Editing Save File Transfer

The original [[Mass Effect]] series is designed as a trilogy, which allows the player to import their characters from any completed Mass Effect playthrough to subsequent games. This means that several decisions [[Commander Shepard]] makes in Mass Effect will carry over and have the potential to impact the story of [[Mass Effect 2]], which in turn affects [[Mass Effect 3]].

{{Note}} Save files from the original trilogy cannot be imported into [[Mass Effect: Andromeda]]. They can, however, be imported into [[Mass Effect Legendary Edition]].

__TOC__

{{Spoilers (Mass Effect)}}
{{Spoilers (Mass Effect 2)}}

== Mass Effect → Mass Effect (Existing Characters) ==

Mass Effect ends after the completion of the storyline. Your game is saved and can be carried over to a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Game_Plus New Game+]. You can then explore the galaxy again. Shepard's level, [[talents]], specialization and [[equipment]] all carry over, but [[morality|Paragon / Renegade]] scales, weapon manufacture licenses, and [[medi-gel]] / [[grenade]] stock upgrades are reset, as are your [[Codex]] entries and [[assignments]]. Any [[combat]], [[biotic]] or [[tech]] [[achievements]] will be usable in any new career.

After you beat the game, you can start your character over by going to "Create New Character" and selecting the bottommost option (Select Existing ID). You then restart the story with all of your [[experience]] and items intact from the previous game. All items that were equipped on other characters are transferred to you, and you gain doubles of anything you had equipped. For your main character, all of your talent points remain spent as they were before. Your party members all begin at the same level as you, but with no talent points spent and only the basic [[weapons]] / [[armor]], allowing you to rebuild them as you like.

It is possible to reach level 50 on your first playthrough, but you won't achieve it without completing a majority of the side assignments. Since you are capped at level 50 for your first time through the game, you cannot reach level 60 until the second playthrough with your original character. If you're looking to reach level 60, it isn't necessary to reach level 50 in your first completion. You can also start a completely new character if you'd like to try a new [[Classes|class]], gender, background, etc, and you will no longer be level capped at 50, but there is not enough XP available in the game, even with DLC, to reach level 60 in a single go.

{{Note LE}} There is no level cap on a first playthrough, and experience scaling is improved in various ways to make reaching level 60 considerably easier. There is also an option to scale character levels to the 1-30 scale used in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3.

== Mass Effect → Mass Effect 2 ==
=== Mechanics ===
To import save games on the Xbox 360, the game must be played on the hard drive the saved game was completed on, since it is not possible to transfer the file that Mass Effect 2 imports using the Xbox 360's file management tools (although it is possible when transferring the entire contents of the drive using a transfer cable). As it is possible to transfer regular save files using the Xbox 360's file management tools, the player may choose to transfer a save file right before the final battle and complete it again in order to transfer the completed game file. This will need to be repeated for every playthrough the player wishes to import. Alternatively, run Mass Effect 2 on the old Xbox to import the character, then save the game and move the resulting save file to the new Xbox.

For Xbox 360 units without hard drives, such as the Arcade unit: Importing a Mass Effect save works for any and all devices and Xbox 360 SKUs. Game saves can be transferred to new Xbox 360s with the exception of the final Mass Effect autosave at the end of the game. So, if you are transferring game saves to a new 360, it will work, but you will have to replay the end of the game to recreate that final autosave. Only then will the Mass Effect Import Utility be able to detect that final save. The final autosave is invisible and not listed on any device. For Arcade units, it appears that the final autosave is written to the internal flash memory.

The same holds true if playing on the Xbox One via backwards compatibility. In order to transfer a Mass Effect save played on the Xbox One to a Mass Effect 2 save on the Xbox 360, make a save file just before the final battle and save it to the cloud drive. Load that onto the Xbox 360, play through the final battle to create the finale autosave to transfer to Mass Effect 2.

For the PC version, players can use the Mass Effect Configuration Tool to select the .MassEffectSave files they wish to import. However, there is a [http://answers.ea.com/t5/Mass-Effect-2/PC-Importing-a-save-file-from-Mass-Effect-1/td-p/751184 known issue] with the Configuration Tool that may cause a fatal conflict with Mass Effect 2, preventing the game from launching and requiring a reinstall. Players who wish to avoid this possibility can instead [http://answers.ea.com/t5/Mass-Effect-2/Importing-ME1-save-to-ME2-PC/td-p/2612022 manually import] their Mass Effect 1 save files. These files can easily be transferred between computers, and even downloaded from the internet if the player wished they had taken different actions in the original game but do not wish to re-play it. The site [http://www.masseffectsaves.com/ Masseffectsaves.com] is a useful resource for this.

Until the release of the [[Mass Effect Trilogy]], the story of [[Mass Effect]] was retold in Mass Effect 2 through an interactive comic, [[Mass Effect: Genesis]]. This comic retells the story of Mass Effect while allowing the player to make several important plot decisions. The choices the player makes will then be imported into Mass Effect 2 as if they had been made in the original game. On PlayStation 3, Mass Effect: Genesis requires the [[Cerberus Network|Cerberus Pack]], which is included in every new copy of the game. Xbox 360 and PC owners can purchase Genesis separately.

