Mass Effect

This page is for the original release. For the remastered trilogy version, see Mass Effect Legendary Edition.

Mass Effect

Developers
	BioWare
Windows	Demiurge Studios
Publishers
	Electronic Arts
Eastern Europe	CD Projekt
Engines
	Unreal Engine 3
Release dates
Windows	May 28, 2008
Reception
Metacritic	89
IGDB	89
Taxonomy
Monetization	One-time game purchase, DLC
Modes	Singleplayer
Pacing	Real-time
Perspectives	Third-person
Controls	Direct control
Genres	ARPG, Shooter
Vehicles	Automobile, Off-roading
Art styles	Realistic
Themes	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

Use Mass Effect Mouse Fix to remove the game's mouse acceleration.

Requires installation of PhysX legacy driver to start reliably

General information

Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source	DRM	Notes	Keys	OS
Retail		Originally SecuROM 7.37.0007 and SecuROM PA DRM with a 3 machine limit. Patch 1.02 updates to SecuROM 7.40.0006 and SecuROM PA DRM and raise limit to 5. A De-Authorization Tool is available. Online activation can be optionally replaced with disk check. Custom DRM code may sabotage the game by disabling the saving mechanism and causing the galactic map to crash the game.
Retail		SafeDisc v4 DRM. Only in Hungary and Czech Republic. The provided keys are invalid to Origin. Contact Origin Support to verify them.
Retail		StarForce 5.50.011.005 DRM. Only in Russia.
Amazon.co.uk
Origin		Included with EA Play.
Steam		Included with EA Play (Steam). Some keys could be redeemed directly on Origin, but they ceased to be handed out in February 2021. Contact EA and/or Steam Support if still wanting it. DLCs won't install out of the box anymore
(unavailable)		Mass Effect Trilogy.
Humble Store (unavailable)		Mass Effect Trilogy.

SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Origin version automatically includes all DLC (existing Origin owners can install the latest update to get the DLC).

Separate installers have been made free and are available for other game releases. See Localizations for non-EFIGS regions.

The Steam version built-in CD key (required for the DLCs license) has been removed. See DLC installation fails at the end to fix.

Name	Notes
Bring Down the Sky	Separate online registration is no longer required since 2012.
Pinnacle Station	Bundled with new Origin activations after the Trilogy release, free for everyone since the BioWare Social Network shutdown.

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Skip intro videos
Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\. Delete or rename BWLogo.bik, db_standard.bik and ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bik.

Use Quick Startup mod

Patches

The latest patch is update 1.02 which fixes various issues. The Steam and Origin versions are already patched.

ME1 Recalibrated

Fixes bugs not resolved by the official patches

Text-wording adjustments are only available with the English localization

Game data

In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Config\
Steam Play (Linux)	<Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/17460/pfx/

Origin DRM stores activation in %PROGRAMDATA%\Electronic Arts\EA Services\License\1003344.dlf

Save game data location

System	Location
Windows	%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Save\
Steam Play (Linux)	<Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/17460/pfx/

Save game cloud syncing

System	Native	Notes
Origin
OneDrive		Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video

Restarting the game is advised after changing most settings (including resolution, particle effects and texture detail), to get them applied properly or at all.

In-game video settings.

Graphics feature	State	WSGF	Notes
Widescreen resolution			Vert- but designed with 16:9 aspect ratio in mind; use Flawless Widescreen to correct FOV and HUD issues on any other one
Multi-monitor			Use Flawless Widescreen.
Ultra-widescreen			Use Flawless Widescreen and Mass Effect Ultrawide.
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)		Default is 75°. Use Flawless Widescreen or see Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed		See Borderless fullscreen windowed.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)		Point, Linear and Anisotropic. 4 samples by default, see Anisotropic filtering (AF) for up to 16.
Anti-aliasing (AA)		Every sampling-based method alters lights intensity.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS
120+ FPS		See High frame rate. Framerates above ~70FPS start to noticeably skew vehicles physics (including constant bounciness and a wobbling suspension sound).
High dynamic range display (HDR)		See High dynamic range display (HDR).

