Difference between revisions of "Mass Effect 2"
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{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091227081133/http://meforums.bioware.com:80/viewtopic.html?topic=710074&forum=144 Mass Effect 2 DRM and PC requirements Announced - Mass Effect Community] (retrieved)</ref> | Origin | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Key | <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091227081133/http://meforums.bioware.com:80/viewtopic.html?topic=710074&forum=144 Mass Effect 2 DRM and PC requirements Announced - Mass Effect Community] (retrieved)</ref> | Origin | Windows }} | ||
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{{Availability/row| Origin | mass-effect/mass-effect-2 | Origin | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Basic}}.<br/>Deluxe Edition also available. | | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| Origin | mass-effect/mass-effect-2 | Origin | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Basic}}.<br/>Deluxe Edition also available. | | Windows }} | ||
{{Availability/row| Steam | 24980 | Steam | Included with {{store feature|EA Play}}. | Origin | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| Steam | 24980 | Steam | Included with {{store feature|EA Play}}. | Origin | Windows }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1623-1 | Origin | Also available in the {{store link|Gamesplanet|1581-3|Mass Effect Trilogy}}. | | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| GMG | mass-effect-2-pc | Origin | | | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| Humble | mass-effect-2 | Origin | Also available in the {{store link|Humble|mass-effect-trilogy|Mass Effect Trilogy}}. | | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 21:10, 5 March 2022
Developers | |
---|---|
BioWare | |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Engines | |
Unreal Engine 3 | |
Release dates | |
Windows | January 26, 2010 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 94 |
IGDB | 96 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | DLC |
Microtransactions | Unlock |
Modes | Singleplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Third-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | ARPG, Shooter |
Art styles | Realistic |
Themes | LGBTQ, Sci-fi, Space |
Series | Mass Effect |
Mass Effect | |
---|---|
Mass Effect | 2008 |
Mass Effect 2 | 2010 |
Mass Effect 3 | 2012 |
Mass Effect: Andromeda | 2017 |
Mass Effect Legendary Edition | 2021 |
Key points
- Saves can be imported from Mass Effect (see Import Mass Effect saves).
- In-game graphics options miss half of the actual settings, which are thus usually left to the erratic first run auto-detection to decide.
General information
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | [1] | |||
Origin | Included with EA Play. Deluxe Edition also available. |
|||
Steam | Included with EA Play (Steam). | |||
(unavailable) | Also available in the Mass Effect Trilogy. | |||
Green Man Gaming (unavailable) | ||||
Humble Store (unavailable) | Also available in the Mass Effect Trilogy. |
DLC and expansion packs
- Every single DLC is included in a bundle on the Origin store, bypassing the need of Bioware Points or Deluxe Edition.
- Purchase just binds the DLC licenses to the EA account, which must have logged in in-game at least once to authorize their loading.
- The Origin version will automatically download the DLC files (and may even overwrite any other installation of the game[2]), while Steam and retail can use separate installers. Direct links are provided in the table below for convenience.
