Mass Effect 5 Geth Theory Could Seal Commander Shepard Return

This Mass Effect fan theory suggests that the Geth might see the return of Commander Shepard.

I love BioWare’s Mass Effect series; it’s probably hands down my favourite sci-fi RPG of all time. I can remember the release of the first game so vividly in 2007, because I was away on my honeymoon and was unable to play it for its opening week. I know, distressing, right?

Thankfully, upon my return, Mass Effect was well worth the wait. Though I know for a fact that my wife wasn't as hyped as I was. After 18 years of marriage, we’re still together. So I must be doing something right, but I digress.

Mass Effect 2 and 3 Recap

Following the release of 2007’s Mass Effect, we were treated to two epic sequels, each arguably improving on the last. That being said, I’d say that 2010’s Mass Effect 2 pips it to the post as my favourite entry in the series.

After that, we were treated to the conclusion of Commander Shepard's saga with Mass Effect 3 in 2012. Which, as great as that was, had a very controversial ending that resulted in BioWare releasing a massive post-launch update that gave players the possibility of an additional ending.

The last game in the series is 2017’s Mass Effect Andromeda, which I consider to be a spin-off, rather than a prequel/sequel. Sadly, Mass Effect Andromeda launched in a buggy state, which resulted in a very mixed reception (to put it mildly).

At least, Mass Effect Andromeda is in a much better state now, and if you were put off by its launch woes, I highly recommend checking it out now. The launch woes of this game likely intensified the desire for a proper Mass Effect 3 sequel, and that call was answered at The Game Awards in 2020.

Sadly, since that announcement, other than a couple of subtle teases here and there, we’ve still not had a release date or gameplay trailer for the new Mass Effect. At this point, it feels like it might be wishful thinking, hoping to see something at The Game Awards this week.

Could Commander Shepard Return?

Still, while it feels like publisher Electronic Arts has forgotten about the Mass Effect series for now, the fans most certainly haven't, and some believe that the Geth could be key in seeing Commander Shepard revived from the dead. Which, to be fair, wouldn't be the first time that MaleShep/FemShep has been resurrected.

In Mass Effect 2, Shepard was resurrected via Cerberus’ Lazarus Project fronted by the Illusive Man, but now, as brought to our attention by Comicbook.com (via MrHulthen on YouTube), the Geth could play a huge role in bringing Shepard to the next game.

In a nutshell and without giving too much away, depending on your choices in Mass Effect 3, the Geth essentially worship Shepard and having the technology to work scientific miracles, it could, in theory, revive our dismantled hero. MrHulthen goes into great detail, so I’d recommend making a cup of tea or coffee and watching his video in full.

Of course, this is mere gossip at this time, and with so few official details released by BioWare regarding the next Mass Effect, we don’t have much else to go on. But it’s something that I’d love to personally see.

I know that Mass Effect Andromeda wasn't the best game in the series, by a long stretch. However, even if it was a fantastic game in its own right, having no Shepard as the playable character left a huge void for fans.

So, when the next Mass Effect does finally grace us with its presence, hopefully Electronic Arts and BioWare will find a way to bring our beloved Commander Shepard back, because without him/her, a love for the franchise might not be enough to win over fans.