Whether you’re getting stuck into the classic releases of the Mass Effect games for the first time, or have just picked up the new and shiny Mass Effect Legendary Edition remasters, knowing how to make the most out of each class is the key to saving the galaxy. Across the three Mass Effect titles in the trilogy, the classes that you can choose from are Adept, Engineer, Infiltrator, Sentinel, Soldier and Vanguard, with each one befitting a particular playstyle. Naturally, because we’re super nice, we’ll be taking a look at every class in turn and analysing their strengths and weaknesses.
Mass Effect Classes – Adept
A distinctly ranged based class, the Adept is considered to be the most powerful user of Biotics – a special form of energy that can be used to manipulate and devastate enemies. Capable of ending battles without even firing a single shot, the Adept is also the very definition of a ‘glass cannon’, given that this class can only wear light armor and has low durability as a result. That said, the Adept can focus their substantial powers into a Barrier talent that protects the party or a devastating Singularity which can destroy their enemies. If you fancy wielding immensely destructive powers at range, but never want to get up close and personal, then the Adept class is the best choice for you.
Mass Effect Classes – Engineer
Though the Engineer completely lacks the Biotic skills seen in other classes, this sly class more than makes up for that shortcoming in other key areas. For a start, the Engineer possesses the entire selection of tech abilities with a view to disabling and damaging enemies through generous use of mines and other such gadgets. Though the Engineer can only use light armor, this class is also super useful in a support role too, with the first aid and medicine skills enabling the Engineer to be quite the effective healer.
Mass Effect Classes – Infiltrator
Essentially a riff on the Soldier class that places an emphasis on ranged firearms based combat and tactics, the Infiltrator proves highly skilled at using both sniper rifles and pistols, with additional talent points allowing the Infiltrator to deal large amounts of extra damage with each weapon. Furthermore, the Infiltrator not only proves skilled at using mines, but can also use a Dampening ability to stymie the electronics of enemies as well.
Mass Effect Classes – Sentinel
A jack of all trades type class, the Sentinel presents a good balance of Tech and Biotics to create a stunningly effective long range and support damage hybrid. Boasting the Barrier shield skill in addition to First Aid, Medicine and pistol training skills, what the Sentinel might lack in terms of specialised weapons training, it more than makes up for as a well rounded support class with a respectable damage output.
Mass Effect Classes – Soldier
A straightforward, hard-nosed damage dealer, the Soldier excels with all types of firearms and can wear the heaviest armor, immensely bolstering their survival potential as a result. A murderous engine with specialisations in all firearm types and with an emphasis on durability, the only thing that lets the Soldier down is its complete lack of access to biotic and tech abilities; something that other members of the group will hopefully be able to help out with.
Mass Effect Best Class – Vanguard
Arguably the best class across all three Mass Effect games, the Vanguard really is the best of both worlds; combining the smash mouth, physical brutality of the Soldier class with the offensive biotic potential of the Adept class. Throw in the ability to deal huge amounts of damage with shotguns and pistols, medium armor compatibility and a range of debilitating biotic attacks, and it soon becomes clear that the Vanguard is the most versatile and capable class in all three Mass Effect games.
