Mass Effect 3 Original Endings Explained: Destroy, Control, Synthesis

If you’re playing Mass Effect 3 and want to understand what the original ending choices looked like before the later Extended Cut updates reshaped them, this guide section breaks down the three classic endings and what each one triggers. It also includes the post-credits sequence you’ll see regardless of which ending you choose.

Key takeaways

• The original Destroy finale is triggered by taking the right-hand route and firing your pistol at the Power Conduit four times.
• The original Control finale uses the left-hand route and automatically plays out after you approach the two electric handles.
• Synthesis is only available if your EMS is at least 2,800, and it’s selected by moving Shepard into the white beam from the Crucible.
• In all three original endings, the Citadel and Mass Relays end up completely destroyed.
• The post-credits scene plays the same way no matter which Crucible outcome you pick.

Checklists

This page in the Mass Effect 3 wiki guide covers the original ending versions for the game. While those endings are now considered outdated for many players because the Extended Cut DLC is included in modern editions, the guide keeps this page around in case you’re running the earlier version of the story.

Despite still being tied to the original release, this page contains major spoilers for any version of Mass Effect 3. Proceed carefully.

If you’re looking for something specific, use the jump points below to get to the part you want:

• Destroy Ending Explanation
• Control Ending Explained
• Synthesis Ending Explained
• Post-Credits Scene

Next, the guide explains every ending result as shown in the original version of Mass Effect 3. If you’re instead using the Extended Cut (including via the Wii U Special Edition or the Legendary Edition), you’re directed to the separate “Extended Cut Endings” page.

Destroy Ending Explanation

The Destroy ending is treated as the first option in this original-ending setup (even if the video title suggests otherwise). To choose it, you take the right-hand path, then manually shoot the Power Conduit with your pistol four times.

For most players, Destroy can be chosen alongside the Control ending. But if your EMS is below 1,750, Destroy won’t be available unless you previously destroyed the Collector Base in Mass Effect 2, or you used the Genesis 2 DLC comic in the right way, or you started Mass Effect 3 from scratch without using that comic.

Regardless of your EMS score, the original Destroy outcome includes these results:

• The Crucible Wave wipes out all synthetic life forms. That includes the Reapers, the Geth (if they survived “Priority: Rannoch”), and EDI.
• The Citadel and Mass Relays always get blown apart.

The original Destroy ending also has EMS-based variations. Any changes relative to the earlier version are highlighted in bold:

• If Anderson was not executed by the Illusive Man, the requirement is at least 4,000 EMS.
• If Anderson was executed by the Illusive Man, the requirement is at least 5,000 EMS.

Control Ending Explained

The Control ending is the second option for the original game finale (again, even if a video title suggests otherwise). To start it, take the left-hand path and approach the two electric handles. Once you get close enough, the scene triggers and plays automatically.

Control is available for most players alongside Destroy. However, if your EMS is extremely low, you can only have Control as your sole option by choosing to spare the Collector Base in either Mass Effect 2 or the Genesis 2 DLC comic.

Here’s what the original Control ending does, no matter what your EMS rating is:

• The Crucible Wave forces the Reapers to fall under Commander Shepard’s control. Shepard replaces the Catalyst as the director of the Reapers.
• The Citadel and Mass Relays are always blown apart.
• Aside from taking over as the new Reaper AI, Shepard does not survive this ending.

EMS-based differences exist for the original Control ending, with any deviations from the earlier version marked in bold:

Synthesis Ending Explained

The Synthesis ending is the third option (even if the name shown in a video title implies otherwise). It’s only unlocked with a very high EMS value of 2,800 or higher. You choose it by walking Shepard up to the white beam coming from the Crucible, positioned between the other two options.

Because the EMS requirement is so high, Synthesis doesn’t have meaningful variations in the original setup. In other words, you’re assured there won’t be negative versions compared to the other endings.

Here’s what the Synthesis ending includes:

• All organics and synthetics undergo a core matter transformation into a combined fusion. As a result, the Reapers stop their killing.
• Earth and its people are not wiped out by the Crucible Wave.
• The Citadel and Mass Relays always end up blown apart.
• The Normandy crew survives. In the crash site sequence, Joker and EDI will always step out of the ship, along with your most-favored Squad Mate.

Post-Credits Scene

You can watch the credits or skip them to reach the final scene. This sequence appears even if you skip the ending credits, and it remains identical no matter which Crucible choice you made.

Want more help with Mass Effect 3? The guide points you to additional pages:

• Legendary Edition Changes
• How-To Guides
• Key Choices and Consequences
• Romance Guide
• Walkthrough
• Side Missions

Up Next: Extended Cut Endings

Top Guide Sections

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• Tips and Tricks
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