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Difference between revisions of "Mass Effect"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m
m (updated template usage)
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==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Skip intro videos|ref=<ref name="Tweakguides">{{Refurl|url=http://www.tweakguides.com/ME_10.html|title=TweakGuides.com - Mass Effect Tweak Guide|date=2016-8-9}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Skip intro videos|ref=<ref name="Tweakguides">{{Refurl|url=http://www.tweakguides.com/ME_10.html|title=TweakGuides.com - Mass Effect Tweak Guide|date=2016-8-9}}</ref>}}
 
 
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\</code>.
 
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\</code>.
 
# Delete or rename <code>BWLogo.bik</code>, <code>db_standard.bik</code> and <code>ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bik</code>.
 
# Delete or rename <code>BWLogo.bik</code>, <code>db_standard.bik</code> and <code>ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bik</code>.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Skip relay videos|ref={{cn|Does this cut loading times? Because otherwise there's no point in skipping movies|date=September 2015}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Skip relay videos|ref={{cn|Does this cut loading times? Because otherwise there's no point in skipping movies|date=September 2015}}}}
 
 
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\</code>.
 
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\</code>.
 
# Delete or rename <code>GLO_01_Relay.bik</code> and <code>UCW_Loading_Flyby.bik</code>.
 
# Delete or rename <code>GLO_01_Relay.bik</code> and <code>UCW_Loading_Flyby.bik</code>.
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===[[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|Borderless fullscreen windowed]]===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Force borderless windowed mode|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Force borderless windowed mode|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
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===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Anisotropic filtering (AF)|Anisotropic filtering (AF)]]===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=High quality AF|ref=<ref name="Experience">{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126200846/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/215916-making-the-most-of-your-me1-pc-experience-maximizing-graphics-and-sound|title=Making the most of your ME1 PC Experience, maximizing graphics and sound. - The BioWare Forum|date=2016-8-9}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|High quality AF|ref=<ref name="Experience">{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126200846/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/215916-making-the-most-of-your-me1-pc-experience-maximizing-graphics-and-sound|title=Making the most of your ME1 PC Experience, maximizing graphics and sound. - The BioWare Forum|date=2016-8-9}}</ref>}}
 
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].  
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].  
 
# Open <code>BIOEngine.ini</code>.
 
# Open <code>BIOEngine.ini</code>.
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===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Change frame rate smoothing|ref=<ref name="Tweakguides"/>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Change frame rate smoothing|ref=<ref name="Tweakguides"/>}}
 
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].  
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].  
 
# Open <code>BIOEngine.ini</code>.
 
# Open <code>BIOEngine.ini</code>.
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===[[Controller|Controller support]]===
 
===[[Controller|Controller support]]===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Add reinstated controller functionality|ref=<ref>[http://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/60/ Nexus Mods]</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Add reinstated controller functionality|ref=<ref>[http://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/60/ Nexus Mods]</ref>}}
 
 
# Download [http://me3explorer.freeforums.org/me1-controller-support-power-wheel-beta-t2036.html ME1 Controller Support] mod
 
# Download [http://me3explorer.freeforums.org/me1-controller-support-power-wheel-beta-t2036.html ME1 Controller Support] mod
 
# Extract <code>Config</code> content in the [[#Game data|configuration files location]]
 
# Extract <code>Config</code> content in the [[#Game data|configuration files location]]
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===No surround sound===
 
===No surround sound===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Force native OpenAL device|ref=<ref name="Experience"/><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://answers.ea.com/t5/Mass-Effect-1/PC-How-to-enable-surround-sound-and-environmental-audio-in-Mass/td-p/2847330|title=&#91;PC&#93; How to enable surround sound and environmental audio in Mass Effect - Answer HQ|date=2016-8-9}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Force native OpenAL device|ref=<ref name="Experience"/><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://answers.ea.com/t5/Mass-Effect-1/PC-How-to-enable-surround-sound-and-environmental-audio-in-Mass/td-p/2847330|title=&#91;PC&#93; How to enable surround sound and environmental audio in Mass Effect - Answer HQ|date=2016-8-9}}</ref>}}
 
 
# Make sure to have a working non-''Generic Software'' [[Glossary:Sound card#Set up OpenAL|OpenAL implementation]]
 
# Make sure to have a working non-''Generic Software'' [[Glossary:Sound card#Set up OpenAL|OpenAL implementation]]
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
 
