BioWare has released the notes for an upcoming patch to Mass Effect Andromeda. In addition to the standard litany of bug fixes, the patch addresses 2 big bugaboos via fan feedback: character creation and romance options.

Two new heads were added, one male and one female, as well as a new complexion option and a greater range of available skin tones. All hairstyles for both sexes have been unlocked, and they have added a new bald option. Players will now also be able to change their looks mid-game while on the Tempest. You can also now choose to keep the default Alec, rather than having his appearance be based on your custom Ryder.

Scott Ryder can now pursue Jaal as a romance option. Scott Ryder did not have a same-sex squadmate available as a romance option, nor could the achievement for completing three romances be achieved with only male same-sex partners. As the angara have expressed their fluidity in how they perceive gender, according to BioWare it was a natural fit to pair Scott with Jaal if desired.

Here are the full notes:

Mass Effect: Andromeda Patch 1.08 Notes

Single player

• Ryder’s appearance can now be changed onboard the Tempest
• Expanded the range of options available in the character creator
• Jaal can now be romanced by Scott Ryder
• Dialogue for Hainly Abrams was adjusted to change the flow of personal information she discusses with Ryder.
• Fixed issue with Nomad upgrades Shield Crafting quest
• Nexus level and cryo pod points are retroactively granted
• Vendors now carry weapon mods for Level 60-71 players
• Vendors now sell weapon augmentations for automatic fire, burst fire, and single-shot fire
• Improved clarity of descriptions for augmentations
• Plasma Charge system now works properly for shotguns
• Beam Emitter augmentation now causes guns to fire a constant beam with scaling damage based on the weapon’s damage per second
• [PC] Added experimental support for Dolby Vision™ technology

Multiplayer

• Stealth Grid challenge now increments properly
• Fiend no longer sprints when within 10 meters of target, and will decelerate to base speed
• Enabled movement correction during Fiend attacks to reduce incidence of players seeing Fiends attacking in the wrong direction
• Improved movement prediction for some enemies in tight spaces to reduce appearance of teleportation
• Fixed issue that prevented melee attacks if the revive icon was near center screen
• Fixed issue where ammo pick-up audio incorrectly played
• Fixed issue where Backlash could malfunction while moving
• Using Stealth and Recon Visor together no longer increases duration of invisibility for Turian Agent
• Fixed issue where weight reduction modifications wouldn’t reduce weight
• The Revive Pack Transmitter now displays the revive radius in the loadout screen
• Equipping the Cobra RPG now interrupts reloading
• Player turns to Adhi when getting synced to avoid teleportation issue
• Fixed issue where enemies would occasionally enter T-pose when hit
• Improved visual and audio cues for player ready status in Multiplayer lobbies
• Added “Lights” option to customization options

Thoughts on the fixes and improvements? Mass Effect Andromeda continues to run their weekly Apex Missions and we’re expecting to see something about DLC coming soon.

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