Incinerate
Incinerate is a potent Tech power in Mass Effect 2 that deals damage over time to a single target, effectively stripping away armor and dealing sustained damage. It's a versatile ability that can be upgraded to have a wider area of effect or to leave enemies burning for longer, making it a valuable asset for any Shepard.
This power is available to Shepard classes that utilize Tech abilities, primarily the Engineer and Infiltrator, but can also be acquired by other classes through specific upgrades or by recruiting squadmates who possess it. Incinerate is particularly effective against enemies with heavy armor, as the burning effect bypasses their defenses to deal damage directly. When used strategically, it can soften up tough targets, making them easier for Shepard and their squad to finish off. The base version of Incinerate fires a projectile that ites the target, causing them to burn for a set duration.
Upgrade Paths for Incinerate:
Incinerate has two distinct upgrade paths, allowing players to tailor its effectiveness to their preferred combat style:
| Upgrade Path | Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Incendiary Burst | Area of Effect | Allows Incinerate to detonate in a small area, damaging multiple enemies. This is excellent for crowd control and softening up groups. |
| Incendiary Blast | Increased Damage/Duration | Significantly increases the damage dealt by Incinerate and extends the duration of the burning effect. This makes it a powerhouse for taking down heavily armored single targets. |
Strategic Usage:
- Armor Stripping: Incinerate is one of the best ways to deal with heavily armored enemies. The burning effect bypasses shields and barriers, directly reducing their health.
- Damage Over Time: Applying Incinerate and then switching to another target or using cover allows the burning effect to continue dealing damage, increasing overall DPS.
- Crowd Control (with Incendiary Burst): If upgraded to Incendiary Burst, it can be used to stagger groups of enemies, creating openings for other powers or attacks.
- Combo Potential: While not a direct combo starter or finisher in the same way as biotic powers, the sustained damage from Incinerate can set up other abilities or allow for more aggressive pushes.
Acquisition and Squadmates:
Shepard can learn Incinerate through their class abilities. Additionally, squadmates like Zaeed Massani and Grunt (with his armor-piercing training) can utilize similar offensive capabilities. However, Incinerate as a direct power is typically a Shepard ability. Prioritizing its upgrades can significantly boost your combat effectiveness, especially on higher difficulties where enemy armor is a major threat.