Mass Effect 3 is a game that offers a multitude of options for character builds, and as a Soldier, you have the power to dominate the battlefield. In this guide, we will explore some of the best Soldier builds that will help you maximize your potential and conquer the Reapers. From the best abilities to the ideal weapons and armor, we’ve got you covered. We will also provide insight into the builds for your trusted squadmates. So, grab your weapons, prepare for battle, and let’s dive into the world of Mass Effect 3!
Soldier Overview
Soldiers are the true combat specialists, proficient in all weapon types and equipped with access to special ammo types that can turn the tide of battle. Their unique Power, Adrenaline Rush, slows down time and increases the damage dealt to enemies. With Frag Grenades and Concussive Shot at their disposal, they can handle any situation with ease.
Explosive Burst Build
Let’s start with a build that revolves around the Explosive Burst evolution upgrade of Incendiary Ammo. This build is designed to deal devastating damage by utilizing a high fire-rate weapon to trigger the explosive effect. Additionally, Concussive Shot can prime and detonate Tech Bursts, making it a powerful combination.
Powers
Incendiary Ammo
Incendiary Ammo is the cornerstone of this build. By selecting the Explosive Burst upgrade, you can unleash destructive firepower that decimates enemies. The intermittent explosion covers a radius of 2.50 meters, dealing 100 damage. The higher your fire rate, the greater the chance of triggering this explosive effect.
Cryo Ammo
While not crucial for this build, Cryo Ammo offers crowd control capabilities. It can be useful in certain situations, but it is not essential for maximizing the Explosive Burst build’s potential.
Disruptor Ammo
Disruptor Ammo is particularly effective against shielded enemies such as Centurions. It can also be used to trigger devastating Tech Bursts when followed up with Concussive Shot or Frag Grenades.
Adrenaline Rush
Adrenaline Rush, although nerfed in Mass Effect 3, still possesses valuable traits. While it may not be the centerpiece of this build, it does increase your weapon damage by 25% and enhances shield strength by 50% when activated.
Concussive Shot
Concussive Shot is vital to this build’s success. With increased damage and faster recharge speed, it becomes a formidable offensive tool. The Amplification upgrade allows Concussive Shot to prime and detonate Tech Bursts, making it the only power capable of this feat.
Frag Grenades
While Frag Grenades may not be exceptional on their own, when combined with Incendiary Ammo, they create a fire explosion that hits multiple enemies. The explosion then transforms into smaller fireballs, wreaking havoc. Depending on your preference, choose the Shield Overload upgrade for high-shielded enemies or the Armor-Piercing upgrade for heavily armored foes.
Fitness
Maxing out the Fitness line grants essential survivability. It increases your Health and Shield bonus by up to 50% and decreases shield-recharge delay by 15%.
Combat Mastery
Combat Mastery allows you to maximize your offensive capabilities by increasing weapon damage. The final upgrade enhances your Ammo Powers by 40%, making it a crucial choice for this build.
Bonus Power: Marksman
To further enhance the Soldier’s arsenal, consider acquiring Marksman as your Bonus Power. You can obtain it by conversing with Ashley throughout the game. Marksman increases your fire rate by up to 50%, providing Explosive Burst with even more opportunities to trigger its devastating effect. However, note that it cannot be used while Adrenaline Rush is active.
Best Weapons
When choosing weapons for this particular build, it is crucial to focus on maintaining a low Power Recharge Cooldown by carrying only one gun. Here are our top recommendations:
Assault Rifle
The M-76 Revenant, acquired during the Mission Priority: Citadel, is an excellent choice for its high fire rate. With its substantial clip size and reserve, it perfectly complements the Explosive Burst build.
Alternatively, the Phaeston, obtained during the Mission Tuchanka: Turian Platoon, offers a slightly lower fire rate but can be acquired earlier in the game.
Submachine Gun
The M-9 Tempest, found during the Mission Tuchanka: Turian Platoon, provides an excellent alternative to Assault Rifles. With a high rate of fire, it rivals some of the best Assault Rifles. Choosing the Tempest over Assault Rifles decreases your weight, impacting cooldowns, at the cost of slightly lower damage output.
Best Armor
To maximize your damage output, the following armor set is recommended, providing a +50% Weapon Damage boost. If you prefer a hassle-free option, consider the Cerberus Nightmare Armor set, obtained from the Armax Arsenal Combat Arena or the Armax Arsenal Armor acquired during the Mission N -7 Cerberus Attack (arms) and complemented by pieces from the store.
Best Squadmates
While Soldiers excel in dealing damage, they may need assistance against enemies with shields and barriers. For this reason, we suggest bringing EDI and Liara along as your trusted squadmates. EDI offers invaluable support against shields, while Liara’s crowd control abilities can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Liara Build
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EDI Build
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In the Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition, mastering the Soldier class will bring you one step closer to victory. With these top-notch builds, optimized weapons, and strategic choice of armor and squadmates, you’ll become an unstoppable force on the battlefield. So gear up, embrace your inner Soldier, and fight for the future of the galaxy!