Field of view (FOV)

Fix camera FOV permanently with a key binding

Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open BIOInput.ini. Find the [BIOC_Base.BioPlayerInput] section, and add the following period binding to it. Bindings=(Name="Period",Command="set BioCameraBehaviorFollow CAMERA_FOV 100 | set BioCameraBehaviorZoom CAMERA_FOV 40") Get to a stage when your Shepard can run around, and hit the . (period) key. You only need to do it once, then it works until you exit the game. Notes This fix sets the FOV to 100 and does not mess up conversations or cutscenes. You can try other values (default is 75).

Use ThirteenAG's Mass Effect Trilogy FOV Fix
Download the archive from here. Download and extract the archive to the game directory, where the exe is located (Binaries or Binaries\Win32) Notes Also works with Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 Automatically corrects in-game FOV (Hor+) 16:9 only[citation needed]

Borderless fullscreen windowed

Force borderless windowed mode[citation needed]

Set the game to run in windowed mode in the in-game video settings, make sure it's set to the same resolution as your desktop. Close the game. Make sure you haven't set the game to run in compatibility mode for XP nor Vista, the former causes borderless to be glitchy and the latter leads to a crash. Compatibility mode for 7 (if you're running 8+) is fine, should you need it. Install Borderless Gaming. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\Splash. Delete or rename Splash.bmp, this prevents Borderless Gaming from making the splash window borderless, as this causes a crash for unknown reasons. Be aware that the MEUITM mod adds a new splash image, so be sure to re-delete/rename it again should you choose to install/reinstall it. Run the game and wait for it to get to the main menu. Run Borderless Gaming, click Mass Effect on the left panel, click the arrow pointing to the right. In a few moments the game window should become borderless fullscreen. If Borderless Gaming isn't making the game borderless try running Borderless Gaming as administrator. If UI elements are clipping off-screen, in Bordlerless Gaming, right-click Mass Effect under Favorites, and check No Size Change.

Anisotropic filtering (AF)

High quality AF
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open BIOEngine.ini. Go to [SystemSettings] section and edit the following values like below Trilinear=TRUE MaxAnisotropy=16 High quality AF is automatically enabled by ALOT.

High frame rate

Change frame rate smoothing
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open BIOEngine.ini. Search and change bSmoothFrameRate to FALSE or raise MaxSmoothedFrameRate value. Save file. For more information, see the Unreal Engine 3 page.

Depth of field

Disable DOF
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open BIOEngine.ini. Search and change DepthOfField to FALSE.

High dynamic range display (HDR)

Use Special K after D3D11 upgrade

Set the game to run in windowed mode. Install DgVoodoo 2 in <path-to-game>\Binaries\. Use its configuration utility to force Appearance to Windowed, the highest available Direct3D 11 feature level API, and the DirectX Videocard VRAM the closest to your GPU. Download Special K. Install it locally into the aforementioned game folder with SpecialK32.dll renamed to dinput8.dll. Start the game, and from the SpecialK UI (Ctrl+⇧ Shift+← Backspace) make sure Active Render API is D3D9→11. From the Compatibility Settings, disable support for the D3D9 render backend if nothing shows up set d3d9 and d3d9ex to false in the newly created dinput8.ini and launch the game again Set an Override Resolution by clicking once over Window Resolution if targetting fullscreen, make sure to first enable Borderless and Fullscreen Borderless under Window Management Follow the remainder of the Special K HDR guide. Notes Resolution cannot be adjusted anymore in-game, but only with StartupResolution and OverrideRes in the .ini files.

Input

In-game general control settings.

In-game key map settings.