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
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===People and objects become black===
 
===People and objects become black===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable lighting|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815200311/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/212447-squad-and-enemies-become-black-pixels/page-7|title=Squad and enemies become black pixels - The BioWare Forum|date=2016-8-15}}</ref>{{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable lighting|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815200311/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/212447-squad-and-enemies-become-black-pixels/page-7|title=Squad and enemies become black pixels - The BioWare Forum|date=2016-8-15}}</ref>{{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
 
Your squad, enemies, and objects that can be interacted with become boxy black blobs. This is a known problem on newer AMD processors - as the game uses the 3DNow! instruction set which was dropped in 2010 starting with the FX series of processors. To fix change the viewmode to unlit.  
 
Your squad, enemies, and objects that can be interacted with become boxy black blobs. This is a known problem on newer AMD processors - as the game uses the 3DNow! instruction set which was dropped in 2010 starting with the FX series of processors. To fix change the viewmode to unlit.  
 
# First you will need to enable the [[#Enable developer console|developer console]].
 
# First you will need to enable the [[#Enable developer console|developer console]].
Line 370: Line 362:
 
{{ii}} It's possible these issues will only affect you in very specific areas, namely an area on Noveria and another on Ilos. After exiting these areas you can use <code>viewmode lit</code> to revert Mass Effect to its normal lighting. There's a possibility you will need to unequip then reequip armor to fix them after doing so.
 
{{ii}} It's possible these issues will only affect you in very specific areas, namely an area on Noveria and another on Ilos. After exiting these areas you can use <code>viewmode lit</code> to revert Mass Effect to its normal lighting. There's a possibility you will need to unequip then reequip armor to fix them after doing so.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use [http://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/71/ FPS Counter]|ref=<ref>Unexpectedly [http://steamcommunity.com/app/17460/discussions/0/846958223131451834/?ctp=2#c353916981472450241 confirmed] by [[User:Mirh|Mirh]]</ref>|<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Captain|date=21-10-17}Working on FX-4300 system, though attempted to repair game's original color palette (fixable with in-game menu)}</ref>{{CN|Still can't qualify as complete fix because it's convoluted}}}}
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Use [http://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/71/ FPS Counter]|ref=<ref>Unexpectedly [http://steamcommunity.com/app/17460/discussions/0/846958223131451834/?ctp=2#c353916981472450241 confirmed] by [[User:Mirh|Mirh]]</ref>|<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Captain|date=21-10-17}Working on FX-4300 system, though attempted to repair game's original color palette (fixable with in-game menu)}</ref>{{CN|Still can't qualify as complete fix because it's convoluted}}}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===Black screen after loading a save===
 
===Black screen after loading a save===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Black screen after loading a save|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Black screen after loading a save|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
}}
 
}}
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===Game simply doesn't start===
 
===Game simply doesn't start===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install [http://www.nvidia.com/object/physx-9.13.0604-legacy-driver.html PhysX Legacy System Software]|ref=<ref>[[Thread:Talk:Mass Effect/Mass Effect on Steam, having to run Steam as admin/reply (4)|Mirh testing]]</ref>}}
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install [http://www.nvidia.com/object/physx-9.13.0604-legacy-driver.html PhysX Legacy System Software]|ref=<ref>[[Thread:Talk:Mass Effect/Mass Effect on Steam, having to run Steam as admin/reply (4)|Mirh testing]]</ref>}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===Crash after splash screen or black screen===
 
===Crash after splash screen or black screen===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use updated OpenAL|ref={{cn|date=February 2017}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Use updated OpenAL|ref={{cn|date=February 2017}}}}
 
 
# Install latest [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ OpenAL]
 
# Install latest [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ OpenAL]
 
# Delete <code>OpenAL32.dll</code> and <code>wrap_oal.dll</code> from <code>{{p|game}}\Binaries</code>
 
# Delete <code>OpenAL32.dll</code> and <code>wrap_oal.dll</code> from <code>{{p|game}}\Binaries</code>
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===Launcher crashes (retail)===
 
===Launcher crashes (retail)===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install latest [[#Patches|patch]]|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install latest [[#Patches|patch]]|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===Game always asks for admin permissions===
 
===Game always asks for admin permissions===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=November 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Instructions|ref={{cn|date=November 2016}}}}
 
