Garrus Vakarian Guide
Garrus Vakarian, the steadfast Turian vigilante and skilled marksman, is a loyal companion who returns in Mass Effect 3. His unwavering dedication to justice and his combat prowess make him an indispensable member of Commander Shepard's squad, offering both tactical support and personal camaraderie.
Garrus's personal storyline in Mass Effect 3 focuses on his ongoing efforts to bring down criminal elements and his complex relationship with Shepard. He brings his sature sniper rifle skills and tactical acumen to every firefight, making him a reliable choice for engaging enemies at range and providing crucial covering fire. His loyalty missions often involve confronting his past and making difficult choices about justice.
Garrus's Role in Mass Effect 3:
- Skilled Marksman: Garrus excels with sniper rifles and assault weapons, providing significant ranged damage output. His abilities often focus on enhancing accuracy and critical hits.
- Tactical Support: He offers valuable tactical advice and can be commanded to flank enemies, provide covering fire, or focus on specific targets.
- Loyalty Missions: Garrus's loyalty missions in Mass Effect 3 often involve hunting down former associates or dealing with the consequences of his vigilante actions. Completing these missions is crucial for unlocking his full potential and strengthening his loyalty.
- Companion in Combat: His sature ability, 'Rampage' (or 'Concussive Shot' in some builds), can stagger enemies and deal significant damage, making him effective against both single targets and groups.
- Romance Option: For players who pursued a romance with Garrus in Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 offers opportunities to deepen that relationship, with heartfelt conversations and intimate moments.
Best Garrus Builds:
When building Garrus for combat, focus on maximizing his damage output and sniper capabilities:
| Ability | Upgrade Path Focus | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Concussive Shot | Damage & Radius / Armor Piercing | Staggers enemies, deals damage, effective against armor |
| Rampage | Duration & Damage / Sniper Damage | Increases rate of fire and damage for sniper rifles |
| Sniper Training | Damage & Stability / Sniper Damage | Enhances sniper rifle effectiveness |
| Assault Training | Weapon Damage & Accuracy | Boosts overall weapon performance |
| Turian Instincts | Shields & Recharge / Damage | Improves survivability and combat effectiveness |
Key Dialogue and Decisions:
Garrus's dialogue often reflects his pragmatic and justice-driven personality. Your choices in conversations can influence his outlook on justice and his relationship with Shepard. His loyalty mission, in particular, presents a significant moral choice regarding how to deal with his targets.
Tips for Using Garrus:
- Position Him at Range: Place Garrus in a position where he can effectively use his sniper rifle without being overwhelmed by close-quarters combat.
- Utilize Concussive Shot Strategically: Use Concussive Shot to interrupt enemy attacks, stagger dangerous foes, or create openings for Shepard.
- Focus on High-Value Targets: Garrus is excellent at taking down shielded or armored enemies from a distance.
- Keep Him Alive: While resilient, ensure he has adequate cover and support, especially during intense firefights.
Garrus Vakarian remains a cornerstone of Shepard's team in Mass Effect 3, offering unwavering loyalty, exceptional combat skills, and a familiar, comforting presence in the face of galactic annihilation.