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Aegis Pack | 160 BW Points | |
Alternate Appearance Pack 1 | 160 BW Points | |
Alternate Appearance Pack 2 | 160 BW Points | |
Arrival | 560 BW Points | |
Blood Dragon Armor | Requires Dragon Age: Origins Deluxe or Ultimate Edition to be registered on same account | |
Cerberus Arc Projector | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Cerberus Network | ||
Cerberus Weapon and Armor | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Collectors' Weapon and Armor | Included in the retail Collectors' Edition, and the Digital Deluxe Edition | |
Equalizer Pack | 160 BW Points | |
Firepower Pack | 160 BW Points | |
Firewalker Pack | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Genesis | 320 BW Points | |
Incisor Rifle | Included in Digital Deluxe, and the Aegis Pack | |
Inferno Armor | Included in some pre-orders, and the Equalizer Pack | |
Kasumi - Stolen Memory | 560 BW Points | |
Lair of the Shadow Broker | 800 BW Points | |
Mass Effect 2 Digital Art Books | Included in Digital Deluxe | |
Mass Effect 2 Documentary | Included in Digital Deluxe | |
Mass Effect 2 Soundtrack | Included in Digital Deluxe | |
Normandy Crash Site | Requires Cerberus Network | |
Recon Hood | Dr Pepper bonus promotional item, now free on Origin | |
Overlord | 560 BW Points | |
Sentry Interface | Dr Pepper bonus promotional item, now free on Origin | |
Terminus Weapon and Armor | Included in Gamestop or Play.com pre-orders, now free on Origin. | |
Umbra Visor | Dr Pepper bonus promotional item, now free on Origin | |
Zaeed - The Price of Revenge | Requires Cerberus Network |
Essential improvements
Adjust all video settings
Change settings in the Configuration Utility |
---|
|
Skip intro videos
- Use Quick Startup mod to also skip the title screen
Delete or rename files |
---|
|
Install Disable Startup Videos |
---|
Shorter loading screens
- Regardless of the speed of your system the game will always wait for the loading screen animation to end
Replace .bik clips with shorter ones[3] |
---|
Modify the .bik clips to run at 2x/4x speed (30/60fps)[4] |
---|
Patches
- Patch 1.03 is a cumulative update. The Origin/Steam versions are already patched.
Project Variety
- A major bug fix and overhaul mod. Works best with Early Recruitment.
Import Mass Effect saves
- Importing saves can be done through
MassEffect2Config.exe
- The save importer may not work. In this case, move your Mass Effect saves into an
ME1
folder inside your ME2 saves folder.[5]
Import Xbox 360 Mass Effect 2 saves
Import Xbox 360 Mass Effect 2 Save Files[6][7] |
---|
|
Game data
- DLC files are saved in
<path-to-game>\BioGame\DLC\
; an explanation of the folder names and which DLC they represent can be found here. - Game can lose saves when the
%USERPROFILE%\Documents
path has been customized[8][9]
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\BIOGame\Config\ %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\Profile\Player1.prf |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/24980/pfx/[Note 1] |
- Many other settings can be adjusted inside
Coalesced.ini
.
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\Save\ %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect 2\Profile\Player1.prf |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/24980/pfx/[Note 1] |
- For the folders used for importing saves see Mass Effect.
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Origin | ||
OneDrive | Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers. | |
Steam Cloud |
Video
External video settings, see above to access.
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | Vert- See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Multi-monitor | See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | Use Flawless Widescreen and Mass Effect 2 Ultrawide. | ||
4K Ultra HD | Vert- See Widescreen resolution. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | Default is 75°. Use Flawless Widescreen or see Field of view (FOV). | ||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | |||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Can be set to x16 in MassEffect2Config.exe |
||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Enabled by default; see Vertical sync (Vsync). | ||
60 FPS | |||
120+ FPS | See High frame rate. | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Widescreen resolution
Use Flawless Widescreen |
---|
|
Use ThirteenAG's Mass Effect Trilogy FOV Fix |
---|
Notes
|
Field of view (FOV)
- This method involves Coalesced.ini file. Make sure you have understood what this means.
Modify field of view[11][citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Disable Vsync[citation needed] |
---|
|
High frame rate
Arrange frame rate smoothing[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | Enabled by default; see Mouse acceleration. | |
Mouse sensitivity | Only 3 selectable settings; for further adjustment see Mouse sensitivity. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | See Controller support. | |
Full controller support | ||
Controller remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers |
---|
PlayStation controllers |
---|
Generic/other controllers |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Button prompts | See Controller support. | |
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | See Controller support. | |
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Mouse acceleration
Disable Mouse acceleration[12] |
---|
|
Mouse sensitivity
Fix uneven and/or excessive mouse sensitivity |
---|
If your mouse sensitivity is still too high you will need to modify the variable in
Notes
|
Controller support
- This mod brings full XInput controller support to the game with haptic feedback support. This mod is currently complete (see official thread).
