Game · in order
Mass Effect Games in Order
Play Mass Effect 1, 2, and 3 in order so your Commander Shepard choices and saves carry forward, then jump to the standalone spinoff Andromeda. The Legendary Edition remasters the trilogy.
Mass Effect Games in Order โ complete list
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Why this order?
Mass Effect is unusual for a game franchise: the original trilogy is one continuous story in which your decisions, and even the saves themselves, carry from one game into the next. A romance, an ally's death, or a galaxy-shaping political call in Mass Effect can ripple all the way into Mass Effect 3. Because of this, the only sensible way to experience Commander Shepard's arc is in release order: Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 (2010), then Mass Effect 3 (2012). For the trilogy, release order and story order are identical, which is why we treat them as a single continuous playthrough rather than two competing lists.
The big modern shortcut is Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021), which bundles remastered versions of all three games plus most downloadable content. It is the recommended way in for new players, since it updates the visuals and combat of the first game and keeps the save-import chain intact. If you own the originals, the import logic still works the old-fashioned way, but most people today should simply start the Legendary Edition with game one.
Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017) sits apart. It is a standalone spinoff set in a different galaxy with a new cast and protagonist, the Pathfinder Ryder, so it does not require a finished Shepard save and does not continue the trilogy's plot. You can play it before or after the trilogy, but most players save it for last because the core Shepard story is the heart of the series.
If you enjoy BioWare's choice-driven storytelling here, the studio's Dragon Age games scratch a similar itch in a fantasy setting. A next Mass Effect game is currently in development, continuing the universe beyond Andromeda.
Timeline 2007โ2017
Every entry plotted by release year โ see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PC via Steam/EA app, PS4, Xbox One)
- EA Play / Xbox Game Pass
- Mass Effect: Andromeda (Steam, EA app, PS4, Xbox One)
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Frequently asked questions
How many Mass Effect games are there?
There are four main Mass Effect games: the Shepard trilogy (Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3) plus the standalone spinoff Mass Effect: Andromeda. A next entry is in development.
What order should I watch Mass Effect in?
Play the trilogy in release order: Mass Effect, then Mass Effect 2, then Mass Effect 3, importing your save each time. Play Mass Effect: Andromeda last, as it is a separate spinoff.
What is the Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
Released in 2021, Legendary Edition remasters all three Shepard trilogy games with most DLC and visual upgrades. It is the recommended way for newcomers to play the trilogy in order.
Do I need to play the trilogy before Andromeda?
No. Andromeda is a standalone story in a different galaxy with a new cast, so it does not require a trilogy save. Most players still finish the trilogy first because it is the core story.
Why do my choices matter across the games?
The trilogy uses save imports, so decisions like romances, alliances, and who lives or dies carry into later games and change story moments, dialogue, and outcomes.
Is a new Mass Effect game coming?
Yes. BioWare has confirmed a next Mass Effect game is in development, continuing the universe, though no release date has been announced.
Last updated · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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