Mass Effect Legendary Edition: Your Choices Echo Through the Galaxy – What Carries Over From ME1 to ME2?
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So, you’ve finished your tour of duty in Mass Effect 1, wrestled with Saren, and saved the Citadel (or didn’t!). Now you’re staring down the barrel of Mass Effect 2, wondering if all those tough choices, romantic entanglements, and Paragon/Renegade decisions actually mattered. Well, fear not, Commander, because the Mass Effect Legendary Edition stays true to the spirit of the original trilogy: your actions have consequences. A lot carries over from ME1 to ME2, shaping your experience in profound ways. Here’s a breakdown:
What Transfers From Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2:
- Shepard’s Identity: This is the foundation. Your Shepard’s first name, appearance (painstakingly crafted, I’m sure!), background, and psychological profile all make the jump. It’s your Shepard continuing their story.
- Class (Optional Respec): While your class is carried over initially, Mass Effect 2 gives you the option to re-spec during the early game. So, if you’re tired of being a Soldier and fancy a change to Adept, now’s your chance.
- Story Choices and Consequences: This is the meat of it. Every major decision you made, from saving the Rachni Queen to appointing Anderson or Udina to the Council, has a ripple effect in ME2. Get ready to face the music for your choices!
- Romance: Your love interest from ME1, if you had one, will be acknowledged. Expect some awkward conversations and closure (or continued affection, depending on how things ended). You’re free to pursue new romances in ME2, of course, but your past isn’t forgotten.
- Virmire Survivor: The fate of Ashley Williams or Kaidan Alenko on Virmire is, tragically, permanent (unless you’re using that one mod!). One will appear in Mass Effect 3, and the other won’t.
- Garrus’ Morality: How you influenced Garrus Vakarian in ME1, guiding him toward Paragon or Renegade actions, affects his personality and approach in ME2. He’s a reflection of your influence.
- Paragon/Renegade Points: While your exact bar doesn’t transfer over, importing a character gives you a head start with bonus Paragon/Renegade points. This can be crucial for making those tough Charm/Intimidate checks later on.
- Achievements and Level: Your level itself doesn’t directly transfer. Money and minerals doesn’t, and that sounds bad, but bonuses are awarded based on your ME1 level at import. This can mean a big boost to resources like ore, and credits at the start of ME2, especially if you had the Rich achievement.
In essence, importing your Mass Effect 1 save allows you to continue your unique story, shaped by your decisions, with tangible benefits and consequences. Choosing the Genesis comic severely restricts those choices, whereas the original can have multiple different results based on choices made.
Mass Effect 2: The Ripple Effects of Your Past
Mass Effect 2 is designed to be a continuation, not a clean slate. Your choices shape the world, the characters, and even the overall tone of your experience. Ignoring that connection by skipping ME1 means missing out on a richer, more personal journey.
Here are some specific examples of how your choices manifest in ME2:
- The Rachni Queen: Did you save her in ME1? If so, you’ll encounter her offspring later in the trilogy. Did you kill her? Then you’ll face a different challenge.
- The Colonists on Feros: Did you save the colonists from the Thorian? Their fate, and their interactions with Shepard, will play out in ME2.
- The Krogan Genophage: Your stance on Wrex’s desire to cure the Genophage begins forming in ME1, influencing your later interactions with him and other Krogan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about importing your Mass Effect 1 character into Mass Effect 2:
1. Can I change my class when I import my ME1 character to ME2?
Yes, you can. While your chosen class imports automatically, Mass Effect 2 allows you to re-spec your character class early in the game. This gives you the flexibility to try a different play style without losing your character’s history and story.
2. What happens if I romance someone in ME1 but want to romance someone else in ME2?
Your ME1 romance is acknowledged, and there will be dialogue addressing the relationship. You are free to pursue new romances in ME2, but be prepared for some potentially awkward conversations and the need to provide closure to your previous relationship. Beware of attempting to romance multiple characters in Mass Effect 2, as this can force you to choose one and permanently break up with the other.