Keyboard and mouse	State	Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration		Use Mass Effect Mouse Fix to disable it. It causes occasional crashes when in-game tactical overlay is being used, use at own risk.
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		See Controller support.
Controller Y-axis inversion

Controller support

Add reinstated controller functionality

Download ME1 Controller Support mod Extract Config content in the configuration files location Extract Mass Effect content in <path-to-game> Notes Installing this MOD will break some elements of the keyboard and mouse support. The console will work fine. If you want to play with keyboard and mouse, uninstall this mod. The ini substitutes are read-only to prevent the game from overwriting them. Unset this when adjusting options. To change sensitivity go to the configuration files location, open BIOInput.ini and adjust following values. LookRightScale=24 LookUpScale=20

Simultaneous mouse and joystick support

Enable joystick move to be used with mouse

Navigate to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Config\ Open BIOEngine.ini and under [WinDrv.WindowsClient] add the line: AllowJoystickInput=True Open up BIOInput.ini and under [BIOC_Base.BioPlayerInput] add the lines: 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

In-game audio settings.

Audio feature	State	Notes
Separate volume controls		Dialog, music and sound effects.
Surround sound		By default, it can work only under XP. See No surround sound.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost		Enabled by default, no way to disable.
EAX support		EAX 5.
Royalty free audio

No surround sound

Force native OpenAL device

Make sure to have a working non-Generic Software OpenAL implementation Make the game use updated OpenAL libraries Go to the configuration files location. Open BioEngine.ini. Search for [ISACTAudio.ISACTAudioDevice] class Delete any value after DeviceName= Notes If needed, force a specific audio device by inserting its name (as reported by ALC_ENUMERATION_EXT in EnumerateWin32) Changing any of the audio settings in-game will reset the last steps, which will have to be redone

Localizations

Language codes to be used in .ini fixes are highlighted in the notes. Fan translations usually just override English files.

Language	UI	Audio	Sub	Notes
English				INT
Czech				CS. Retail only. Patch and DLCs for this release here. Doesn't contain translation for Pinnacle Station. Unofficial patch for digital release localization here.
French				FR
German				DE
Hungarian				HU. Retail only. Patch and DLCs for this release here. Pinnacle Station translation not included. Patch for digital release localization here.
Italian				IT
Korean				A Korean fan translation for the game should be available here.
Polish				PL (only Polish subtitles), PLPC (full Polish). Retail only. Patch can be found here, Bring Down the Sky here, while Pinnacle Station here (instructions & unofficial translation).
Brazilian Portuguese				A pt-br fan translation for the game is available here.
Russian				RA. Aka "Gold Edition". Retail only.
Russian				RU. Retail only. Improved digital version here.
Spanish				ES
Turkish				A Turkish fan translation for the game is available here

Independent UI and dubbing/captioning

English should be always present, and benefits of a slightly more privileged position. For simplicity the following fixes just assume 2-way mixes with it.

Combining 3 languages (or 2 non-English ones) shouldn't be particularly harder, but when switching to a new localization in Steam/Origin the client will try to prune the previous one files.

Separate the UI from the rest

Install the game in the desired localized language. Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open BIOEngine.ini. In section section [Engine.Engine], set Language=YYY. Browse back one directory and go to Published\CookedPC\Packages\Dialog (create the missing folders) Open a command prompt and run the following command (replace <path-to-game>, XXX and YYY where appropriate): mklink GlobalTlk_YYY.upk "<path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC\Packages\Localised\YYY\Dialog\GlobalTlk_XXX.upk" Notes XXX is the language code for the UI, and generally other non-dialog strings. YYY is the language code for "everything but the UI" (or just the subtitles if also coupled with the other fix).

Separate dubbing from captioning
Install the game in the desired localized language. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC\ Open/replace/tinker/trim loading priorities inside FileIndex.txt to change the voices language Notes Only English FileIndex.txt is ready-made (make sure the Localised GlobalTlk entry points to the one wished for the UI) Alternatively files can be renamed and moved by hand as shown here.

VR support

3D modes	Native	GG3D	Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision			See Helix Mod: Mass Effect for better support.
iZ3D
vorpX		G3D Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.
Devices	Native	Notes
3RD Space Gaming Vest

Issues unresolved

Some menu screens have sides "cut off" on 4:3 screen resolutions

Playing in 4:3 or 5:4 resolutions like 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 (common on moderately high-resolution, non-widescreen monitors and projectors) results in some menu screens displaying incorrectly: the left and right-hand sides of the screen are clipped (as if "zoomed in" too far), so important information cannot be seen (like journal details and the map legend). Screens affected include: Map, Party Selection, Planet details, and Journal. The only workaround is run the game in resolution with wider aspect ratio, i.e. 1920x1080 or 1280x800.

