Commander Shepard certainly does not have it easy in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. With the imminent return of the Reapers, biomechanical leviathans who seek to exterminate all life in the galaxy, Shepard definitely has his work cut out for him. Luckily, a large arsenal of weaponry is at his disposal to help get the job done.
But what is the best class of weapon to defeat a Reaper invasion? Assault rifles are generally an excellent choice when customizing one's loadout. Across all three titles of the trilogy, there are plenty of great options to choose from when selecting an assault rifle. Always be on the lookout for these overpowered dealers of death.
Updated July 15, 2022 by Mark Hospodar: When it comes to selecting a weapon loadout in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, a trusty assault rifle can really come in handy. Across the trilogy, Commander Shepard can make use of a diverse assortment of blistering firepower to end the threat of the Reapers once and for all.
There are no incorrect options in choosing any of these intimidating battlefield implements. Furthermore, knowing which assault rifle to employ at the right time can mean a lot when the lasers start flying. Don't overlook these weapons on the next playthrough! This list has been expanded to include some useful stats as well as an upgrade section to better inform players of their potential load-outs. All stats come courtesy of the Mass Effect Wiki.
15 Particle Rifle
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 100
- Reserve: Infinite
The Particle Rifle is one of the trilogy's more unique weapons. Instead of relying on traditional thermal clips, the Particle Rifle's ammunition supply never runs out. As the player sustains their rate of fire, the rifle's energy beam becomes more powerful. Thus, the Particle Rifle is an ideal weapon for combating swarms of enemies.
This assault rifle only makes an appearance in Mass Effect 3. Acquiring it, however, is relatively simple. Players need to complete the mission "Priority: Eden Prime." After doing so, the Particle Rifle becomes available for Commander Shepard to use for the rest of the game.
14 Crossfire X
- Damage: 312
- Shots Fired Before Overheating: 81
- Accuracy Rating: 57
A wide array of assault rifles can be collected throughout one's playthrough of the original Mass Effect. One brand players can't go wrong with is Armax Arsenal, specifically the Crossfire X. It inflicts respectable damage (312) while also possessing an above-average accuracy rating (57).
Like many of the weapons in Mass Effect, fans may come across the Crossfire X as random loot when Commander Shepard is near the level cap. Conversely, players can purchase an Armax Arsenal license from Expat on the Citadel for 30,000 credits.
13 Collector Assault Rifle
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 28
- Reserve: 280
- Base Damage: 17.4 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.25, Shields - x1.25, Barriers - x1.25
- Research Cost: 5,000 Iridium
The Collectors are one of the galaxy's most advanced alien races. Much of their technology is highly prized as a result. The Collector Assault Rifle is a perfect example, offering a decent amount of firepower against shields, barriers, and armor.
In Mass Effect 2, unlocking the Collector Assault Rifle requires the use of the Normandy's tech lab. There, it can be researched at the cost of 5,000 iridium.
12 Phaeston
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 50
- Reserve: 300
The Phaeston is an automatic assault rifle of Turian design. The main strength of the Phaeston is its large ammo clip. It's capable of firing 50 rounds before requiring a reload. As such, taking on large groups of enemies at close range isn't a bad prospect with this weapon.
Players have two opportunities to acquire the Phaeston in Mass Effect 3. The first is in "Tuchanka: Turian Platoon," where it can be found next to a corpse near the beginning of the mission. The Phaeston can also be found during the DLC mission "Omega: Aria T'Loak" after regrouping with Nyreen.
11 Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 24
- Reserve: 72
The Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle is a Quarian weapon that utilizes electrical attacks to get the job done. This makes employing the Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle against shields and barriers doubly effective. It also incorporates splash damage, which makes it useful for controlling large groups of foes.
The Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle was originally included as part of the Firefight Pack for Mass Effect 3. In the Legendary Edition, players can purchase the assault rifle from the Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies terminal in the Presidium Commons for 10,000 credits.
10 HMWA Master Assault Rifle X
- Damage: 384
- Shots Fired Before Overheating: 77.3
- Accuracy Rating: 77
Commander Shepard isn't some average human trotting across the furthest reaches of the galaxy. He's a Spectre and as such commands a great deal of authority. Spectres also utilize the best weaponry. For assault rifles, the HMWA Master X is by far the best available in the first Mass Effect.
