Mass Effect 3: Retaliation Arrives Next Week

The Mass Effect 3 Retaliation multiplayer DLC pack is big, bad and totally free.

The upcoming Retaliation DLC pack for Mass Effect 3 brings a lot of goodies to the party. The Collectors make a return as a new enemy faction with the Collector Praetorian, Scion, Abomination, Trooper and Captain, while Cerberus continues to cause trouble with the addition of the Dragoon and the Geth roll out new drones. Balancing those threats are new class kits including the Turian Havoc Soldier and Turian Ghost Infiltrator, plus the promise of “many more being added on a regular basis.”

The DLC will also introduce “Hazard” versions of existing multiplayer maps, which will confront players with Acid, Lightning, Meltdowns, Sandstorms, Swarms and Whiteouts when they come under attack. Collector weapons including the Assault Rifle, Sub-Machine Gun and Sniper Rifle will be added as unlockables, as will new ammo mods and gear upgrades.

Finally, a new “Challenge” feature will be added to multiplayer that will allow players to track their online accomplishments, compare them with friends and earn “Challenge Points,” which can be used to unlock special titles and banners that “allow you to personalize your multiplayer experience.”

BioWare says this is the “largest upgrade to date,” and it’s also free, which is a pretty big plus. Mass Effect 3: Retaliation launches on October 9 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Get all the details at the BioWare Blog.