As the development cycle for the next Mass Effect continues its course, fans are becoming antsy to learn more about the game that lies ahead. From potential plot threads to unanswered conspiracy theories, the future of the Mass Effect franchise rests in the hands of this soft series revival. Wherever Mass Effect 4 takes fans next, the one thing that is for certain is that the adventure will not be complete without the support of companions. Companions are inarguably one of the many highlights of the Mass Effect franchise, offering players memorable emotional ties to the characters that help Shepard navigate the political turmoil of the Milky Way. Chief among them is Garrus Vakarian, whose loyalty and sharp wit have made him a defining figure of the series.
Few characters in gaming embody loyalty quite like Garrus Vakarian. The fan-favorite Turian sharpshooter has been an emotional anchor throughout the Mass Effect trilogy, a companion defined by dry charm, steady aim, and a ride-or-die attitude for Commander Shepard. Simply put, Mass Effect wouldn’t be Mass Effect without him. But as anticipation builds for the game and fans debate where Mass Effect 4 should pick up from, an unexpected source has reignited the hunger to see Garrus again: Obsidian’s Avowed. Specifically, one new companion in Avowed has drawn attention from longtime Mass Effect fans, not just because of his personality, but because of who’s behind the voice. Said character is named Kai, and he is voiced by none other than Brendan Keener.
Why Mass Effect's Garrus Vakarian is the Best Alien Boyfriend
February is 'Creative Romance Month,' and since Mass Effect is known for its romantic storylines, Garrus Vakarian is a fan favorite choice.
Kai in Avowed Feels Cut from the Same Cloth as Garrus
In Avowed, Kai quickly emerged as a fan-favorite companion, praised for his grounded wisdom and steady, calming presence in a world teeming with chaos. It didn’t take long for players to draw comparisons between Kai and Garrus, especially after realizing both characters are voiced by Brandon Keener.
Keener’s performance in Avowed channels many of the same qualities that made Garrus so beloved: humor delivered with perfect timing, the ability to anchor more volatile party members, and moments of understated emotional depth. While many games lean hard into exaggerated quirks or bombastic personalities for their sidekicks, Garrus and Kai succeed by feeling refreshingly grounded: steady, loyal, and deeply human, even in the most fantastical or futuristic settings. But Kai isn’t a copy of Garrus. He’s a reminder of what makes a great RPG companion work, which has ignited a yearning in Mass Effect fans to see Keener’s talents reprised.
Mass Effect 4 Faces Big Shoes to Fill, Even from Its Own Legacy
BioWare has been tight-lipped about the specifics of Mass Effect 4, but early teasers have hinted at a return to the Milky Way galaxy and possibly to surviving characters from the original trilogy. So far, the only character confirmed to make a comeback is Liara. Her return has opened the door for speculation about whether other fan-favorites like Wrex, Grunt, or Tali could reappear. Some are even wondering whether short-lived human companions like Miranda or Kaidan/Ashley could make their return depending on when the new game is set. Yet, the character that resounds the most in long-time fans’ minds is Garrus. And after Avowed, the idea of Garrus returning doesn’t just feel like wishful thinking; it feels like unfinished business.
Kai’s popularity has served as a reminder of the irreplaceable charisma Keener brings to his roles. It has also raised the bar for companion writing and performance in RPGs at large. If Mass Effect 4 hopes to recapture its emotional magic, revisiting its best-loved characters and evolving them for a new era feels like a natural step.
Garrus Represents More Than Nostalgia
Of course, any potential return for Garrus Vakarian would need to reckon with time. The galaxy, and Garrus himself, would have changed in the aftermath of Mass Effect 3. Still, that’s part of the appeal. Rather than freezing characters in place, modern RPGs thrive when they allow companions to evolve. Kai’s thoughtful, weathered characterization in Avowed proves there’s an appetite for companions who feel like real people, shaped by years of experience, loss, and growth.
For BioWare, bringing Garrus back wouldn't just be a nod to the past; it’d be an opportunity to show how the studio has grown alongside its audience. It’s a chance to meet players where they are now, with a character who’s always been about standing at someone’s side when it matters most. And after Keener’s familiar voice in Avowed, that kind of steady presence will feel more valuable than ever, as RPG lovers were reminded of his iconic Mass Effect character.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
- Released
- May 14, 2021
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