However, with the release of the [[Mass Effect Trilogy]] as well as a PSN downloadable version of [[Mass Effect]], players can now import a Mass Effect Shepard into Mass Effect 2 to have a seamless play through of the trilogy.

Another way of getting the save game variables that you want is by using [http://mod.gib.me/masseffect2/saveedit_rev25.zip Gibbed's Mass Effect 2 Save Editor]. This save game editor allows you to change variables and checks placed within your Mass Effect 2 save file, which contains data from your Mass Effect save file (if you imported one). Instructions for using this tool can be found in [http://www.facepunch.com/showpost.php?p=20494316&postcount=1827 this forum post] <small><sup>(Registration Required)</sup></small>.

If a player beats Mass Effect multiple times on a single Shepard, either by saving and re-loading or by starting a new game plus, each "victory" will be a separate Shepard that the player may import to Mass Effect 2. The player need not worry that they are over-writing one of their Shepards, and may review all the major specifications and decisions of a Shepard before they choose to import the file to ensure it is the right file.

=== Character Transfer ===
'''Character Stats and Levels'''
<span id="CREDITS">
Due to several [[Mass Effect 2#Gameplay changes|gameplay changes]], your character's level and abilities will not transfer over to Mass Effect 2. However, the game will acknowledge your character's level and [[morality]] and adapt it in ways that map across to the new system as well. The higher the level of the imported character, the greater the bonuses granted upon importing.
*A portion of the character's Paragon/Renegade points (up to 190 each, which requires the bar(s) to be 50% full<ref>[http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/105/index/2990124 A Mass Effect2 Persuasion Guide] (dead link)</ref>) are transferred over.
*Importing a level 1 through level 49 character will grant 1,000 XP (the player starts at level 2), 20,000 credits, and 2,500 of each resource.
*Importing a level 50 through level 59 character will grant 2,000 XP (the player starts at level 3), 30,000 credits, and 5,000 of each resource.
*Importing a level 60 character will grant 4,000 XP (the player starts at level 5), 50,000 credits, and 10,000 of each resource.
*Having the "Rich" [[achievement]] from Mass Effect will grant an additional 100,000 credits.
*The import bonuses will stack with the Mass Effect 2 completion starting bonuses (200,000 credits and 50,000 of each resource).

{{Note LE}} The player starts Mass Effect 2 with 10% of their credits carried over from Mass Effect (up to a maximum of 100,000) in addition to the above level bonuses. This seems to be a replacement for the "Rich" achievement. This is accompanied by an email titled, "Ascension Financial Services: Your Account":
{{emailquote|From: Stanwick Dobbs, Banking Agent
Ascension Financial Services, Earth

Hello COMMANDER SHEPARD:

Thank you for submitting your updated medical documentation. Your status has been changed from DECEASED to ALIVE. After deducting modest administration fees for closing the file, the subsequent change in status and the reactivation of your account, you have a remaining balance of 100000<sup>[[#CREDITS| [varies]]]</sup> credits.

Thank you for banking with Ascension Financial Services, we look forward to working with you.

Are you protecting your greatest assets? We will find the best life insurance rates and coverage to fit your needs! Reply for a free quote today!}}
<br>
'''Character Personal Attributes'''

Shepard's first name, gender, background (Colonist, Earthborn, or Spacer), and career history (Sole Survivor, War Hero, or Ruthless) cannot be changed. The player, however, may alter the [[class]] of their new character, as well as Shepard's appearance. It is worth noting that if the player opts to change the latter, they must start from scratch to re-design their character's look&mdash;one cannot, for example, simply change the hair color or nose of the previous character. However for the PC version, there is a long string of numbers and letters on the Squad screen for Shepard. The string will allow you to import a face created in a previous Mass Effect 2 game. This string will only be generated for new faces created; imported faces will not have a string. It should be noted that changing to the default Shepard or creating a new face, then reverting to an imported face can result in a string being displayed on the Squad screen, but this will always be inaccurate.

=== Romance ===
Shepard's [[romance]] interest from Mass Effect carries over to Mass Effect 2, as evidenced by a photo of said individual on Shepard's desk in the captain's quarters, and a slightly different scene when the two encounter each other again. However, there is no option to engage in any romantic repartee with the love interest, as they are not part of Shepard's squad. Despite this, Shepard is considered to still be in a relationship with that individual. Shepard may choose to pursue an additional love interest with someone from Mass Effect 2, though this will have consequences for Shepard's relationship with their Mass Effect love interest in Mass Effect 3.

It should be noted that Mass Effect romances can carry over to Mass Effect 2 without consummation, or even when the player is fairly certain they have rejected the character in question. Merely speaking with a potential love interest once is enough to trigger a romance if Paragon options are chosen. In some cases, even extensive Renegade dialogue choices do not prevent the formation of a romance. Thus, if a player wishes to avoid carrying over a love interest to Mass Effect 2, they must leave that character behind on Virmire, if possible. However, if a player wishes to play through Mass Effect 2 with that particular squad member surviving Virmire but wants to avoid carrying over a romance while still being able to talk to them in Mass Effect, then the player must select the appropriate dialogue choices that terminate the romance subplot when they are spoken to after the first plot world. (see [[Talk:Romance/Archive1#Unwanted Romance|Talk:Romance]])

{{note}}It is possible to continue a romance with Liara in the Mass Effect 2 download content 'Lair of the Shadow Broker' if your Shepard romanced her in Mass Effect.

