Impact of Mass Effect 1 & 2 Choices on War Assets
Your decisions throughout the Mass Effect trilogy have a profound and lasting impact on the galaxy's readiness to face the Reaper threat. In Mass Effect 3, these choices coalesce into your total War Assets, a critical metric that determines your ability to achieve victory. Importing your save file from Mass Effect 1 and 2 ensures that your past actions are recognized, directly influencing the strength and composition of your War Assets.
The game meticulously tracks key decisions made in previous installments. These range from the survival of specific characters to the outcomes of major plot points. Each significant choice can either bolster your War Assets, unlock new asset categories, or, conversely, diminish your available forces. Understanding these connections is paramount for maximizing your Galactic Readiness score.
Key Decisions and Their Impact
| Decision/Event | Impact on War Assets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saving the Rachni Queen (ME1) | Unlocks Rachni Workers War Asset | Crucial for Krogan support later. |
| Saving Mordin's research on Genophage (ME2) | Enables curing the Genophage (ME3) | Leads to significant Krogan War Assets. |
| Saving Grunt (ME2) | Unlocks Krogan Firstborns War Asset | Adds to Krogan military strength. |
| Saving Legion (ME2) | Enables Geth Consensus (ME3) | Affects Geth/Quarian resolution. |
| Siding with Geth/Quarians (ME2/ME3) | Determines Geth or Quarian War Assets | Peaceful resolution yields more assets. |
| Saving the Collector Base (ME2) | Unlocks Cerberus Fleet War Asset | If destroyed, Cerberus is hostile. |
| Saving Kaidan/Ashley (ME1) | Affects Citadel dialogue and potential allies | Their survival can unlock specific assets. |
War Asset Categories
War Assets are broadly categorized into several groups, each contributing to your overall Galactic Readiness:
- Military Strength: Includes ground forces, naval fleets, and special operations units.
- Support Services: Encompasses medical, research, and logistical support.
- Reaper Assets: Unique assets gained from specific encounters or choices related to Reaper technology.
The strength of these assets is often represented by a numerical value. The total of these values, combined with your Galactic Readiness score (influenced by multiplayer or the Extended Cut's readiness app), determines the effectiveness of your final assault on Earth.
Maximizing Your War Effort
To ensure the best possible outcome, it is highly recommended to:
- Import your Mass Effect 2 save file. Ensure it reflects the choices you want to carry forward.
- Complete all available side missions and N7 missions in Mass Effect 3. Many of these directly reward you with War Assets.
- Make dialogue choices that foster alliances. Persuading factions and individuals to join your cause is crucial.
- Prioritize missions that offer significant War Asset rewards. Some choices have a more substantial impact than others.
By carefully considering your past decisions and actively pursuing alliances in Mass Effect 3, you can assemble the most formidable force possible to combat the Reaper invasion.