Hey all,
so I am new to Mass Effect 2 (never played ME1) and really just bought the game because I am waiting for Dragon Age 2 and got bored with my WoW characters, so I needed a new game. So far (having only played a couple of missions) i am really liking ME2 and starting to wonder why it took me so long to buy it :-).
Anyway - not that I can't figure it out myself, I am still someone who like to take advantage of players' experience and knowledge, so here I am looking for some advice on my first playthrough.
First of I am playing as a male character (colonist, sole survivor if that matters), I chose to be a soldier mainly because it seemed the easiest character to learn and thus the fastest way to get started.
What I mainly looking for is advice on how to best mold the main character and the companions when they gain levels. At first I started by just adding health, damage etc. but this got "boring", so I started over.
For my main character the soldier I am currently going for Incendiery Shot, since it seems to hurt more or less every creature and stops the many regen abilities some opponents have. I tried using Adrenaline Rush a bit, since reading the forum here suggested that as an extremely good ability, but I think that takes some practise to capitalize on :-). Is those two the first I should focus on as a soldier?
Having only played 2 missions so far I only have Miranda, Jacob, Mordin, and Garrus with me, but was thinking on what to give them. Again I feel just adding health and damage seems unnecessary, but is it recommended?
So far I am focussing on having Miranda in my party, in part because she seems like a major character storywise and in part because I really like her warp and overload abilities, so for her I am currently trying to max out these.
Anyway - any suggestions made will be appreciated.
New to ME2
Débuté par
Gnoster
, déc. 29 2010 12:33
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#2
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 12:55
Dodgeman
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Congo rats on getting Mass Effect 2 Gnoster :-) I envy you, beeing new to this really cool game.
On your first playthrough just play however you want, don't be afraid to put a skill point here and there, you can always respec later.
As for gameplay tip: yeah, adrenaline rush is a good skill to start maxing out to reduce the cooldown.
On your first playthrough just play however you want, don't be afraid to put a skill point here and there, you can always respec later.
As for gameplay tip: yeah, adrenaline rush is a good skill to start maxing out to reduce the cooldown.
#3
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 01:05
goofyomnivore
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Welcome Gnoster, I'm pretty new to this forum as well(as a poster, often lurked), but it is filled with fabulous people who are eager to give helpful advice, so you came to right place.
I don't have much experience with the Soldier, but what I did on mine, and it worked well for me was I maxed Adrenaline Rush(Heightened) first, then I maxed Combat Mastery(Commando), and finally I moved onto my Ammo Powers. Incendiary(Inferno Ammo) and Cryo(Squad) are both very good. Give your squad Cryo Ammo, and give yourself Inferno Ammo. Concussive Shot is pretty terrible at least from my experience, so I wouldn't bother messing with it. I find it much more efficient to max a power then move onto the next for both you and your squad.
As for your squad it really depends on your play style and how you approach missions, so your mileage may vary on how to level them.
Miranda: Max Warp(Unstable), then get Overload(Area), and finish with Cerberus Leader.
Jacob: Incendiary Ammo(Squad), Cerberus Specialist, Pull(Field)
Those are your first two companions, and they work very well together. Jacob's pull can be detonated by Miranda's Warp, which does aoe damage and staggers. I get Squad Incendiary on Jacob first, because I don't prioritize ammo powers early game for my character, and that is the only time I use Jacob. Plus pull with one point will do just fine early game, and Pull(Field) is given to a lot of other characters, so Jacob doesn't need it asap.
Mordin: Incinerate(Blast), Cryo Blast(Full), Salarian Scientist(only three points put in it)
Garrus: Two points in Concussive, and the get Overload(Area), finish with Turian Renegade.
Both of these guys are better than Jacob, but worse than Miranda IMO. Mordin destroys organics especially Blood Pack(Krogan, Vorcha, and Varren). I usually team Garrus up with Miranda on missions with Blue Sun mercs(shielded enemies), while teaming her with Mordin for Blood Pack(Armor) missions.
Miranda is probably the best overall squad member you will get. I could see two others later in the game you get rival her, but she is by far the most versatile and her Cerberus Leader is the best passive in the game, so if you want you can use her for every mission just fine.