=== Major Plot Decisions ===
*Rescuing [[Kaidan Alenko]] or [[Ashley Williams]] during the [[Virmire]] mission.
**The character who was left behind will not appear in any subsequent games in the [[Mass Effect]] series. It is a permanent character death.

*Sparing or killing [[Wrex]] during the [[Virmire: Wrex and the Genophage]] confrontation.
**If Wrex survived, he returns to [[Tuchanka]] and has united all the krogan under Clan Urdnot to combat the genophage and strengthen the [[krogan]]. If Wrex is killed (or if the player doesn't import), the more traditional [[Urdnot Wreav]] becomes the leader of Clan Urdnot, and little changes for the krogan.

*Deciding the fate of the [[Council]] during the battle with [[Sovereign]], and the nomination of either [[Captain Anderson]] or [[Donnel Udina]] to the Council.
**If the Council is saved with either Anderson or Udina as a representative, Shepard is granted an audience with the Council and has the opportunity to be reinstated as a [[Spectre]]. If the Council was not saved, then Shepard will not be granted an audience with the Council, but Shepard will still be reinstated as a Spectre only if Anderson was made a Councilor. If the Council was not saved, aliens you meet on the [[Citadel]] will be somewhat bitter against humanity, and [[Avina]] will have a fascist streak, repeatedly notifying Shepard that certain inquiries have been forwarded to C-Sec, and to surrender if approached for arrest.
**{{Note}}The nomination of Anderson or Udina to the Council is not included in the save file; rather, when importing a character from Mass Effect, the player must actually tell Miranda whether Anderson or Udina was nominated to the Council after their escape from the Cerberus facility. This is because of a design oversight, where the point of decision for the first Human councilor in the first game occurs ''after'' the gamesave for transfer is made. In the [[Mass Effect Legendary Edition|Legendary Edition]] release the choice is correctly imported and the conversation never happens.
**If the Council was saved in Mass Effect, the following text is displayed after the first cutscene showing a conversation between [[The Illusive Man]] and [[Miranda Lawson]]:
{{blockquote|One month after the devastating geth attack on the Citadel, the galactic community struggles to rebuild.

The Alliance fleet made a tremendous sacrifice to save the Citadel Council and earned humanity membership in this prestigious group. Now the Council is forced to respond to evidence that the Reapers -- enormous machines that eradicate all organic civilization every 50,000 years have returned. To quell the rumors, the Council has sent Commander Shepard and the Normandy to wipe out the last pockets of geth resistance. Officially, they blame the invasion on the geth and their leader, a rogue Spectre.

But for those who know the truth, the search for answers is just beginning.}}

*If the Councilors are killed in Mass Effect, and replaced by a multi-racial group led by the humans, the following text is displayed:
{{blockquote|In 2183, the heart of the galactic community suffered a devastating attack.

The Citadel space station was invaded by a synthetic geth army attempting to open a portal for the Reapers: enormous machines that eradicate all organic civilization every 50,000 years. Commander Shepard led the defense, but the Citadel Council was lost.

Now, the new human-led Council attempts to quell rumors of the Reapers' return. Hoping to ease public concern, they've sent Commander Shepard and the starship Normandy to wipe out all remaining geth resistance.}}
*If the Councilors are killed in Mass Effect, and replaced by an all-human Council, the following text is displayed:
{{blockquote|One month after the devastating geth attack on the Citadel, humanity seized political control of the galaxy.

Now the human-led Council is forced to respond to evidence that the Reapers -- enormous machines that eradicate all advanced civilizations every 50,000 years &mdash; have returned. To quell the rumors, the Council has sent Commander Shepard and the Normandy to wipe out the last pockets of geth resistance. Officially, they blame the invasion on the geth and their leader, a rogue Spectre.

But for those who know the truth, the search for answers is just beginning.}}

=== Other Plot Decisions ===
*Sparing or killing [[Fist]] on the [[Citadel]].
**If Fist is spared, Shepard encounters him at [[Afterlife]], where Fist angrily admonishes Shepard for ruining his life and making the effort of harassing him across the galaxy despite him being a small time criminal.

*Sparing or killing the colonists and [[Shiala]] on [[Feros]].
**If sufficient numbers of colonists survived, or if Shepard persuaded [[Ethan Jeong]] to commit [[ExoGeni]] resources toward rebuilding the colony, Shepard encounters a representative of the colonists on [[Illium]] who need help extricating themselves from a medical contract. If Shiala was spared, she is the representative. (Note: Even if the Thorian enslaved colonists are killed but Shiala is spared, Shiala still references Shepard saving them.)

*Sparing or killing the [[Rachni Queen]] on [[Noveria]].
**If the Rachni Queen is set free, she will send a message through an asari on the planet Illium conveying her gratitude, with further dialogue ensuing. There is a news report of small scout ships seemingly [[rachni]] in design that, when approached, quickly retreat.
**If the Rachni Queen is killed, Galactic News will instead report of data recovered from Peak 15 linking to cloning of rachni, but no rachni found.