Instructions[13] |
---|
Use the ME2Controller mod.
|
Simultaneous Mouse and joystick support for Steam Controller users
Enable joystick move to be used with mouse[14] |
---|
Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_LeftX",Command="Axis aStrafe Speed=1.0 DeadZone=0.3") Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_LeftY",Command="Axis aBaseY Speed=1.0 DeadZone=0.3") Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_RightX",Command="Axis aTurn Speed=0.2 DeadZone=0.3") Bindings=(Name="XboxTypeS_RightY",Command="Axis aLookup Speed=0.2 DeadZone=0.3")
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Music, sound effects and dialogue | |
Surround sound | 5.0[15] (better HRTF can be achieved with DSOAL library [16]) | |
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | Found under Gameplay settings in-game. | |
Mute on focus lost | Always mutes. |
Localizations
- Language codes to be used in manual selection are highlighted in the notes.
- The later DLCs[Note 2] aren't available for Eastern Europe locales,[17] see here for an install workaround.
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | INT . A British English mod exists. |
|||
Czech | CZE . Fan translation for DLCs, download. |
|||
French | FRA |
|||
German | DEU |
|||
Hungarian | HUN . Fan Patch for DLCs, available here. |
|||
Italian | ITA |
|||
Polish | POL . DLC translations can be found here, here and here. |
|||
Russian | RUS . Available here. A slightly improved translation is available. |
|||
Spanish | ESN |
|||
Turkish | A Turkish fan translation is available here. |
Changing language
- Steam version can simply adjust this setting from the game proprieties
Instructions |
---|
Notes |
Independent text and voiceover
- Unlike the previous game, subtitles are stored in the same file of UI and other strings (so they can't be separated)
Replace the global text files[20] |
---|
Notes
|
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | For better support see Helix Mod: Mass Effect 2 | |||
TriDef 3D | ||||
iZ3D | ||||
vorpX | G3D Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list. |
Devices | |||
---|---|---|---|
3RD Space Gaming Vest | |||
Novint Falcon |
Issues unresolved
EA Online password form doesn't accept some special characters
- Includes ", *, /, :, <, >, ?, \ and |
Change your EA Online Account password[21] |
---|
"Unable to authorize the listed DLC" error
"Unable to authorize the listed DLC" error[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Issues fixed
Installation interrupted
Install the game from a shared drive from another computer[citation needed] |
---|
|
Fix the corrupted folder path in Windows registry[22] |
---|
|
Physx Error on Startup
Install Nvidia Physx System Software |
---|
Cerberus Network autologin failure
Enable .NET Framework 3.5.1[citation needed] |
---|
|
Crash at the end of Kasumi's loyalty mission and when leaving the Shadow Broker's Ship
Use Kasumi Crash Fix[23] |
---|
|
Launch the game with the -nomoviestartup parameter[24]
|
---|
|
Apply Kasumi DLC Crash Fix with ME3Tweaks Mod Manager's ASI Mod Manager in the Mod Management Tab |
---|
Dark lighting in cutscenes
Make sure the number of cinematic lights is set to the highest setting[25] |
---|
Set the proper Brightness in-game, once having checked display calibration is right[26][27] |
---|
Adjust filmic response shader[28] |
---|
|
Clipping into walls/objects
- This method involves Coalesced.ini file. Make sure you have understood what this means.
Add the option to noclip out of the object[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
-Note-
|
Game freeze on Illium
- The freeze happens while walking through the ground-level corridor that connects to the other side of the map under Liara's office, which may cause a black screen and CTD.
- In most cases the problem is caused by incompatibility with the video or audio drivers of the user's computer.
Enable windowed or windowed borderless mode[citation needed] |
---|
|
Crash during vehicle chase on Illium
- In most cases the problem is caused by incompatibility with the video or audio drivers of the user's computer.
- The crash happens at the end of the taxi chase with Liara on Illium during the cutscene, where the game freezes completely showing either a frozen image or a black screen while the music continues.
