You must have completed the game in your Mass Effect 2 save file in order to import it into Mass Effect 3.
Mass Effect 3 cannot find my Mass Effect 2 save file on PC!
Mass Effect 3 for PC searches for Mass Effect 2 files automatically, you will not be able to search for them manually. Make sure your file is located in the following location on your PC:
- Documents > BioWare > Mass Effect 2 > Save > [save files]
No, Mass Effect 3 cannot import a save file from Mass Effect (1). You will need a completed save file from Mass Effect 2. Otherwise, Mass Effect 3 will prompt you to select choices from ME and ME2 when you create a new game.
If Shepard died in the ending of Mass Effect 2, will I be able to use that save file for Mass Effect 3?
Nope! You need a save file where Shepard survives the ending of Mass Effect 2.
Will I be able to make changes to my Shepard when I import?
You will be given the option to alter the appearance of Shepard, and you will be able to change class (i.e. Soldier to Adept) as well.
NOTE: Some ME2 saves will not be able to import the face-file of your Shepard. You will need to re-create the appearance when importing the file.
Will I be able to import a save file from Steam into Mass Effect 3?
Some customers are concerned that their Mass Effect 2 save files from the Steam version for the game will not work in Mass Effect 3, which requires Origin. Do not worry, any complete Mass Effect 2 save file can be imported into Mass Effect 3.
I cannot import my save game on X360
This is an issue we are aware of, relating to cloud saves. Please check here for more info on this problem: https://help.ea.com/article/cannot-import-save-game-for-mass-effect-3-on-x360
Can I import items from ME2 into ME3?
No, you cannot import Mass Effect 2 items, such as the Blood Dragon Armor, into Mass Effect 3. In story terms, such items were stripped from Shepard for actions taken at the end of Mass Effect 2. You can repurchase items you want in Mass Effect 3.