Each class has distinct proficiencies in three main areas: general combat using firearms or melee strikes, tech attacks, and biotics. Classes can be further specialized to have even more intense focuses or proficiencies. In Mass Effect, specialized class talents are unlocked once assignment UNC: Rogue VI on Luna has been completed. There are six specializations, two of which are available based on your initial class choice. Selecting a specialization offers access to a new trait that add ranks 7-12 to your class specific talent; ranks 1-6 are unchanged, and grant the same bonus when you take ranks 7-12. Specializations are only unlocked once per character and will then carry over to subsequent playthroughs with that character.
In Mass Effect, an untrained character cannot effectively aim with certain weapons, and classes less proficient in general combat may not even have the option to train with a particular weapon type.
|
Class |
Type |
Description |
Talent |
Powers / Abilities |
Specializations
|
|
Adept |
Biotic |
The ultimate biotic, able to affect the physical world with the power of the mind. Gameplay focus is on disabling and debuffing enemies while dealing massive amounts of damage. |
Reduced biotic cooldown and increased biotic protection. |
Basic Armor
Pistols (Weapon)
Throw (Biotic)
Lift (Biotic)
Warp (Biotic)
Singularity (Biotic)
Barrier (Biotic)
Stasis (Biotic) |
Bastion
Nemesis
|
|
Soldier |
Combat |
A tough warrior, able to deal with a range of combat situations. The Soldier gets improved health, has the widest selection of weapons, and is eventually able to wear heavy armor. Gameplay focus is on getting into the thick of the fight, picking the right weapon for tactical situations, and outlasting opponents. |
Increased health and better health regeneration. |
Combat Armor
Assault Training
Fitness
First Aid
Pistols (Weapon)
Shotguns (Weapon)
Assault Rifles (Weapon)
Sniper Rifles (Weapon) |
Commando
Shock Trooper
|
|
Engineer |
Tech |
A tech specialist, able to quickly and easily manipulate the environment with specific talents, and repair or modify technical equipment. Gameplay focus is on shaping the battlefield during combat, healing the party, and debuffing enemies. |
Reduced tech recharge time and increased tech protection. |
Basic Armor
First Aid
Medicine
Pistols (Weapon)
Electronics (Tech)
Damping (Tech)
Hacking (Tech)
Decryption (Tech) |
Medic
Operative
|
|
Vanguard |
Biotic / Combat |
A powerful combatant, able to combine the offensive powers of the Adept and the Soldier. They have access to various weapons and armor, as well as biotics. Gameplay focus is on taking down enemies with quick and brutal force. |
Increased protection from biotics and ability with pistols and shotguns. |
Tactical Armor
Assault Training
Pistols (Weapon)
Shotguns (Weapon)
Throw (Biotic)
Lift (Biotic)
Warp (Biotic)
Barrier (Biotic) |
Nemesis
Shock Trooper
|
|
Sentinel |
Tech / Biotic |
Able to combine tech and biotics to manipulate the environment, disable and track enemies, or defend the party. Gameplay focus is on protecting the party using kinetic barriers and healing it with advanced medical training. |
Increased ability with pistols and reduced cooldown time for biotic and tech powers. |
First Aid
Medicine
Throw (Biotic)
Lift (Biotic)
Barrier (Biotic)
Stasis (Biotic)
Electronics (Tech)
Decryption (Tech) |
Bastion
Medic
|
|
Infiltrator |
Tech / Combat |
A tech-savvy warrior, able to win battles by quickly disabling and killing enemies. These soldiers focus on unlocking alternate routes, gaining access to good equipment, and obtaining an advantageous position over enemies in combat. |
Increased explosive damage of tech mines and ability with pistols and sniper rifles. |
Tactical Armor
First Aid
Fitness
Pistols (Weapon)
Sniper Rifles (Weapon)
Electronics (Tech)
Damping (Tech)
Decryption (Tech) |
Commando
Operative
|