The bread and butter of the Mass Effect franchise are the relationships the player builds with the games' diverse cast of characters. Garrus Vakarian is the trilogy's only permanent Turian squadmate and is one of only two squadmates to stick with Shepard in every entry of the trilogy. Everybody loves Garrus, and he is widely regarded as one of the best characters BioWare has ever created.
Players first encounter Garrus when he is working as a Citadel Security Officer investigating charges against the Turian Spectre, Saren Arterius. Later on, down in the Wards, Shepard comes across Garrus trying to save Dr. Michel, who is being threatened by some thugs. Once the doctor is saved, Garrus joins Shepard's team (assuming players let him join), and the two proceed to become tight-knit brothers in arms thereafter.
10 Preventing Sidonis' Death Is Moving
Vakarian reaches a pretty dark place in Mass Effect 2. After his team on Omega was betrayed by one of their own, Garrus becomes absolutely determined to hunt down and find the traitor, a Turian named Sidonis. Sadly, Garrus blames himself for his team's death and feels that ending Sidonis will make things right. Since the two are close friends, Shepard helps Garrus track down the traitor but can try and convince Garrus that killing Sidonis is not the way.
At first, Garrus refuses to consider the idea of sparing Sidonis. But if players take the paragon route, they can talk with Sidonis and learn that he is constantly tormented by his actions. Garrus comes to pity Sidonis and lets him leave. This act of mercy is a huge moment for Garrus' character, as it lets him overcome the loss of his team.
9 Dancing On the Citadel Is Sweet
Romancing Garrus is one of the more popular options for FemShep, and understandably so. The two were already close friends, and kindling the slightly awkward but adorable romantic relationship between Garrus and Shepard brings them closer than ever before.
When the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC was released, BioWare included a unique scene for every romance option. Garrus' scene occurs in the bar of the Silver Coast Casino, where he and Shepard partake in a rather spicy dance. Watching the two tango adds yet another exciting dimension to Shepard and Vakarian's relationship.
8 Learning About Dr. Saleon Is Shocking
If Shepard speaks with Garrus enough in the first Mass Effect game, they will discover that there is a certain case from Garrus' C-Sec days that continues to haunt him. A Salarian doctor named Saleon was growing organs inside his test subjects and harvesting these organs to sell on the black market.
The worst part is, Dr. Saleon was never caught. Listening to Garrus describe the gruesome crimes and voice his frustration with Citadel Security and their mountain of regulations helps one understand why Garrus elected to leave his career to pursue the rogue spectre Saren.
7 Meeting On Menae Is Entertaining
After losing track of each other post Mass Effect 2, Garrus and Shepard meet up once against on the Turian homeworld's largest moon. Seeing Garrus alive and well serves as a huge relief, since during the entire mission, Palaven is visible in the sky, bathed in flame. What may come as a surprise, is that Garrus has been made advisor to the Turian Hierarchy regarding the Reaper threat.
Watching Turian generals salute Shepard's longtime friend is quite a sight, but the reunion is not exactly joyous. The urgency of the situation is all too apparent After all, Shepard did not go to see his friend but journeyed to Palaven's moon to broker an alliance with the Turians.
6 Hanging Out At The Casino Bar Is Hilarious
If Shepard does not romance Garrus, they still have an opportunity to spend some time with their buddy. Meeting up at the casino bar to blow off some steam, Garrus catches the eye of a fellow patron. If Shepard wants, they can introduce the two Turians to each other. At first, the interaction does not go well and it becomes pretty clear that Garrus is no good at talking to women.
Luckily, Shepard is a great friend and can choose to help Garrus out, resulting in a new friend for Garrus. This interaction is a lovely demonstration of the friendship between Garrus and Shepard and shows that they are comrades both on and off the battlefield.
5 Catching Garrus And Tali In The Act Is Surprising
Should Shepard choose not to romance Garrus or Tali in Mass Effect 3, then one can come across the two swapping spit in the Normandy's battery late into Mass Effect 3's story. At first, Tali and Garrus try to cover up their situation by making some laughably awkward excuses. Eventually, though, they come clean and Shepard is happy for both of his teammates.
Seeing the Quarian and Turian make out and listening to what they are saying makes it pretty clear that their relationship is more so on the casual side. The whole situation shows off a fun, exciting side to both Tali and Garrus.
4 The Archangel Reveal Is Nostalgic
One of the first dossiers Shepard is given in Mass Effect 2 is for the mysterious vigilante Archangel, who has been causing all kinds of trouble for the criminal gangs of Omega. In order to gain access to Archangel, Shepard must join up with the assault force organized by the gangs to take down Omega's most wanted.
After Shepard betrays the other mercs and fights their way to Archangel's hideout, Archangel reveals himself to be none other than Garrus Vakarian. This reveal is a fantastic and surprising reunion between the duo and gives gamers a feeling of coming home.
3 Target Practice On The Presidium Is Heartwarming
Somewhere in the mid-point of Mass Effect 3's story, Garrus invites Shepard for a little bit of target practice. The surprise is that Garrus takes Shepard to the top of the Presidium, a place that people are not exactly supposed to go. When Shepard asks if Garrus got permission to go up, the Turian replies by stating he simply does not care anymore. After they park, Shepard and Garrus take turns shooting targets thrown by the one not taking the shots.
At this moment, Shepard has a difficult choice to make: shoot the target and prove at last that Shepard is the superior shot, or miss on purpose and give Garrus something to feel good about. Regardless of what choice is made, the scene serves as a wonderful bonding moment for Shepard and Vakarian.
2 Attending The Casino Gala Is A Fitting Farewell
Shepard can bring nearly any squadmate they want to the casino gala in Mass Effect 3: Citadel. The objective is to gain access to the casino owner's panic room where he is hiding. However, while Brooks is breaking through the security systems, Shepard must blend in with galactic high society. At certain points in this combat-free mission, Shepard will need to direct their squadmate to distract some guards.
While all squadmates provide unique dialogue when distracting the guards, bringing along Garrus is a great idea mainly for the sake of nostalgia. Since the Citadel DLC is BioWare's farewell to the trilogy, going along with Garrus feels like one final mission for the dynamic duo of Shepard and Vakarian.
1 Final Goodbye On Earth Is Emotional
Just before the final push to the Citadel Beam in Mass Effect 3, Shepard has a chance to spend a moment with each of their squadmates. These conversations are where Shepard's comrades reflect on their time with the Commander, and say their final goodbyes. Saying farewell to Garrus is emotional. One can not help but recall all the adventures Garrus and Shepard embarked on together.
In this final hour, Garrus gives Shepard some much-needed encouragement for the impossible battle to come. This touching conversation ends with the two sharing an embrace, confirming that it is indeed the end.