The top-tier version inflicts a staggering amount of damage (384) with decent accuracy (77), making it a potent weapon. However, unlocking Spectre gear isn't entirely straightforward. Shepard needs to be granted Spectre status first by the Citadel Council. This occurs as part of the main quest. To access Level X gear, the player also needs to get Shepard near the level cap, at which point the best Spectre weapons and armor become available for purchase.
9 Geth Pulse Rifle
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 40 (ME2), 80 (ME3)
- Reserve: 480 (ME2), 400 (ME3)
- Base Damage: 10.8 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.15, Shields - x1.35, Barriers - x1.35
The player can make use of Geth weaponry in all three games of the trilogy. The Geth Pulse Rifle is one of the better assault weapons Shepard can acquire in the Legendary Edition. This rifle proves doubly effective against shields and even armor, which makes it useful against some of the tougher enemies.
The Geth Pulse Rifle can be purchased when players obtain a Geth Armory License from Morlan in Mass Effect. In Mass Effect 2, it can only be acquired on Hardcore or Insanity difficulty during Tali's recruitment mission. In Mass Effect 3, it can be found during the mission "Priority: Geth Dreadnought."
8 M-96 Mattock
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 16
- Reserve: 64 (ME2), 96 (ME3)
- Base Damage: 50.4 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.3, Shields - x1.2, Barriers - x1.2
The M-96 Mattock is a reliable assault rifle that can be obtained in both Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. It's a semi-automatic weapon that packs quite a punch against hardened targets. Although its ammo reserves are a bit lower than others, the Mattock's firepower and accuracy can typically end a fight early.
In Mass Effect 2, the M-96 Mattock can be purchased on Omega from Kenn's Salvage for 6,000 credits. In Mass Effect 3, it can be found during the "Grissom Academy: Emergency Evacuation" mission.
7 M-15 Vindicator
- Firing Mode: 3-Round Burst
- Clip Size: 24
- Reserve: 96 (ME2), 144 (ME3)
- Base Damage: 36.8 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.25, Shields - x1.25, Barriers - x1.25
The M-15 Vindicator has plenty of stopping power, especially when aiming for headshots. The weapon fires in bursts, dealing a devastating amount of damage if fired accurately. However, the Vindicator's damage potential is offset by its small clip size, capable of firing only 24 shots before needing a reload.
Players can acquire the M-15 Vindicator after meeting Archangel in Mass Effect 2. It can also be obtained during the "Priority: Mars" mission in Mass Effect 3.
6 M-76 Revenant
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 80 (ME2), 60 (ME3)
- Reserve: 480 (ME2), 320 (ME3)
- Base Damage: 21.3 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.4, Shields - x1.2, Barriers - x1.2
The M-76 Revenant is a rather valuable assault rifle, being considered somewhat rare from the standpoint of the trilogy's lore. Boasting a huge ammo capacity, the Revenant can maintain a deadly volume of fire on an enemy. Although not terrifically accurate, its high rate of fire is useful for taking on the bigger and more well-armored enemies.
The Revenant is only available to players who choose the Soldier class in Mass Effect 2 during the Collector Ship mission. It can also be obtained in Mass Effect 3 while completing "Priority: Citadel II."
5 Cerberus Harrier
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 20
- Reserve: 80
This assault rifle is actually a modified version of the M-96 Mattock. Various modifications allow the Cerberus Harrier to experience less recoil. As such, it's not quite as powerful as a standard Mattock, but more accurate. Thus, players with a steady aim can cut down groups of enemies with better precision.
The Cerberus Harrier can be purchased from the Spectre Requisitions terminal in the Citadel Embassies in Mass Effect 3. The base price is 150,000 credits.
4 Kovalyov VIII-X
- Damage: 330 (VIII), 360 (X)
- Shots Fired Before Overheating: 60.5 (VIII), 69 (X)
- Accuracy Rating: 46 (VIII), 50 (X)
Produced by Rosenkov Materials, the Kovalyov line of assault rifles prioritize damage over precision. The VIII-X models deal between 330-360 points of damage, some of the highest numbers in the game. It's a great mid-range weapon, being able to fire 60.5-69 shots before overheating.
