The number of available romance options in Mass Effect: Andromeda is growing. BioWare has announced a new love interest for people playing as the male version of Ryder. After patch 1.08 is released, male Pathfinders will be able to romance Jaal, a squadmate that only female Ryders could previously date.
The change was made for many reasons, one of which was due to fan reaction. Others included the lack of a male, same-sex relationship options present in Mass Effect: Andromeda. This meant people playing as male Pathfinders could not get Matchmaker achievement/trophy while only pursuing same-sex romances or date one of their squadmates. BioWare states it consulted LGBTQ staff and community members when writing this new relationship path for Jaal and Ryder.
The other major change in Mass Effect: Andromeda patch 1.08 involves the character creator. There will be one new male and one new female default head, more skin tones, a bald hairstyle option, all hairstyles are gender neutral and can be selected for either version of Ryder, and a new complexion will be available. People who decide they need to tweak their Ryder after seeing how he or she looks in-game can do so on the Tempest. Also, Alec Ryder’s appearance can be shaped by your custom characters or you can choose to use a default option.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