Use config tool to change from fullscreen mode to windowed borderless |
---|
Run in Windows 7 compatibility mode |
---|
Launch the game with the -nomoviestartup parameter
|
---|
Uninstall and re-install all game files and DLCs (or use Origin's Repair feature) |
---|
- Issue may still persist after all of these have been done.
Crash when entering the galaxy map
Re-enable audio[31] |
---|
|
No sound even though it's On in the Configuration Utility
Make sure to disable any kind of OEM audio tool or enhancement[32][33] |
---|
Run the game in windowed or borderless window mode[34][citation needed] |
---|
Unable to save any more games
Patch game files[35] |
---|
|
Conrad Verner claims player has pointed gun at him
- To prevent this bug use ME1 Recalibrated in Mass Effect and Project Variety here
Fix save file variable[36][37] |
---|
Notes
|
Importing ME1 character still launches the interactive story
- This happens if you have installed the Genesis DLC (You can un-check it during download on Origin)
- Can invalidate your ME1 character's decisions in place of new ones
Remove the DLC[38] |
---|
|
Heavy geometry flicker and other artifacts
Disable any kind of forced AA |
---|
|
When moving the camera with the mouse the game starts stuttering/having performance problems
- This is likely an issue with the mouse polling rate on systems with Windows 10 installed
Lower mouse polling rate to 500Hz or lower[citation needed] |
---|
General stuttering or frame drops
Disable the Origin in-game overlay[39] |
---|
Disable ASUS Gamer OSD[40] |
---|
Selection circles on characters and interactable objects do not appear
- Lens flare can be disabled actually for good with a mod[41]
Make sure "LensFlares" is set to "true"[42] |
---|
|
Textures become black as you approach them
- You most likely had A Lot of Textures (ALOT) applied to the game in the past. Apply it again or use one of the fixes below.
Launch the game through ME3Tweaks Mod Manager |
---|
Set the Texture LODs to Vanilla with LOD Switcher in ALOTInstaller's Settings |
---|
Delete Configuration Files |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 3 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | PhysX | Comes bundled with 2.8.0.7, but the system version is always forced. |
Audio | Wwise | Despite this, the game still ships with (inert) OpenAL dlls. |
Interface | Scaleform | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | 1.9e |
Editing Coalesced.ini
- Some of the fixes for this game require you to modify this special file, but editing it in the normal way will cause the game to crash.
Editing Coalesced.ini[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Split the all-purpose Use key functions
Install Intuitive Controls or Separate Keybindings |
---|
Increase shadow resolution
Increase shadow resolution[citation needed] |
---|
|
Disable Post-Processing Effects
- Some of the post-processing effects can be disabled in the game's GamerSettings.ini file. These effects include light bloom, and motion blur.
Disabling Depth of Field/Light Bloom/Motion Blur[citation needed] |
---|
|
- A longer list of options that can be added and altered under [SystemSettings] can be found here.
Mods
- Same-Gender Romances for ME2 allows Tali and Thane to be romanced by both male and female Shepard, utilizing unused dialogue in the game files. It also fixes issues with imported same-gender Ashley and Kaidan romances and allows and restores other same-gender content whenever possible.
- HUD Icon Fixes - ME2 DLC Weapons fixes a vanilla bug that incorrectly positions HUD weapon icons from Mass Effect 2 DLC.
- A Lot of Textures is a re-texture community project that brings extra details for the game, replacing around 1200 textures with high-resolution variants.
- ME2 Improved Bun Textures upscales and improves the textures for bun and ponytail hairstyles in ME2. Can be installed using the ALOT installer, together with that mod.
- HR Blood Dragon Armor makes the Blood Dragon Armor higher resolution. Can be installed using the ALOT installer, together with that mod.
- HR Inferno Armor makes the Inferno Armor higher resolution. Can be installed using the ALOT installer, together with that mod.
- HD Omega Asteroid Textures replaces the Asteroid/Rock texture on Omega with a brand new HD texture. Can be installed using the ALOT installer, together with that mod.
- A Lot of Textures is a re-texture community project that brings extra details for the game, replacing around 1200 textures with high-resolution variants.