Black screen after loading a save

Black screen after loading a save[citation needed]
If the whole screen is black except for the UI, then Shepard fell through the Normandy and the save is bugged. Only happens on the Normandy, in the Engineering part of the ship. Never save there.

Use console command[citation needed]
Activate the console (instructions on how to enable the console further down) and type At BIOA_NOR00 Start_BIOA_NOR00_01 and press ↵ Enter. This will place you at the entrance to the Normandy and you will be able to save and load your game with no problems. If you fall through anywhere else in the game, pctweaks has a comprehensive list of all the "At string newArea" commands.

Issues fixed

TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game

Game simply doesn't start

Install PhysX Legacy System Software Origin version may also depend on the next fix to run at all

Game always asks for admin permissions (Windows 8.1 +)

This is also responsible for Steam Controller and Steam overlay not working.

Workaround broken Application Compatibility Engine and shim

Open the <path-to-game>\Binaries\MassEffect.exe properties Make sure there are no compatibility/administrator modes set (also remember the "settings for all the users" button) Open regedit Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers Create a new string value named <path-to-game>\Binaries\MassEffect.exe Set its content to RUNASINVOKER Notes Make sure there are no Compatibility modes enabled for <path-to-game>\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. It's also highly recommended to remove leftover registry values to avoid issues in other games.

Game still crashes immediately even after having installed PhysX

Disable Mandatory ASLR for the game
Open Windows Defender In App & browser control, open Exploit protection settings In Program settings, add an exception for <path-to-game>\Binaries\MassEffect.exe Disable "Force randomization for images (Mandatory ASLR)"

Crash after splash screen or black screen

Use updated OpenAL
Install latest OpenAL Delete or rename OpenAL32.dll and wrap_oal.dll from <path-to-game>\Binaries

Disable or update Riva Tuner Statistics Server

Crashes after title screen

Check the last log in %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Logs\ for "Error opening file" clues
Other "failed to load" lines (even those specifying "Can't find file") aren't necessarily indicative of anything special. If reinstallation still cannot address the error, verify any affected file to have all the required read permissions for the Users or Everyone ACL groups.

Launcher crashes (retail)

Install latest patch

Crash after some few minutes of play

Close any 3rd party application that may hook the game (e.g. AMD Gaming Evolved)

Failed to compile shader ** error

Retail: reinstall game[citation needed]

Steam: check local game cache[citation needed]

Origin: repair game[citation needed]

Characters become black blobs on AMD >K10 CPUs

Use fixed D3DX dll
Download SilentPatchME Extract d3dx9_31.dll in <path-to-game>\Binaries\

Disable some Processor Specific Graphics Pipeline optimizations
Open regedit Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Direct3D\ Create a new DWORD named DisableD3DXPSGP and set it to 1

Use Black Blobs fix for AMD CPU users
Notes This is the only fix working for Bulldozer CPUs, although it removes some lights to solve the issue

Therum missing textures

If when you get to Therum most of the ground is black, then you've got a common texture problem. Some of the black area is safe to drive on but some of it will kill you outright, making it quite hard to navigate.

Therum Missing Textures[citation needed]

To restore the texture, go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC. Delete LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC. Delete or rename LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk. Restart and Therum should look fine. Notes The game will take longer to boot on the first run after performing the above steps. This is due to the engine recaching all of the textures. Following the first boot, each subsequent boot up should be as normal. This issue is only found on Therum, so if the above steps do not solve the problem, you can continue to play as normal.

Humongous lens flares cover the whole screen (Nvidia GPUs)

Disable any kind of forced sampling-based anti-aliasing
Can be specifically solved just with better compatibility bits in Nvidia Inspector, but minor lighting irregularities still remain

Bugged lighting all around the map (AMD GPUs)

Make sure application anti-aliasing in the GPU control panel isn't set to "Override Application Settings"

No option for higher resolutions

No high resolution option
The resolution listbox in graphics options does have up/down arrows on the right side, which are easily overlooked, that allow you to choose higher resolutions like 1920x1080.

