These were then made available on the PlayStation Network when the game was released for the PlayStation 3. Some downloadable content packs were originally only available for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 versions of Mass Effect 2 through limited promotional opportunities.

However, users who buy the game used have to pay for the Cerberus Network separately if they want access to the bonus content. New purchases of the game are provided with a one-time use card granting access code that unlocks the game's Cerberus Network, an online downloadable content and news service that enables free bonus content for the game. The game's downloadable content was generally well received by critics and some packs were nominated for Best DLC at the Spike Video Game Awards.

Notable packs include Kasumi – Stolen Memory, Overlord, Lair of the Shadow Broker, and Arrival. The downloadable content ranges from single in-game character outfits to entirely new plot-related missions.

The game features a variety of downloadable content (DLC) packs that were released from January 2010 to May 2011. Mass Effect 2 is an action role-playing video game developed by BioWare and released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in 2010, and for PlayStation 3 in 2011. It can be accessed from the game's main menu. The Cerberus Network is an online downloadable content and news service for Mass Effect 2.