Throw
Throw is one of the most fundamental and versatile Biotic powers in Mass Effect 2. It allows Shepard to unleash a kinetic blast that can stagger, disorient, or outright throw enemies across the battlefield. This power is essential for disrupting enemy formations, creating openings, and setting up biotic combos.
Throw is typically one of the first Biotic powers Shepard acquires, often available after recruiting the Asari Justicar, Samara, or the Vance, Jack. Its accessibility makes it a cornerstone of many early-game combat strategies and a power that remains relevant throughout the entire game, especially when upgraded.
The basic function of Throw is to project a focused biotic energy wave. When it hits an enemy, it can have several effects depending on the target's mass and resistance:
- Stagger: Smaller enemies will be knocked back and momentarily stunned.
- Knockdown: Larger or more heavily armored enemies might be staggered or knocked off balance.
- Throw: Lighter enemies can be physically thrown through the air, often off ledges or into hazards.
The effectiveness of Throw can be significantly enhanced through its upgrade path:
- Throw I: The base ability.
- Throw II: Increases the force of the biotic blast, allowing you to stagger heavier enemies or throw lighter ones further.
- Throw III: Further increases the force and range of the biotic blast.
- Throw IV: This tier offers a crucial choice that defines its tactical application:
- Kinetic Burst: The blast gains a small area of effect, allowing it to stagger or throw multiple enemies caught in its radius. This is excellent for crowd control.
- Force Dagger: The biotic blast becomes a more focused, single-target attack with significantly increased force. This is ideal for staggering or knocking down tougher individual enemies.
Strategic Applications:
- Disruption: Use Throw to interrupt enemy attacks, especially those with channeled abilities or heavy melee assaults.
- Environmental Kills: On maps with environmental hazards (like explosive barrels or sheer drops), Throw is your best friend for quick, ammo-free kills.
- Biotic Combos: Throw is a key component in creating biotic combos. When combined with other biotic powers like Warp or Singularity, it can trigger devastating chain reactions. For example, a Singularity followed by Throw can detonate the singularity, causing massive damage.
- Cover Manipulation: Throw can be used to stagger enemies out of cover, making them vulnerable to your squad's fire.
Mastering Throw is crucial for any Shepard who relies on Biotic powers. Its ability to control the battlefield and set up powerful biotic combos makes it an indispensable tool for overcoming the many challenges Mass Effect 2 throws at you.