Mass Effect Legendary Edition Beginner's Guide: Best Class, Paragon vs Renegade and Saving Your Squad

Mass Effect Legendary Edition puts the whole original trilogy in one package: three games, one Commander Shepard and choices that carry from the first game to the last. This guide covers what you need to know before you start: which class to pick, how Paragon and Renegade work, the squad, and the mistakes that cost players their favourite characters. It's spoiler-light: no major story twists.

This page has affiliate links: if you buy through them, WIZY may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why now? BioWare's future is uncertain after EA's latest moves. Read what's happening to BioWare and Mass Effect.

What's in the Legendary Edition

• Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, remastered, released on May 14, 2021 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One (it also plays on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S).
• Over 40 DLC packs are included: story missions, weapons and armour. The one notable exception is the old Pinnacle Station DLC for the first game.
• Single-player only. Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode isn't part of it, and the endgame was rebalanced so you don't need it.

Play them in order. You make one Shepard in the first game and carry them, with all your decisions, into the second and third.

Which class should you pick?

There are six classes. Every class can use cover and guns; the difference is your powers.

Our pick for a first run: Soldier or Vanguard. Soldier is the easiest in the first game, where shooting is clunkier. Vanguard is the most fun in the second and third games. The good news: when you start Mass Effect 2 and 3 with an imported Shepard, you can change class, so you're not locked in forever.

Paragon and Renegade: how choices work

• Paragon is the heroic, diplomatic path. Renegade is ruthless and gets things done. Most conversations give you both, on a dialogue wheel: Paragon options are usually top-right, Renegade bottom-right.
• Your points unlock special Charm and Intimidate options that can solve big problems without a fight. In the first game, put skill points into Charm or Intimidate early: some of the most important moments need them.
• Interrupts appear in Mass Effect 2 and 3: a blue or red prompt on screen during a cutscene. Press it to act. You don't have to, but they're some of the series' best moments.
• Tip: pick one side and stick mostly to it. Being mixed is allowed, but in the first two games you can end up without enough of either to pass the hardest checks.

Your squad

You take two squadmates on every mission and talk to the rest on your ship, the Normandy. Talk to everyone after each mission: it unlocks side quests, friendships and romances, and it pays off in the later games.

• Mix your team. Bring one squadmate who strips shields and armour (tech) and one who can deal with biotic barriers or crowds.
• Some characters can die, in all three games, depending on your choices. That's the point of the series, so don't panic, but save often.
• Romances carry over between games if you stay loyal to one character.

Mass Effect 1 tips

• The Mako (the six-wheeled vehicle) handles much better in the Legendary Edition than in the original. Uncharted planets are optional; do a few, skip the rest if they bore you.
• Explore the Citadel before you leave it. Lots of side quests start there, and they give you experience and Paragon or Renegade points.
• Sell or turn junk into omni-gel: your inventory fills fast.
• Talk to Wrex about his family's armour. Trust us.

Mass Effect 2: the suicide mission (no spoilers)

The finale of Mass Effect 2 is famous because anyone in your squad, including Shepard, can die, depending on how well you prepared. Here's how to get everyone home:

1. Do every loyalty mission. Each squadmate has a personal mission. Loyal crew survive much more often.
2. Buy every Normandy upgrade your crew suggests: the armour, the shields and the big cannon. Skipping them costs lives.
3. Scan planets for resources to pay for upgrades. It's slow, but it matters.
4. Don't delay at the end. When the story tells you it's time to go, go. Doing more side missions at that point has a real cost.
5. Pick the right person for each job in the final mission. Think about each character's skills, not who you like most.

Mass Effect 3: war assets

• In the third game you gather war assets: fleets, armies and allies for the final battle. Side missions and choices from all three games add to them.
• Do side missions and talk to people on the Citadel. Many quick quests give war assets.
• The Legendary Edition rebalanced the endgame, so you don't need multiplayer to reach the best outcomes, but you do need to play the side content.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using only one save. Keep several saves, especially before big missions.
• Skipping conversations. They unlock missions, loyalty and the best endings.
• Splitting your Paragon and Renegade points too evenly in the first two games.
• Rushing Mass Effect 2. Preparation is everything there.
• Starting with Mass Effect 3. You'll miss most of what makes it hit hard.

My take

The Legendary Edition is still the best way to play one of the greatest sci-fi stories in games. Pick a class you'll enjoy, choose a side and mostly stick to it, talk to your crew, and take Mass Effect 2's preparation seriously. Do that, and the payoff in the third game is worth every hour.