To ensure Shepard survives the ending of Mass Effect 3, you need to achieve an Effective Military Strength (EMS) of 7800.
Understanding Effective Military Strength (EMS)
EMS represents the total strength of the galactic war effort against the Reapers. It is determined by the accumulation of "War Assets" throughout the game. Each War Asset, from fleets and ground troops to research data and influential individuals, contributes to your overall EMS score.
In the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, the calculation for EMS was simplified. Your collected War Assets directly translate to your EMS score, as the 'Galactic Readiness' multiplier was removed. This means the total War Asset score you see in your War Room is your Effective Military Strength.
The Critical EMS Threshold for Shepard's Survival
For Shepard to survive the final confrontation and have the opportunity for a specific ending outcome (the "Destroy" ending with Shepard breathing in the rubble), a high EMS score is paramount.
- Specific Requirement: A total of 7800 EMS is the threshold in the Legendary Edition for this specific outcome.
- Endgame Contribution: It's important to note that you will typically gain an additional 100-110 War Assets during the final "point of no return" missions, depending on your choices in Mass Effect 2 and 3. This means you should aim to be close to, but not necessarily at, the 7800 mark before initiating the final sequence.
Strategies for Maximizing Your EMS
Achieving a high EMS involves comprehensive engagement with Mass Effect 3's content. Every decision and every completed mission can contribute to your overall strength.
| Activity | How it Contributes to EMS |
|---|---|
| Completing Missions | Most main and side missions across the galaxy yield War Assets upon completion. |
| Recruiting Allies | Successfully recruiting and integrating various species and factions into the war effort is crucial for major asset gains. |
| Making Key Choices | Decisions from Mass Effect 1 and 2 that carry over can impact the availability and strength of War Assets. |
| Scanning Planets | Discovering resources and additional War Assets through the galaxy map often provides minor, but cumulative, benefits. |
Impact of EMS on Endings
While 7800 EMS is specifically for Shepard's survival in the Destroy ending, different EMS thresholds influence the various ending cinematics and their overall tone, determining the extent of the Crucible's impact and the fate of the galaxy. A higher EMS generally leads to more optimistic outcomes for the galaxy.
