What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To carry your Mass Effect story forward, finish the earlier game, launch the next game, start a new career, and choose that game’s character-import command. For the original trilogy, the two supported transitions are a Mass Effect 1 save into Mass Effect 2 and a completed Mass Effect 2 career into Mass Effect 3. Legendary Edition keeps the trilogy’s choices connected, but each game still manages its own save files. Do not use Resume or ordinary Load Game, and do not assume a console, edition, or platform change will copy a career automatically.
Which Mass Effect save-import path do you need?
Use the row that matches both your edition and the transition you are making. The command appears while creating a career in the destination game, not while loading a normal save.
| Transition | Edition and platform context | Required source | Destination action | What carries forward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Effect 1 → Mass Effect 2 | Original trilogy; the documented wording below is from the Xbox 360 Mass Effect 2 manual | A Mass Effect 1 character save | Choose IMPORT CHARACTER from Mass Effect 2’s main menu | Shepard’s identity and history; EA also describes import bonuses such as squad points, credits and a higher starting level |
| Mass Effect 2 → Mass Effect 3 | Original trilogy or the corresponding Legendary Edition games | A completed Mass Effect 2 career | Choose IMPORT ME2 CHARACTER while starting an Mass Effect 3 New Game | Shepard’s level and decisions that matter to Mass Effect 3’s story |
| Original PC save → matching Legendary Edition game | PC only; a reported workaround, not an EA-supported universal transfer | An original PC Mass Effect 2 or Mass Effect 3 character folder | Copy the folder into the matching Legendary Edition save directory after launching that game once | The matching game’s character data may load; original PC Mass Effect 1 files used a different format in the report |
| No prior career | Legendary Edition when starting Mass Effect 2 or Mass Effect 3 | None | Use the optional Mass Effect: Genesis interactive backstory | Selected earlier story choices, not a restored career or every previous decision |
How does Mass Effect’s import system work?
Each import is a handoff from one numbered game to the next. The destination game reads a character or completed-career record when you create a new career and uses that information to set up the new campaign. A mid-game save is not a substitute for the required career record, and a save on another machine is not automatically visible.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The original Xbox 360 Mass Effect 2 manual gives the clearest wording for the first transition: “Select IMPORT CHARACTER on the main menu and choose a Save Game from the list of Character Saves.” The PlayStation 3 Mass Effect 3 manual calls the second command “IMPORT ME2 CHARACTER” and specifies that the Mass Effect 2 career must be completed. Menu labels can differ on another platform or edition, so look for the equivalent prior-character import option rather than assuming the Xbox 360 wording is pixel-identical everywhere.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How do I import a Mass Effect 1 save into Mass Effect 2?
Keep a Mass Effect 1 character save available, then start Mass Effect 2 and select its import command before beginning the new campaign. EA says an imported Shepard can retain appearance, class and history, while also allowing you to change appearance and class during setup.
Before you start
- Finish enough of Mass Effect 1 to create the character save you intend to continue.
- Make sure the save belongs to the Shepard you want; several similarly named careers are easy to confuse.
- Leave the original save untouched until Mass Effect 2 has successfully created the imported career.
- If you changed console, platform or edition, verify that the destination can actually see the source save. The ordinary import instructions do not establish cross-platform or cross-edition compatibility.
Original-trilogy steps
- Launch Mass Effect 2.
- At the main menu, choose IMPORT CHARACTER. This exact label is documented for the original Xbox 360 release.
- Open the Character Saves list and select the intended Mass Effect 1 save.
- Review the imported Shepard. Keep the appearance, class and history if you want continuity, or use the available setup choices to change appearance and class.
- Confirm the new Mass Effect 2 career and continue. The import can provide EA-documented bonuses including squad points, credits and a higher starting level.
Those bonuses are part of the import setup, not proof that every item from the earlier inventory is copied. The documented process selects a character save; it does not promise that a manual mid-game save, every weapon or every inventory item will appear unchanged.
How do I import a completed Mass Effect 2 career into Mass Effect 3?
