Mass Effect is a science fiction action role-playing video game series. It is set in the future where humans and various alien species have formed a galactic civilization. The player takes on the role of Commander Shepard, a member of the elite military force known as the Spectres, tasked with stopping an ancient machine race called the Reapers from destroying all organic life in the galaxy.
In the Mass Effect series, players can choose from different classes, each with its unique abilities and playstyle and that’s what we’ll discuss further in this article.
Class System: An Overview
The class system is a way of categorizing the different types of characters based on their combat abilities, skill sets, and backgrounds. Each class has a unique set of skills and talents that can be further customized with different equipment and upgrades, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.
Players can upgrade their characters’ active and passive skills by spending Talent Points, which are earned every time they level up. Each class has two specialization options that offer unique traits and perks when selected.
These recommended classes may vary between the games but are selected based on their overall usefulness and benefits. In short, the class system in Mass Effect helps players to identify and choose the type of character that best fits their playstyle and role in the game’s story.
Mass Effect Trilogy Classes Ranked From Best To Worst
1. Vanguard - S Tier
The Vanguard class is a hybrid of the Combat and Biotic classes, making it a versatile and lethal option in combat. Vanguards excel at both close and medium-range combat, using their biotic abilities to charge into battle and take down enemies with ease.
The class has a unique ability called Biotic Charge, which allows the player to quickly close the distance to their enemies and deal significant damage. Additionally, the class has access to shotguns and pistols, making them deadly at close range.
Overall, the Vanguard class provides a highly aggressive and engaging gameplay experience, with a focus on high-risk, high-reward combat strategies. It is a popular choice among Mass Effect players for its versatility and combat effectiveness.
Note: Playing as a Vanguard in the Insanity difficulty in Mass Effect can be quite challenging due to the class’s high-risk, high-reward playstyle.
Most Recommended Weapons: Pistols And Shotguns
Strategies For Playing As A Vanguard:
- Vanguards can use their charge ability to quickly close the distance to their enemies and engage in melee combat.
- Consider bringing squadmates who can generate powerful biotic detonations, such as James, Zaaed, and Liara.
- Shockwave is exclusive to the Vanguard class in Mass Effect 2.
- In Mass Effect 3, it is important to keep cooldown times low for faster recharge rates.
- The Piranha and Eviscerator shotguns are both effective choices for Vanguards, as they can deal significant damage at close range.
2. Soldier - A Tier
The Soldier class is a versatile and reliable option that can fit nearly every combat situation. It is a pure combat class that specializes in the use of weapons and physical abilities. Soldiers are proficient with a wide range of weapons, making them deadly at both long and short ranges. They can also use their physical abilities to boost their combat effectiveness, such as using adrenaline rush to slow down time and increase accuracy.
In addition to their proficiency with weapons, Soldiers have access to powerful abilities like Concussive Shot and different types of ammo, making them highly effective at dealing damage in combat.
Note: The idea that the Soldier class is the canon class for Commander Shepard is a popular opinion among the Mass Effect community.
Most Recommended Weapons: All types of weapons are suitable
Strategies For Playing As A Soldier:
- Soldiers excel at dealing with damage, but they can struggle with large groups of enemies. Bringing squadmates that can use biotic or tech abilities to disable or immobilize enemies can help mitigate this weakness. EDI, Kaidan, Liara, and Tali are all good choices for this role.
- The Concussive Shot ability is a powerful tool that can knock down enemies and destroy enemy cover. It can also be used to detonate biotic or tech explosions, making it a useful tool for working with squadmates. Leveling it up early can greatly increase its effectiveness in combat.
- The Soldier class has access to a wide range of weapons, but some are better than others for certain situations. The Mattock and Cerberus Harrier are both excellent choices for the third installment of Mass Effect, providing high accuracy and damage at long ranges.
- Upgrading your abilities is essential to maximizing your effectiveness as a Soldier. Focus on improving your weapon proficiencies and physical abilities.
3. Infiltrator - A Tier
The Infiltrator class in Mass Effect is considered A-tier and is a great choice for players who enjoy sniping and using tech powers. Infiltrators are skilled at dealing heavy damage with sniper rifles and have access to special tech powers that can weaken enemies before finishing them off.
They are also able to stay far away from enemies and even attack them from behind without being detected. The class is recommended for players who want an easy time in the Insanity difficulty.
Note: While the Infiltrator class in Mass Effect is typically associated with sniping, they can also be effective with heavy assault rifles like the Mattock. The Mattock is a highly accurate weapon that deals significant damage at medium to long ranges, making it a good choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.
Most Recommended Weapons: Heavy Pistols and Heavy Sniper Rifles
Strategies For Playing As An Infiltrator:
- Use Tactical Cloak ability to escape danger: As a tip for playing as an Infiltrator in Mass Effect, it is recommended to use the Tactical Cloak ability when the player is about to die, as it can make enemies lose focus on the player, allowing them to escape danger and heal up.
