This page will show you some of the best Vanguard builds in Mass Effect 3. Here, you’ll find details on the best abilities to pick, the best weapons to equip, and you’ll find what armor works best for the build.
Vanguard Overview¶
The Vanguard is a core class in Mass Effect 3. The Vanguard class is for players who prefer an extremely aggressive play style, being up in the enemies face all the time with the use of Biotics
Biotic Build¶
This build revolves around charging at enemies with the aptly named power, Charge. This will close the distance to any enemy you are locked on to, once you’re in their face, unleash Nova twice to take down anyone nearby.
| Power | Upgrade Path |
|---|---|
| Biotic Charge | Radius > Power Synergy > Barrier |
| Nova | Force and Damage > Half Blast > Pierce |
| Fitness | Durability > Barrier Recharge > Fitness Expert |
| Assault Mastery | Damage > Squad Bonus > Power Intensity |
| Cryo Ammo | Squad Bonus > Headshots > Damage Combo |
| Incendiary Ammo | Damage > Headshots > Explosive Burst |
| Pull and Shockwave | Any |
Powers¶
This section will go into more detail on why the Powers are chosen for this particular build.
Biotic Charge¶
Biotic Charge is the bread and butter of being a Vanguard, it allows you to target an enemy, and charge across the battlefield towards them providing you have line of sight. Following the path above, you’ll be able to hit multiple targets and your weapon damage will be increased by 25% for 15 seconds after the power, so you’ll be able to finish off any remaining enemies. Also, using this skill will fully recharge your shields and you’ll be able to use it constantly.
Nova¶
Nova will take in the energy of your barrier to unleash a deadly blast. Following the path above, you’ll be able to hit multiple targets, use the power two times in a row.
Fitness¶
Following the path above you’ll be increasing your Barrier’s strength and decreasing your shields recharge delay. This will allow Nova to deal more damage.
Assault Mastery¶
Assault Mastery will allow you to acquire skills that will increase weapon and power damage. Following the path, you’ll heavily increase your weapon and power damage as well as duration.
Incendiary Ammo¶
Incendiary Ammo will cause your equipped weapon to cause fire damage, this is especially useful again armored enemies. You’ll want to charge into burning targets to cause a large explosion.
Cryo Ammo¶
Cryo Ammo will cause your equipped weapon to cause cryo damage, this is especially useful again armored enemies. You’ll want to charge into frozen targets to cause a large explosion.
Best Weapons¶
This section will talk about what weapons are best for this particular build.
Heavy Pistols¶
| Weapon | Base Damage | Clip Size | Reserve Ammunition | Capacity | Rate of Fire | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-77 Paladin | Medium | 4 | 16 | Low | Low | High |
The M-77 Paladin is acquired from the Spectre Requisitions Store which can be accessed at the Citadel or via the terminal in the Shuttle Bay of Normandy.
With this build you’ll want to be wanting to focus on using your Powers, but if you have to make use of your Pistol, then the Paladin is your best option due to the large damage output.
Submachine Gun¶
| Weapon | Base Damage | Clip Size | Reserve Ammunition | Capacity | Rate of Fire | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geth Plasma SMG | Low | 100 | 600 | Very High | Very Fast | Average |
The Geth Plasma SMG is acquired from the Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies Store which can be found in Presidium Commons at the Citadel.
This weapon is only equipped for the +200% Power Recharge Speed, so you don’t want to be using this weapon unless you absolutely have to.
Best Armor¶
| Armor | Location | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Inferno Armor | Kassa Fabrication, Presidium Commons | Power Recharge Speed +30%, Power Damage +30% |
The Inferno Armor is the perfect set for this build, as it increases power damage and recharge speed.
