BioWare is launching its biggest ever Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event today, with the arrival of Operation Lodestar.

Described by Admiral Hackett as "the largest-scale attack in the brief history of this war,” Operation Lodestar kicks off today and runs all the way until March 10th. That’s five days, a clear extension of the game’s usual weekend multiplayer events.

In keeping with the longer running time, the event also has increased rewards. You can find Admiral Hackett’s description and a breakdown of the rewards below, courtesy of the BioWare Blog.

"We are coordinating the largest-scale attack in the brief history of this war. N7 unit actions will pave the way for resistance and conventional forces trying to retake the population centers of our homeworlds. There is no retreat. When an objective is finished or a target destroyed, you will immediately focus on the next.

"Our assets will provide cover to network ships that will update your targets in real-time. Rally points are at your disposal in the event that all space assets meet with catastrophic casualties. From there, you will fight as your CO sees fit or until further orders arrive.

"I cannot fully express my deep respect for all of you, the sapients of the Milky Way who serve together under our banner. When future generations look back on this war, they will see the courage and commitment it takes to change the fate of a galaxy. It has been a hard road, but at last: the end is in sight."

Individual Goal: This challenge is tiered:

• Participation (extracting on any difficulty) earns the 1st-tier reward.
• Extracting against all four enemy factions on Silver difficulty or higher earns the 2nd-tier reward.
• Extracting against all four every enemy factions on Platinum difficulty earns the 3rd-tier reward.

Rewards:

• 1st tier – Commendation Pack.
• 2nd tier – A second bonus Commendation Pack and a banner, (“Stood Fast, Stood Strong, Stood Together”)
• 3rd tier – A third bonus Commendation Pack.