Armor Guide: Arms
Arm armor in Mass Effect 3 contributes to Shepard's overall defensive capabilities and can provide crucial stat bonuses that enhance combat effectiveness. While often overlooked in favor of chest pieces or helmets, arm armor can offer significant boosts to weapon damage, shield regeneration, and melee effectiveness, making them an important part of any loadout.
The Kestrel Arm Plates are a common and effective early-game choice, offering a solid boost to weapon damage and shield strength. These are often found during the initial missions and provide a good foundation for combat-focused builds. For those prioritizing biotic or tech abilities, the Cerberus Mark-X Gauntlets can be highly beneficial, providing a substantial increase to power recharge speed, allowing for more frequent ability usage.
Later in the game, You can acquire more specialized arm armor. The Spectre Arm Attachments, for instance, offer significant bonuses to both power damage and recharge speed, making them ideal for biotic and tech specialists looking to maximize their offensive output. The Blood Dragon Armor, a special edition or DLC item, includes arm pieces that enhance melee damage and shield regeneration, appealing to Vanguard or close-combat focused players.
When selecting arm armor, consider your Shepard's class and playstyle. If you're a Soldier or Infiltrator who relies heavily on firearms, prioritize pieces that increase weapon damage or stability. Biotics and Engineers will benefit most from armor that boosts power recharge and damage. Some arm pieces also offer increased melee damage or faster shield regeneration, which can be crucial for survivability in intense firefights. Experimenting with different combinations of arm armor with other armor pieces is key to optimizing your Shepard's performance.
| Arm Armor | Primary Bonus | Secondary Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Kestrel Arm Plates | Weapon Damage | Shield Strength |
| Cerberus Mark-X Gauntlets | Power Recharge Speed | N/A |
| Spectre Arm Attachments | Power Damage | Power Recharge Speed |
| Blood Dragon Armor Bracers | Melee Damage | Shield Regeneration |