Can You Keep Playing Mass Effect 1 After the Ending? A Deep Dive
The short answer is no, you cannot continue playing Mass Effect 1 directly after the ending in the way that many modern games allow. Once you complete the final mission and the credits roll, the game concludes. There’s no free-roam exploration or side-quest completion available.
However, don’t despair, Commander! There are still options available to you. While you can’t continue that playthrough, Mass Effect 1 does offer a New Game+ mode. This allows you to start a new playthrough with your existing character, retaining many of their stats, skills, and even some gear, providing a fresh experience with a powered-up Commander Shepard. This option opens the door to experiencing any content you might have skipped previously. It’s a great way to refine your choices, explore different dialogue options, or perfect your Paragon/Renegade balance before importing your save into Mass Effect 2.
Understanding the Mass Effect Structure
Unlike open-world games like Elder Scrolls or Fallout, the Mass Effect trilogy is fundamentally a story-driven experience. The narrative is tightly woven, and the completion of the main storyline signals the end of that particular chapter. This is in line with other BioWare classics like Knights of the Old Republic and the Baldur’s Gate series, where the story IS the game.
The game doesn’t just end abruptly, though. The epilogue offers closure by showcasing how your decisions influenced the galaxy and sets the stage for the sequels. This isn’t just about immediate gratification; it’s about setting a foundation for the entire Mass Effect experience.
Maximizing Your Mass Effect 1 Experience
Before embarking on that final mission, it’s always a good idea to complete as many side quests and exploration missions as possible. This not only maximizes your character’s experience and gear but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world and its lore. Exploring uncharted worlds, helping colonists in need, and uncovering ancient Prothean secrets all add depth and richness to the overall experience. And besides, you’re not just playing a game; you’re shaping a universe.
It’s all about the choices you make. The consequences will reverberate through the entire trilogy, making each playthrough feel unique and personal. These decisions carry over to Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, impacting character relationships, mission availability, and even the fate of entire species.
New Game+ – Your Second Chance
New Game+ is your opportunity to refine your Commander Shepard. Maybe you made some decisions you regret, or maybe you want to experience the story from a different moral alignment. This mode allows you to do just that, while also providing a new challenge with enemies scaled to your higher level. It allows you to experience the game again with a character who has already learned a great deal, and allows you to get any content you previously missed. It’s a fantastic way to prepare for the next chapter in the saga.
FAQs – Answering Your Mass Effect 1 Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mass Effect 1 to help you get the most out of your experience:
1. How does New Game+ work in Mass Effect 1?
New Game+ allows you to start a new game with your existing character. The game will carry over your character’s level, skills, and some of your equipment. You’ll restart the main story from the beginning. Select ‘New Game’ and then ‘Use an Existing Profile’ to begin.
2. Do my choices from Mass Effect 1 affect the sequels?
Absolutely! Many decisions made in Mass Effect 1 carry over to Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. This includes character deaths, romances, and how you handled specific missions. This creates a personalized narrative experience across the trilogy.
3. What happens if I save the Council in Mass Effect 1?
Saving the Council earns you Paragon points and results in the Council being thankful for your actions. Humanity gains increased representation on the Council, with Commander Shepard deciding who will represent humanity. The Alliance ships rescue the Council then rally around Sovereign.
4. Can I save both Ashley and Kaidan in Mass Effect 1?
Unfortunately, no, you must choose between saving Ashley or Kaidan on Virmire. This is a pivotal decision that has lasting consequences in the subsequent games. If you need to make the tough choice, consider who offers a more worthwhile class for your needs based on your own class and party setup.
5. What are the two endings of Mass Effect 1?
Mass Effect 1 has two main endings. The subtle differences between the two revolve around how the galaxy views humanity’s role after the battle with Sovereign. The ending largely influences the introductory scenes in Mass Effect 2.
6. Can I miss recruiting squadmates in Mass Effect 1?
Yes, you can miss recruiting Garrus and Wrex, as they are optional squadmates. However, you must recruit at least one of them to proceed. Missing either of them does influence their dialogue to a degree in the sequels.
7. Is there an epilogue in Mass Effect 1?
Yes, there is an epilogue that shows the immediate aftermath of your decisions, particularly concerning the fate of the Council and humanity’s role in galactic politics.
8. Can I do DLC content after beating the game?
No. Unfortunately, there is no DLC for Mass Effect 1 that will add new content after the ending.
9. How long does it take to beat Mass Effect 1?
A playthrough that focuses on the main objectives takes about 17 hours. A more completionist run can last around 43 hours. Time is dependent on playstyle.
10. Should I romance Liara, Ashley, or Kaidan in Mass Effect 1?
Romance is a personal choice. Each character offers a unique dynamic with Commander Shepard. Consider your own preferences and desired narrative experience.
11. What is the best choice in Mass Effect 1?
There is no single “best” choice. The strength of Mass Effect lies in the fact that the consequences of your decisions are what makes your story. Choose wisely.
12. Do I need to buy upgrades for the Normandy in Mass Effect 2?
Yes! Normandy upgrades are critical to the survival of Commander Shepard and your crew during the Suicide Mission at the end of Mass Effect 2.
13. Who replaces Garrus if he dies in Mass Effect 2?
No one replaces Garrus if he dies. The story adjusts to his absence, but there is no direct replacement character with the same skills and dialogue.
14. Can Garrus lose his loyalty in Mass Effect 2?
Once Garrus’s Loyalty has been earned in Mass Effect 2, there is no way for Shepard to lose it. So work hard to get on his good side.
15. What games are similar to Mass Effect?
If you loved Mass Effect, definitely check out Knights of the Old Republic or other BioWare titles like Dragon Age. These games offer similar role-playing elements, decision-making mechanics, and compelling storytelling. The Games Learning Society also has a lot of resources to understand how game design like in Mass Effect can enhance learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.
In conclusion, while you cannot directly continue playing after the ending of Mass Effect 1, the New Game+ mode and the far-reaching consequences of your choices offer ample replayability and ensure that your journey through the Mass Effect universe remains a personal and engaging experience. Embrace the choices, Commander, and shape the galaxy as you see fit.