All textures look incredibly washed out

Also known as "Garrus face fix"

See Force highest quality textures

Make sure Texture Filtering Quality in your GPU control panel is set to High

Saves or settings don't actually get saved

Add an exception for <path-to-game>\Binaries\MassEffect.exe to your antivirus

If Controlled folder access is enabled, add the game to the allowed apps list

Check the last log in %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Logs\ for issues in the saves folder

No audio at all (menu or ingame)

Disable hardware audio
Un-check "Use Hardware" in in-game "Sound" settings Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini Add or replace the following lines under the [ISACTAudio.ISACTAudioDevice] section: [ISACTAudio.ISACTAudioDevice] DeviceName=Generic Software UseEffectsProcessing=True

Dialogue and other audio cutting out

Increase # of sound sources & update rate
Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini Add or replace the following lines under the [ISACTAudio.ISACTAudioDevice] section: [ISACTAudio.ISACTAudioDevice] MaxChannels=128 TotalAvailableChannels=128 TimeBetweenHWUpdates=1 ReserveChannels=2

DLC installers error "Mass Effect is not found"

Launch the game at least once

Make sure game is properly registered
Open regedit Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Bioware\Mass Effect String Path should be set to <path-to-game> (no trailing slash)

DLC installation fails at the end

Steam only: spoof game key
Run the game once Go to <path-to-game> Open installscript.vdf with a text editor Replace %CDKEY% with 5GUCXRFPQNBMTJBD3L5J Run the game again Reinstall the DLCs

Make sure your game key is valid
Open regedit Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Electronic Arts\electronic arts\mass effect (tm)\ergc The default string value should be set to your game key

DLCs aren't shown in-game even though they have been installed

Verify your game installation

Steam only: see DLC installation fails at the end

Force load DLCs

Go to <path-to-game>\DLC\DLC_Vegas Make a new file named autoload.ini with the following content: [Packages] 2DA1=BIOG_2DA_Vegas_GalaxyMap_X 2DA2=BIOG_2DA_Vegas_Merge_X 2DA3=BIOG_2DA_Vegas_AreaMap_X 2DA4=BIOG_2DA_Vegas_UI_X 2DA5=BIOG_2DA_Vegas_TreasureTables_X DotU1=PlotManagerDLC_Vegas PlotManagerConditionals1=PlotManagerDLC_Vegas.BioAutoConditionals PlotManagerStateTransitionMap1=PlotManagerAutoDLC_Vegas.StateTransitionMap PlotManagerConsequenceMap1=PlotManagerAutoDLC_Vegas.ConsequenceMap PlotManagerOutcomeMap1=PlotManagerAutoDLC_Vegas.OutcomeMap PlotManagerQuestMap1=PlotManagerAutoDLC_Vegas.QuestMap PlotManagerCodexMap1=PlotManagerAutoDLC_Vegas.DataCodexMap GlobalTalkTable1=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_ES=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_ES.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_PL=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_PL.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_DE=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_DE.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_IT=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_IT.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_FR=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_FR.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_CS=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_CS.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_HU=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_HU.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_PLPC=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_PLPC.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_RU=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_RU.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_RA=DLC_Vegas_GlobalTlk_RA.GlobalTlk_tlk [GUI] NameStrRef=182170 DescriptionStrRef=182209 ImagePackage="GUI_SF_PRC2_SaveLoad.Images_PRC2" ImageFrame="shotOne" CreditsFile="BIOCredits_DLC_Vegas.ini" Go back one path level and browse to <path-to-game>\DLC\DLC_UNC Make a new file named autoload.ini with the following content: [Packages] 2DA1 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_GalaxyMap_X 2DA2 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_Merge_X 2DA3 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_AreaMap_X 2DA4 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_Music_X 2DA5 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_UI_X 2DA6 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_GamerProfile_X 2DA7 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_Talents_X 2DA8 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_TreasureTables_X 2DA9 = BIOG_2DA_UNC_Movement_X DotU1 = PlotManagerDLC_UNC PlotManagerConditionals1 = PlotManagerDLC_UNC.BioAutoConditionals PlotManagerStateTransitionMap1 = PlotManagerAutoDLC_UNC.StateTransitionMap PlotManagerConsequenceMap1 = PlotManagerAutoDLC_UNC.ConsequenceMap PlotManagerOutcomeMap1 = PlotManagerAutoDLC_UNC.OutcomeMap PlotManagerQuestMap1 = PlotManagerAutoDLC_UNC.QuestMap PlotManagerCodexMap1 = PlotManagerAutoDLC_UNC.DataCodexMap GlobalTalkTable1 = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_ES = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_ES.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_PL = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_PL.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_DE = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_DE.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_IT = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_IT.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_FR = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_FR.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_CS = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_CS.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_HU = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_HU.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_PLPC = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_PLPC.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_RU = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_RU.GlobalTlk_tlk GlobalTalkTable1_RA = DLC_UNC_GlobalTlk_RA.GlobalTlk_tlk [GUI] NameStrRef = 178491 DescriptionStrRef = 178492 ImagePackage = "GUI_SF_DLC_SaveLoad.Images_UNC59" ImageFrame = "shotOne" CreditsFile = "BIOCredits_DLC_UNC.ini"