*Aiding, ignoring or betraying [[Gianna Parasini]] on Noveria.
**If Shepard aided Gianna, she is found on Illium where she again [[Illium: Gianna Parasini|requests help]], and will buy Shepard the promised beer. If a male Shepard aids her, she will additionally give him a kiss.
**This assignment also appears with an imported save file where you got what you needed via another method that did not involve Gianna, though a male Shepard will not be able to receive a kiss.
**This assignment will not appear if no imported file is used, or if a file is imported where she was turned down during Mass Effect, causing her to be killed.

*Encouraging [[Garrus]] to be more [[Morality|paragon or renegade]].
**If Paragon, Garrus will have attempted to rejoin C-Sec but lament that he could do little good there in the chaotic aftermath of the attack on the Citadel; during his loyalty mission, if Shepard questions his plan he will say that killing [[Sidonis]] is something he must do. If Renegade, Garrus will have trained to become a Spectre but will claim that it never worked out; during his loyalty mission, if Shepard questions the plan Garrus will be confused.

*Helping [[Tali]] with her personal [[Tali's pilgrimage|pilgrimage]] assignment.
**When first encountering her on [[Freedom's Progress]], mentioning the gift of the geth data can serve to prove Shepard's identity. This will also change the dialogue at the end of the encounter if that particular dialogue choice is selected.

*Sparing or killing [[Rana Thanoptis]] on [[Virmire]].
**If Rana is spared, Shepard encounters her during [[Dossier: The Warlord|Grunt's recruitment mission]] on [[Korlus]] while seeking [[Okeer]].

*Aiding or ignoring [[Captain Kirrahe]] on Virmire.
**A dialogue option will open during which [[Mordin Solus]] will reference [[Captain Kirrahe#Kirrahe's Speech|Kirrahe's "Hold the Line" speech]] during ship conversation if a Mass Effect save is imported. The dialogue will change slightly depending on whether or not Kirrahe survived the mission.

=== Assignment Decisions ===
''These result merely in e-mails to private terminal or news reports unless noted otherwise.''
*Shepard's resolution of the pre-service history assignment:
**Spacer -- [[Citadel: Old, Unhappy, Far-Off Things]]
**Earthborn -- [[Citadel: Old Friends]]
**Colonist -- [[Citadel: I Remember Me]]
*Shepard's choice to aid [[Sha'ira]] in [[Citadel: Asari Consort]].
*Shepard's choice to aid [[Samesh Bhatia]] in [[Citadel: Homecoming]].
**''If the body was released to Samesh, Shepard receives an e-mail from Samesh thanking Shepard for the help. There will also be a news story indicating that the Alliance is having difficulty in meeting recruiting quotas due to fears of 'superior' geth technology.''
*Shepard's treatment of [[Conrad Verner]] in [[Citadel: The Fan]]
**''Shepard will run into him on [[Illium]], but the interactions are identical regardless of prior treatment. This is due to a glitch in the first Mass Effect which activates both the "Charmed" and "Intimidated" flags, but forces the "Intimidated" option as the default.''
*Shepard's choice to aid [[Emily Wong]] in [[Citadel: Reporter's Request]].
*Shepard's choice to aid [[Chorban]] in [[Citadel: Scan the Keepers]].
**''Chorban sends an e-mail about his scientific findings about the keepers; the text of the e-mail will vary depending on the number of keepers Shepard scanned in Mass Effect.''
*Shepard's choices while being interviewed by reporter [[Khalisah Al-Jilani]] in [[Citadel: The Fourth Estate]].
**''This assignment occurs in Mass Effect 2 regardless of whether or not you completed it in Mass Effect. There is slightly different dialogue based on how Shepard interacted with the reporter in Mass Effect.''
*Shepard's choice to help [[Dr. Chloe Michel]] in [[Citadel: Doctor Michel]].
:''If the assignment was completed in Mass Effect, an email will be received in Mass Effect 2, in which Dr. Michel says that she is happy that Shepard is alive and hopes the Commander can visit her on the Citadel.''
*Shepard's advice to Rebekah Petrovsky regarding her baby in [[Citadel: Family Matter]].
**''Their conversation can be overheard in one of the shops on the Citadel, which differs depending on Shepard's advice. This conversation occurs in Mass Effect 2 without an imported save file.''
*Shepard's interaction with [[Helena Blake]] in [[UNC: Hostile Takeover]].
**''If Blake survived in Mass Effect, Shepard will run into her at [[Afterlife]] on [[Omega]]. The dialogue will vary depending on how Shepard resolved the mission.''
*Shepard's interaction with [[Corporal Toombs]] in [[UNC: Dead Scientists]].
**''If Shepard convinced Toombs to spare the Cerberus scientist, a news report will say that Cerberus is being investigated with help from testimony from both Toombs and Dr. Wayne. If Dr. Wayne dies, Toombs' accusations are dismissed due to a lack of evidence.''
*While Shepard's actions in [[UNC: Geth Incursions]] have no effect on Mass Effect 2, hacking [[geth]] data files during the mission is necessary to trigger Tali's personal mission, which does have an effect on Mass Effect 2.
*If the entire string of [[Cerberus]] assignments ([[UNC: Missing Marines]]→[[UNC: Cerberus]]→[[UNC: Hades' Dogs]]) are completed, you can talk with [[Miranda]] about these activities, and will hear news reports about an investigation, which can involve additional testimony from [[UNC: Dead Scientists]] depending on how or whether you completed that assignment. Finishing every assignment will cause Garrus to question Shepard's choice to work with Cerberus, reminding Shepard about the experiments they had done.
*Shepard's decision in [[UNC: Hostage]].
**''If Burns is saved, Shepard will receive an email from him thanking Shepard for showing him he should help humanity. The news report will mention that L2s have recently received reparations, with Burns promising more help. If Burns dies, the report will state that attacks by biotic extremists have increased.''
*Shepard's completion of [[UNC: Rogue VI]].
**''This allows for additional dialogue options with [[EDI]] and [[Miranda]] regarding AIs.''
*A news report will reference the events on [[UNC: Besieged Base]], but due to a bug in the first game, the file is flagged as stating that the [[Sirta Foundation]] never recovered from the attack and will likely be shutting down.
*Shepard's decision to aid [[Nassana Dantius]] in [[UNC: Asari Diplomacy]].
**''Nassana will recognize Shepard, and comment on the irony that Shepard has been "sent to kill her", referencing her sister's murder. During Shepard's conversation with [[Seryna]], Shepard recognizes Nassana's name and that Nassana had Shepard kill her sister. Otherwise, Seryna will mention that Nassana had someone else do it.''
*Saving the hostages or killing [[Balak]] during [[Bring Down the Sky]] (DLC).
**''There will be different news reports depending on whether or not Shepard let Balak go to save the hostages. If Bring Down the Sky was not played, the news story indicates that the hostages died.''

