It is time to take on the Reapers. Shepard must fight to save the galaxy, with the best possible squad. Over the course of Mass Effect 3, the famed commander will fight side-by-side with some series favorites. However, not all of them are permanent squad members.

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Who are the ones that will fight at Shepard's side from beginning to end of Mass Effect 3? Which ones deserve to be there, and which ones have survived due to pure luck? Some teammates are powerful with the personalities to match, while others are about as useful as a banana in a gunfight and as dull as a hammer.

Updated on July 17th, 2021 by Ritwik Mitra: Regardless of the opinions fans may have about the divisive Mass Effect 3, there's no denying the fact that the game is still one of the best action RPGs around and serves as a fitting end to Shepard's legacy. Featuring excellent combat and a gripping story, it's easy to see why so many people still defend this title to this day. A big part of what makes Mass Effect 3 so brilliant is its wide cast of squad members. Keeping this in mind, here are all of Mass Effect 3's squad members, ranked.

12 David Anderson

Anderson appears as a temporary party member during the start of the game before being relegated to the background. Given his muted role, it's only a given that he's not the strongest party member around.

In fact, he's virtually useless during the start of Mass Effect 3. Of course, this serves a purpose as well, since the player is meant to hone their skills during the tutorial in the early stages of the game.

11 Kaidan Alenko

He was awful in Mass Effect, and time has done Kaidan Alenko no favors. He is just as dull now as he was the first time around. Except, in Mass Effect 3, the guy has grown a superiority complex.

Yet again, there isn't a single thing that Kaidan can do that another squaddie can't do better. His biotic capabilities are not on par with Liara's, and frankly, every other member of the team boasts a better weapon arsenal. Of course, Alenko's appearance in Mass Effect 3 is subject to the events on Virmire in the first game. Leave him behind.

10 James Vega

There is nothing wrong with James Vega. He is the average run-of-the-mill soldier, equipped with his fair share of firearms. However, therein lies the problem. He is standard, and thus this tank of a human is forgettable.

When discussing Mass Effect 3 and its squadmates, James Vega would not even come to mind for most people. Sure, he packs a punch but so do other teammates who also outshine him when it comes to personality.

9 Nyreen Kandros

The Mass Effect 3: Omega DLC serves as a great addition to the game. It's a great thing that the Legendary Edition allows players to play through this DLC without any restrictions or paywalls whatsoever.

There are two temporary party members introduced during the missions in Omega. The first of them is Nyreen Kandros, a powerful squad member whose weapons expertise ends up being invaluable while fighting the waves of Cerberus troops scattered across Omega.

8 Aria T'loak

After her brief yet memorable appearance in Mass Effect 2, Aria makes a return in the Omega DLC for Mass Effect 3 as well. Her powerful biotic power ensures that players would be able to defeat enemies with relative ease.

That being said, one has to admit that Aria's power truly shines when Nyreen sacrifices herself near the latter stages of the DLC. It's just a shame that the player never gets to use this powerful Aria for an extended period of time... if at all!

7 Javik

At long last, players were able to meet a Prothean. Overall, expectations of the ancient alien species were not met. Javik is not the best squadmate BioWare has introduced, though by no means is he the worst either.

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Sure, Javik can provide adequate support to Shepard on the battlefield, but he suffers from the same issues as James Vega: he is just not memorable. Honestly, a player is more likely to remember teaming up with former squadmates for the odd mission than they are Javik. But unlike other permanent squad members, this Prothean comes from DLC, meaning players have to pay for a run of the mill alien companion.

6 Ashley Williams

At last, a bit of character. Ashley is still righteous, but she has at least grown as a soldier since Mass Effect. The character has more of a use on the battlefield this time around, so maybe it is best to save her in the first game.

However, that doesn't mean Ashley's personality is much better. Therefore, her banter with other teammates is lackluster. Which doesn't bode well in this galaxy, when times get tough, it is important to laugh, and this lady can't even crack a smile.

5 Urdnot Wrex

Urdnot Wrex might only be a temporary party member obtained during the events of Mass Effect 3: Citadel. However, there's no denying the fact that he's still an excellent squad member whose high health and strength lead to him absolutely blasting through enemies without any worries.

He's easily one of the strongest Mass Effect 3 companions. It's just a shame that the player never really manages to use this character for the entirety of the game.

4 EDI

The fact that the Normandy's AI can be a squadmate was enough to guarantee EDI would not be at the bottom. However, she isn't quite up to scratch when compared with some other members. Though, the robot has more of a personality than some of the squaddies.

It would be fair to say that EDI is amusing; the AI certainly has some great quotes. But, as to be expected from a robot with no combat experience, she does not provide the best support on the battlefield. However, given the charm and amusement that surrounds her, and the story she shares with Joker, it is certainly worth exploring some of the galaxy with the AI.

3 Tali’Zorah Vas Normandy

The first of two squadmates to be a prominent member of Shepard's team across all three games. Tali'Zorah has gone from strength to strength with each outing, just as the two teammates in front of her have. She's easily one of the best Mass Effect 3 squad members.

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Of course, Tali's appearance in Mass Effect 3 is subject to her survival in Mass Effect 2. Given the story surrounding Tali in the third game, it is worth going the extra mile to keep her alive. Again, she can prove useful in combat as a superior-tech specialist. Not to mention there is a lovely moment just waiting to be discovered should Shepard romance her. It is time to see what is under the mask.

2 Liara T'Soni

Fans around the world rejoiced when Liara T'Soni became a full-time squadmate, again, and with good reason. There is much that the Asari has to offer in terms of combat, making her an integral ME3 squadmate. Namely, her impressive biotic capabilities come in handy when fighting both the Reapers and Cerberus.

Moreover, Liara is quite a charming character, and it is a pleasure to watch her grow throughout the series. She went from being a quiet scientist to the most powerful information broker in the galaxy. Her kind heart and good humor make for some interesting conversations. Liara also happens to be one of the best romance options BioWare has ever created.

1 Garrus Vakarian

It should come as no surprise that Garrus is a part of ME3's best squad. A top-tier squadmate across the entire Mass Effect trilogy, this Turian is the total package.

Garrus is a sharpshooter with a sniper rifle, helping to pick off enemies at a distance. More than that, he is likable. Garrus is the kind of guy that anybody would want around purely for the laughs and comfort that this alien can provide.

Garrus has been by Shepard’s side across all three games and deserves to be recognized as one of the finest characters in the Mass Effect franchise.

Next: Mass Effect: Things That Need To Stay In The Games (& Other Things That Should Change)