In Mass Effect Andromeda, players have a handful of weapons to choose from. Generally speaking, most of the guns in the game are usable in every mission. However, after several years of experimentation, and a few changes along the way, there are a few that outperform the rest.
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There are a lot of variables to consider, and this list will attempt to account for each by highlighting weapons that perform well in a particular situation. Because of the class changes made in Andromeda, this guide will focus on the best weapons, mods, and augments for a generic soldier class. Everyone should be able to find at least one build in this list that suits their preferred playstyle.
There are a ton of viable assault rifles in Andromeda. However, the Valkyrie can be set up to out DPS every other option in the game. With the right mods and augments, the Valkyrie will be a literal laser beam that will shred through enemy armor in just a split second. Pinpoint accuracy, a decent fire rate, and high damage make the weapon the number one option in the class.
One of the few issues with the build is bullet penetration with the Beam Emitter. Thankfully, there are grenades to get enemies away from cover.
- Mods: Heavy Magazine, Short Barrel
- Augments: Beam Emitter, Bio-Converter, 2x Kinetic Coil, Automatic Fire System
The most versatile melee weapon in Andromeda has to be the Asari Sword. Whether gamers want to hack their way through AI or finish off weakened enemies, the Asari Sword is the best choice. The sword has a quick animation, which is really crucial when trying to fight with a melee weapon. Additionally, 773 damage is really good considering how fast the sword swings.
Perhaps the most useful aspect of the sword is the teleportation effect that can be used to close the distance on targets that are a few meters away.
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- Augments: 5x Kinetic Coil
While the Black Widow may not inflict the most damage per bullet, it is more reliable than the other options. A faster fire rate makes the gun more forgiving, and it does plenty of damage to be effective. The most important stat on a sniper is accuracy, and the Black Widow is the most accurate sniper in the game. The gun has the potential to down more enemies than any of the other slower firing rifles.
- Mods: Tactical Scope, Receiver, Vented Barrel
- Augments: Bio-Converter, 3x Kinetic Coil, Double Mod Extension
The Valkyrie is so powerful that it deserves two mentions in this list. It may not have the damage of a Hesh or Dhan, or the effects of the Talon, but it does everything well. The multi-faceted weapon can be used with the attachments in the section above for an assault-specific class. Another way to use the gun is to optimize it for all encounters. This particular build will help players feel conformable in any gunfight.
- Mods: Heavy Magazine, Long Barrel, Heavy Stock, Receiver
- Augments: 2x Kinetic Coil, Automatic Fire System, Double Mod Extension, Bio-Converter
The Scattershot would have made this list if it was made closer to the game's launch. However, the Talon is now the best crowd control weapon. It is not a conventional shotgun. The Talon shoots large energy pulses that deal moderate damage to multiple targets. Its bullet velocity may be low, but the shotgun will deal a large amount of splash damage to tightly grouped targets. While it may be a niche gun, it can be very useful in chaotic scenarios.
- Mods: Light Magazine, Short Barrel, Melee Optimizer, Receiver
- Augments: Kinetic Coil, Plasma Charge System, Double Mod Extension, Bio-Converter
The M25 with an Automatic Fire System is the top DPS sidearm in Andromeda. Pistols do not inflict enough damage in Andromeda, so putting the auto augment on the gun is essential. With an incredible fire rate of 950, the pistol is incredible in nearly any scenario.
The gun is accurate and has enough max ammo to be viable. The main problem with the gun will be the small magazine, as it can burn through ammo quickly. Players will want to add the following augments and mods to complete the build.
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- Mods: Scope Optimizer, Receiver, Barrel, Light Magazine
- Augments: Automatic Fire System, Double Mod Extension, Kinetic Coil, Bio Converter
Against armor, the Piranha is one of the top guns in the game. It may be outshined by the Hesh below, but the gun can actually take down armor quicker. With the Seeking Plasma System, the snub-nosed shotgun wreaks havoc up close. It is slightly more accurate than the Hesh and has a better fire rate than other armor melting builds. Even better, the stock mag has 12 rounds.
- Mods: Quick Receiver, Long Barrel
- Augments: 2x Kinetic Coil, Bio-Converter, Seeking Plasma System
This gun may be a surprise to some, as it has the worst accuracy of any shotgun. However, accuracy is not very important in fights within a few meters. There are a couple of shotguns that perform better against shields, but the Hesh is the king of armor damage.
All things considered, the Hesh does good damage to shields and will eliminate enemies quicker because of how effective it is against armor. People should avoid using the shotgun at medium range because the damage drop-off is drastic. The Hesh will dominate within 10 meters or so.
- Mods: Receiver, Barrel
- Augments: 2x Kinetic Coil, Automatic Fire System, Bio-Converter
Against shielded enemies, the Dhan is better than the Hesh. This is especially true with an automatic fire system equipped. In fact, the Dhan will blast through shields faster than any other weapon in the game. It has an extremely high damage output and is more accurate than the Hesh as ranges get extended. The Dhan is good enough against armored AI as well, making it viable in more than just one scenario. Five shots will be enough ammunition to take care of any enemies that have wandered too close.
- Mods: Receiver, Barrel
- Augments: 3x Kinetic Coil, Automatic Fire System, Bio-Converter
The above build is amazing against shields but suffers in terms of DPS as a result. This build is a one-shot-kills almost all AI. The class will decimate enemies at the snap of a finger. Instead of using the auto and 3x Kinetic mods, this Dhan will need the 4x Kinetic Augment and the Bio-converter. With these additions, the Dhan will have a damage bar that is one hundred percent maxed out.
- Mods: Receiver, Barrel
- Augments: 4x Kinetic Coil, Bio-Converter