== Mass Effect 2 → Mass Effect 2 (Existing Characters, New Characters) ==
After completing a full playthrough of Mass Effect 2 for the very first time (regardless of whether this was done with an imported Mass Effect character) all Mass Effect 2 characters, new or existing, will receive the following bonuses at the start of any new game: 

*+25% Bonus Experience - More easily able to reach level 30 with a new character in a single playthrough. With all DLCs installed, it's possible however to reach level 30 in a single/initial playthrough (during the final mission), even if starting at experience level 1.
*+200,000 Credits
*+50,000 Iridium
*+50,000 Palladium
*+50,000 Platinum
*+50,000 Element Zero
*+500 Fuel and +30 Probes - Existing Mass Effect 2 characters can carry over extra fuel and probes if the save file possesses the [[Normandy_SR-2#Propulsion_.26_Power|Extended Fuel Cells]] and [[Normandy_SR-2#Sensors_.26_Scanning|Modular Probe Bay]] upgrades and both are fully stocked. The Normandy SR-2 will possess 1500/1000 fuel, and 60/30 probes following the [[Freedom's Progress (mission)|Freedom's Progress Mission]].
*You will also be able to choose any [[Powers#Bonus Powers|bonus power]] you unlocked by earning the [[loyalty]] of a squad member in a previous playthrough and earning the related Achievement:
**[[Armor Piercing Ammo]] <small>([[Garrus]])</small>
**[[Barrier#Mass_Effect_2|Barrier]] <small>([[Jacob]])</small>
**[[Dominate]] <small>([[Morinth]])</small>
**[[Energy Drain]] <small>([[Tali]])</small>
**[[Flashbang Grenade]] <small>([[Kasumi]])</small>
**[[Fortification]] <small>([[Grunt]])</small>
**[[Geth Shield Boost]] <small>([[Legion]])</small>
**[[Inferno Grenade]] <small>([[Zaeed]])</small>
**[[Neural Shock#Mass_Effect_2|Neural Shock]] <small>([[Mordin]])</small>
**[[Reave]] <small>([[Samara]])</small>
**[[Shredder Ammo]] <small>([[Thane]])</small>
**[[Slam]] <small>([[Miranda]])</small>
**[[Warp Ammo]] <small>([[Jack]])</small>
**[[Stasis#Mass Effect 2|Stasis]] <small>([[Liara]] Requires completion of [[Lair of the Shadow Broker (mission)|Lair of the Shadow Broker]] [[DLC]])</small>

In addition to the above bonuses, existing Mass Effect 2 characters that are imported from a save file (New Game+) get to keep all obtained weapons (exception: the [[M-12 Locust]] will not transfer), [[Heavy Weapons|heavy weapons]], and [[Armor Customization|armor pieces]].  They will also start the new game at the same level they were at the conclusion of the prior playthrough.  On the downside, it is impossible to change a character's class in a New Game+; it is likewise impossible to change the weapon specialization that was chosen during the [[Collector Ship (mission)|Collector Ship mission]] of that character's first Mass Effect 2 playthrough as this training along with any new weapons obtained from it are carried over.  Another downside of importing an existing Mass Effect 2 character is that Paragon/Renegade scores will start from zero, even if the character was one that was originally imported from the first Mass Effect.

{{note}} During the two [[Prologue: Awakening|prologue]] [[Freedom's Progress (mission)|missions]] of a New Game+, Shepard is still equipped with the basic default weapons; however, Miranda and Jacob will have whatever weapons they were equipped with in the imported save file. Only after boarding the Normandy SR-2 will you be able to edit Shepard's loadout and access any imported weapons. 

{{Warning}} If your character was an import from Mass Effect, and you start a New Game+ while [[Mass Effect: Genesis]] is installed, then Genesis will play after the Prologue, and your character will be treated as if it was not a Mass Effect import; your New Game+ will instead be affected only by the choices Genesis allows you to make.
 
