Should You Play All Mass Effect Games in Order? A Commander’s Comprehensive Guide
Unequivocally, yes. Playing the Mass Effect trilogy in order is the definitive and recommended experience. While Mass Effect: Andromeda offers a standalone narrative, the original trilogy – Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 – forms a deeply interconnected and impactful story arc. Decisions made in the first game ripple through the subsequent entries, shaping character relationships, plot outcomes, and even the fate of the galaxy. Skipping games fundamentally diminishes the emotional weight and narrative coherence of the series.
Why Play in Order? The Paragon Path
The Mass Effect trilogy isn’t just a collection of games; it’s a continuous narrative experience where your choices matter. Here’s why experiencing them sequentially is crucial:
A Cohesive Narrative Experience
The trilogy was designed as a single, evolving story. Characters you meet in Mass Effect reappear in later games, often with changed circumstances directly reflecting your previous interactions. Skipping ahead robs you of the context and emotional resonance of these encounters. You’ll miss crucial connections between characters, important callbacks, and a deeper understanding of the galaxy’s politics and lore.
Consequences That Matter
The choices you make have lasting consequences. Decisions regarding squadmates, alliances, and even seemingly minor side quests can dramatically alter events in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. Imagine entering Mass Effect 3 without knowing the outcome of the Collector Base mission in Mass Effect 2, or not having built relationships with crucial characters that impact the overall story arc.
Character Development and Investment
You witness Commander Shepard’s growth and evolution throughout the trilogy. Building relationships with your crew, facing moral dilemmas, and making tough choices allows you to develop a deep connection with your character and their journey. Starting mid-way diminishes your investment and understanding of Shepard’s motivations. This character investment is something game developers consider. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org highlights the importance of narrative and player agency in game design.
Mass Effect 2: The Foundation for the Finale
Mass Effect 2 is arguably the best game in the series and serves as a bridge between the discovery of the Reapers in Mass Effect and the all-out war in Mass Effect 3. Skipping Mass Effect 2 is detrimental to the overall experience, as it introduces critical characters, explores the Reaper threat in detail, and sets the stage for the final conflict.
Understanding the Lore
The Mass Effect universe is rich and complex, with a detailed history, intricate political landscape, and fascinating alien cultures. Playing the games in order allows you to gradually learn and appreciate the intricacies of this universe.
A Unique Gaming Experience
The Mass Effect trilogy offers a unique experience in gaming – a sprawling space opera where your choices have tangible and lasting consequences. Playing in order allows you to fully appreciate the scope and ambition of this epic saga.
Mass Effect: Andromeda – A Standalone Story
While set in the same universe, Mass Effect: Andromeda is a separate story with a new cast of characters and a different galaxy to explore. It’s not necessary to play the original trilogy before playing Andromeda. However, understanding the lore and themes of the original trilogy can enhance your appreciation of Andromeda. Andromeda is set approximately 600 years after the conclusion of the original trilogy, in a different galaxy.
Mass Effect FAQs: Your Questions Answered
1. Do I have to play Mass Effect 1 and 2 before 3?
Yes. Playing Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 is highly recommended before playing Mass Effect 3. Skipping these games will leave you confused about character relationships, plot points, and the overall narrative arc. Plus, it won’t allow you to experience the complete story the way it was designed.
2. What happens if you play ME2 without playing ME1?
You’ll miss a significant amount of context. While Mass Effect 2 can stand on its own, you’ll be given default choices for events in Mass Effect. This means you won’t be able to shape the galaxy based on your own decisions, reducing the impact of character interactions and story developments.
3. Can I skip Mass Effect 2?
Absolutely not. Skipping Mass Effect 2 will severely impact your understanding and enjoyment of Mass Effect 3. Crucial characters, plot points, and upgrades are introduced in Mass Effect 2 and directly influence the events of the final game. Also, many consider Mass Effect 2 the best game in the entire series!
4. Do I need to play Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3 before Andromeda?
No. Mass Effect: Andromeda is set in a different galaxy and features a new cast of characters. While there are references to the original trilogy, it’s a standalone story that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge.
5. Should I play Andromeda first?
It’s generally not recommended to play Andromeda before the original trilogy. You’ll miss out on the foundation of the Mass Effect universe. Furthermore, jumping from Andromeda‘s gameplay back to the original trilogy might feel clunky.
6. Should I start on Mass Effect 1 or 2?
Always start with Mass Effect 1. Despite some dated gameplay mechanics, it provides the essential foundation for the entire trilogy.
7. How many years between ME2 and ME3?
Mass Effect 3 begins six months after the events of Mass Effect 2.
8. Does Andromeda take place 600 years after ME3?
Yes, Mass Effect: Andromeda is set approximately 600 years after the events of the original Mass Effect trilogy. The four Ark ships carrying various Sol species left for the 600-year one-way trip in 2185.
9. Can you start a romance in Mass Effect 3?
Yes, but many romances are established in previous games. Romances that begin in previous games will have a greater emotional impact and richer story arcs than those started solely in Mass Effect 3.
10. How many endings does Mass Effect 3 have?
Mass Effect 3 has multiple endings, including Destroy, Control, Synthesis, and Refuse. Each ending has variations based on your choices throughout the trilogy.
11. Is Mass Effect Andromeda worth it?
Whether Mass Effect: Andromeda is “worth it” depends on your expectations. If you approach it as a standalone sci-fi RPG, you may find it enjoyable. However, if you’re expecting it to recapture the magic of the original trilogy, you may be disappointed.
12. Can you still play Mass Effect 1 and 3 after the main story?
In Mass Effect 1, yes, you can continue playing after completing the main story. In Mass Effect 3, you can reload a save from before the final mission.
13. Are there Reapers in Andromeda?
No. The Reapers are confined to the Milky Way galaxy.
14. Is Liara in Mass Effect: Andromeda?
Liara T’Soni doesn’t appear directly in Mass Effect: Andromeda, but she is referenced through audio logs and conversations.
15. Which ME3 ending is canon in Andromeda?
There is no officially confirmed canon ending for Mass Effect 3 at this time.
Final Verdict: Embrace the Journey
The Mass Effect trilogy is a gaming experience unlike any other. By playing in order, you’ll immerse yourself in a rich and rewarding universe, forge meaningful relationships with compelling characters, and make choices that truly matter. Don’t cheat yourself out of the full experience – embark on the complete journey of Commander Shepard and their fight to save the galaxy. It is a great way to study the concepts of video games and learning as noted by the Games Learning Society.