Weapons Guide: Submachine Guns
Submachine Guns (SMGs) in Mass Effect 3 offer a versatile blend of rapid fire and moderate stopping power, making them a staple for many combat-focused builds. They excel at close to medium range, allowing Shepard to lay down suppressing fire or quickly dispatch enemies that get too close. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and available modifications is key to maximizing their effectiveness on the battlefield.
SMGs are characterized by their high rate of fire, which can quickly deplete enemy shields and armor. However, this rapid firing often comes at the cost of accuracy and recoil, especially at longer distances. Power-based classes, who rely on biotic or tech abilities, often find SMGs to be an ideal secondary weapon, allowing them to engage effectively when their powers are on cooldown.
SMG Types and Characteristics
| Weapon Name | Damage Type | Rate of Fire | Accuracy | Recoil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-9 Tempest | Kinetic | Very High | Moderate | High |
| Blood Pack Punisher | Kinetic | High | Moderate | High |
| Raptor | Kinetic | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Shuriken | Kinetic | Very High | Low | Very High |
| N7 Hurricane | Kinetic | Very High | Moderate | High |
Weapon Modifications
SMGs can be significantly enhanced with various weapon mods. These mods can alter damage, accuracy, recoil, armor penetration, and more. Some of the most impactful mods for SMGs include:
- High-Velocity Barrel: Increases armor-piercing capabilities, allowing you to chew through heavily armored targets more effectively.
- Cranial Trauma System: Boosts headshot damage, rewarding precise aiming.
- Mass Pulse Recoil System: Drastically reduces weapon recoil, making it easier to maintain accuracy during sustained fire. This is particularly useful for SMGs with inherently high recoil.
- Ultralight Materials: Reduces weapon weight, which can slightly improve power cooldowns for biotic and tech-focused classes.
These mods can be found throughout the game, often as loot in mission areas or purchased from vendors. Some are acquired through specific mission objectives, such as finding data logs or interacting with research terminals.
Combat Effectiveness
SMGs are best used in close-quarters combat or against enemies advancing on your position. Their high rate of fire can quickly strip shields and stagger enemies, creating openings for your powers or squadmates. For classes that don't heavily rely on firearms, an SMG provides a reliable fallback option when powers are on cooldown. For soldier or infiltrator classes, SMGs can be a primary weapon, especially when paired with mods that enhance their accuracy and damage output.
Experiment with different SMGs and mod combinations to find what best suits your playstyle and class. The Blood Pack Punisher, for example, benefits greatly from the Mass Pulse Recoil System, while the N7 Hurricane's sheer firepower can be further amplified by the Cranial Trauma System.