Mass Effect Andromeda: How to Choose the Best Weapons

Weapon Technology

Choosing the Best Weapons in Mass Effect Andromeda

There are several types of weapons available in Mass Effect Andromeda, and those are further broken down by the game’s three technologies. The varying options can sometimes make it difficult to choose the best weapon for your given situation. The fact that no weapons are class-restricted is both a boon and another wrench thrown into your choosing process, as all weapons you’ve unlocked are free for the taking. To help, we’ll break down each technology, then go into what each weapon category is useful for.

Milky Way

These are weapons that you’re most likely used to from other shooters. They use physical ammunition (bullets, missiles, slugs, etc.) and offer high impact damage. They can tear through any enemy that doesn’t have a shield. However, you need to keep an eye on your ammo count when carrying a weapon with this type of technology. Most of your early weapons will be Milky Way based and fairly simple, but you can unlock a few with some interesting tweaks later on in the game.

Heleus

Heleus technology is new to the Mass Effect series as it’s discovered in the Heleus Cluster of the Andromeda galaxy. These weapons tend to use plasma-based ammunition which gives them heat-seeking capabilities making them perfect for dealing with fast-moving, cover-hogging enemies. Some versions even offer a charge shot for stronger hits.

Remnant

The final technology type is Remnant which is a type you should always keep at least one of on you at all times. They use beams which are unlimited… sort of. They work on a cooldown, so if you fire them for too long then you’ll have to wait to fire again. They’re great for taking down shields though and are extremely accurate, allowing you to take down those pesky, more technology-based enemies out in the galaxy.

Weapon Types

Choosing the Best Weapons in Mass Effect Andromeda

Knowing the technology types is only half the battle in figuring out the best weapons for you in Mass Effect Andromeda. Picking the perfect method of delivery really comes down to how you personally enjoy playing. If you hate to sit still, certain types may not be to your liking, while those seeking power will definitely focus on a specific group as well.

Melee

This weapon type doesn’t take up a slot and doesn’t really tie into the technologies, but is still important to consider when building your loadout. There are several different types which include a flaming sword, your trusty Omni-blade, and Krogan Hammer. The Omni-blade can even be altered with Biotic Amps, which let you change its effectiveness and give it interesting abilities that can fit your playstyle. The hammer is powerful although a bit slower, and the flaming sword is… well, a flaming sword.

Pistols

Pistols are fast, though not exactly powerful. They allow you to dish out damage rapidly while on the move which is perfect for encounters with fast-moving enemies or if you find yourself under lots of pressure. Even with Remnant technology, though, this shouldn’t be your first option for picking off shields. It’s good for clearing out already damaged foes thanks to its speed and mobility, but you may want to leave the heavy damage dealing to something else.

Shotguns

Nothing says I’m here to mess s*@t up like a boomstick. If you enjoy up close and personal encounters, these offer large damage while up close, and some crowd control at mid-range. Heleus tech will give you a great charge shot that decimates tanks in front of you, or you can go with the good old-fashioned, Milky Way slugs. Remnant tech can help here too if it’s a shielded enemy that you don’t mind sharing personal space with. Otherwise, stick with plasma and regular bullets.

Assault Rifles

These are the best weapons for mid to long-range combat, while also promoting the speed and mobility you can only get from pistols. High rates of fire and a decent level of accuracy makes this one of the best groups of weaponry in Mass Effect Andromeda. They also happen to be useful with any technology category, which isn’t too shabby. I personally enjoy Remnant assault rifles as you’ll be able to burn out shields from a safe distance. But honestly, you can’t really go wrong with any type here. Every solid loadout should have at least one assault rifle, no matter what your preferred playstyle is.

Sniper Rifles

For those who like to lie in wait to pull off headshots and other critical hits. These are highly accurate, long-range weapons that deal a lot of damage in a single shot. They aren’t particularly fast, though, making them useless in most hands at close to mid-range. You lose a lot of mobility while aiming one of these as well, so they’re not great when you’re getting swarmed either. Still, the amount of power they can dish out is not to be trifled with, and they’re great with Heleus tech – a charged, tracking headshot? Why you shouldn’t have.

Now that you have an understanding of each technology and how they play with each weapon category in Mass Effect Andromeda, you’ll be able to choose the best weapons for your own personalized Ryder.

For more on Mass Effect Andromeda, be sure to check out our ever-expanding wiki guide.