Grunt (Mass Effect)

Character overview

Grunt is a Krogan, a reptilian humanoid species uplifted by the Salarians to fight the Rachni, an insectoid collective consciousness. After the war, the Salarians created the genophage, a bioweapon that drastically reduced Krogan birth rates. Grunt was tank-bred as part of experiments to create a pure Krogan immune to the genophage. He is a quasi-adolescent implanted with memories glorifying Krogan history. Krogan society is clan-based, and tank-bred Krogan like Grunt are clanless and socially shunned.

Concept and design

The art team designed Grunt to appear both youthful and rough. They redesigned Krogan head-crests to grow with age, giving Grunt a smaller, not fully developed crest. His armor was intended to contrast with the battle-scarred armor of Urdnot Wrex, initially having a shiny white showroom finish that later gained minor scratches and wear. The final armor resembles a linebacker's padding with large shoulder pads and exposed arms.

Lead character artist Jaemus Wurzbach gave Grunt lizard-like skin instead of the tortoise-like texture of adult Krogan, comparing his semi-formed head plate to a newborn baby's soft skull. Writer Brian Kindregan stated that Grunt's archetype was the grunt. A planned confrontation between Grunt and Mordin Solus about the genophage was cut due to financial considerations; Kindregan noted Grunt's emotional intelligence would have led to a fight rather than an argument. Steve Blum voiced the character.

Appearances

Grunt was revealed in the Mass Effect 2: Meet Grunt trailer as the second party member after Thane Krios. In Mass Effect 2, Commander Shepard attempts to recruit Warlord Okeer, who had been creating Krogan immune to the genophage. After encountering discarded Krogan, Shepard retrieves Okeer's perfect creation in a tank. If the player opens it, the Krogan attacks Shepard, then names himself Grunt. Later, Grunt asks to go to Tuchanka to control his anger. There, Krogan leader Urdnot Wrex (or his brother Wreav) diagnoses Krogan adolescence and Shepard aids Grunt in his Rite of Passage, a trial involving combat. After completion, Grunt joins clan Urdnot and becomes Urdnot Grunt. He can die during the game's Suicide Mission.

Reception and analysis

Grunt has become popular in cosplay and fan art communities, with detailed recreations and fan-made plush toys. Critical reception is mostly positive, praising his design and concept but criticizing his character development. Kenneth Shepard of Kotaku noted he could be seen as a Wrex replacement but called them very different, comparing Grunt to a bull in a china shop and praising his sacrifice and Citadel DLC scene. Jhaan Elker of The Washington Post found his conception as a pure Krogan interesting but felt he became similar to other Krogan after his loyalty mission, becoming interesting again in Mass Effect 3.

Wes Fenlon of PC Gamer praised Steve Blum's performance and Grunt's Iron Man-like suit, but noted he had little to add as a character, offering a refreshing change from the crew's philosophizing. Stacey Henley of TheGamer called his introduction one of the best, praising the complex recruitment mission and the insight from encountering another tank-bred Krogan, describing Grunt as initially violent then contemplative and existential.