{{Spoilers (Mass Effect 3)}}

== Mass Effect → Mass Effect 2 → Mass Effect 3 ==
As with Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 allows the player to transfer their save from the previous game, carrying over their character and plot decisions. In addition to importing Mass Effect 2 plot decisions, Mass Effect 3 imports any Mass Effect or [[Mass Effect: Genesis]] decisions that were imported into Mass Effect 2. However, Mass Effect 3 will not accept a Mass Effect 2 save game where Shepard was killed at the conclusion of the [[suicide mission]]; Mass Effect 2 is considered the end of the main series for that Shepard.

Mass Effect 3 reportedly imports over a thousand variables from a Mass Effect 2 save game.<ref>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/interview-bioware-casey-hudson-on-the-making-of-mass-effect-2/</ref>

=== Character Transfer ===
When importing a Mass Effect 2 character into Mass Effect 3, the character will be brought forward exactly as it was left off. A level 30 character in Mass Effect 2 that is imported into Mass Effect 3 will retain its level and abilities, and can immediately start working toward the new level cap of 60.<ref>http://twitter.com/#!/PWatamaniuk/status/161566283886886913</ref> Any credits that an imported character had in Mass Effect 2 will be reset in Mass Effect 3.<ref>https://twitter.com/#!/PWatamaniuk/status/164140660478316545</ref>

New players will be given an approximation of what they would have had at the conclusion of Mass Effect 2.<ref name="gameinformer">Game Informer, May 2011, Issue 217</ref>

=== Reset Powers with Transfer ===
As mentioned above, if the user imports a ME2 character into ME3 and chooses the same class that he or she had in ME2, the character will retain a close approximation of the abilities / powers from ME2; most ability points will already have been spent on certain class powers. If he/she chooses a different class, the ability points will all be reset and ready to spend in ME3. 

If the user wants to play the same class but start the game fresh with all ability points ready to spend, he/she could use this workaround: In ME2, reset the skill points for the character using the regular method in the Normandy Tech Lab. Refrain from spending any points. Save the game, and then use that savefile when importing to ME3. Since no points were spent in ME2, they will all be available to spend in ME3.

=== Collectibles and Upgrades ===
If the player bought [[Fish|pet fish]] in Mass Effect 2, and if the player convinced [[Kelly Chambers]] to feed them, the fish may be recovered after relocating Kelly Chambers in Mass Effect 3. Most of the fish may also be re-purchased.

For [[Model Ships|Model ships]], the player will be able to find them hidden in storage crates throughout the Normandy and initial missions. If the space hamster was purchased, the player will find it scurrying on the bottom level of Engineering. One will need to position Shepard along the hamster's path in order to grab it and place it back in its cage in the Captain's quarters.

In terms of gameplay upgrades, only the primary ship upgrades for the [[Normandy SR-2]] (Heavy Ship Armor, Multicore Shielding, and Thanix Cannon) will transfer to Mass Effect 3. Other gameplay upgrades such as [[research]] upgrades will not transfer.<ref>http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/323/index/7358840/2%26lf%3D8#9080264</ref>

The surplus of any mineral resources in Mass Effect 2 will be converted to [[War Assets/Alliance#Mineral Resources|war assets]], depending on the amount.

=== Major Plot Decisions ===
==== Mass Effect ====
The following major choices from Mass Effect are imported into Mass Effect 3, and have a visible effect on the game.
*Rescuing [[Kaidan Alenko]] or [[Ashley Williams]] during the [[Virmire]] mission.
**Whichever character survived will accept a promotion to [[Spectre]] and can be made a [[squad]] member.<ref name="gameinformer" /><ref name="psm3">Playstation 3 Magazine, UK Edition, June 2011, Issue 140</ref>
*Sparing or killing [[Wrex]] during the [[Virmire: Wrex and the Genophage]] confrontation.
**Wrex will not appear if he was killed.<ref name="gameinformer" /> As a result of his death, his clan will fall under control of his brood brother, Urdnot Wreav. Wrex, being someone who wishes to save his people, will open up communications with other clans and enter into agreements. His brother will wage war like a normal krogan, slaughtering his enemies, and will be generally less trusting of Shepard. (If Wrex appears, Wreav will appear in a minor role.)
*Sparing or killing the [[Rachni Queen]] on [[Noveria]].<ref name="psm3" /> If you spare her, an asari ally of the Rachni Queen will make contact with you in Mass Effect 2 when you are on Illium. The Rachni Queen will appear again in Mass Effect 3, where she was captured by the Reapers and restrained. Her children are indoctrinated and turned into Reaper forces. You can choose whether to save her again or let her die. If she was killed in Mass Effect, the [[Breeder]] will appear in her stead, who will betray you if saved in Mass Effect 3.
*Saving or killing the Council during the [[Race Against Time: Final Battle]]
**If the Council was saved, the Alliance's fleets will be of diminished value as War Assets, due to the damage they took in the battle, but Destiny Ascension will become available as War Asset and will be present during the final battle on Earth. If the Council was left to die, the situation will be reversed. There will also be new turian, asari and salarian Council members for Shepard to interact with. If Thane or Kirrahe saves the salarian councilor from Kai Leng, Shepard receives a different War Asset depending on whether it's the old salarian councilor (Shepard receives a stronger War Asset) or whether it's the new salarian councilor (Shepard receives a weaker War Asset).

