Jacob Builds
Jacob Taylor, the former Cerberus operative, is a reliable combatant who excels in direct engagement and support. Building him effectively allows him to be a potent offensive force and a valuable asset to Commander Shepard's squad.
Jacob's primary strength lies in his combat prowess and his unique biotic/tech hybrid abilities. His signature power is Incendiary Ammo, which deals bonus fire damage over time, making him excellent at wearing down tough enemies. His other key ability is Barrier, which provides him with a temporary shield, enhancing his survivability. When building Jacob, focus on maximizing these strengths. For his personal evolution, prioritize Incendiary Ammo over Cryo Ammo if you want more offensive pressure, though Cryo can be useful for crowd control. For his Barrier evolution, Fortified Barrier is generally preferred for its increased duration and damage resistance, making him much harder to kill. His loyalty mission, "Jacob: The Offspring," is crucial for unlocking his full potential and ensuring his loyalty. Completing this mission with a Paragon outcome will grant him the Advanced Barrier evolution, which is a significant boost to his survivability. If you choose the Renegade outcome, he gains Advanced Incendiary Ammo, which is more focused on offense. For his bonus power, consider something that complements his role as a frontline combatant. Reave is a strong choice, offering biotic damage and a healing effect, which synergizes well with his Barrier. Alternatively, a power like Adrenaline Rush can further enhance his combat effectiveness. Weapon-wise, Jacob performs well with assault rifles and shotguns. The Mattock assault rifle provides consistent damage, while shotguns like the Claymore or Eviscerator can deliver devastating bursts up close. For heavy weapons, the Thanix Cannon is a good option for dealing with armored targets. When selecting squadmates to accompany Jacob, consider pairing him with characters who can provide support or crowd control. For instance, a biotic specialist like Samara or Jack can help manage groups of enemies, allowing Jacob to focus on dealing damage. Conversely, a heavy hitter like Grunt can draw enemy attention, giving Jacob more freedom to engage. Jacob is a solid all-around combatant, and with the right build, he can be a consistent damage dealer and a reliable survivor on the battlefield.