.2A.03. Vanguard

Learn the best Vanguard build for Mass Effect Legendary Edition, including recommended skills, advanced training, and combat strategies for taking on any enemy.

Alright, let's talk about the Vanguard class in Mass Effect! This is a really aggressive playstyle that gets up close and personal. It's super fun, especially if you're aiming for that Brawler achievement. Vanguards are great against armor and non-defensive targets, but you'll need to be smart about how you handle enemies with shields or barriers.

Level 30 Recommended Build:

• Squad Incendiary Ammo (4)
• Cryo Ammo (1)
• Area Charge (4)
• Improved Shockwave (4)
• Pull (0)
• Destroyer (4)

Advanced Training Recommendations:

When it comes to your Advanced Training, you've got a couple of solid choices. Heavy Reave (4) is fantastic because it's super effective against Barriers and Armor. Plus, it makes enemies double over in pain, and you even get some extra HP back! Alternatively, Squad Warp Ammo (4) is a great pick to swap out Incendiary Ammo. If you go with Warp Ammo, you can then put that extra point from Incendiary into evolving Pull Field. Warp Ammo is awesome because it works against Armor and Barriers, and it even combos with Pull, making biotic-affected enemies take even more damage.

Another option to consider is Energy Drain. It's really good against Shields and Synthetics, and it even gives you a nice shield boost or replenishment. The main drawback is that it *only* works on Shields and Synthetics, so it's not as universally useful as Reave or Warp Ammo.

You might also see Barrier or Fortification mentioned, and while they give you a bit more survivability to charge in, they aren't always the best on higher difficulties. On Insanity or Hardcore, you'll really want those offensive abilities because more enemies will have defenses, and the Vanguard's base skills aren't very effective against them without that Advanced Training.

Tips for Leveling:

As you're leveling up, really focus on maxing out Charge, your passive ability (Destroyer), and Shockwave. If you can snag your Advanced Training ability early, it's usually the best one to invest points into. Honestly, the default Vanguard skills aren't the most game-changing. Charge can get you into trouble if you don't have it evolved and haven't practiced with it yet. There are definitely better Ammo powers than Incendiary, and while Shockwave can knock enemies out of cover and deal damage, it doesn't do much against enemies with defenses.

Vanguard Strengths & Weaknesses:

• Strengths: Easy to get the Brawler Achievement. Decent against Armor and non-defensive enemies.
• Weaknesses: Not very effective against shields and barriers without specific training. You need to be patient against multiple enemies, or you can get overwhelmed quickly.