In theMass Effectuniverse, the galaxy is positively teeming with a diverse collection of alien species. Although humans are the only playable race, Commander Shepard still has ample opportunity to rub shoulders with other lifeforms inhabiting the Milky Way galaxy, such as Krogan, Asari, Turians, and Salarians.
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The setting is so big that players may wonder just how many people actually inhabit the universe, aliens included. The lore runs pretty deep in theMass Effectgames, so discovering this information isn’t always terribly difficult (most of the time). With some careful reading of the in-game Codex as well as character dialogue, details like population numbers can be confirmed without too much trouble.
20Humans
Humans are the newcomers to the world of intergalactic relations. Shortly after discovering the remains of Prothean technology on Mars, humans were able to conduct space travel through the mass relays. This ultimately led to their first contact with the other races of the Milky Way.
Earth’s population stands at about 11.4 billion people. In fact, it was partly due to the overcrowding experienced on Earth that led to a general desire to explore new territory beyond the planet’s borders. In addition to Earth’s population, it’s also estimated that c. 250,000 humans inhabit the various space stations scattered across the galaxy. Other human populations, such as those living on Earth’s far-flung colonies, are difficult to nail down with absolute certainty.
19Turians
Turians possess a highly militaristic society with an intense focus on discipline. Their predilection towards public service, colonization, and willingness to win any conflict at all costs makes their culture appear much like the ancient Romans. Turians maintain a rigid code of honor that encourages them to be decisive and responsible for their actions.
The Turian homeworld, Palaven, is located in the Apien Crest. The population on this planet is estimated to be 6.1 billion inhabitants. Another 350,000 Turians are spread across myriad orbital space stations. Whether or not there are more Turians in the galaxy than these numbers suggest is a matter of conjecture.
18Salarians
Salarians are arguably the most inventive of all the Citadel races. They are described as having incredibly fast metabolisms which allow their minds to work at a frenetic pace. They are primarily thinkers rather than pure warriors. Technology is the main area of Salarian expertise. The genophage, for example, was a biological weapon that rendered the Krogan sterile.
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Sur’Kesh is the Salarian homeworld, a planet teeming with jungles and diverse species of flora and fauna. The population of Sur’Kesh is listed as 10.3 billion, with another 1.1 million Salarians inhabiting orbital space stations.
17Asari
The Asari are a well-respected race in the Milky Way galaxy. Whereas the Turians and Salarians are noted for their toughness and intelligence respectively, Asari are renowned for their diplomatic skills. The Asari are also unique in that they were one of the first species to discover interstellar flight after the Protheans.
The Asari homeworld is known as Thessia, a planet sometimes referred to as “the crown jewel of the galaxy.” About 5.5 billion Asari occupy Thessia. Another 33,000 live on various installations throughout space. Considering their aptitude for exploration, more Asari may be located in the further reaches of the galaxy.
16Quarians
Quarians are a race of humanoids that protect themselves by wearing elaborate environmental suits. Like Salarians, the Quarians are proficient with technology, although the latter’s focus generally tends to be artificial intelligence. Quarians were responsible for the creation of the Geth, a species of A.I. who ultimately overthrew their masters.
The cataclysmic war with the Geth left the Quarian population devastated. Their original homeworld, Rannoch, is currently occupied by the Geth. Quarians are now reduced to living as nomads. A vast collection of starships, known as the Migrant Fleet, serves as their home. Around 17 million Quarians inhabit the Migrant Fleet.
15Krogan
The Krogan are a species that shouldn’t be trifled with lightly. Generations of extreme hardship have tempered the Krogan into highly dangerous warriors. Krogan culture is very tribal and decentralized. Various clans hold fluctuating degrees of influence and power that often results in competition and rivalries.
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The diminished status of the Krogan owes much to themutations caused by the genophage. The Krogan were sterilized on a mass scale, making it difficult for them to reproduce. Only about 2.1 billion Krogan remain on their homeworld of Tuchanka. Another 2,400 occupy the orbital battlestations around the planet.
14Drell
Compared to the other species in the Milky Way, the player doesn’t typically come across many Drell. They are reptilian humanoids who possess thick muscle tissues and can secrete mild venom from their skin. One of their most distinguishing features, however, are their photographic memories, which are so vivid they can sometimes take the form of unintentional flashbacks.
Similar to the Quarians and Krogan, the Drell population has experienced severe depletion. The Drell homeworld of Rakhana was eventually rendered uninhabitable due to unregulated industrial expansion. Only about 375,000 Drell managed to be rescued by the Hanar before the planet’s complete collapse.
13Keepers
The Keepers are one of the more unusual and mysterious creatures Commander Shepard comes across. Their appearance is that of an insectoid whose only job seems to bethe maintenance of the Citadel. Keepers don’t communicate with other races and are extremely docile.
It’s later revealed that the Keepers serve a much darker purpose. Their job is to keep the Citadel in working condition so that other races continue to settle there. Once these species reach the requisite level of technological development, the Keepers send a signal to the Reapers to commence their invasion. The exact number of Keepers is unknown, but it’s suggested they number in the thousands, spread across the entire Citadel.
12Elcor
The Elcor are a curious race in that their massive size belies their cautious nature. Evolution has rendered them as slow-moving and deliberate creatures, where even a small fall can potentially be lethal. Their speech patterns also reflect their calculating nature.
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Dekuuna, the Elcor homeworld, is quite small in comparison to other species. The planet’s population is recorded at 2.35 billion. Players don’t come across many Elcor throughout their adventures, which implies that most of them are located on their home planet.
11Batarians
Not every race in theMass Effecttrilogy likes playing by the rules. The Batarians fit the role of renegades quite nicely. Conspicuous by their four eyes, Batarians are an isolationist species who enjoy dabbling in the more illegal trades, such as slavery.
Khar’shan, the planet Batarians call home, is steeped in mystery. This is due to the sizeable amount of misinformation the Batarian government leaks to the rest of the galaxy. As such, the claim that 15 billion inhabitants live on Khar’shan should be taken with a grain of salt.
