TheMass Effect Trilogyhas included DLC since its first game. Most ofMass Effect’s DLC adds complexity to its world and characters, and gives players the chance to explore a niche part of the galaxy in greater depth. DLC that add companions to their respective games, such as Kasumi, Zaeed, and Javik, are more controversial because of the nature of paying for a companion, and most paid companions would eventually become free.
This tier list is ranked based on the DLCs' impact on theMass Effect Trilogy’s story and lore, as well as their gameplay and overall impact on theMass Effect Trilogyin general. Some have a major impact onMass Effect’s lore, but have inconsistent writing and gameplay compared to other DLCs, while others should arguably have been a part of the base game rather than DLC. This list also doesn’t include the Genesis comics.
S-Tier: Mass Effect DLCs That Uplift the Series
Mass Effect 3: Citadelis a fond farewellto characters and a setting that players have spent dozens of hours getting to know. The team of the Normandy is front and center, with the entirety of the story taking place on the titular Citadel. Beyond the main storyline, Citadel comes with an arena that brings back old squad members, some new gear, humorous and touching moments with beloved companions, and shows how much the developer knows its players.
Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Brokergives Liara some much-needed character development, and a lot of valuable insight into one of the mostenigmatic characters inMass Effect. With some fun new enemies and a great boss fight,Lair of the Shadow Brokeris a must forMass Effectfans.
Mass Effect 3: From Ashesis a day one companion DLC that was controversial as many players argued it should have been a part of the base game instead of a DLC. It included the Prothean, Javik, as a companion, reawakened from stasis after 50,000 years. Javik provides valuable insight into the Prothean war with the Reapers, and is essential for anyMass Effect 3playthrough.
A-Tier: Essential DLCs For All Players
Mass Effect 3: Leviathanprovides essential lore on the origin of the Reapers, but the quality of its writing and the explanation of the origin of the Reapers became controversial among players, putting it in A rather than S-Tier. While the reasons behind the existence of the Reapers were welcomed by some, others were unhappy not only with the reason, but that there was a reason given at all, arguing that it ruined the mythology and mystery of the Reapers.Leviathanwas eventually loosely tied into theMass Effect 3DLC ending, where it was given a brief mention by the Catalyst.
Mass Effect 2: Arrivalhas similar problems, where it’s essential when bridging the gap betweenMass Effect 2andMass Effect 3, but its writing suffers for a multitude of reasons, not all of which can be explained by themadness caused by Reaper indoctrination. Characters behave in illogical ways so that the plot can happen in a certain way, while the Normandy appears to teleport to Shepard’s side conveniently, a problem which would also appear inMass Effect 3’s original ending. However,Arrivalis in A-Tier because of its importance to the story, despite its writing missteps.
B-Tier: Worthwhile Side Missions
Mass Effect 3: Omegais a side-mission that is largely unnecessary but a good venture for fans. It takes Shepard back toOmega fromMass Effect 2, and introduces the first female turian of the series, Nyreen, and brings back Aria T’Loak as a companion. Fans of Aria will get the most out of this DLC.
Kasumi - Stolen Memoryadds Kasumi to theMass Effect 2squad. Her special assignment is arguably the better of the two between hers and Zaeed’s, and features a fun infiltration mission at a party. Kasumi’s skillset is different enough to differentiate her from the other companions, and she’s great to have on the team.
Mass Effect 2: Overlordshows one of the darker sides of Cerberusin a game that goes a long way to make them look like a benign organization. While it doesn’t have the impact ofLair of the Shadow BrokerorArrival, it’s a fun side quest, though it hasn’t aged well in certain ways.
C-Tier: Overshadowed But Worth Playing
Zaeed is the final DLC character inMass Effect 2. While he’s an entertaining character, he’s quickly replaced with a Grunt who has a similar function but better skillset, and so Zaeed often gets benched until the Suicide Mission.
Mass Effect: Bring Down the Skyfeatured the first appearance of the batarians, and was a largely out-of-place story that didn’t have much context within the broader narrative.Normandy Crash Sitewas a short visit to the first Normandy, and doesn’t have much impact on the characters, story, or mechanics of the game.
Mass Effect Trilogy
WHERE TO PLAY
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition. Includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs – remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.RELIVE THE CINEMATIC SAGA: Heart-pounding action meets gripping interactive storytelling where you decide how your unique story unfolds.EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND OF SHEPARD: Create and customize your own character, from appearance and skills to a personalized arsenal then lead your elite recon squad across a galaxy in turmoil.REFLECT ON YOUR CHOICES: Your choices seamlessly travel from one game to the next. Each decision you make will control the outcome of every mission, every relationship, every battle – and even the fate of the galaxy itself.
