There are 8 different Endings for Mass Effect 3, but 7 of the 8 all have much in common. Changes in the ending sequence are based on two criteria:

Note: Your Paragon/Renegade status only affects a conversation just before the ending sequence. Click the spoiler tag to read more.

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Note: To view multiple endings based on the "final choice," you will be allowed to restart the last stretch of the final level after watching an ending. However, if you play multiplayer or the iOS game Mass Effect Infiltrator to boost your Effective Military Strength rating to access additional endings, you will need to restart from the final attack on the enemy base for your boosted score to take effect. See this post (warning: some spoilers) for more details.

Spoiler-Free Zone

The various ending permutations are described below, but spoilers are hidden behind "spoiler tags". Requirements are not hidden. Use this section to plan out additional playthroughs to view all 7 endings.



End Game Chart



Below is a chart that describes the ending cutscene that will you will see based on the choices you make in the game. Note that the Effective Military Strength values will slightly vary depending on your decision to save or destroy the Collector Base in Mass Effect 2. (Add 300 points to each tier if you imported a save with the Collector Base intact. [Note that saving the Collector Base gives you an extra 100 EMS, so you really only have to earn 200 extra EMS.] The game assumes that you destroyed the base if you do not import a save.)

See also End Game Chart - With Spoilers for a Spoiler Tag-free version of this chart.

Effective Military Strength Choice State of Earth State of Normandy Shepard's Fate 0-1749 Destruction Destroyed -Vaporized No survivors Dies Control Not an available choice Synthesis Not an available choice 1750-2049 Destruction Destroyed - Vaporized No survivors Dies Control Devastated Squadmates survive Dies Synthesis Not an available choice 2050-2349 Destruction Devastated Squadmates Survive Dies Control Devastated Squadmates survive Dies Synthesis Not an available choice 2350-2649 Destruction Devastated Squadmates survive Dies Control

Saved Squadmates survive Dies Synthesis Not an available choice 2650-2799 Destruction Saved Squadmates survive Dies Control Saved Squadmates survive Dies Synthesis Not an available choice 2800-3999 Destruction Saved Squadmates survive Dies Control Saved Squadmates survive Dies Synthesis Saved Squadmates survive, but are "synthesized" Dies 4000+ Destruction Saved Squadmates survive Lives Control Saved Squadmates survive Dies Synthesis Saved Squadmates survive, but are "synthesized" Dies





Destruction, Control and Synthesis Explanation

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The final choice in Mass Effect 3 consists of

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Other Ending Cutscene Differences



With the exception of one cutscene triggered by a choice in the final stretch, all ending cutscenes are largely similar, with only some very slight differences.

The shockwave:

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The Normandy's fate:

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Mass Effect 3 Ending Videos



Below are videos of the various endings of Mass Effect 3.

Ending 1: Synthesis



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Ending 2: Destruction - Perfect Ending



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Ending 3: Destruction - Good Ending



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Note: Difference between Ending 2 and 3:

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Ending 4: Destruction - Bad Ending



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Note: Difference between Ending 3 and 4:

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Ending 5: Destruction - Vaporization Ending



Ending 6: Control - Good Ending



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Ending 7: Control - Bad Ending



Note: Difference between Ending 6 and 7:

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ENDING 8: Refusal (DLC)

Instructions to trigger the cutscene:

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Description of scene:

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Comparison of Most of the footage of 6 Endings (Missing "Perfect" Destroy ending)

Post-Credits Scene



You can watch the credits or skip them to see this final scene no matter what ending you get.