3. Do I get any bonus resources or credits for importing a high-level ME1 character?
Yes! Importing a higher-level character will grant you bonus Paragon/Renegade points, ore to upgrade items, and credits. The amount of bonuses you receive depends on your level in ME1. Earning the Rich achievement in ME1 will reward you with even more credits in ME2, making early game purchases much easier.
4. Does my armor and weapon choices from ME1 carry over to ME2?
No, your specific gear and weapons from Mass Effect 1 do not transfer. However, the resource bonuses you receive for importing a high-level character can help you acquire better gear earlier in ME2.
5. What if I didn’t play Mass Effect 1 at all? Can I still play Mass Effect 2?
Yes, you can. Mass Effect 2 includes the Genesis comic, which allows you to make key choices from ME1. However, this is a very abridged version of the story, and you’ll miss out on the depth and nuance of playing through the original game. It’s also worth remembering that the Genesis comic is nowhere near as granular in choice making as the original game, significantly restricting the story.
6. How do I import my Mass Effect 1 save into Mass Effect 2 in the Legendary Edition?
The Legendary Edition should automatically recognize your Mass Effect 1 saves. When you start a new game in ME2, you’ll be prompted to import a character. If the game doesn’t automatically detect your save, you can manually copy your saves to the correct folder as follows:
- Go to
My DocumentsBioWareMass EffectSave. - Select any files that begin with
CHAR_. - Copy those files to
My DocumentsBioWareMass Effect 2SaveME1.
7. Does my morality from ME1 affect my starting morality in ME2?
Yes, it does. Importing your character will give you a boost to your Paragon/Renegade points at the start of Mass Effect 2. This head start can be crucial for passing those crucial Charm and Intimidate checks throughout the game.
8. What happens to the crew members I didn’t recruit in ME1?
Characters that you didn’t recruit in Mass Effect 1 simply won’t appear in Mass Effect 2. The game adapts to your choices, ensuring a consistent narrative experience.
9. If Ashley/Kaidan survived Virmire, will they remember me in ME2?
Yes, the surviving Virmire squadmate will remember you, although they will not be directly involved in the story. Your interactions with them will reflect the events of Virmire and your previous relationship.
10. Does my decision on whether to save the Council in ME1 matter in Mass Effect 2?
Yes, it does. Your decision to save or sacrifice the Council has implications for the galactic political landscape in Mass Effect 2 and beyond.
11. If I start Mass Effect 2 with a new character instead of importing, can I still romance characters like Tali or Garrus?
Yes, you can still romance any of the available characters in Mass Effect 2, regardless of whether you imported a character or started fresh.
12. What is the maximum level I can reach in Mass Effect 2?
The maximum level in Mass Effect 2 is 30. Leveling up grants you skill points that you can use to improve Shepard’s abilities and those of your squad members.
13. Will my squad members from Mass Effect 1 appear in Mass Effect 2?
Some of your squadmates from Mass Effect 1, such as Garrus and Tali, will reappear in Mass Effect 2, but not all of them. Their presence and roles will be influenced by your previous interactions and choices.
14. What happens if I sell Legion to Cerberus?
If you sell Legion to Cerberus, it will impact your ability to achieve peace between the Geth and Quarians in Mass Effect 3, potentially leading to one faction being destroyed. It is better to activate him for a chance to keep both alive.
15. How important are choices in Mass Effect?
Mass Effect revolves around player agency, allowing you to shape everything from Shepard’s morality to romantic relationships. Your decisions have real consequences that impact the narrative, character interactions, and the overall outcome of the trilogy. It is a highly reactive game, where decisions you make will have tangible effects on your play through.
Embrace the Legacy
Ultimately, importing your Mass Effect 1 save into Mass Effect 2 is about embracing the consequences of your actions and continuing your unique Shepard’s story. It’s a more rewarding and immersive experience than starting fresh. So, load up that old save, Commander, and prepare to face the Reapers – with a galaxy shaped by your choices.
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