Companions
Your squadmates are the heart and soul of Mass Effect 2, each bringing unique skills, personalities, and backstories to Commander Shepard's mission. Recruiting and building relationships with these diverse individuals is not only crucial for narrative depth but also for tactical advantage in combat. Their loyalty is paramount for surviving the game's ultimate challenge.
Mass Effect 2 features a robust cast of potential squadmates, each with their own distinct class, abilities, and loyalty mission. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and how they complement Shepard's own abilities, is key to forming an effective team. Beyond combat, these companions offer unique dialogue, personal quests, and shape the overall narrative through their interactions.
Key Companions and Their Roles
| Companion | Class | Primary Role | Key Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garrus Vakarian | Soldier | Ranged Damage, Suppression | Concussive Shot, Incendiary Ammo |
| Grunt | Soldier | Frontline Tank, Close Combat | Incendiary Ammo, Fortification |
| Jack | Adept | Biotic Crowd Control, Damage | Pull, Shockwave, Warp |
| Jacob Taylor | Soldier | Versatile Combatant, Defense | Incendiary Ammo, Barrier |
| Kasumi Goto (DLC) | Infiltrator | Stealth, Disruption, Precision Damage | Flashbang Grenade, Shadow Strike |
| Legion | Engineer | Tech Support, Ranged Damage | Combat Drone, Geth Shield |
| Miranda Lawson | Vanguard | Biotic/Tech Hybrid, Support | Overload, Warp, Breakthough |
| Mordin Solus | Engineer | Tech Support, Debuffs | Incinerate, Cryo Blast |
| Samara/Morinth | Adept | Pure Biotic Powerhouse | Throw, Warp, Reave |
| Tali'Zorah | Engineer | Tech Specialist, Drone Support | Combat Drone, Energy Drain |
| Thane Krios | Assassin | Stealth, Precision Damage | Throw, Warp, Assassin Dagger |
| Zaeed Massani (DLC) | Soldier | Heavy Weapons, Close Combat | Incendiary Ammo, Inferno Grenade |
Building Loyalty
Each companion has a personal loyalty mission that becomes available as you progress through the game. Completing these missions not only strengthens your bond with them but also unlocks powerful abilities that are crucial for the Suicide Mission. Failing to gain a companion's loyalty can have dire consequences.
Combat Synergy
The effectiveness of your squad lies in their synergy with Shepard and each other. Consider:
- Power Combinations: Pairing biotic and tech powers can create devastating biotic explosions or tech bursts.
- Enemy Weaknesses: Bringing companions with powers effective against specific enemy types (e.g., Overload for shields, Incinerate for armor) is essential.
- Defensive Support: Companions with defensive abilities can help Shepard survive overwhelming odds.
Careful selection and development of your companions are vital for success in Mass Effect 2.
Compare companions inMass Effect Legendary Edition