Shadow Broker

The information dealer Liara T'Soni hunts in Mass Effect 2.

The Shadow Broker is an enigmatic information dealer who controls a vast web of galactic secrets, operating from a mobile base hidden from most. In the downloadable content pack Lair of the Shadow Broker, released on September 7, 2010, players follow Commander Shepard and Liara T'Soni as they hunt this elusive figure. Set after the events of the Mass Effect: Redemption comic book, the story reveals that the current Shadow Broker is not human, but an advanced member of a pre-spaceflight species. The pack, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, culminates in a confrontation where the original Broker is defeated, allowing Liara to assume the identity and take control of his extensive networks.

Quick Facts

First appears: Mass Effect: Redemption; Mass Effect 2
Notable associate: Liara T'Soni

Lore & Background

The narrative of Lair of the Shadow Broker begins after the events of the Mass Effect: Redemption comic book, focusing on Liara T'Soni's quest to find the Shadow Broker. The player assumes the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who aids T'Soni in her search. Their journey leads them first to the commerce planet Illium and then aboard the Shadow Broker's spaceship. The story reveals that the individual holding the title is actually an advanced member of a pre-spaceflight species. This revelation marks a significant turning point, as the Broker is fought and ultimately killed by Shepard and Liara. Following this confrontation, Liara T'Soni assumes the identity of the Shadow Broker. She explicitly states her intention to continue the Broker's operations, noting that she will now be able to provide Shepard with more information thanks to the newly acquired extensive networks.

Reader's Guide

After completing Lair of the Shadow Broker, the Shadow Broker's spaceship becomes available for player exploration. Inside, several terminals offer specific functions: surveillance footage, dossiers on Shepard's squad members, and a video archive containing clips from across the Milky Way galaxy. Players can purchase mining manifests to mark mineral-rich planets on the galaxy map, alleviating the tedious scanning found in the main game. Additionally, credits can be invested in mini-missions to receive upgrades and resources from the Broker's contacts. The pack includes five achievements and various in-game upgrades for weapons and armor. Gameplay features squad-based combat, interactions with non-player characters, and a vehicle chase scene on Illium that critics compared favorably to Blade Runner and The Fifth Element, though some noted imprecise controls on the Xbox 360 version.

Did You Know?

The downloadable content was nominated for Best DLC at the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards but lost to Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, though it won the Inside Gaming Award for Best DLC.
In 2021, Lair of the Shadow Broker was remastered as part of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition.