New Game+

Starting New Game+ in Mass Effect 2? Learn what carries over, what resets, and how to best prepare for your next playthrough.

So, you've finished your first run through Mass Effect 2 and you're ready to dive back in? That's awesome! Starting a New Game+ is a fantastic way to experience the game again, and the game gives you a few cool options when you do.

When you choose to Import your ME2 Character to start a New Game+, you'll keep your current level and all the gear you've collected. That's a huge head start! However, it's important to know that your Morality score (Paragon/Renegade), any upgrades you've researched, and all your story and squadmate decisions from that playthrough? Those all reset. You also won't get that sweet Import Bonus you might have earned for bringing over a high-level character from Mass Effect 1.

The good news is you get to change your appearance – go wild! Plus, you can switch your Advanced Training skill at no cost. Just remember, you can't change your character's class or your Advanced Weapons training choice. Because of this, importing a different ME1 character or re-importing your ME1 character actually offers more advantages than just importing your completed ME2 character. That said, the 25% increased experience bonus you get from importing a character makes leveling up super fast, and having more resources from the start saves a ton of time later on.

I really recommend trying a higher difficulty level for your New Game+ run. Enemies get tougher – more health, better defenses, they move faster, and their deployment strategies get trickier. Even the hacks and bypasses change a little, but don't worry, you'll start recognizing the patterns pretty quickly and they won't give you too much trouble.