Error "Selected Save Game could not be loaded. DLC missing", but it is detected

If possible try instead to play with the same game language the save game was originally created in

Disable checks for DLC dependencies
Go to the configuration file(s) location. Open BIOGame.ini. In the [BIOC_Base.BioSaveGame] section, set m_bIgnoreDLCRequirements=TRUE.

Other information

API

Technical specs	Supported	Notes
Direct3D	9.0c
Shader Model support	3

Executable	32-bit	64-bit	Notes
Windows

Middleware

	Middleware	Notes
Physics	PhysX	2.7.2
Audio	ISACT, OpenAL
Interface	Scaleform
Cutscenes	Bink Video	1.8v

Large Address Aware

Improves stability when using texture mods by allowing the application to use more than 2GB RAM.

Large Address Aware requires administrator permissions request fixed to run on Windows 8.1 and 10 with the current Origin version

Low end configuration

Use custom settings

Set the lowest possible in-game settings Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini. Change all instances of bUsePostProcessEffects, bEnableBranchingPCFShadows and bSmoothFrameRate to False Similarly, put all MinShadowResolution to 16 and all MaxShadowResolution to 32 Replace the whole two sections below [SystemSettings] StaticDecals=FALSE DynamicDecals=FALSE DynamicLights=TRUE DynamicShadows=FALSE LightEnvironmentShadows=FALSE CompositeDynamicLights=FALSE ShadowFilterQualityBias=0 DirectionalLightMaps=TRUE MotionBlur=FALSE DepthOfField=FALSE Bloom=FALSE QualityBloom=FALSE SpeedTreeLeaves=FALSE SpeedTreeFronds=FALSE OnlyStreamInTextures=FALSE LensFlares=FALSE FloatingPointRenderTargets=FALSE Trilinear=FALSE SkeletalMEshLODBias=2 ParticleLODBias=2 DetailMode=0 ShadowFilterQualityBias=0 MaxAnisotropy=1 ScreenPercentage=100 [TextureLODSettings] //TEXTUREGROUP_Character=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_CharacterNormalMap=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_Effects=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_LightAndShadowMap=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_RenderTarget=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_Skybox=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_UI=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_Vehicle=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_VehicleNormalMap=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_Weapon=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) //TEXTUREGROUP_WeaponNormalMap=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_World=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=2) TEXTUREGROUP_WorldNormalMap=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=2) TEXTUREGROUP_AmbientLightMap=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Environment_512=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Environment_256=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Environment_128=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Environment_64=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_VFX_512=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_VFX_256=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_VFX_128=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_VFX_64=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_GUI=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Environment_1024=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_VFX_1024=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_APL_128=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_APL_256=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_APL_512=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_APL_1024=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_1024=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Promotional=(MinLODSize=0,MaxLODSize=0,LODBias=0)

Force highest quality textures

Force highest level of detail

Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini Replace the following three lines: TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=512,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=32,MaxLODSize=256,LODBias=0) ...with these lines: TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0) TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=256,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)

Modifications

Prior to modding the game, it is strongly recommended to run Mass Effect at least once to initialize all game files. You should also adjust your video and graphics settings as well to your preferences.

