What Carries Over from Mass Effect 2 to 3?

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When transitioning from Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3, players can expect their level and squad members’ levels to carry over, along with the ability to allocate Squad Points to upgrade Powers based on the imported level, but credits and any upgrades invested in will not carry over, with the exception of upgrades made to the Normandy for the suicide mission. The carryover of data from one game to the next is a significant aspect of the Mass Effect series, allowing players to continue their personalized story with choices and outcomes from previous games influencing the next installment.

Understanding the Carryover

The Mass Effect series is renowned for its deep storytelling and the impact of player choice on the game’s narrative. Understanding what carries over from Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3 is crucial for players who want to maximize their gameplay experience and see the fruition of their decisions in the previous game.

Importing Saves and Character Progression

Players can import their save from Mass Effect 2 into Mass Effect 3, bringing with them their character’s level, squad members’ levels, and any upgrades to Powers. However, credits and certain upgrades to equipment or the Normandy (except those made for the suicide mission) do not transfer, requiring players to re-acquire these assets in Mass Effect 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do credits carry over from Mass Effect 2 to 3?

• No, credits do not carry over from Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3. Players must earn new credits in Mass Effect 3.

1. What happens to squad members in Mass Effect 3?

• Squad members from Mass Effect 2 can be recruited again in Mass Effect 3, depending on the player’s choices in the previous game. Their levels will be the same as the player’s imported level.

1. How many years are between Mass Effect 2 and 3?

• Mass Effect 3 begins six months after the events of Mass Effect 2.

1. Does Mass Effect 3 carry over to Andromeda?

• No, choices from Mass Effect 3 do not directly affect Mass Effect: Andromeda, as Andromeda takes place 600 years later with no direct communication with the Milky Way.

1. Which Mass Effect 3 ending is canon?

• There isn’t a confirmed canon ending for Mass Effect 3, but hints suggest that Shepard destroying all synthetic life might be the true conclusion.

1. Does Andromeda take place 600 years after ME3?

• Yes, Mass Effect: Andromeda is set around 600 years after the events of the original Mass Effect trilogy.

1. Why was Mass Effect 3’s ending so controversial?

• The ending was criticized for making character choices seem inconsequential, lack of closure, plot holes, and narrative inconsistency.

1. Is Mass Effect 5 confirmed?

• Mass Effect 5 is in development, expected for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, though recent layoffs at BioWare may impact its development.

1. Is Shepherd mentioned in Andromeda?

• Shepard does not appear directly in Andromeda, but is referenced in conversations and audio logs, with players able to choose Shepard’s gender at the start of the game.

1. Does Garrus survive Mass Effect 2?

   • Garrus can survive Mass Effect 2 if the player chooses a Loyal Garrus. Otherwise, he may die during the game’s final mission.

2. What happens if Shepard dies in Mass Effect 2?

   • If Shepard dies at the end of Mass Effect 2, that save game cannot be imported into Mass Effect 3, requiring the player to create a new Shepard.

3. Does Liara return in Mass Effect 2?

   • Yes, Liara returns in Mass Effect 2, playing a different role as an information broker on Illium.

4. What is the max level in Mass Effect 2?

   • The level cap in Mass Effect 2 is 30.

5. Can you get Ashley in Mass Effect 3?

   • Yes, Ashley can join the Normandy as a squad mate in Mass Effect 3 if the player chooses to invite her.

6. How many war assets do you need to survive Mass Effect 3?

   • To achieve a complete ending, Shepard must acquire at least 3,100 war assets; otherwise, Shepard and their team will die in the final battle against the Reapers.

Conclusion

The transition from Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3 is significant, carrying over key elements such as character and squad levels, while leaving behind credits and certain upgrades. Understanding these mechanics and the broader Mass Effect universe, including its expansions and sequels like Andromeda, enriches the gameplay experience, offering a complex and engaging narrative that responds to player choice. As the series continues with Mass Effect 5 and potentially beyond, the legacy of Shepard and the decisions made in Mass Effect 2 and 3 will undoubtedly influence the future of the franchise.