 
# The following does not work in Windows 10.
 
# The following does not work in Windows 10.
 
# Open an elevated [[Microsoft Windows#Command Prompt|command prompt]].
 
# Open an elevated [[Microsoft Windows#Command Prompt|command prompt]].
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===Failed to compile shader ** error===
 
===Failed to compile shader ** error===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Retail: reinstall game|ref={{CN|It's not like this couldn't be improved with the right knowledge and the right actions. What's the problem for example, in the first place?}}}}
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Retail: reinstall game|ref={{CN|It's not like this couldn't be improved with the right knowledge and the right actions. What's the problem for example, in the first place?}}}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Steam: check local [[Steam#Verify Integrity of Game Cache|game cache]]|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
−
}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Origin: [[Origin#Repair game installation|repair]] game|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Steam: check local [[Steam#Verify Integrity of Game Cache|game cache]]|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Fixbox|1=
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Origin: [[Origin#Repair game installation|repair]] game|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===Therum missing textures===
 
===Therum missing textures===
 
{{ii}} 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.
 
{{ii}} 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.
  
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Therum Missing Textures|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150915134652/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=780287 To fix missing lava textures on Therum - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>{{CN|Should we dupe this? According to Steam forum user the problematic file is no longer shipped|date=August 2017}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Therum Missing Textures|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150915134652/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=780287 To fix missing lava textures on Therum - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>{{CN|Should we dupe this? According to Steam forum user the problematic file is no longer shipped|date=August 2017}}}}
 
 
# To restore the texture, go to <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC</code>.
 
# To restore the texture, go to <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC</code>.
 
# Delete <code>LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk</code>.
 
# Delete <code>LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk</code>.
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===IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game===
 
===IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game.|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game.}}
 
 
If you receive this message, it may be fixed by running the .exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to do this for the actual MassEffect.exe and not the launcher. The final folder tree will be \Mass Effect\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. The preceding folders will of course depend on how you installed the game (via Steam, via Origin etc.).  
 
If you receive this message, it may be fixed by running the .exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to do this for the actual MassEffect.exe and not the launcher. The final folder tree will be \Mass Effect\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. The preceding folders will of course depend on how you installed the game (via Steam, via Origin etc.).  
 
# To set the compatibility mode, right click the .exe, select properties.
 
# To set the compatibility mode, right click the .exe, select properties.
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===No high resolution option===
 
===No high resolution option===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=No high resolution option|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|No high resolution option|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
}}
 
}}
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===Low res textures fix===
 
===Low res textures fix===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Force highest quality textures|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150919055957/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2282965 Low quality textures fix for Mass Effect - Steam forums] (retrieved)</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Force highest quality textures|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150919055957/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2282965 Low quality textures fix for Mass Effect - Steam forums] (retrieved)</ref>}}
 
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini</code>
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini</code>
 
# Replace the following three lines:
 
# Replace the following three lines:
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===Mods===
 
===Mods===
 
====Mass Effect 1 Updated/Improved Textures Mod====
 
====Mass Effect 1 Updated/Improved Textures Mod====
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Install mod|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install mod|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
 
 
# Download and install [http://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/1/ MEUITM]
 
# Download and install [http://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/1/ MEUITM]
 
# Enable [[Microsoft Windows#4-Gigabyte Tuning|Large Address Aware flag]] in game executable
 
# Enable [[Microsoft Windows#4-Gigabyte Tuning|Large Address Aware flag]] in game executable
Line 529: Line 501:
  
 
===Enable developer console===
 
===Enable developer console===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit BioInput.ini|ref=<ref>[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/PC_Tweaks#Enabling_The_Console PC Tweaks - Mass Effect Wiki]</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Edit BioInput.ini|ref=<ref>[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/PC_Tweaks#Enabling_The_Console PC Tweaks - Mass Effect Wiki]</ref>}}
 
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini</code>
 
# Open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini</code>
 
# Add the following line below <code>Engine.Console</code> so that this section looks like:
 
# Add the following line below <code>Engine.Console</code> so that this section looks like:

Revision as of 02:02, 23 November 2017

Template:Infobox game/row/winporter
Mass Effect
Mass Effect cover
Developers
BioWare
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Eastern Europe CD Projekt
Engines
Unreal Engine 3
Release dates
Windows May 28, 2008
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Mass Effect guide on StrategyWiki
Mass Effect on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
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.