==== Mass Effect 2 ====
The following major choices from Mass Effect 2 are imported into Mass Effect 3, and have a visible effect on the game.
*The outcome of the [[Suicide Mission]].
**If [[Garrus]] and [[Tali]] survived, they are available as [[squad]] members.
**If [[Grunt]], [[Jack]], [[Jacob]], [[Kasumi]], [[Legion]], [[Morinth]], [[Mordin]], [[Miranda]], [[Samara]], [[Thane]], and [[Zaeed]] survived, they appear in some capacity. Some may be killed over the course of these appearances if their loyalty missions were not completed.
**If you sold [[Legion]] to Cerberus, it will be an [[Legion Assassin|enemy]] when you assault the Cerberus base.
**If the Normandy's crew survived, [[Kelly Chambers]], [[Kenneth Donnelly|Kenneth]], [[Gabriella Daniels|Gabby]], and [[Dr. Chakwas]] will appear; the latter three can become crewmembers. Kelly will only make an appearance provided she survived the Suicide Mission and Shepard had dinner with her.
*Saving or destroying [[Maelon]]'s [[genophage]] research data during [[Mordin: Old Blood]] will have consequences for [[Eve]], the single krogan female his research made fertile.
*Rewriting or destroying the heretic [[geth]] collective during [[Legion: A House Divided]].
**If the heretics are rewritten, the strengthened geth will provide more Military Strength but cause more damage to the quarian fleet, diminishing the quarian War Assets.
**If the heretics are destroyed, the quarians will suffer smaller losses than expected and provide more Military Strength, while the weakened geth forces will provide less Military Strength.
*Killing or Saving [[Morinth]] during [[Samara: The Ardat-Yakshi]].
**If Samara was saved, Morinth will not appear due to her death. Samara will show up to help you in a later mission, as well as greet you on the Citadel. She can also become a War Asset.
**If Morinth was saved, she will send a message to your private terminal aboard the Normandy. She will eventually be met on Earth as an enemy [[Banshee]].
*Destroying or preserving the [[Collector Base]] during the Suicide Mission.
**If the Collector Base was destroyed, after the assault on the Cerberus base in Mass Effect 3 Shepard will obtain the "Reaper Heart" War Asset with a Military Strength of 100. If the player did not obtain enough Military Strength to receive multiple options at the end of the game, they will be forced to pick the "Destroy" choice.
**If the Collector Base was preserved, after the assault on the Cerberus base in Mass Effect 3 Shepard will obtain the "Reaper Brain" War Asset with a Military Strength of 110. If the player did not obtain enough Military Strength to receive multiple options at the end of the game, they will be forced to pick the "Control" choice.

=== Other Plot Decisions ===
==== Mass Effect ====
*Saving the hostages or killing [[Balak]] during [[Bring Down the Sky]] (DLC).
**If the hostages were saved and Balak was not killed (or if he was left for dead), he will appear during the [[Citadel: Batarian Codes]] mission.
*Meeting [[Citadel: The Fan|Conrad Verner]], collecting Matriarch Dilinaga's [[UNC: Asari Writings|writings]], the [[Armory license|Elkoss Combine License]], and [[Feros: Data Recovery|Gavin Hossle's thumb drive]] gives an opportunity to acquire an additional 5 War Asset points during [[Citadel: Medi-Gel Sabotage]]. Helping [[Citadel: Rita's Sister|Jenna]] will also affect the mission's outcome.
*Collecting Wrex's armor will be mentioned in dialog when he attacks you if you sabotage the genophage cure.
*Punching [[Khalisah al-Jilani]] or not.
*Shutting down the [[UNC: Rogue VI|Rogue VI]] on Luna will affect dialogue during [[Priority: Cerberus Headquarters]].
*Aiding or ignoring [[Captain Kirrahe]] on Virmire. If he survived, Captain Kirrahe will be a war asset. If Thane does not survive the Mass Effect 2 suicide mission, Kirrahe will sacrifice himself to save the salarian Council member on the Citadel. Or if Kirrahe and Thane are both dead, the Salarian Council member will be killed.
*If the colonists of [[Zhu's Hope]] and [[Shiala]] are saved in [[Feros: The Thorian]] then they can become war assets.
*Saving or killing [[Rana Thanoptis]] on Virmire. If she is saved, an email will be sent to you telling you that she was indoctrinated and that she killed several high level asari officials.
*The nomination of either [[David Anderson]] or [[Donnel Udina]] to the Council.
**Regardless of who was Councilor in Mass Effect 2, Udina will be Councilor in Mass Effect 3 due to events in [[Mass Effect: Retribution]]. However, the [[Codex]] will acknowledge if Anderson or Udina was Councilor in Mass Effect 2.

