

Over one hundred planets can be examined, yet only a few can be explored on foot due to most being non-terrestrial or too inhospitable. Systems may also contain asteroids, which can be scanned by sweeping an asteroid belt with the cursor, and points of interest like derelict spacecraft. In Mass Effect, even if a planet is too dangerous to land on, many can be surveyed to search for valuable resources and assignment-relevant items.

The Galaxy Map automatically calculates the paths necessary to reach the desired location. Since mass relays function as a network in Milky Way, ships must change relays repeatedly to cross to the far side of the galaxy. The Galaxy Map also has details of individual planets once one has been selected, including relevant statistics (temperature, gravity, orbital period etc.) and any historical points of interest relating to that world.

