Mass Effect: Andromeda Update Patch 1.06 Released, Here's What It Does

Fans have been eagerly awaiting further updates for Mass Effect: Andromeda, and the latest one is now available.

The new 1.06 patch makes changes to a wide variety of areas, although the patch notes and BioWare's accompanying explanation doesn't provide much insight into precisely what's changed on all fronts. For instance, cinematic scenes have seen "various improvements." BioWare says this is true "particularly in the opening hours of the game."

Elsewhere in the patch, conversation options should no longer be greyed out when there is new dialogue still to be heard, chest armor now has level requirements, and performance and stability have been improved. Among the bugs addressed is one that sees SAM tell Ryder he has email when he does not.

Players who purchased either the Deluxe or Super Deluxe editions of Andromeda receive some new freebies with this patch: two Nomad skins, a casual Pathfinder outfit, and an exclusive pack for multiplayer (offering "high" odds to get an ultra-rare item).

Multiplayer also receives some attention, with BioWare explaining, "Powers and weapons were underperforming at higher difficulties--particularly power combos and assault rifles. As a result, players relied heavily on the Vanquisher sniper rifle and melee-focused classes."

"We found current damage levels significantly slowed the pace of games on Gold and Silver difficulties," it added. "To fix this, we started to overhaul the balance in multiplayer. Today's changes are the first step in that process."

Among the tweaks are an increase to the base damage of powers and certain weapons so that they'll now be more effective. Shotguns, in particular, have been buffed to deal more damage and have greater accuracy when not in cover. The aforementioned Vanquisher has been nerfed to "make it comparable with other weapons," as it was deemed far too effective, particularly on Gold difficulty.

Patch notes can be seen here, while the lengthy list of multiplayer changes are located here.

The previous patch came in early April and made some welcome changes to the faces of characters, among other things. You can check out our video comparison above to see how much of an effect it had.

During a recent conference call with investors, EA addressed the reception to Andromeda, voicing its support for BioWare and the Mass Effect franchise overall.