Mass Effect: Andromeda PC update fixes black screen bug, sound issues, and more

A heads-up to everyone playing Mass Effect: Andromeda on the PC: BioWare has rolled out an update that promises to fix a number of issues plaguing the game, including problems with the Corsair Utility Engine, multiplayer sounds, and the function keys.  There are no detailed patch notes, but producer Fernando Melo gave a quick rundown of what's what on Twitter late last night. 

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Melo also said that "server side changes are incoming" that should fix problems with some Challenges that can not (or could not, depending on when you read this) be finished, and that more updates are in the works and will be rolled out shortly—possibly even today or tomorrow. 

That's good news: We didn't encounter any show-stoppers when we played Andromeda for our review, but "incorrect audio cues, errant quest notifications and a persistent bug with companions being quiet during conversations speak to a much-needed quality assurance pass that never happened."

In less good news, BioWare also announced on Twitter that it has taken the Apex leaderboards offline while it works on ratings calculations. You'll still be able to see your own Apex ratings, but BioWare warned that it may be lowered—possibly "significantly"—once the changes are made. 

Andy Chalk

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.