- Maintain distance from enemies in Mass Effect 1: In Mass Effect 1, it is recommended to maintain distance from enemies as an Infiltrator, as this class is not as effective in close-quarters combat. Staying at a safe distance from enemies can help the player avoid taking too much damage while still dealing significant damage with a sniper rifle.
- Only use a sniper and a pistol in Mass Effect 3: In Mass Effect 3, it is recommended to only use a sniper rifle and a pistol to avoid heavy cooldowns on abilities. This is because using too many weapons can increase the cooldown times, which can be detrimental in intense combat situations.
- Bring any squadmate: When playing as an Infiltrator in Mass Effect, almost any squadmate can be helpful. The class is versatile and can benefit from a wide range of squadmate abilities, from biotics to tech powers, depending on the player's playstyle and preferences.
4. Adept - B Tier
While they specialize in employing biotic powers to manipulate gravity and control the battlefield, Adepts in Mass Effect are sometimes compared to Jedis from the Star Wars franchise [1]. Jedis are known for their ability to use the force.
In Mass Effect, the Adept class is a potent option that can be selected by players who would rather utilize their biotic abilities to wipe down foes than rely on the might of their weapons.
Note: Adepts in the original Mass Effect game are often regarded as overpowered due to their ability to use biotic powers to manipulate the battlefield and deal significant damage to enemies.
Most Recommended Weapons: Light Assault Rifles, Pistols, and Submachine Guns
Strategies For Playing As An Adept:
- Bring squadmates that specialize in long-range combat to complement the Adept's abilities.
- When facing Guardians with riot shields in Mass Effect 3, as an Adept, it's recommended to use the Pull ability to strip them of their shields and leave them vulnerable to your attacks.
- Take your time and avoid rushing into combat as Adepts are often weak targets that can be easily overwhelmed.
- Combine Warp and Throw in Mass Effect 3 to detonate a biotic explosion that can deal massive damage to shielded enemies.
- Prioritize eliminating unshielded enemies first, as Adepts can quickly take them out.
- To effectively deal with groups of enemies in Mass Effect 2 as an Adept, it's best to focus on using abilities that can control and manipulate their movements, allowing you to manage them more efficiently.
5. Sentinels - C Tier
Sentinels are a hybrid class that combines tech and biotic abilities. They can use biotic powers to manipulate their enemies and tech abilities to control the battlefield. This class is great for players who want to provide support to their team, as they can heal and revive squadmates in combat.
Sentinels are also well-equipped to deal with enemies that are resistant to either tech or biotics, making them a versatile choice in combat. While Sentinels have a mix of abilities, they lack the specialization of other classes. They do not excel in any particular area, which can make them feel underwhelming in some situations.
Note: By the time Mass Effect 3 comes around, Sentinels have become significantly stronger, almost akin to tanks in terms of their durability and power.
Most Recommended Weapons: Assault Rifles, Pistols, and Shotguns.
Strategies For Playing As A Sentinel:
- Adept class and the ability to use biotics to displace enemies from their cover, making them vulnerable to attacks.
- Players should focus on using their weapons aggressively and not worry about the weight of their loadout, as this can limit their combat effectiveness.
- Bringing squadmates that can complement the player's abilities and offer powerful biotic combos, such as Liara and Javik, who are both powerful biotics with unique abilities.
6. Engineer - D Tier
The Engineer class in Mass Effect lacks the combat skills and abilities of other classes, such as biotics or heavy weapons. Instead, the Engineer focuses on technology and electronics, which can be helpful in certain situations but do not offer much versatility in combat.
This can make the gameplay as an Engineer feel repetitive and less exciting compared to other classes. Additionally, the Engineer’s drone abilities, while useful, are not as impactful as other classes’ abilities. Overall, while the Engineer class can be effective in certain scenarios, it may not be the most engaging or versatile class to play in Mass Effect.
Note: In the Omega DLC for Mass Effect 3, Engineers get a unique Paragon Interrupt during a conversation with a Cerberus scientist.
Most Recommended Weapons: Submachine Guns and Pistols
Strategies For Playing As An Engineer:
- Pick fighters like James, Wrex, Garrus, or Grunt. These squadmates should learn to use Assault Rifles, Shotguns, and Sniper Rifles to kill adversaries.
- Cover from enemy fire. Using shield-lowering skills will also assist stop enemies.
- Prioritize bosses and other foes that threaten the player and squad.
- Shoot weaker foes with the pistol. Squadmates can focus on defeating the stronger ones, making them easier to handle.
- Keep track of teammates and coordinate. This will ensure everyone is working toward defeating the adversary.
Conclusion
Choosing the right system class in Mass Effect ultimately comes down to personal preference and playstyle.
Whether you prefer high-damage snipers, close-combat Vanguards, or strategic support classes, each system class offers unique gameplay experiences that can be tailored to your liking. Experiment with different classes and find the one that suits you best.
