Taking the skill system even further, Mass Effect Andromeda introduces the Andromeda Viability Point system which affects the population of the Andromeda Initiative and not just Ryder. Using this system, players can wake up certain people aboard the arks and unlock unique perks.
Mass Effect Andromeda Viability Point system guide will help players get more points and thereby more perks as well as help them by highlighting the best available perks which the players should focus on unlocking first.
For more help on Mass Effect Andromeda, read our Romance Guide, Crafting Guide, Remnant Puzzle Solutions Guide and Crafting Materials Locations Guide.
Mass Effect Andromeda Viability Points
The AVP system becomes available after completing “A Better Beginning”. To unlock the AVP system, players will need to first talk to Director Addison aboard the Nexus and then her assistant Brecka.
Players gain Andromeda Viability Points by scouting planets, making allies, clearing out enemies, repairing damaged equipment or any other tasks that improves the quality of life in the sector.
Once players have enough points, they can unlock pods which basically bring a certain group of people back from cryo-sleep in order to perform specific tasks.
Pods
Pods are divided into three categories of personnel: Science, Military and Commerce. Unlock each Pod brings more people related to that pod on to the Nexus to perform tasks for the Initiative hence unlocking new perks.
Science
Lab Technicians: they provide research points at regular intervals (around 45 minutes)
Mining Operations: another time based perk that farms minerals throughout the Helius cluster
Improved Development: requires Lab Technicians and increases Research Data gain from all sources by 10%
Expanded Field Analysis: forward stations are equipped with sensors that detect resources from a longer distance. Requires Mining Operations
Military
Munitions: time based supply drop of consumables
Hunting Parties: rewards organic materials at regular intervals
Special Forces: rewards tech materials at regular intervals
Reconnaissance: permanently reveals hidden caches around forward stations
Advanced Training: increases XP gain by 10% for completing encounters. Requires any one of the above perks
Always Prepared: Unlocks an extra consumable slot. Requires Munitions and 70% viability on Eos
Versatility: unlocks an extra consumable slot. Requires Always Prepared and 90% Eos viability
APEX Tactics: increases APEX mission rewards by 15%
Commerce
Financial Infrastructure: rewards credits at regular intervals from investments
Financial Infrastructure II: earn even more credits at regular intervals. Requires Financial Infrastructure
Grey Market Connections: better prices when buying or selling items
Market Dominance Initiative: requires Grey Market Connections and grants access to special inventories at merchants
Trade Capacity: increases inventory capacity of Ryder
Recommended Perks
Reconnaissance: getting this perk early will ensure that players find more loot including weapons, materials and rare items like Remnant Decryption Keys.
Munitions/Lab Technicians/Financial Infrastructure: all these perks are recommended early unlocks as they will reward players will extra of pretty much everything which can be useful in early game.