Like most of the standard weapons in the original Mass Effect, the Kovalyov assault rifles can typically be found as loot after a battle or inside a container. Merchants, of course, are also an option. As Shepard levels up, the chances of finding higher-quality weapons increase. Purchasing a Rosenkov Materials license from Opold on Noveria is an alternative method.
3 N7 Typhoon
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 100
- Reserve: 400
In terms of bulk, the N7 Typhoon is the heaviest assault rifle in Mass Effect 3. Great for shredding through both armor and shields, the Typhoon's penetrative power is significant. When utilized from cover, this rifle can chew through enemies from either mid or long-range. Furthermore, the longer the trigger is held down, the faster the shots get released.
Originally a DLC item, the N7 Typhoon is made purchasable in the Legendary Edition. It can be bought for 150,000 credits at the Spectre Requisitions terminal in the Citadel Embassies.
2 M-7 Lancer
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 38
- Reserve: Infinite
The M-7 Lancer is an extremely rare piece of equipment. It dates back to the time of the First Contact War and has subsequently been upgraded with more modern enhancements. Unlike the majority of weapons in Mass Effect 3, the ammo capacity for the Lancer is unlimited. Instead of running out completely, the clip will need to recharge, similar to how weapons operated in the first game of the trilogy.
This collector's item can be found in The Citadel DLC for Mass Effect 3. It will be in a display case during the "Citadel Archives: Escape" mission.
1 M-99 Saber
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 8
- Reserve: 40
The M-99 Saber is a beast of an assault rifle. Although a bit on the heavy side, few other assault rifles can compete with the Saber in the damage department. It's also quite accurate, making it ideal for more long-range encounters. Its rate of fire is slow, but it packs a tremendous punch.
Players can locate the M-99 Saber during "Priority: Horizon" in Mass Effect 3. It's contained within a capsule that, once unlocked, will yield the weapon in question. The M-99 Saber cannot be purchased from a merchant, so it needs to be grabbed during Shepard's time on Horizon.
Assault Rifle Upgrades In Mass Effect 2
It's worth keeping in mind that Commander Shepard has several opportunities to improve his/her arsenal throughout the course of a playthrough. Assault rifles can be rendered even deadlier by finding and investing in these upgrades. Whenever possible, be sure to invest the money and resources into these improvements:
- Assault Rifle Damage 1-7 (Kinetic Pulsar): +10% Assault Rifle Damage
- Assault Rifle Penetration (Tungsten Jacket): +25% Damage against Armor, Shields, and Barriers
- Assault Rifle Accuracy (Targeting VI): Improved Accuracy
It was mentioned previously that players must invest a lot of their hard-earned resources into upgrades. Credits and raw materials can be spent to unlock these nifty assault rifle upgrades for Shepard and his crewmates to use during battle.
- Cost of Kinetic Pulsar: 2,500/5,000/7,500/10,000/12,500 Iridium or 60,000 Credits at Gateway Personal Defense
- Cost of Tungsten Jacket: 15,000 Iridium
- Cost of Targeting VI: 25,000 Iridium
Assault Rifle Upgrades In Mass Effect 3
Players also have the opportunity to increase the potency of their assault rifles in Mass Effect 3. Through the use of weapon mods and attachments, Commander Shepard can take their assault rifle to the next level. Don't hesitate to snag these attachments at one's earliest convenience.
- Stability Dampner: Increases Weapon Stability
- Magazine Upgrade: Increases Rounds per Magazine
- Piercing Mod: Increases Shot Penetration (mutually exclusive with Ultralight Materials)
- Extended Barrel: Increases Damage (mutually exclusive with High-Velocity Barrel)
- Precision Scope: Increases Accuracy (mutually exclusive with Thermal Scope)
- Omni-Blade: Increases Melee Damage
- Thermal Scope: Increases Accuracy (mutually exclusive with Precision Scope)
- High-Velocity Barrel: Increases Shot Penetration (mutually exclusive with Extended Barrel)
- Ultralight Materials: Reduces Weapon Weight (mutually exclusive with Piercing Mod)
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is currently available on PC, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.