It should come as no surprise that as a highly trained soldier, Commander Shepard possesses a diverse collection of weaponry. Different weapons can come in handy depending on the circumstances. However, one fact always remains constant. A reliable sidearm is invariably useful no matter the situation.
Like the other classes of weaponry, pistols come in a variety of shapes and sizes in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. Some pack a heavier punch, while others are lighter and more versatile. Regardless of playstyle, having a proper pistol strapped to one's side might just prevent a quick and untimely death. Players can never go wrong with these sidearms in their inventories.
Updated July 17, 2022 by Mark Hospodar: It shouldn't come as a surprise to Mass Effect fans that Commander Shepard needs plenty of firepower to stop the Reapers. Although it may be tempting to dismiss pistols as underpowered sidearms, the reverse is actually true.
There are quite a few highly valuable and powerful pistols in the Mass Effect trilogy. Finding and using the best pistols Mass Effect: Legendary Edition has to offer is very much recommended. This list has been expanded with some easy-to-read stats for each weapon. Sections regarding upgrades for Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 have been included as well. Stats come courtesy of the Mass Effect Wiki.
12 Executioner Pistol
- Firing Mode: Single Shot
- Clip Size: 1
- Reserve: 15
The aptly named Executioner Pistol proves that sidearms can be just as deadly as assault rifles and shotguns. This pistol packs a wicked punch, firing a single-shot burst of energy. It has excellent penetration, capable of breaching the shields of foes with satisfying efficiency.
This sleek-looking pistol is only available in Mass Effect 3. It was originally included as part of the Groundside Resistance Pack DLC, but can be purchased in the Legendary Edition for 10,000 credits at the Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies terminal in the Presidium Commons.
11 Scorpion
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 4
- Reserve: 20
The unique Scorpion can be regarded as a hybrid between a pistol and a grenade launcher. This Salarian weapon fires sticky, explosive projectiles instead of traditional rounds. These explosives can attach themselves to enemies or even other surfaces. This makes the Scorpion a highly flexible weapon, capable of inflicting splash damage on groups of enemies or foes hiding behind cover.
The Scorpion appears in Mass Effect 3. It can be found during the "Priority: Sur'Kesh" mission laying next to a switch. Players, of course, can always purchase the weapon afterward if they miss it. It costs 7,000 credits at the Aegohr Munitions terminal in the Presidium Commons.
10 Karpov X
- Damage: 276
- Shots Fired Before Overheating: 26.2
- Accuracy Rating: 75
For players looking to pack as much power as possible into their pistol, the Karpov X is one of the best. With a damage output of 276, it's second only to the highest-tiered Spectre pistol. Boasting an accuracy rating of 75, the Karpov X is still a precise weapon, capable of dishing out decent damage from a moderate range. The slightly less powerful Karpov IX is also an excellent choice.
The player will need to be at a relatively high level in the first Mass Effect for the best quality items to start appearing as random loot. Purchasing the Rosenkov Materials armory license is another good method when trying to obtain a Karpov X. Some merchants may have it in stock, so keep those eyes peeled!
9 Brawler X
- Damage: 239
- Shots Fired Before Overheating: 30.5
- Accuracy Rating: 79
A suitable alternative to the previous pistol that players may find useful is the Brawler X. It possesses a damage rating of 239 and an accuracy value of 79. This makes the Brawler a bit more precise than the Karpov X at the expense of some extra damage.
Again, like the Karpov X, players will have to wait before getting their hands on the Brawler. Players can purchase an Armax Armory license from Expat on the Citadel for 30,000 credits. Once the license is purchased, the Brawler line of pistols will be stocked by merchants.
8 N7 Eagle
- Firing Mode: Automatic
- Clip Size: 18
- Reserve: 180
The N7 Eagle is a Human weapon favored by Alliance military personnel. The Eagle's main characteristic is its fully automatic rate of fire. Thus, it possesses a hefty amount of firepower, capable of staggering foes with sustained bursts. Conversely, it chews through ammo rapidly, so some degree of caution is required.
The N7 Eagle can be acquired in Mass Effect 3. It can be bought from the Spectre Requisitions terminal in the Citadel Embassies for the princely sum of 80,000 credits.
7 M-5 Phalanx
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 6 (ME2), 12 (ME3)
- Reserve: 24 (ME2), 72 (ME3)
- Base Damage: 109.8 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.5, Shields - x1.0, Barriers - x1.0
The M-5 Phalanx is Mass Effect's version of the magnum. It possesses incredible stopping power, able to shred through even the thickest armor. Although weaker against shields and biotic barriers, the Phalanx can still stop an enemy dead in his tracks with a well-aimed shot.
This particular sidearm appears in both Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3. In both cases, the Phalanx can be found on Tuchanka. It can be bought from Ratch in Mass Effect 2 and can be found during the "Priority: Tuchanka" mission in Mass Effect 3.
6 M-6 Carnifex
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 6
- Reserve: 18 (ME2), 30 (ME3)
- Base Damage: 85.4 - Mass Effect 2
- Damage Multipliers: Armor - x1.5, Shields - x1.0, Barriers - x1.0
A favored weapon among the galaxy's mercenaries, the M-6 Carnifex is yet another high damage-dealing pistol. Although the recoil effects can be significant, there's no denying the Carnifex's deadliness, especially at close range. Similar to the Phalanx, the M-6 Carnifex is best employed against either unarmored or armored enemies.
