Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings out the most exotic events and characters from all over the world. Even in a video game universe that is bound to be rife with creativity, Mass Effect exceeds the expectations of every imagination. From doing business with a hanar, meeting a volus high on red sand, or shooting bottles off of the Presidium, no one on Earth can say the games are too predictable.
But what is the least predictable thing in this universe? While there is arguably some room for debate, it's probably going to be the "Shifty Looking Cow..." (and yes, that three-dot ellipsis is part of its official name) when looking at all of the evidence. Most players won't ever find this bizarre creature. But finding it is only the beginning of the mystery.
Finding The Shifty Looking Cow
After getting access to the Normandy (sadly, the Shifty Looking Cow isn't on the Citadel), go to the Kepler Verge cluster and swing over to the Newton system. At this point, Admiral Hackett will tell Shepard about a situation on the planet Ontarom. Go ahead and accept this mission, the target is on Ontarom as well.
Travel to the southwest portion of the map; if Shepard finds a gold deposit, the Shifty Looking Cow is close by, look at the herd. Unlike the other "cows," this creature will bring up an interaction ring around it and suggests Shepard press a button to "Talk" to it.
What The Shifty Looking Cow Does
Disappointingly, and counter to the tooltip's suggestion, the Shifty Looking Cow does not talk. It looks identical to the rest of the herd, so this can feel like a letdown. Never fear, this trip isn't a waste and won't soon be forgotten.
It's hard to notice, but when turning and walking away, the Shifty Looking Cow will steal credits from Shepard! The amounts are small, usually in the single digits, but all money is money! And no matter how quickly gamers can turn around, it's impossible to catch the cow in the act.
This might spur on a desire for revenge. The Shifty Looking Cow dies in a single hit, but it is also immortal; turn away and then look back, the the Shifty Looking Cow will be alive once more. Sadly, Shepard can't get back these lost credits even by looting the temporary body. Players should also note that if they walk slowly enough, the Shifty Looking Cow will follow.
The Legend Of The Shifty Looking Cow Continues
Is that the end for the Shifty Looking Cow? That easter egg alone is worth a few laughs, but it's actually far from over. Fans of Dragon Age: Inquisition should note that Cole has been personally robbed by the Shifty Looking Cow as well.
What was the cow stealing all of those credits for? Unbelievably, the answer comes in Mass Effect 3, when who else should have a high score in the arcade but "Shifty Cow?" And players who read a datapad during one of the missions will read complaints about disappearing funds. Look to the right and, behold, the Shifty Looking Cow... Coincidence? No way, not with the ellipsis after the name once again.