Does Mass Effect Legendary Money Carry Over? A Deep Dive into Transfers, Choices, and Consequences
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No, money does not carry over between games in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. While the series is celebrated for its robust save import system, allowing your decisions and character progression to influence subsequent titles, your credits are reset at the beginning of each new game. However, the game provides bonuses based on the level of the character you import. For Legendary Mode characters, the game factors in your level as if it were multiplied by two. This ensures that while you start fresh financially, your past accomplishments are still recognized and rewarded.
Understanding What Does Carry Over
The Mass Effect trilogy is renowned for its continuity. When you import a save file, a multitude of elements transfer, enriching the narrative and making your choices truly matter:
- Shepard’s First Name: A small detail, but it adds to the personalized experience.
- Shepard’s Appearance: Customize your Shepard and maintain their look across all three games.
- Shepard’s Class: You can change your class between games if you desire, but your previous experience will provide bonuses regardless.
- Shepard’s Background and Psychological Profile: These choices impact dialogue options and character interactions.
- Shepard’s Love Interest: Maintain a romantic relationship across the series (with certain limitations – more on that later).
- Fate of Ashley or Kaidan on Virmire: A crucial decision early in Mass Effect 1 with significant consequences in later games.
- Garrus’ Morality: How you influence Garrus’s development in Mass Effect 1 affects his behavior and perspective in later games.
- Level: Mass Effect 2 will give bonuses based on the Shepard you imported. Mass Effect 3 will carry over your Shepard level.
This interconnectedness is what makes the Mass Effect series so compelling. Your actions have weight, and the world reacts accordingly.
The Paragon/Renegade System: A Fresh Start
While your major decisions carry over, your Paragon and Renegade scores are reset at the start of each new game. This might seem like a disadvantage, but it actually presents an opportunity. You can leverage your knowledge of the story and characters to maximize your Paragon or Renegade gains, unlocking dialogue options and influencing events in ways you might have missed previously.
Keep in mind that while Charm and Intimidate points in Mass Effect 1 New Game Plus will remain, the Paragon and Renegade bars will reset, allowing you to gain even more points as you refill them.
Character Level
Importing a character impacts the beginning of the game you are importing them to. For example, your level from Mass Effect 2 will carry over to Mass Effect 3. Your Squad Members will also start at the same level. You will get Squad Points to upgrade your Powers based on your imported level.
Your Choices
Importing your save files between each Mass Effect game means all background traits, choices, deaths, and consequences in Mass Effect 1 will roll over to Mass Effect 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about money, character progression, and choices in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, with detailed answers to help you navigate the galaxy:
1. What bonuses do I get for importing a high-level character?
While specific details may vary slightly between Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, importing a high-level character generally grants you:
- Starting resources: A small amount of resources to kickstart your crafting and upgrading.
- Bonus skill points: Allows you to immediately enhance your abilities.
- A head start on Paragon/Renegade: Potentially unlocks certain dialogue options earlier.
2. Does my inventory from Mass Effect 1 carry over in a New Game Plus?
Yes, in Mass Effect 1 New Game Plus, your level, money, items, and skill point distribution all carry over.
3. Can I change Shepard’s class when importing a save?
Yes, you can change Shepard’s class when starting a new game. This allows you to experience the story from a different perspective or try a new gameplay style.
4. How do romances work across the trilogy?
Romances can carry over, but with caveats. A romance initiated in Mass Effect 1 can continue in Mass Effect 2, and a romance in Mass Effect 2 can persist into Mass Effect 3. However, you must maintain the relationship and make specific choices to avoid breaking up with your partner. Not all characters are available for romance in all three games. Some can only be romanced by a specific gender.
5. Can I romance multiple characters simultaneously?
In Mass Effect 3, there is no longer a “polygamous” confrontation check. Romantic actions with any other characters will automatically be ceased once you’ve taken a Romance to its conclusion.
6. Can I start a romance with Tali in ME3 if I didn’t in ME2?
The only way that you can start a romance with Tali in Mass Effect 3 is by starting the romance in Mass Effect 2. She can only be romanced by a male Shepard character.
7. What happens if a squadmate dies in ME2’s Suicide Mission?
If a squadmate dies in the Suicide Mission, they will not appear in Mass Effect 3. This can impact certain quests and dialogue options, and may affect your chances of achieving the best ending.
8. Does my reputation affect shop prices?
No, your reputation generally does not directly affect shop prices. However, having high Paragon or Renegade scores can unlock special dialogue options that might lead to discounts or other benefits.
9. Does it matter who I recruit first in Mass Effect 2?
For the most part, Mass Effect 2 is a linear RPG. However, the game does give you some freedom when it comes to mission order. Each act of the adventure has an abundance of quests to take on, and it doesn’t matter which you do first or which you save for later.
10. Can I romance Ashley in ME1 and Tali in ME2?
Yes, you can romance Ashley in ME1 and Tali in ME2. You’re not really locked into any romance.
11. Can a female Shepard romance Traynor?
Samantha is one of a few LGBTQ+ romance options in the Mass Effect trilogy and is only available as a romantic interest for a female Shepard.
12. What is the best romance in Mass Effect 3?
Many players find Jack to be the most fulfilling romance from the entire Mass Effect series. There are so many layers to both the relationship and her as a character.
13. Should I do all the side quests in Mass Effect?
Many missions and side quests are presented as completely optional, but not if players want to achieve the best ending. Recruitment and Loyalty missions in Mass Effect 2 have a massive impact on how players can experience that game and its sequel, and potentially Mass Effect 4, if they import their save.
14. Does leveling up affect dialogue choices?
Yes, certain dialogue options, especially those requiring Charm or Intimidate, are locked behind skill point thresholds. Investing in these skills allows you to resolve conflicts peacefully or aggressively, shaping the narrative in different ways.
15. How does Paragon/Renegade affect my squadmates?
Your Paragon/Renegade choices can influence your squadmates’ opinions of you, potentially affecting their loyalty and availability for certain missions. It can also affect their personal development, as seen with Garrus, whose morality shifts depending on your guidance. On a large scale, the big difference between Garrus’ Paragon and Renegade styles is that with the former he’s focused on protecting lives no matter what, while with the latter he’s focused on serving justice.
The Bigger Picture: Choices and Consequences
The Mass Effect series excels at creating a sense of agency. Your choices, even seemingly minor ones, can have ripple effects that reverberate throughout the entire trilogy. While money may not carry over, the lasting impact of your decisions is what truly defines your Mass Effect experience.
Remember, the most important aspect of Mass Effect is the journey itself. Experiment with different choices, explore the galaxy, and forge relationships that will resonate long after the credits roll. Consider exploring the resources and research available through the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand the deeper educational and developmental impacts of games like Mass Effect. This research can provide valuable insights into how games can enhance learning and cognitive skills.