The ending to the Mass Effect saga has been a long journey, so naturally there are a lot of different ways to end the game in Mass Effect 3 for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Deciding to save or destroy the Collector’s Base at the end of Mass Effect 2 is the major thing that changes the ending of Mass Effect 3. You’ll see that some outcomes are similar, but some are quite different.
Note that if you didn’t import a Mass Effect 2 saved game, it will default to having the Collector’s Base being destroyed, so the only way to see the other options is to have a saved game with that option chosen in Mass Effect 2.
The next thing to focus on is your military strength. Your military strength is raised several different ways. In single player, it’s raised primarily by gaining war assets. There is a limited number of these in the game, however there is supposed to be just enough to get the good endings without playing multiplayer.
Another way to raise your military strength is by playing in the Galaxy at War multiplayer games. Playing in these games increases your galactic readiness rating, which in turn raises your military strength. This will allow you to gain better endings without having to collect as many war assets in single player.
There are also some iPhone and iPad apps that will help boost your galactic readiness rating. One is called Data Pad, and the other is called Infiltrator. Obviously you’ll need to sync your EA account in order to apply your ratings.
Important note: By not playing any multiplayer at all, your galactic readiness rating stays at 50%. This means that your effective military strength will be cut in half. For example, even if your military strength is 6000, your effective military strength is only 3000 if your galactic readiness is still at 50%.
Another important note: The only difference between the last two endings in each list is if you choose to save Anderson from the Illusive Man during the Paragon moment at the end. If you have maxed out Paragon/Renegage to save him, then you only need 4000 effective military strength to see the cut-scene of Shepard taking a breath at the end. If you don’t or can’t save him, you’ll need 5000 to see that scene.
Following is the effective military strength you’ll need in order to see all of the different endings.
Saved the Collector’s Base in Mass Effect 2
Effective Military Strength under 1750 — Earth is destroyed regardless of the decisions you’ve made
Effective Military Strength of 1750 to 2049 — Save the Reapers and Earth will be saved
Effective Military Strength of 2050 to 2349 — Become a Reaper and Earth will be saved
Effective Military Strength of 2350 to 2649 — Destroy the Reapers and Earth will be somewhat destroyed
Effective Military Strength of 2650 to 2799 — Destroy the Reapers and Earth will be destroyed
Effective Military Strength of 2800 to 3999 — The Galaxy and Earth will be saved once you’re able to create synergy
Effective Military Strength of 4000 to 4999 — Destroy the Reapers and Save Anderson from the Illusive Man to see that Shepard lives (Requires max Paragon/Renegade to save Anderson)
Effective Military Strength of 5000 and higher — Destroy the Reapers but unable to Save Anderson from the Illusive Man, you’ll see the clip where Shepard is alive
Destroyed the Collector’s Base in Mass Effect 2
Effective Military Strength under 1750 — Earth is destroyed regardless of the decisions you’ve made
Effective Military Strength of 1750 to 1899 — Become a Reaper and the Earth will be destroyed
Effective Military Strength of 1900 to 2349 — Destroy the Reapers and the Earth will be somewhat destroyed
Effective Military Strength of 2350 to 2649 — Become a Reaper and the Earth will be saved
Effective Military Strength of 2650 to 2799 — Destroy the Reapers and Earth will be saved
Effective Military Strength of 2800 to 3999 — The Galaxy and Earth will be saved once you’re able to create synergy
Effective Military Strength of 4000 to 4999 — Destroy the Reapers and Save Anderson from the Illusive Man to see that Shepard lives (Requires max Paragon/Renegade to save Anderson)
Effective Military Strength of 5000 and higher — Destroy the Reapers but unable to Save Anderson from the Illusive Man, you’ll see the clip where Shepard is alive