Complete Mass Effect 2 first. When you create a Mass Effect 3 New Game, select IMPORT ME2 CHARACTER and choose that completed career. EA says this handoff preserves Shepard’s level and decisions relevant to Mass Effect 3’s story.
Required condition: a completed career
The Mass Effect 3 manual’s requirement is specific: the source must be a completed Mass Effect 2 career. If the career is only a mid-campaign save, it may not appear as an eligible import. Keep the completed record available even if you also retain earlier manual saves for replaying missions.
Step-by-step
- Finish the Mass Effect 2 campaign and allow the game to save the completed career.
- Launch Mass Effect 3 and choose New Game, not Resume or ordinary Load Game.
- Select IMPORT ME2 CHARACTER when the new-career options appear.
- Choose the completed Mass Effect 2 career for the intended Shepard.
- Review the imported profile and begin the Mass Effect 3 campaign.
Mass Effect 3 also lists IMPORT ME3 CHARACTER in its manual. That is a replay option for importing a Mass Effect 3 character into another Mass Effect 3 playthrough; it is not the command for the Mass Effect 2-to-Mass Effect 3 transition.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How does save importing work in Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
Legendary Edition packages Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 together and carries choices through the trilogy by using each game’s prior-character import flow. Start the next game from the collection, create a new career, and select its import option.
Electronic Arts explains the storage model this way: “Saves are still unique to each game and can be managed independently of each other.” In practical terms, a unified launcher does not mean that all three games share one interchangeable save folder. Complete Mass Effect 1 before opening Mass Effect 2, and complete Mass Effect 2 before opening Mass Effect 3; then use the destination game’s import choice.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsLegendary Edition availability
EA lists the collection for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. EA’s May 14, 2021 announcement also describes optimized backward compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. That describes supported editions and console availability, not a universal mechanism for moving an old save between every platform or release.
If you have no prior career
When beginning a later Legendary Edition game without an importable career, the optional Mass Effect: Genesis comics can let you choose selected events from the earlier story. Genesis is a backstory-choice route, not recovery of a lost Shepard and not a guarantee that every decision, relationship or inventory state can be recreated.
An EA manual for the separate Wii U Mass Effect 3 Special Edition also describes a Genesis 2 interactive backstory comic. That description should not be read as evidence that Wii U saves transfer into Legendary Edition.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can I copy original PC saves into Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
A limited PC workaround has been reported for original Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 character folders. It is not EA documentation, it is not a console method, and it does not establish a direct original-Mass-Effect-2-to-Legendary-Edition-Mass-Effect-3 shortcut.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Reported procedure for Mass Effect 2 or Mass Effect 3
- Back up the original character folder somewhere outside the game-save directory.
- Launch the matching Legendary Edition game once so it creates its save folders.
- Close the game.
- Copy the original character folder into the corresponding directory:
DocumentsBioWareMass Effect Legendary EditionSaveME2for Legendary Edition Mass Effect 2, orDocumentsBioWareMass Effect Legendary EditionSaveME3for Legendary Edition Mass Effect 3. - Reopen that same Legendary Edition game and check its character list.
The report found that original PC Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 folders loaded in their matching remasters after this copy. The writer tested the procedure only briefly and did not guarantee flawless operation. Original PC Mass Effect 1 files used a different format in that report and did not load as Legendary Edition Mass Effect 1 saves, so do not treat the workaround as an ME1 shortcut.
Because the method is unofficial and edition-specific, preserve the backup until the imported career opens and saves correctly. Do not use a folder from one game in another game’s directory.
What transfers, and what should I not expect to transfer?
Imports are designed to carry story identity and selected state, not to make two editions or platforms share every file.
- Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2: Shepard’s identity and history can carry forward; EA also lists squad-point, credit and starting-level import bonuses. Appearance and class can be retained or changed.
- Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3: Shepard’s level and decisions relevant to Mass Effect 3’s story carry forward when the source career is completed.
- Legendary Edition: Trilogy choices remain connected through the games’ import systems, while each game keeps its own saves.
- Not established as universal: original-console saves into Legendary Edition, cross-platform transfers, cross-edition transfers, and an original Mass Effect 1 save imported directly into remastered Mass Effect 2.