General information

Official game site
Mass Effect Wiki
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Requires online activation
 SecuROM PA DRM, three machine limit.[1] A De-Authorization Tool is available.
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 SafeDisc v4 DRM[Note 1]. Only in Hungary and Czech Republic. The provided CD-Keys are invalid to Origin, needs contact through Origin Support.
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Amazon.com
Requires online activation
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Amazon.co.uk
Origin
Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Origin
Windows
Incorrect store name. See here for available options.
Origin
Windows
Origin
Origin
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Steam DRM late v1.5. The key that Steam provides is invalid to Origin, need to contact EA Support
Icon overlay.png
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).

DLC and expansion packs

Origin version 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
Name Notes
Bring Down the Sky
Windows
Pinnacle Station
Windows

Essential improvements

Skip intro videos

Skip intro videos[4]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\.
  2. Delete or rename BWLogo.bik, db_standard.bik and ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bik.
Skip relay videos[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies\.
  2. Delete or rename GLO_01_Relay.bik and UCW_Loading_Flyby.bik.

Patches

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

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

Template:Game data/row
System Location
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/17460/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

Template:Game data/row
System Location
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/17460/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin
[5]
Steam Cloud

Video settings

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Template:Video settings

Borderless fullscreen windowed

Force borderless windowed mode[citation needed]
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Install Borderless Gaming.
  4. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\Splash.
  5. 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.
  6. Run the game and wait for it to get to the main menu.
  7. Run Borderless Gaming, click Mass Effect on the left panel, click the arrow pointing to the right.
  8. 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.[6]

Anisotropic filtering (AF)

High quality AF[7]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open BIOEngine.ini.
  3. Go to [SystemSettings] section and edit the following values like below
Trilinear=TRUE
MaxAnisotropy=16

High frame rate

Change frame rate smoothing[4]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open BIOEngine.ini.
  3. Search and change bSmoothFrameRate to FALSE or raise MaxSmoothedFrameRate value.
  4. Save file.
For more information, see the Unreal Engine 3 page.

Input settings

In-game general control settings.
In-game general control settings.
In-game key map settings.
In-game key map settings.

Template:Input settings

Controller support

Add reinstated controller functionality[8]
  1. Download ME1 Controller Support mod
  2. Extract Config content in the configuration files location
  3. Extract Mass Effect (or Mass Effect MEUITM if it's the case) content in <path-to-game>

Notes

The ini substitutes are read only to prevent 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

Audio settings

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
Retail only.[9][10] Patch for this release here. Doesn't contain translation for Pinnacle Station.[11] Unofficial patch which brings localization to digital release here.
French
German
Hungarian
Retail only[12]
Italian
Polish
Retail only[13]
Russian
Spanish

No surround sound

Force native OpenAL device[7][14]
  1. Make sure to have a working non-Generic Software OpenAL implementation
  2. Go to the configuration files location.
  3. Open BioEngine.ini.
  4. Search for [ISACTAudio.ISACTAudioDevice] class
  5. 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)

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
See Helix Mod: Mass Effect for better support.
iZ3D

Issues unresolved

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

Playing in 4:3 resolutions like 1600x1200(useful for 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. Currently the only known fix is to use a 16:9 screen resolution when playing, like 1920x1080.

People and objects become black

Disable lighting[15][citation needed]

Your squad, enemies, and objects that can be interacted with become boxy black blobs. This is a known problem on newer AMD processors - as the game uses the 3DNow! instruction set which was dropped in 2010 starting with the FX series of processors. To fix change the viewmode to unlit.

  1. First you will need to enable the developer console.
  2. Boot up Mass Effect, open the developer console by hitting ~ and type in viewmode unlit. Should be good to go.
It's possible these issues will only affect you in very specific areas, namely an area on Noveria and another on Ilos. After exiting these areas you can use viewmode lit to revert Mass Effect to its normal lighting. There's a possibility you will need to unequip then reequip armor to fix them after doing so.
Use FPS Counter[16]

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.

