Mass Effect Andromeda: Best Cryo Pods to Spend AVP On

The Best Cryo Pods to Open First in Mass Effect: Andromeda

As you progress in Mass Effect: Andromeda, you’ll earn a resource known as Andromeda Viability Points (AVP) which are used to upgrade the Nexus by waking up Cryo Pods and unlocking special perks for Ryder. They will make your life much easier, but it can be quite difficult to choose from them, especially since you don’t earn these points as fast as other currencies or resources in the game. With that in mind, we’ve listed the first ones you should go for, as they’ll make your game easier early on.

If you’re worried about what these decisions mean for your story, don’t. While the colonies you set up may have influence over how certain decisions play out, it’s best to just focus on the perks that will suit you best. It’s also worth noting that some Cryo Pods can’t be opened until certain viability conditions are met. So you’ll definitely want to put in work on certain planets in order to raise that as high as possible.

To make this easier, we’re going to cover the best in each: Science, Military, and Commerce, since depending on your play style you may be more inclined to a specific field.

Science Pods

Best Cryo Pods in Mass Effect: Andromeda

Science Pods focus on research and development, so these are a great focus for players who like to craft a lot. It will require a lot of attention on Havari if you want to unlock all of the Cryo Pods in this category, as the final perk requires 90% Viability on the planet, but it is very useful for master craftsmen.

Lab Technicians – This is a must in order to get some of the better perks, but it also grants you some research points regularly, which helps eliminate the constant need to scan which can sometimes break the flow of the game.

Mining Operations – You’ll receive a random selection of minerals every 45 minutes. The best part about this perk is that you will sometimes get some rare minerals which really helps with the crafting of some of the best gear.

Innovation – Unfortunately, this skill will cost you three points in total since you’ll need both Improved Development pods open. Those increase the amount of research you get per scan, but really aren’t all that necessary if you’re going to be playing the game a ton and have Lab Technicians. Still, getting them, alongside 90% viability on Havari, allows you to unlock the Innovation perk which adds an extra augmentation slot on all projects. Extra augment slots mean you can further fine-tune what your new weapon or armor comes out like. Beams with tech recharge and extra damage against shields? Perfect. 

Military Pods

Best Cryo Pods in Mass Effect: Andromeda

Military pods in Mass Effect: Andromeda are all about gathering and survivability, and even has something for those taking advantage of APEX Strike Missions. If you’re into consumables, you’ll definitely want to put in some work on Eos, since upgrades for those are locked behind viability requirements for that planet. However, if you’re not a heavy user of those don’t sweat it too much, you’ll build that up eventually.

Reconnaissance – This is quite possibly the best Cryo Pod perk you can unlock in Mass Effect: Andromeda. It unlocks hidden caches that are revealed whenever you unlock a Forward Station on a planet. These tend to hold incredible salvage, minerals, and even gear. Most of the N7 gear I have (which is classified as Ultra Rare) was found in these caches, nowhere else. You can also find some great armor and other items in them, as well.

Advanced Training – You can never go wrong with an XP boost. Opening this Cryo Pod grants a 10% bonus to all experience gained for completing encounters. Time to start killing some enemies.

Always Prepared/Versatility – These each increase the amount of consumables you can carry in your load out by one. They require 70% and 90% viability on Eos, respectively. While you should be shooting for high viability either way, I wouldn’t stress this perk unless you’re the type who really takes advantage of the different ammo buffs and items. Otherwise, your points can be spent elsewhere.

Ears to the Ground – If you play multiplayer or are into sending strike teams out, this is definitely a perk worth investing in. It provides a 20% chance to receive weapons or armor when an APEX mission is completed. I’ve received a few tier IV weapons from just sending AI teams on Bronze level missions, which isn’t bad at all. 

Commerce Pods

Best Cryo Pods in Mass Effect: Andromeda

The Commerce pods in Mass Effect: Andromeda are all about making money and obtaining the best goods in the universe. If you’re into trading and purchasing everything you need, then this is the category you want to keep an eye on. Thankfully, there are no viability hurdles here, so if you love money, it’s time to collect skills.

Trade Capacity – This should be one of the first Cryo Pods you unlock when you first start. Personally, I’d say go for this right after unlocking Reconnaissance in the Military pods. This ups your Item Limit from 50 to 65. That may not sound like a lot, but it makes a world of difference while you’re out exploring a planet.

Grey Market Connections – Improves the prices when buying and selling items. You’ll be buying and selling quite a bit in the game, so may as well make the most of it.

Market Dominance – You can only unlock this pod after getting Grey Market Connections. It unlocks special inventories from merchants which tend to include some really good gear and rare materials. Perfect for those who aren’t really into research and development.

Financial Infrastructure I & II – Some may consider this one of the best, though I personally wouldn’t agree. It’s good if you find yourself spending tons of money for some reason, but you’ll only ever go broke if you don’t loot anything. Playing relatively normally, I always had over 10,000 Credits. But, if you hate looting and just want some quick and easy money, buying both of these upgrades will let you claim 750 Credits every 45 minutes.

These are the best ways to invest your AVP while playing. After obtaining these you can certainly go back and play cleanup, but these will give you a nice foundation to start building your story on.

For more on Mass Effect: Andromeda, please be sure to check out our wiki.