- Not promised by the documented commands: every inventory item, a random manual mid-game save, or a career stored on another machine.
Why is my Mass Effect import missing?
Check the transition, completion state, edition and platform before assuming the career is lost. Most missing-import cases come from using the wrong menu or looking for a save that the destination cannot read.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
1. You selected Resume or Load Game
Return to the destination game’s main menu and start a new career. Mass Effect 2 uses the prior-character import choice from its main menu; Mass Effect 3 exposes the ME2 import while creating a New Game.
2. The Mass Effect 2 career is not complete
For the ME2-to-ME3 transition, select a completed Mass Effect 2 career. A convenient manual save before the finale is not the documented requirement.
3. You chose the wrong command
In Mass Effect 3, IMPORT ME2 CHARACTER is the ME2-to-ME3 path. IMPORT ME3 CHARACTER is for replaying Mass Effect 3 with an existing Mass Effect 3 character.
4. The editions or platforms do not match
Confirm whether both games are original releases or Legendary Edition and whether both saves are on the same supported platform. The ordinary manuals do not provide a universal console-to-remaster or cross-platform transfer procedure.
5. The wrong Shepard was selected
Compare names, career dates and completion status before confirming. Keep the intended completed career and its earlier backups available rather than overwriting them while troubleshooting.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
6. You are trying to use an original PC Mass Effect 1 file in Legendary Edition
The reported PC folder workaround did not load original Mass Effect 1 files as Legendary Edition Mass Effect 1 saves. It applies only as a cautious, matching-game experiment for original PC Mass Effect 2 or Mass Effect 3 folders.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which approach should you use for a new trilogy playthrough?
Choose based on your goal rather than on the word “import.” A complete career preserves the most continuity; Genesis is the fallback when you only need to establish selected backstory choices.
| Your situation | Best-supported action | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| You own consecutive original games on the same compatible setup | Finish the earlier game and use the destination game’s import command | Menu wording varies by platform; the source career must be available |
| You are playing the trilogy in Legendary Edition | Finish each game in order and import when creating the next game’s new career | Saves remain game-specific, not one shared folder |
| You lack a prior Legendary Edition career | Use Mass Effect: Genesis when offered | Only selected earlier choices are represented |
| You have original PC ME2 or ME3 folders and the matching remaster | Use the cautious matching-folder copy procedure after making backups | Unofficial report; no equivalent universal console or cross-platform method |
| You are moving from an original console or another platform | Verify edition-specific support before buying utilities or changing hardware | No general transfer procedure is established for those paths |
What should you verify before committing to an import?
- The source and destination are the intended games in sequence.
- The destination is starting a new career, not loading an existing one.
- The selected Shepard is the correct character.
- The Mass Effect 2 source for Mass Effect 3 is completed.
- You have retained an untouched backup of any PC save folder you plan to copy.
- You understand whether you are preserving a full career or merely selecting backstory choices through Genesis.
Ordinary in-game importing does not require a subscription, streaming service, generic USB cable or paid transfer utility. If the source and destination are not on a documented compatible path, purchasing a tool is not a substitute for confirmed edition and platform support.
Recommended Free Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import a Mass Effect 1 save directly into Mass Effect 3?
No. The documented chain is sequential: Mass Effect 1 goes into Mass Effect 2, and a completed Mass Effect 2 career goes into Mass Effect 3. Start the intervening game and use its import flow before moving on.
Will importing change my Shepard’s class?
For the Mass Effect 1-to-Mass Effect 2 setup, EA says you can retain or change appearance and class. The import still supplies the character history used for continuity, so changing class does not erase the earlier story record.
Does cloud storage make an old console save available on another platform?
Not automatically. Cloud availability and game-save compatibility are separate issues; the documented import instructions do not establish cross-platform or cross-edition conversion.
What is Genesis useful for if my save is gone?
Genesis lets you select some major earlier events while starting a later Legendary Edition game. It creates a chosen backstory, not the original Shepard’s complete progression, inventory or every relationship decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