There's nothing convoluted about acquiring the Carnifex. Mordin Solus gives this weapon to the player in the midst of the former's recruitment mission on Omega. As such, it's a sidearm the player is guaranteed to obtain in the course of Mass Effect 2's campaign.
5 M-11 Suppressor
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 6
- Reserve: 30
The M-11 is a silenced pistol ideal for stealthy situations. The strength of this weapon can be witnessed by landing clean and accurate headshots. The critical hit damage inflicted on enemies is massive and can easily clear a room in a matter of seconds. Just keep a steady aim and watch those melons pop!
The M-11 Suppressor only appears in Mass Effect 3. More specifically, it's obtained automatically in The Citadel DLC during the "Citadel Wards: Ambush" mission.
4 M-358 Talon
- Firing Mode: Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 4
- Reserve: 24
The M-358 Talon is a rather unique weapon. It's essentially a shotgun/pistol hybrid, remarkably effective at close range. High-powered shotgun pellets are released when the trigger is pulled, blasting anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in its path. It's most effective against unarmored enemies and becomes less useful at longer ranges.
The Talon is another pistol that's only available in Mass Effect 3. It can be found during the "Priority: Citadel II" mission inside a locked room. Once the locks are bypassed, the pistol is there for the taking.
3 HMWP Master Pistol X
- Damage: 294
- Shots Fired Before Overheating: 29.3
- Accuracy Rating: 88
There's no better gear in the first Mass Effect entry than the Spectre equipment. The Level X version of the Spectre pistol is hands-down the best sidearm in the game. At 294 damage and an 88 accuracy rating, this pistol is a legitimate beast.
Nevertheless, obtaining the Spectre gear requires some hard work on the player's part. First, Shepard needs to become a Spectre, which occurs automatically early in the story. To unlock the most valuable equipment, the player also needs to reach at least level 50.
2 Arc Pistol
- Firing Mode: Charged Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 18
- Reserve: 72
The Arc Pistol is one of the more versatile sidearms that Shepard can acquire. It possesses two primary modes of fire: semi-automatic and charged. The semi-automatic version uses less ammo, but the damage it inflicts is average. Conversely, charging the shot makes the Arc pistol extremely powerful, but eats up more ammo in the process.
Found in Mass Effect 3, the Arc Pistol is obtained during the "Priority: Geth Dreadnought" mission. Tali will set the weapon aside for Shepard to take. For some reason, if the player still misses it, the Arc Pistol can be purchased later from Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies.
1 Acolyte
- Firing Mode: Charged Semi-Automatic
- Clip Size: 3
- Reserve: 12
Whereas most of the pistols on this list are known for their armor-piercing capabilities, the Acolyte takes a different approach. This pistol fires unique ammunition that makes it positively devastating against shields and biotic barriers. The downside, of course, is that the Acolyte is a lot less effective against heavily armored foes.
The Acolyte was originally a piece of DLC for Mass Effect 3. In the Legendary Edition, the Acolyte can be purchased from the Nos Astra Sporting Goods terminal in the Presidium Commons on the Citadel. The base price is listed at 10,000 credits.
Pistol Upgrades In Mass Effect 2
Throughout Mass Effect 2, Commander Shepard will have several opportunities to research various upgrades to his/her weaponry, including pistols. Although a pistol may not be used as extensively as the other weapons in the game, investing some resources into these upgrades may not be a bad idea:
- Heavy Pistol Damage 1-6 (Titan Pulsar): +10% Pistol Damage
- AP Heavy Pistol (Sabot Jacketing): +50% Damage against Armor
- Heavy Pistol Critical (Smart Rounds): Chance to deal Double Damage
It's worth keeping in mind that these pistol upgrades don't come free. For Commander Shepard to enhance the effectiveness of his/her pistols, resources and sometimes credits will have to be expended. If a pistol needs to be employed during battle, then these upgrades will certainly come in handy.
- Cost of Titan Pulsar: 2,500/5,000/7,500/10,000 Palladium or 60,000 Credits at Rodam Expeditions
- Cost of Sabot Jacketing: 15,000 Palladium
- Cost of Smart Rounds: 25,000 Palladium
Pistol Upgrades In Mass Effect 3
With the Reapers on the verge of destroying all life in the galaxy, players will need everything at their disposal to turn the tide. Much like its predecessor, pistols in Mass Effect 3 probably won't serve as the player's primary weapon. However, upgrading the pistol with various attachments and mods is still worthwhile to keep it viable as a backup option in combat.
- Melee Stunner: Increases Melee Damage
- Piercing Mod: Increases Shot Penetration
- Magazine Upgrade: Increases Rounds per Magazine (mutually exclusive with Ultralight Materials)
- High-Caliber Barrel: Increases Damage (mutually exclusive with Heavy Barrel and Cranial Trauma System)
- Scope: Increases Accuracy (mutually exclusive with Power Magnifier)
- Ultralight Materials: Reduces Weapon Weight (mutually exclusive with Magazine Upgrade)
- Heavy Barrel: Increases Damage (mutually exclusive with High-Caliber Barrel and Cranial Trauma System)
- Cranial Trauma System: Increases Headshot Damage (mutually exclusive with High-Caliber Barrel and Heavy Barrel)
- Power Magnifier: Increases Power Damage (mutually exclusive with Scope)
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is currently available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.