Please make sure you have as well all DLC installed.

ME3Tweaks Mod Manager is the required tool for installing more or less all content mods.

Mass Effect Overwritten (MEOw)

Contains a collection of subtle textual modifications for a more consistent, immersive, Mass Effect experience.

Saren Stages

This mod aims to both resolve and add to Saren's transformation throughout the game using hand created new meshes and HD textures.

Same-Gender Romances for ME1

This mod allows Ashley and Kaidan to be romanced by both male and female Shepard, utilizing unused dialogue in the game files.

A Lot Of Textures Mod (complements MEUITM)

A compilation of textures not covered in MEUITM. Regularly updated, applies LAA, and texture bioengine.ini tweaks automatically for the user (very user friendly).

MEUITM can be installed through ALOT.

Install all non-texture based content/mods (such as the DLCs or the ME1 Controller Support mod) before ALOT.

Mass Effect Updated/Improved Textures Mod

Regularly updated, applies LAA and texture bioengine.ini tweaks automatically for the user. Has mod options (picking different versions of textures) optional installs of ReShade, Indirectsound, and more (very user friendly).

Can be installed through ALOT.

Install all non-texture based content/mods (such as the DLCs or the ME1 Controller Support mod) before MEUITM.

Mass Effect Restored Light & Illumination Natively Mod

A mod that aims to restore dynamic lights and post-processing to Xbox 360 levels. It also corrects other things broken in the PC port and some things broken in all releases of Mass Effect (bug fixes).

Adds several optional and highly requested changes to the base game, such as removing Tali's visor distortion and making Ashley's armor look the way it does in the video on the Normandy distress call-and prerelease footage.

Install last, after installing ALOT, MEUITM and/or all other mods.

A Lot of Videos (ALOV)

This mod aims to upscale and remaster all prerendered cutscenes.

Also offer an optional addon that upscales the Eden Prime distress call in the prologue.

Enable developer console

Edit BioInput.ini
Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini Add the following line below Engine.Console so that this section looks like: [Engine.Console] ConsoleKey=Tilde If you have an AZERTY keyboard, the correct line is ConsoleKey=²

Quicker galaxy travels

Skip relay videos
Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\. Delete or rename GLO_01_Relay.bik and UCW_Loading_Flyby.bik.

No disappearing corpses

Make dead bodies stay

Go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bioware\Mass Effect\Config\. Open BIOGame.ini with a text editor Go to the section [BIOC_Base.BioArtPlaceable] Change the following five values to 0: m_nMaxCorpseVisibilityCleanupAttempts=0 ;If after this many tries, the body has m_fCorpseCleanupFirstAttemptTime=0.0 ;How many seconds to wait until the first m_fCorpseCleanupAttemptRetryTime=0.0 ;How many seconds to wait between m_fMaxCorpseCleanupDistanceThreshold=0.0 ;FOR NON SKELETAL MESH CORPSES m_fMaxCorpseCleanupScreenSizeThreshold=0.0 ;FOR SKELETAL MESH CORPSES Do the same in the section [BIOC_Base.BioPawn], then save the file.

System requirements

Windows
	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system (OS)	XP	Vista
Processor (CPU)	Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz AMD Athlon XP 2400+ 2.0 GHz	Intel Pentium 4 2.6 GHz AMD Athlon 64 3700+ 2.2 GHz
System memory (RAM)	1 GB (XP) 2 GB (Vista)	2 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD)	12 GB
Video card (GPU)	Nvidia GeForce 6800 ATI Radeon X1300 XT 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible Shader model 3.0 support	Nvidia GeForce 7900 GTX ATI Radeon X1800 XL 512 MB of VRAM

GPU must also support the A32B32G32R32F render target format