Mass Effect 3’s cooperative multiplayer mode has finally been brought into Mass Effect Legendary Edition on PC, arriving free on Nexus Mods for owners of the 2021 remastered collection.
Three Years of Development for Project Milan
The ME3Tweaks modding group spent three years quietly building the release under the codename Project Milan. Development began in earnest after modder Mgamerz wrapped up a randomizer mod for the Mass Effect 2 remaster, utilizing foundational tools the team had previously established when they restored the Pinnacle Station expansion for the first game.
When Mass Effect Legendary Edition launched in 2021, BioWare included the single-player campaigns of the original trilogy and all major story downloadable content. However, the studio omitted Mass Effect 3’s online multiplayer, citing the substantial development work required to restore the online infrastructure and manage progression systems.
Modder Details Extensive Remaster Features and Technical Upgrades
Modder Audemus described the release as an extensive remaster rather than a simple port.
This includes new features like bringing forward LE’s native features like controller support/HDR, overhauled UI, rebaked level lighting, upscaled/redrawn textures, upgraded shaders, improved networking/server replication, extensive bug fixes, new gameplay modes, and a stable format for future mod support and easy installation/compatibility.
Audemus, modder
The ME3Tweaks group also implemented full controller support. Internal changes increased the maximum number of supported maps from 30 to 255, while new wavelist modes like “Unified” combine enemies from multiple factions. Players can join the team’s official matchmaking servers or host private servers.
For instance, Mgamerz noted that certain character classes in the base game did not utilize the highest-quality mesh assets created by BioWare, prompting the team to clean up and restore these assets.
Carrying the Franchise Legacy
The public rollout arrives shortly after Electronic Arts shut down BioWare. The timing gives the community project added resonance as fans contend with the studio’s closure and the cancellation of future franchise entries.
I hope that this mod – along with the fact that we’ve been able to build the technology to make mods like this in the first place – sends a message that there is incredible value in this franchise, and a passionate fanbase that is not ready to say goodbye to this universe and these games.
Audemus, modder
Members of ME3Tweaks previously had an NDA with BioWare and held discussions with EA regarding Mass Effect.
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