Class Selection
Choosing your class in Mass Effect Legendary Edition is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make during character creation, as it dictates your primary combat style, available abilities, and even some dialogue options throughout the trilogy. Each class offers a distinct playstyle, catering to different preferences for combat engagement, crowd control, and support. While you can respec your skill points later in the game, your core class cannot be changed, so it's crucial to understand what each one offers before committing.
There are six distinct classes available, each combining two of the three core combat disciplines: Combat, Tech, and Biotics. Consider your preferred method of engaging enemies and supporting your squad when making your choice. Do you prefer to be on the front lines, raining down bullets? Or perhaps you'd rather disable enemies from afar with tech abilities, or lift them into the air with powerful biotics? Your class will define your Shepard's strengths and weaknesses in battle.
Combat Classes
- Soldier: The master of weapons. Soldiers excel with all weapon types and possess abilities like Adrenaline Rush, which slows time and boosts damage. They are durable, straightforward, and ideal for players who enjoy pure gunplay.
- Vanguard: A high-risk, high-reward class combining Combat and Biotics. Vanguards are known for their aggressive, close-quarters combat style, utilizing Biotic Charge to close distances and unleash devastating shotgun blasts.
- Infiltrator: A blend of Combat and Tech, Infiltrators are stealthy snipers and saboteurs. They can use Tactical Cloak to become invisible, set up powerful headshots, and deploy tech abilities to disrupt enemy defenses.
Tech & Biotic Classes
- Engineer: The master of technology. Engineers use drones, incinerate enemies, and hack synthetics, making them excellent support and crowd control specialists. They are less focused on direct combat but invaluable for disabling foes.
- Adept: Pure biotic power. Adepts manipulate dark energy to lift, throw, and warp enemies, making them unparalleled crowd controllers. They are squishier than combat-focused classes but can devastate groups of enemies with their abilities.
- Sentinel: A versatile hybrid of Tech and Biotics. Sentinels are highly durable thanks to Tech Armor and can adapt to almost any situation, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities. They are a great choice for players who want a balanced approach.
Ultimately, there's no "wrong" choice, as all classes are viable throughout the trilogy. Experiment with different playstyles in your first few hours, or consider what kind of Commander Shepard you envision leading the charge against the Reapers.