MASS EFFECT: Tip Sheet #5 -- Licenses

One of the most convenient things in Mass Effect is having a store on board the SSV Normandy. It's a great place to sell your high level gear to pump up your credit balance.

It can also be a source for the very best weapons in the game (Spectre gear Mark X) if you play things right.

The key to getting at that high-profile gear is licenses. Throughout the game, you will find vendors selling licenses for various manufacturers. Buy every one of these you find. These licenses provide your Quartermaster the ability to procure weapons, armor and upgrades from those manufacturers. Not all vendors will have licenses for you to buy at first, but each will have at least one to offer throughout the game.

The vendors that have licenses can be found in the following locations:

• Citadel Presidium -- Financial District: A Hanar sells a limited selection of goods here.
• Citadel Wards -- C-Sec Academy: The C-Sec supply officer
• Citadel Wards -- Upper Market: A Volus has a stall here
• Citadel Wards -- Lower Market: A Salarian has a stall here.
• Citadel Wards -- Medical Center: The human doctor with a shady past
• Noveria -- Look for an Elcor in the middle of the Cafeteria
• Feros -- The only Salarian on the planet offers his wares in a discreet corner

You can collect all the licenses if you follow this simple procedure:

• While at the Citadel, visit all of the vendors and buy a license from anyone who offers it. (Licenses are listed under [Standard Items] and are usually at the bottom of the list.) Note that you will not be able to purchase items from the C-Sec officer until after you have been enlisted into the Spectres.
  
• During each major plot segment, visit the vendor posted there (Noveria, Feros) and see if a license can be purchased.
  
• After the completion of each major plot segment (Citadel, Rescue Liara, Noveria, Feros, Virmire), revisit each of the vendors you've met so far. They will each have new stock, often including a license. Always buy the license first!

As long as you are leveling your character up at a decent rate by exploring in between missions, you should end up getting all of the licenses. You'll know you have them when the Normandy Quartermaster starts selling you Mark X Spectre weapons, like the HMSR X Sniper Rifle.