Research-backed game lineage

Mass Effect

Mass Effect is included in the Series Atlas after independent recognition and an authoritative game-by-game roster audit. Editions, simple ports, DLC, bundles, canceled projects, and cameo-only appearances are excluded.

11 curated games 2007–2021 release span 0 connected branches

Release chronology

The complete path.

Ordered by researched series position, then original release date. Ports, DLC, and duplicate editions are intentionally excluded.

11 games in this lineage

Mainline2007

Mass Effect

Mass Effect is an action role-playing game set in the year 2183. The player takes the role of Commander Shepard, a customizable character who serves as Executive Officer aboard the SSV Normandy. After a routine mission goes wrong, Shepard assembles a squad and pursues a threat that escalates into a galaxy-wide conflict. The game features real-time squad-based combat where players choose companions and tactics suited to different enemy types, from biotic-wielding opponents to heavily armored machines. The game spans a large science fiction universe, with explorable locations ranging from the Citadel space station to alien homeworlds and remote outposts. Player decisions affect mission outcomes, crew relationships, and the overarching narrative across the trilogy.

Nov 20, 200787/100

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Mainline2009

Mass Effect Galaxy

Mass Effect Galaxy is a game for iOS, released on June 22, 2009. The story focuses on backstory of one of the companion characters from Mass Effect 2.

Jun 22, 2009

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Mainline2010

Mass Effect 2

Are you prepared to lose everything to save the galaxy? You'll need to be, Commander Shephard. It's time to bring together your greatest allies and recruit the galaxy's fighting elite to continue the resistance against the invading Reapers. So steel yourself, because this is an astronomical mission where sacrifices must be made. You'll face tougher choices and new, deadlier enemies. Arm yourself and prepare for an unforgettable intergalactic adventure. Game Features: Shift the fight in your favour. Equip yourself with powerful new weapons almost instantly thanks to a new inventory system. Plus, an improved health regeneration system means you'll spend less time hunting for restorative items. Make every decision matter. Divisive crew members are just the tip of the iceberg, Commander, because you'll also be tasked with issues of intergalactic diplomacy. And time's a wastin' so don't be afraid to use new prompt-based actions that let you interrupt conversations, even if they could alter the fate of your crew...and the galaxy. Forge new alliances, carefully. You'll fight alongside some of your most trustworthy crew members, but you'll also get the opportunity to recruit new talent. Just choose your new partners with care because the fate of the galaxy rests on your shoulders, Commander.

Jan 26, 201093/100

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Mainline2012

Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing game in which Commander Shepard leads a final campaign against the Reapers, a machine race that has invaded Earth and is conquering civilizations across the galaxy. Players recruit squad members from various species and classes, forge alliances, and make choices that determine which characters survive. Combat features squad-based tactics with combinable biotic and tech powers, blind fire, and enhanced melee attacks. The game includes a cooperative multiplayer mode where up to four players fight waves of enemies to liberate conflict zones. Progress in multiplayer contributes to war preparedness in the single-player campaign. New and returning squad members join Shepard's team, including soldier James Vega and EDI, an AI in a physical body.

Mar 6, 201288/100

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Mainline2012

Mass Effect: Infiltrator

Mass Effect: Infiltrator is a third-person shooter developed by IronMonkey Studios for mobile devices (iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8 and BlackBerry 10) set in the Mass Effect universe.

Mar 6, 201270/100

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Mainline2012

Mass Effect Datapad

Companion Game for Mass Effect 3, released on iOS, it has since been discontinued, but is still available in a browser based version at Bioware's N7 HQ website.

Mar 12, 2012

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Mainline2017

Mass Effect: Andromeda

A new adventure awaits in the Mass Effect universe. With stunning visuals and a new galaxy to discover, BioWare delivers the next generation of space exploration. Commander Shepard's story may be over, but there are many more stories to tell in the Mass Effect universe. Mass Effect Andromeda will be set in a new galaxy, with new characters, new quests and a whole load of new consequence-laden decisions to make. Mass Effect: Andromeda takes you to the Andromeda galaxy, far beyond the Milky Way. There, you'll lead our fight for a new home in hostile territory - where WE are the aliens. Play as the Pathfinder - a leader of a squad of military-trained explorers - with deep progression and customisation systems. This is the story of humanity’s next chapter, and your choices throughout the game will ultimately determine our survival in the Andromeda Galaxy. As you unfold the mysteries of the Andromeda Galaxy and the hope for humanity lies on your shoulders – You must ask yourself… How far will you go? Key Features: Return to the Mass Effect universe. Lead the first humans in Andromeda on a desperate search for our new home. In this new chapter of Mass Effect, meet and recruit all-new, interesting characters caught up in an epic space saga filled with mystery and galactic conflict. Fight for survival. Battle with your Pathfinder team against terrifying enemies and creatures. New additions like destructible environments, boosted jumps for added verticality, and all-new weapons and Biotics make combat more thrilling than ever. Build your hero. Create a formidable hero with amazing weapons, powers and tech. A much more flexible skill and weapon progression tree means you can replicate your play style to make you unstoppable against new, powerful alien enemies. Explore a new galaxy. Chart your own course in a dangerous new region. Unravel the mysteries of the Andromeda galaxy as you discover rich, alien worlds in the search for humanity’s new home.

Mar 21, 201772/100

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Remaster2021

Mass Effect

A remaster of the original Mass Effect included in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition bundle.

May 14, 202176/100

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Remaster2021

Mass Effect 2

A remaster of the original Mass Effect 2 included in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition bundle.

May 14, 202188/100

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Remaster2021

Mass Effect 3

A remaster of the original Mass Effect 3 included in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition bundle.

May 14, 202189/100

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Mainline

Mass Effect

The heavily anticipated continuation of the Mass Effect series.

Release date TBA

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Sources and method

Built from the public record.

Membership is researched from external official and independent sources. Mainline games, direct spin-offs, remakes, remasters, and standalone expansions are included; DLC, simple ports, duplicate editions, compilation-only duplicates, rumors, cancellations, and cameo-only crossovers are excluded.

database Mass Effect collection — IGDB
IGDB maintains a distinct collection record for Mass Effect and supplies the authoritative roster used for membership verification.
reference List of video game franchises
The independent catalog recognizes Mass Effect as a multi-game franchise and supports its inclusion in this major-series research sweep.