I just got the Trilogy! I'm ready to play, only to find that I need to go through Origin.
So, I download it, go through the motions...only to find that it won't start up on account of the usual "api...dll file is missing" message. I look up solutions online, uninstalled everything and would NOT like to go through this ordeal again, so...
Is there any way to play the Mass Effect Trilogy without going through Origin?
Is that the "api-ms-win-crt-runtime-l1-1-0.dll" error?
Just reinstalling the VC++ 2015 Runtime should solve this problem. You can find it here.
(Install both versions, x86 and x64, run the installer as administrator and reboot after installation.)
BTW, if you try to use the Origin version from a Trilogy disk version it will install an outdated Origin version.
Download Origin from here instead.
As for your question: No, the Trilogy only works with Origin.
You can get ME1 and ME2 on Steam, but ME3 is an Origin original.
EA Staff (Retired)Hey @Persephone_188
Have you managed to resolve your issue with Origin thanks to Holger1405's instructions or maybe you need some further help?
/Ataashi
The first two games are available on Steam. The third game (and Andromeda) require Origin on PC.
Also beware with ME2 DLC cause they can crash your game right at the end of them and you won't be able to continue. The only workaround on offer means you having to do something unusual that sets the game to skip cinematics. That means you can continue but you miss out on cinematics.
BioWare doesn't care to fix it but they'll happily sell you the DLC and charge you for it, but they won't fix this known game breaking bug because they think it's ok that you miss out on some cinematics that you pay for. Honesty does require that I tell you that this bug doesn't affect everybody but it's a definite risk.
Do with that information as you will.
Honesty does require that I point out that only a tiny percentage of players have ever experienced any bug with the ME2 DLC.
Personally, I've installed (and re-installed) the retail disc and the EA/Origin versions of ME2, with all the DLC, and never had any issues.
