Mass Effect: Andromeda Collector's Edition Guide Multiplayer Multiplayer Basics
Character Customization
Once you’ve selected your character, it’s time to customize!
Weapons
Choosing the right weapons to mesh with your play style and powers is key to surviving each wave in Multiplayer.
Each weapon bears a different amount of encumbrance that weighs down your character, affecting their ability to refresh powers. Biotic-based characters may find an advantage in equipping a single weapon or using lightweight weapons, like pistols and submachine guns, which lets them use their powers more frequently.
Assault Rifles
Assault rifles are excellent for mid-range combat, with a balance of fire rate, accuracy, and stopping power. They generally carry a greater ammo capacity than any other weapon class.
Pistols
A combination of heavy “hand cannon” and submachine gun (SMG), pistols are generally the lightest weapons on the battlefield. This light weight allows the wielder to use powers more frequently.Single-shot pistols tend to be more effective against armor than SMGs, but require more careful aim.
Sniper Rifles
Designed for long-range engagements, sniper rifles are, on average, the hardest-hitting and most precise weapons available. The sniper rifle’s power comes at the cost of ammo capacity and reload rate.Sniper rifles often excel against armored foes.
Shotguns
Ideal for combat at relatively close ranges, most shotguns fire a deadly blast in a wide radius, but are ineffective at greater distances. Keep a longer-range weapon equipped as well to avoid being pinned down by the mid-to-long-range enemies.
Weapon Mods
Each weapon can have two different mods attached at a time. These mods provide various buffs and can be leveled like other cards if you receive duplicates.
| Name | Weapon Class | Description | Buff | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Stock | Assault Rifle | Distributes recoil with sliding system of counterweights compatible with kinetic coil generators. Reduces weapon kickback. | Assault Rifle Stability | Common |
| AR Barrel | Assault Rifle | Enhances a weapon’s barrel, creating greater projectile velocity and impact. | Assault Rifle Damage | Rare |
| AR Heavy Magazine | Assault Rifle | Increases magazine capacity, allowing more shots before reloading. | Assault Rifle Clip Size | Uncommon |
| AR Receiver | Assault Rifle | Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration through solid objects. | Assault Rifle Penetration Damage/Assault Rifle Penetration Distance (m) | Uncommon |
| AR Scope | Assault Rifle | Simple optical scope enhances stability while zoomed. Also increases accuracy while character is moving. | Assault Rifle Accuracy | Common |
| Pistol Barrel | Pistol | Enhances a weapon’s barrel, creating greater projectile velocity and impact. | Pistol Damage | Rare |
| Pistol Magazine | Pistol | Increases magazine capacity, allowing more shots before reloading. | Pistol Clip Size | Uncommon |
| Pistol Melee Optimizer | Pistol | Integrated VI improves synergy between melee weapon and firearm computer systems, allowing increased melee damage. | Melee Damage | Common |
| Pistol Receiver | Pistol | Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration through solid objects. | Pistol Penetration Damage/Pistol Penetration Distance (m) | Uncommon |
| Pistol Scope | Pistol | Simple optical scope enhances stability while zoomed. Also increases accuracy while character is moving. | Pistol Accuracy | Common |
| SR Barrel | Sniper Rifle | Enhances a weapon’s barrel, creating greater projectile velocity and impact. | Sniper Rifle Damage | Rare |
| SR Receiver | Sniper Rifle | Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration through solid objects. | Sniper Rifle Penetration Damage/Sniper Rifle Penetration Distance (m) | Uncommon |
| SR Scope | Sniper Rifle | Simple optical scope enhances stability while zoomed. Also increases accuracy while character is moving. | Sniper Rifle Accuracy | Common |
| SP Spare Thermal Clip | Sniper Rifle | Adds sockets to increase thermal clip capacity, increasing number of spare shots. | Sniper Rifle Spare Ammo | Uncommon |
| SR Ultra-Light Materials | Sniper Rifle | Superior lightweight alloys replace weapon parts, making the weapon less obtrusive and easier to handle. | Sniper Rifle Weight | Common |
| Shotgun Barrel | Shotgun | Enhances a weapon’s barrel, creating greater projectile velocity and impact. | Shotgun Damage | Rare |
| Shotgun Melee Optimizer | Shotgun | Integrated VI improves synergy between melee weapon and firearm computer systems, allowing increased melee damage. | Melee Damage | Common |
| Shotgun Receiver | Shotgun | Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration through solid objects. | Shotgun Penetration Damage/Shotgun Penetration Distance (m) | Uncommon |
| Shotgun Smart Choke | Shotgun | Adjustable servo motors tighten or loosen spread for maximum accuracy. | Shotgun Spread Reduction | Common |
| Shotgun Spare Clip | Shotgun | Adds sockets to increase thermal clip capacity, increasing number of spare shots. | Shotgun Spare Ammo | Uncommon |
Equipment
Equipment can be purchased from the store with mission funds. Only one piece of equipment can be used at a time. Each piece of equipment can be used by any character and provides a specific buff like shield regeneration or a biotic damage bonus. Equipment does not level like other items and cannot be acquired from packs.
Consumables
Consumables are one-time-use objects that can quickly turn the tides of battle in Multiplayer. Consumables are awarded from all packs and can quickly be replenished by purchasing resupply packs. There are four different consumables, each with its own special abilities.
Ammo Pack: Instantly reloads all weapons and fills all reserves with thermal clips and power cells. Use this when you’re almost out of ammo and at the end of your clip to save yourself the reload time!
Cobra RPG: An explosive projectile launched from an omni-tool that deals massive damage. Use this against heavily armored enemies and bosses to take them down quickly and save ammo. The Cobra RPG can also be used to quickly clear out groups of enemies if you find yourself surrounded.
First Aid Pack: Instantly and fully restores health and shield strength with a mix of medicine and machinery. Having a few of these on hand can save your life if you find yourself retreating from a swarm of enemies. For maximum efficiency, use the First Aid Pack just before you die—that way you get the full amount of health and shields possible!
Revive Pack: An emergency dose of medi-gel to revive you when you’re down and out. The Revive Pack instantly picks you up from the downed state, allowing you to get back in the fight without the help of your teammates. This pack only revives you from the downed state, not from the Spectator screen, so decide quickly if you want to use it, or you might be too late!