What Mass Effect Level Scaling Actually Does

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is BioWare’s remaster of the critically-acclaimed sci-fi epic trilogy. The Mass Effect series is back with tons of visual upgrades, over 40 DLC, and a host of new gameplay improvements all in one neat package. One notable change is how the remastered trilogy handles level scaling. Players are offered more choice in determining how the main protagonist Commander Shepard levels up in their journey across the Milky Way galaxy.

All three games received substantial changes, with Mass Effect 1 gameplay receiving the lion’s share of improvements. Players now have more character customization options, enhanced combat mechanics, and faster loading times. Much to fan disappointment, the remaster’s Mass Effect 3 no longer features a playable multiplayer mode.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition adjusts the leveling system to make it easier to upgrade Shepard’s abilities. Oddly enough, a brand new playthrough of the original Mass Effect 1 would prevent players from reaching the max level cap of 60. Therefore, players were required to play the game a second time to earn the max level. BioWare chose to change that this time around. Thanks to Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, there is no longer a level cap on the first playthrough of Mass Effect 1. It is now possible for players to reach max level 60 in just a single playthrough.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition Changes How Shepard Levels Up

Along with the standard Mass Effect setting options, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition also gives players the choice of changing how Commander Shepard levels up. The new level scaling setting introduced in the remaster allows players to switch between a Classic Mode and a new Legendary Mode. As mentioned earlier, the original games allowed players to reach a max level cap of 60. Classic Mode retains the original 1-60 leveling design. Conversely, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition‘s Legendary Mode changes the game series’s XP distribution and the level-up process by cutting the level cap in half to 30.

Beyond that, not much else will change other than the number that players will see displayed as their level. The overall number of skill points does not adjust between the two settings, just the amount earned at each level. Thus, which option players ultimately go with comes down to personal preference.

Players wanting more frequent levels with fewer points to spend at each level should pick the Classic Mode. Those seeking fewer levels overall but more skill points at each level should go with the Legendary Mode. Players seeking an experience closer to the original Mass Effect series should also pick the Classic Mode. Regardless, old fans and new players to the series alike can expect a great time with Mass Effect: Legendary Edition.

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