- MEUITM2 updates textures & alternate character appearances, + more visual goodies for ME2. Works and is best used with ALOT. Must be installed ONLY after installing ALOT.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP | Vista, 7 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz |
System memory (RAM) | 1 GB (XP) 2 GB (Vista, 7) |
2 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 15 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon X1600 Pro Nvidia GeForce 6800 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible Shader model 3 support |
ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB of VRAM |
- AMD video cards below minimum system requirements: ATI Radeon HD 3200, and HD 4350.
- Nvidia video cards below minimum system requirements: Nvidia GeForce 7300, 8100, 8200, 8300, 8400, and 9300.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (24980) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
- ↑ Genesis, Lair of the Shadow Broker, Alternate Appearance Pack 2 and Arrival
References
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 DRM and PC requirements Announced - Mass Effect Community (retrieved)
- ↑ Origin is malware. But we all knew that, didn't we? - Multiplayer - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ ME2 PC Shorter Loading Screens Mod : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ 4x Faster Loading Screens at 60fps - last accessed on 2018-04-25
- ↑ How To Import ME1 Saves For ME2 - tehPARADOX (retrieved)
- ↑ How to mod ME2 for the Xbox 360 - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ ME2 Save converter, ME1 decisions editor (without using NG+) - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ load menu shows no saves nor careers (WORKAROUND in 4th post) - The BioWare Forum(retrieved)
- ↑ Possible fix for moved Documents/Users folders, and profile/saving weirdness - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Verified by User:Blackbird on 2018-09-20
- Conversation FOV is affected which is undesired behavior https://i.imgur.com/CDju26j.png
- ↑ How to actually fix FOV in Mass Effect · Eugene Homyakov - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ Fix / Tweak Guide to PC Issues (updated 1-27-10 - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ ME2 Controller Support (Power Wheel) • me3explorer.freeforums.org
- ↑ https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/PC_Tweaks_(Mass_Effect_2)
- ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 compatible with DSOAL (OpenAL Soft HRTF audio) despite using Wwise API - YouTube
- ↑ New DLC Announced: Lair of the Shadowbroker - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Dubbing i wersje językowe • BioWorld (retrieved)
- ↑ ME2 on Steam: set subtitles to a different language than audio : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 [Temat ogólny] - polish:Elite:board (retrieved)
- ↑ Verified by Mirh
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 won't start - EA Answers HQ
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 Kasumi Crash Fix - Federico Dossena
- ↑ Kasumi Loyalty End of Mission Crash - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Poor lighting in mass effect 2 - Fextralife
- ↑ Brightness settings in mass effect 2 - The BioWare Forum
- ↑ Brightness Setting - GameFAQs
- ↑ Shadows way too dark/black, intended?(screenshot) **SOLVED** - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ To BioWare graphics designers - a few suggestions (bloom/shadows) - Fextralife
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 - Maybe... La Confrérie des Rôlistes Grincheux !
- ↑ Galaxy Map For Mass Effect 2 crash after loading *Solved!* - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ Solved: No Sound in Origin Games - Answer HQ
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 No sound and cutscenes playing at double speed : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Solved: Re: Mass effect 2 and 3 no sound - Answer HQ
- ↑ ME2 (PC) 50 Save limit & Shared power cooldown NUKED!!!!!!! - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ Conrad Verner - Mass Effect Wiki
- ↑ *FIX INCLUDED* Conrad Verner Paragon style - Kirrahe mail? - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-17
- ↑ How to disable Genesis? :: Mass Effect 2 General Discussions - last accessed on 2016-8-15
- ↑ Mass effect 2 lag on a high end pc? : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Mass Effect 2 Stuttering during gameplay... please advise! - The BioWare Forum (retrieved)
- ↑ The Right Way to Hide Lens Flares in ME2 : masseffect - Reddit
- ↑ Solved: Re: Mass Effect 3: Bug - Can't Interact with any object in the environment, (i.e - Answer HQ