Mass Effect Order: Trilogy, Andromeda & DLC
To experience the story in the intended narrative order, play the original Mass Effect trilogy (Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3) in release order, then play Mass Effect: Andromeda. For DLC, the general rule is to play each game’s DLC before the final mission of that game, with a few specific exceptions noted below. This article explains the full recommended order, including all major DLC, and clears up common confusion about where Andromeda fits.
Background: Why the Order Matters
The original Mass Effect trilogy (2007-2012) tells a single, continuous story about Commander Shepard and the fight against the Reapers. Choices made in Mass Effect carry over to Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 via the save import system, affecting characters, plot points, and even who survives. Playing the games out of order would break this continuity. Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017) is set in a different galaxy (Andromeda) and takes place roughly 600 years after the original trilogy, but it is not a direct sequel. It follows a new protagonist and a new crew, and its story is largely self-contained, so it can be played before or after the trilogy without spoiling the original games’ main plots.
How the Trilogy’s Save Import Works
The trilogy uses a save-transfer system. At the start of Mass Effect 2, you can import a Mass Effect 1 save, which carries over your Shepard’s level, appearance, and key decisions (like who died on Virmire). Similarly, Mass Effect 3 can import a Mass Effect 2 save. If you skip a game, the later games will use default world states, which may feel jarring if you care about continuity. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition remasters all three games and includes all single-player DLC, and it links the saves seamlessly. If you’re playing the original versions, the same import rules apply.
Recommended Play Order for the Trilogy and DLC
For the best narrative flow, play each game’s main story and its DLC before moving to the next game. Here is the specific order for each game’s DLC:
- Mass Effect 1: Play the DLC Bring Down the Sky after you’ve progressed a few main missions (it becomes available after you complete the first major planet). It’s a standalone side mission, so timing is flexible. There is also Pinnacle Station (not in Legendary Edition), which is a combat simulator—play it anytime.
- Mass Effect 2: This is where DLC order matters more. Play Lair of the Shadow Broker after you’ve recruited your full team (after the main story mission “Horizon”) and ideally after you’ve done Liara’s side quest. Play Arrival after the main story is complete (after the final mission, the Suicide Mission), because it directly sets up the opening of Mass Effect 3. Play Overlord and the other DLC (like Kasumi’s Stolen Memory) anytime before the final mission, as they are self-contained.
- Mass Effect 3: Play From Ashes early (it’s available from the start) to get the Javik companion. Play Leviathan and Omega after you’ve unlocked the Citadel and have a decent level—they are independent side stories. Play Citadel as the very last thing you do before the point of no return (the mission “Priority: Cerberus Headquarters”), because it’s a lighthearted epilogue that references the whole trilogy.
Where Does Andromeda Fit?
Mass Effect: Andromeda is set in a new galaxy and features a new protagonist (Ryder). It’s a soft reboot, not a direct sequel. You can play it before the original trilogy without spoiling the main plot of the trilogy. However, if you play it after the trilogy, you’ll catch references to the Milky Way races and the Reaper war. The game’s story is self-contained, and there is no save import from the trilogy. Its DLC (like the multiplayer packs) is not story-critical. The only major story DLC is a free update that adds a new character (the quarian ark), which is integrated into the main game.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that you must play Andromeda after the trilogy to understand it—that’s false. Another is that the DLC order matters for the ending of Mass Effect 3. In fact, only Arrival in ME2 has a direct story link to ME3’s opening. The Citadel DLC is best saved for last because it assumes you’ve completed the main story and is full of fan service. If you play it too early, you’ll miss references and may feel the tone is out of place. Also, note that the Legendary Edition does not include Pinnacle Station from ME1 (it was lost in development), but it’s not essential to the story.
How to Choose Your Own Order
If you’re a newcomer, the simplest path is to play the Legendary Edition in order, then Andromeda. If you’re a veteran replaying, you might skip ME1’s side content or use a save editor to set choices. For Andromeda, you can play it anytime, but if you want to see the evolution of the franchise, play it after the trilogy. If you’re only interested in the story, you can skip the multiplayer entirely—it’s not required for the single-player narrative.
Comparison: Original vs. Legendary Edition
The Legendary Edition remasters the trilogy with improved graphics, gameplay tweaks, and includes all single-player DLC (except Pinnacle Station). It also unifies the games’ mechanics (e.g., ME1’s combat is improved). For new players, the Legendary Edition is the best way to experience the trilogy. The original versions still work, but you’ll need to buy DLC separately and deal with older graphics and mechanics. Andromeda is not part of the Legendary Edition, so you’ll need to buy it separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Mass Effect 2 without playing Mass Effect 1?
Yes, but you’ll start with a default world state. You can still enjoy the game, but you’ll miss the emotional weight of returning characters and your past decisions. If you want the full experience, play ME1 first.
Is Mass Effect: Andromeda a direct sequel to the trilogy?
No. It’s set 600 years later in a different galaxy with a new cast. There are references to the old games, but the story is independent.
Do I need to play the DLC to understand the main story?
No, but some DLC adds important context. Arrival in ME2 directly sets up ME3’s opening. Lair of the Shadow Broker advances Liara’s story. Citadel is a fan-service epilogue. The rest are optional.
What order should I play the DLC in Mass Effect 2?
Play Kasumi and Overlord anytime before the final mission. Play Lair of the Shadow Broker after you’ve recruited your team and done Liara’s side quest. Play Arrival last, after the final mission.
Is the Legendary Edition worth it?
Yes, if you want the best-looking and most convenient way to play the trilogy. It includes all DLC and improves quality of life. If you already own the originals, it’s still a solid upgrade.
Can I play Andromeda first?
Yes, but you’ll miss references to the Milky Way species and the Reaper war. It’s not a problem, but playing the trilogy first gives you a richer context.
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