In many action games, the "best" gear is a matter of opinion. One might think that Mass Effect Legendary Edition would also fall into that model. After all, there are assault rifles with different bursts, shotguns with different spreads, and sniper rifles with different rounds. That much variety might make gamers think that it's all a matter of opinion on which gear is the best.
But that's not the case. In fact, the best armor and weapons in the game are hidden behind an undisclosed wall, likely because they would completely break the game in earlier missions. Even on Insanity settings in Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Shepard has the damage output and toughness to take on a reaper one-on-one. That sounds like an exaggeration, but players who have unlocked this armory would disagree.
Updated on January 6th, 2022 by Hodey Johns: In no piece of the trilogy is superior equipment more necessary than the very first Mass Effect. Upgraded gear matters in the second two games, no doubt, but there can be moments that feel plain impossible with secondary gear in the first game. The effects of better gear are immediately apparent, knocking enemies out of commission with a single strike and turning squadmates into ruthless hunters that can win without Shepard needing to fire a shot. The original article remains intact here, but a section has been added at the end detailing exactly what the best pieces in the game are.
Getting To Level 30/60
Those who remember the initial release of Mass Effect are familiar with an old and terrible reality; players had to do multiple playthroughs and unlock tons of achievements to get to the maximum level (60).
The Legendary Edition has changed everything, including the maximum level (30) for players who choose the new experience metric. Under either system, the goal is to get to the top level for the gear to be at its best. The gear is expensive and replacing it at every level is inadvisable. Buy it at level X and then never replace it again.
In order to get the gear, players will need to knock out almost every mission available until Virmire. This means visiting every planet, looting every resource, and emptying out the journal. There is a complete list of every map for players who are determined to get to the maximum level. And don't forget that Thresher Maws and extra resources give experience points!
Unlocking Spectre Gear
So now that all gear is at maximum level, it's time to find the best kind of gear. With all due respect to the Elkoss Combine and Kassa Fabrication, nobody makes gear as well as the Spectre - Master Gear.
This top-secret gear is not available until after defeating Virmire. This is a tough blow to fans of the original game, who could access the gear by getting the "Rich" achievement. With that trophy no longer in the game, it appears that the developers hid it behind a certain point in the game and that point is Virmire.
Sellers
Thankfully, the easiest way to buy the gear is to get it from the Alliance Requisitions Officer onboard the Normandy. It can also be purchased from the C-Sec quartermaster back on the Citadel for those who are out that way.
Even though the gear is labeled "Spectre," the gear is wearable and equippable for all of the squadmates, even non-Spectres. Definitely buy three complete outfits: one for Shepard and two for the teammates that will come along during the final battle.
Best Weapons
Weapon |
Damage |
Accuracy Rating |
Shots Before Overheating |
HMWA X Assault Rifle |
384 |
77 |
77.3 |
HMWSG X Shotgun |
378 |
91 |
7 |
HMWSR X Sniper Rifle |
336 |
86 |
2 |
HMWP X Pistol |
294 |
88 |
29.3 |
Although there are different styles of weapons like semi-automatic and single-shot assault rifles, the statistics alone make these weapons impossible to pass up on. While using a bad gun might not be listed as an official decision that leads to a good or bad ending, not being able to beat the game isn't an ending at all.
Best Omni-Tool & Biotic Amp
Omni-Tool |
Shield Bonus |
Tech Cooldown Bonus |
Medical Recharge Bonus |
HMOT X |
15 |
30 |
15 |
Biotic Amp |
Duration Bonus |
Power Bonus |
Cooldown Bonus |
HMBA X |
17 |
22 |
33 |
Tali can have her best moments with an Omni-Tool like the one listed here. For the biotic-sensitive characters out there, they'll practically fly through their abilities when using the Spectre - Master Gear.
Best Armor
Weight |
Type |
Damage Protection |
Tech/Biotic Protection |
Shields |
Light |
Colossus X |
65 |
38 |
375 |
Medium |
Colossus X |
71 |
28 |
405 |
Heavy |
Colossus X |
79 |
18 |
450 |
Unlike the other gear in the game, armor doesn't have associated Spectre - Master Gear. As a result, the opinions will vary somewhat for many. However, few can deny that damage protection makes a huge difference as it helps players shrug off all but the heaviest of arms fire.
As a result, most players are best suited to wearing Colossus X armor. Humans and krogans can wear the heavy variety but turians and quarians can also equip the same armor at a lighter tier, meaning the whole crew should ideally don the same Colossus X armor.