==== Mass Effect 2 ====
*Accepting or rejecting reinstatement as a [[Spectre]] during [[Citadel: The Council]].
*Importing a save from Mass Effect 2 with live [[Fish#Prejek Paddlefish|Prejek Paddlefish]], keeping them alive through an entire Mass Effect 3 playthrough AND a Mass Effect 3 New Game+ playthrough will give a [[Intel Terminal#Prejek Paddlefish|special upgrade]] at the [[Intel Terminal]] on the Normandy. The Prejek Paddlefish upgrade grants a 10% bonus to either Weapon Damage or Power Damage.
*Preventing or allowing [[Tali'Zorah nar Rayya|Tali's]] exile during [[Tali: Treason]].
**If Tali was exiled, the peace between quarians and geth will be harder to achieve, as she was not made an Admiral.
*Keeping or destroying [[Keiji Okuda]]'s [[graybox]] during [[Kasumi: Stealing Memory]] (DLC).
*Completing [[Lair of the Shadow Broker (mission)|Lair of the Shadow Broker]] or not (DLC).
**If the DLC was completed, you will receive an upgrade at the Intel Terminal at the beginning of the game, and in the first conversation with [[Liara]] the dialogue will be different. References to the [[Yahg|identity]] of the previous [[Shadow Broker]] will be made during [[Priority: Sur'Kesh]], and more characters will make explicit references to Liara holding the position.
*A debate between [[James Vega]] and [[Steve Cortez]] regarding the merits and drawbacks of the [[M35 Mako]] vs. the [[M-44 Hammerhead]] will occur in the Shuttle Bay if the player completed [[Overlord (assignment)|Overlord]] or [[Firewalker]] (DLC).
*Resolving [[Illium: Conrad Verner|Conrad Verner's]] mission on Illium will cause him to appear during [[Citadel: Medi-Gel Sabotage]].
*Ending or continuing [[Project Overlord]] during Overlord (DLC).
**The outcome will affect dialogue with [[Dr. Gavin Archer]] if he is encountered during [[Arrae: Ex-Cerberus Scientists]].
** [[David Archer]] may be encountered during [[Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation]].
*Punching [[Khalisah al-Jilani]] or not.
*Completing [[Arrival (assignment)|Arrival]] or not (DLC).
*If Arrival was completed, several characters will mention its outcome. 
**If Arrival wasn't completed in Mass Effect 2, the Alliance 103rd Marine Division war asset will decrease by 50 in military strength, since the outcome of the rescue operation was the same as if Shepard went, but the marines were killed in action.

== Mass Effect 3 → Mass Effect 3 (Existing Characters) ==
After completing Mass Effect 3 the player can import their Mass Effect 3 character into a new Mass Effect 3 game. Doing so will import the character with their class, level, powers, and [[reputation]] as they were at the end of the previous playthrough. The player will have the opportunity to change their appearance and select a new bonus power, but class cannot be changed. All points assigned to the bonus power during the previous playthrough, except one, will be refunded, with the bonus power starting at level 1. 

The player will retain all weapons, armor [[Armor Customization (Mass Effect 3)|sets and pieces]], [[Weapon Mods|weapon mods]], and [[Credit|credits]] accumulated during the previous playthrough, and the maximum level for weapon upgrades is increased from V (5) to X (10). [[War Assets]] and [[Intel Terminal]] upgrades will not be imported and must be reacquired.

Also, if there were living fish in the tank by the time the previous game was completed, importing a completed Mass Effect 3 character who has obtained the Prejek Paddlefish from Kelly Chambers (which requires an import from Mass Effect 2 in which the player owned a Prejek Paddlefish and got Kelly Chambers to feed their fish) into a new Mass Effect 3 game will cause the player to start the new game with the "Prejek Paddlefish" Intel for Glyph to upgrade. The player can choose a bonus of either Weapon Damage 10% or Power Damage 10%.

== Mass Effect Andromeda → Mass Effect Andromeda (Existing Characters) ==
After completing [[Mass Effect: Andromeda]], it is possible to import a Mass Effect: Andromeda character into a new Mass Effect: Andromeda game. 

To import a character, go to the main menu, select ''new game'' and then ''new game+''. 
*Any save that was made after the main story was completed may be selected to import. 
*The opportunity to customize the character in the same way as when starting a new game, including the Pathfinder's gender, is again possible.

When a character is imported into a new game+, the following categories are carried over exactly as they were in the selected save game:
*[[Experience_Guide#Level_Progression_2|Character level]]
*Spent and unspent [[Skills#Skill Points|skill points]] for [[Pathfinder Ryder]] and squadmates
*[[Inventory]] - [[Weapons (Mass Effect: Andromeda)|Weapons]], [[Armor (Mass Effect: Andromeda)|Armor]], [[Consumables]], [[Resources]]
**{{Note}} Item Limit returns to 100 (prior to [[Patches and Updates (Mass Effect: Andromeda)#Patch 1.05|Patch 1.05]] item limit was 50). Inventory-related actions like taking new weapons, armor, and weapon mods are disabled until item count is less than or equal to the limit.
**{{Note}} [[Patches and Updates (Mass Effect: Andromeda)#Patch 1.06|Patch 1.06]] fixed an issue with [[Resources#Special Items|Special Items]] incorrectly transferring during a save file transfer.
*[[Credits]]
*[[Research (Mass Effect: Andromeda)|Blueprints]]
*Unspent [[Research (Mass Effect: Andromeda)#Research Data (RD)|Research Data (RD)]]
*Researched projects
*[[ND1_Nomad#Upgrades|ND1 Nomad Upgrades]]
*Revealed fog of war on any [[planet]] maps
*[[Strike Teams]]

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Gameplay]]
[[Category:Mass Effect: Andromeda]]