Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut Free DLC Release Date Announced and FAQ

We really haven’t heard much about the promised free ending-expanding DLC Extended Cut for Mass Effect 3 since its announcement, so the news that the DLC will be released next Tuesday, June 26th, came a bit out of the blue, though it’s certainly not unappreciated.

First, the official word from community manager Chris Priestly:

We are pleased to announce that the Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut DLC will be launch on June 26.

The Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut DLC is a downloadable content pack that will expand upon the events at the end of Mass Effect 3. Through additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes, the Extended Cut will include deeper insight to Commander Shepard’s journey based on player choices during the war against the Reapers.

The Extended Cut will be available to download at no additional charge for Mass Effect 3 game owners starting on June 26 for PC and Xbox 360 customers worldwide. Playstation 3 customers in North America will be able to download the Extended Cut DLC on June 26. We do not have a date for Playstation 3 customers in Europe, Asia, or Australia yet and will update when we have a confirmed date.

Then, a snippet from the official FAQ:

What is included in the Extended Cut?

The Extended Cut expands on the endings of Mass Effect 3 through additional scenes and epilogue sequences. It provides more of the answers and closure that players have been asking for. It gives a sense of what the future holds as a result of the decisions made throughout the series. And it shows greater detail in the successes or failures based on how players achieved their endings.

Does the Extended Cut change the endings?

The Extended Cut is an expansion of the original endings to Mass Effect 3. It does not fundamentally change the endings, but rather it expands on the meaning of the original endings, and reveals greater detail on the impact of player decisions.

What save game should I load to play the Extended Cut?

[SPOILERS] To experience the Extended Cut, load a save game from before the attack on the Cerberus Base and play through to the end of the game. The Extended Cut endings will differ depending on choices made throughout the Mass Effect series, so multiple playthroughs with a variety of different decisions will be required to experience the variety of possibilities offered by the new content.

And finally, if you’re interested in hearing more about the free DLC, there’s a 10-minute-long podcast available on Youtube with lead writer Mac Walters, executive producer Casey Hudson and community manager Jessica Merizan.