Should I get DLC before beginning? If so, how do I go about it?

[Klapaucius]

I finished ME1 during lockdown, and I think I may give ME2 a go in the near future.

I eventually want to play the DLCs, but can I finish the main game without doing so or will that change things?

As far as installing goes: With ME1 the DLCs were free, and I just installed them. For ME2 that does not appear to be the case and they are not available on Steam. I don't mind paying, but how does it work for a game I bought on Steam?

[Synavix]

I would get them before you start, but you don't have to. ME2 lets you continue to play after finishing the last mission, and two of the DLCs are meant to happen in between the stories of 2 and 3 in the timeline. You can finish anything after the main game and still save/import your file for ME3 with it completed.

However, two of the DLCs are new characters that are meant to be recruited right at the beginning; so if you want to actually use them on missions you'll want to start with them downloaded. The same is true for all the weapon and armor packs which get unlocked right away. A couple of the DLCs are also short non-combat missions, designed to be easy missions early on for XP.

I'm not sure exactly how installing it works now since it's been so long (and some of the stuff has changed), but I was able to buy the DLC on Origin, download/install the files, and then sign in to the "Cerberus Network" on the main menu and it would verify them for the steam version of the game. Once they're verified once you never need to log in to the Cerberus Network again unless you fully reinstall.

You also used to be able to claim the game for free on Origin if you already owned it on Steam, so that might be easier if you decide to do that. Just get your CD key from steam and redeem it on Origin (assuming it still works).

[Klapaucius]

Thank you! I just looked it up and was able to use my Steam key for Origins. Since you suggested starting with the DLC, I might wait and see if the DLC goes on sale. I've got a few other games in the library in the meantime (and a lot of unread books). Thanks again.