The original Mass Effect trilogy is host to plenty of plotlines and stories that span multiple games. One which is easily among the most interesting – and will linger in your mind for the duration of your time in the first two titles – is who the enigmatic Shadow Broker really is. This is likely how you found yourself to this guide, as you have a question that needs a firm answer: Who is the Shadow Broker in Mass Effect?
Well, worry not. You’ve come to the right place, as we have all the details you’ll need to understand exactly who this info-wielding crime lord is. However, we will be spoiling the full storyline tied to this character in the process, as well as some key developments in Mass Effect 2’s DLC and plot points in Mass Effect 3.
With this in mind, be warned: There are *Massive Spoilers Ahead*.
Who Is the Shadow Broker in Mass Effect? Answered
The true identity isn’t revealed until you play through the Mass Effect 2 DLC titled Lair of the Shadow Broker.
In it, you’ll be tasked with aiding Liara T’Soni in tracking down the Shadow Broker so that she can save a comrade of hers who was kidnapped by the crime lord. After making your way through the questline, you’ll discover the location of this mysterious individual and confront them in their ship.
Once there, you’ll discover that the active Shadow Broker during the first and second games is a Yahg named Kechlu. Originally an inhabitant of a planet that had yet to discover space flight, he was found and monitored by an earlier Shadow Broker due to his intelligence.
This Yahg eventually proved so smart that the older Broker brought him into his organization so that he could aid them in their dirty dealings. He also helped the Yahg to take the alias Kechlu from another operative, getting said operative killed in the process.
This would prove fatal for the older Shadow Broker, as Kechlu would eventually have him killed and usurp his position. He then took control of the organization and was responsible for everything from the death of Thane’s wife to the attempted recovery of Shepard’s body for the Collectors.
After a brief boss fight, Kechlu is then killed by Shepard and Liara. His role is then filled by Liara, who realizes the Shadow Broker’s true identity is rarely known by anyone and can be adopted by whoever took out the previous Broker. This remains the case going into Mass Effect 3, where she continues to serve as the Shadow Broker and uses her influence to help you prepare for the Reaper invasion.
That’s all there is to know about who the Shadow Broker is in Mass Effect. For more on the game, check out our Mass Effect Legendary Edition guide wiki. It’ll help you piece together other important lore bits, clear difficult quests, and much more.
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