FIX: 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[4]

Game simply doesn't start

Install PhysX Legacy System Software[17]

Crash after splash screen or black screen

Use updated OpenAL[citation needed]
  1. Install latest OpenAL
  2. Delete OpenAL32.dll and wrap_oal.dll from <path-to-game>\Binaries

Launcher crashes (retail)

Install latest patch[citation needed]

Game always asks for admin permissions

Instructions[citation needed]
  1. The following does not work in Windows 10.
  2. Open an elevated command prompt.
  3. Run the following command:
    FOR /F "skip=2 tokens=2,*" %A IN ('REG QUERY "HKLM\SOFTWARE\bioware\mass effect" /v Path /reg:32') DO REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers" /v "%B"^\Binaries\MassEffect.exe /t REG_SZ /d RUNASINVOKER

Notes

It's highly recommended to remove leftover registry values to avoid issues in other games.[18]

Failed to compile shader ** error

Retail: reinstall game[citation needed]
Steam: check local game cache[citation needed]
Origin: repair game[citation needed]

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[19][citation needed]
  1. To restore the texture, go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Published\CookedPC.
  2. Delete LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk.
  3. Go to <path-to-game>\BioGame\CookedPC.
  4. Delete or rename LocalShaderCache-PC-D3D-SM3.upk.
  5. 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.

IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game

IGameExplorer --> Verify Access. Unable to verify access to the game.

If you receive this message, it may be fixed by running the .exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to do this for the actual MassEffect.exe and not the launcher. The final folder tree will be \Mass Effect\Binaries\MassEffect.exe. The preceding folders will of course depend on how you installed the game (via Steam, via Origin etc.).

  1. To set the compatibility mode, right click the .exe, select properties.
  2. Go to the compatibility tab, select an option from the drop down list.

No high resolution option

No high resolution option[citation needed]

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.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Shader Model support 3
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics PhysX 2.7.2
Audio ISACT, [20] OpenAL
Interface Scaleform
Cutscenes Bink Video 1.8v

Large Address Aware

Improves stability on 64 bit systems with at least 3GB RAM by allowing the application to use more than 2GB RAM.

Low res textures fix

Force highest quality textures[21]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini
  2. 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)
  3. ...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)

Mods

Mass Effect 1 Updated/Improved Textures Mod

Install mod[citation needed]
  1. Download and install MEUITM
  2. Enable Large Address Aware flag in game executable
  3. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioEngine.ini and:
DepthBias=0.006000
MinShadowResolution=32
MaxShadowResolution=4096
ShadowFilterQualityBias=4

Enable developer console

Edit BioInput.ini[22]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config\BioInput.ini
  2. 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

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
DirectX 9.0c compatible
Shader model 3.0 support

Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[2] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[3]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References

  1. ↑ Mass Effect Community - Mass Effect for PC System Specs, SecuROM and FAQ Part 2
  2. ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  3. ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 TweakGuides.com - Mass Effect Tweak Guide - last accessed on 2016-8-9
  5. ↑ Origin 8.5 Introduces Custom Avatars And Extends Cloud Storage - EA News
  6. ↑ Mass Effect 1 · Issue #205 · Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming - last accessed on 2016-10-30
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Making the most of your ME1 PC Experience, maximizing graphics and sound. - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-9
  8. ↑ Nexus Mods
  9. ↑ CDProjekt.cz - Mass Effect - last accessed on 2016-8-24
  10. ↑ http://cestinybeta.rpgcitadela.cz/portfolio/mass-effect-1/
  11. ↑ https://prekladyher.eu/preklady/mass-effect-1.329/
  12. ↑ CD Projekt - last accessed on 2016-8-24
  13. ↑ CD Projekt: Gra - Mass Effect - last accessed on 2016-8-24
  14. ↑ [PC] How to enable surround sound and environmental audio in Mass Effect - Answer HQ - last accessed on 2016-8-9
  15. ↑ Squad and enemies become black pixels - The BioWare Forum - last accessed on 2016-8-15
  16. ↑ Unexpectedly confirmed by Mirh
  17. ↑ Mirh testing
  18. ↑ PhsyX, Mirror's Edge, and You - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  19. ↑ To fix missing lava textures on Therum - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
  20. ↑ Exclusive Interview with the Sound Design Team of “Mass Effect 2″ | Designing Sound
  21. ↑ Low quality textures fix for Mass Effect - Steam forums (retrieved)
  22. ↑ PC Tweaks - Mass Effect Wiki