheni Order (Sepkai)*
• The Migrant Fleet (Migrant Fleet)
• Omega (Omega)
• Parnack Regime (Parnack)
• Rachni Swarm (Suen)
• Raloi Republic (Azedes)
• Remnants of Rakhana (Rakhana)
• Salarian Union (Sur’Kesh)
• Sed’riicae Collective (Sed’riicae)*
• Systems Alliance (Earth)
• Turian Hierarchy (Palaven)
• Vol Protectorate (Irune)
• Vorcha Clandom (Heshtok)

* ME:BtR Original Empires

Checkout our latest Dev Diary Here

• Galaxy Map Expansion – Currently having only 400 systems, we are expanding the map to have multiple system counts, with an expanded number of clusters, systems outside of star clusters traversable by hyperlanes (albeit substantially slower!) and an updated and even more lore accurate Relay Network, representing not just Primary, but Secondary Relays as well.
• Economic Overhaul – bringing every building, tech, and district in line with Mass Effect lore
• Further development of the empires – Ascension Perks, Traditions, and unique mechanics
• Independent Colonies / MegaCorps
• New Shipsets
• Rebalanced Warfare
• Multiple Crises, including the Geth Incursion, Collector Threat, the Reapers and other potential threats.

Beyond the Relays is not compatible with any mods (or their associated submods) that we have already integrated in part or whole.

This includes:

• Beyond the Advisors
• Planetary Diversity
• Real Space
• StarTech AI
• Mass Effect: Crucible
• Mass Effect Civilizations – Asari
• Mass Effect Shipsets NSC2

A HUGE THANK YOU to the following mods and contributors allowing their mods to be fully integrated into BtR. (As such any of the below mods, or any related submods should not be used alongside BtR.

• Planetary Diversity by Gatekeeper
• Real Space by Annatar
• Mass Effect: Crucible by Garry Windu
• Mass Effect Civilizations – Asari by Team Nessassity
• Mass Effect Civilizations – Expanded Galaxy by Team Nessassity
• Mass Effect Shipsets NSC2 by CaptainX3
• Spectre Expansion Mod[www.nexusmods.com] by Tydeous

Do you love Mass Effect? Do you want to ask the dev team questions, get development updates and interact with other nerds? Look no further! The Binary Helix Discord is your one-stop shop!

Get updates on Beyond the Relays and its submods!