I don't have much experience with the Soldier, but what I did on mine, and it worked well for me was I maxed Adrenaline Rush(Heightened) first, then I maxed Combat Mastery(Commando), and finally I moved onto my Ammo Powers. Incendiary(Inferno Ammo) and Cryo(Squad) are both very good. Give your squad Cryo Ammo, and give yourself Inferno Ammo. Concussive Shot is pretty terrible at least from my experience, so I wouldn't bother messing with it. I find it much more efficient to max a power then move onto the next for both you and your squad.
As for your squad it really depends on your play style and how you approach missions, so your mileage may vary on how to level them.
Miranda: Max Warp(Unstable), then get Overload(Area), and finish with Cerberus Leader.
Jacob: Incendiary Ammo(Squad), Cerberus Specialist, Pull(Field)
Those are your first two companions, and they work very well together. Jacob's pull can be detonated by Miranda's Warp, which does aoe damage and staggers. I get Squad Incendiary on Jacob first, because I don't prioritize ammo powers early game for my character, and that is the only time I use Jacob. Plus pull with one point will do just fine early game, and Pull(Field) is given to a lot of other characters, so Jacob doesn't need it asap.
Mordin: Incinerate(Blast), Cryo Blast(Full), Salarian Scientist(only three points put in it)
Garrus: Two points in Concussive, and the get Overload(Area), finish with Turian Renegade.
Both of these guys are better than Jacob, but worse than Miranda IMO. Mordin destroys organics especially Blood Pack(Krogan, Vorcha, and Varren). I usually team Garrus up with Miranda on missions with Blue Sun mercs(shielded enemies), while teaming her with Mordin for Blood Pack(Armor) missions.
Miranda is probably the best overall squad member you will get. I could see two others later in the game you get rival her, but she is by far the most versatile and her Cerberus Leader is the best passive in the game, so if you want you can use her for every mission just fine.
Modifié par strive, 29 décembre 2010 - 01:09 .
#4
Guest_Aotearas_*
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 01:30
Guest_Aotearas_*
Guest_Aotearas_*
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First off, I officially welcome you to this fantastic community and wish you a happy time playing this great game.
On Character Builds is actually little to say at first. It is the classical "What you like" territory, so the first things we need to know to give you advise is what style you want to play (aka dealing out damage or more like controlling the battlefield, or just having fun playing the game with as most foetossing as possible). Us knowing the difficulty you play on is essential for conclusive results as gameplay somewhat shifts with difficulty above Veteran, mainly with regard on power usage.
You playing the Soldier does make it somehow easy however. Soldier is mostly about popping enemies heads with gruesome ammunition. First thing to maximise on a Soldier is by common opinion the Adrenaline Rush. Slows down enemy movement by quite a chunk and gives at minimum 100% extra damage (+Headshot bonus due to easy aiming another +100%). So Adrenaline Rush (hereafter referred to as [Last evolution/Form]-AR, not to be confused with Aussault Rifles that are solely AR) is priority #1.
Heightened AR slows time down by 70% and gives a total of 140% Damage Bonus. Hardened AR grants damage reduction by 50% on health (and health only) , slowing down time by 50% and granting 100% Damage Bonus. The former is great if you more of a sniper type, giving huge boni to oneshot weapons like Sniper Rifles (SR) and making aiming with everything easier aswell as preserving more ammunition because of the time diletation (firing fewer rounds is countered by the huge damage increase). The latter makes for a decent steamroller playstyle, enabling you to first, endure more damage once shields are depleted, second, to dish out more shots due to lesser time diletation whilst still granting a considerable damage bonus.
As for ammo powers (Incendiary/Disruptor[/Cryo]), evolve them equally (Cryo-Ammo is another story and in this little helpers guide neglected!). In the end run, I advise to advance Incendiary Ammo consequently above the Disruptor, as you will engage more Organic enemies than Synthetic ones on most missions.
The last Power safe for the Passive class power (which is to be evolved whenever you seem fit, mostly with regard to Paragon/Renegade points, I find advancing the passive power every two main-missions to be fitting) is the Concussive Shot. Great toy on difficulties below Veteran/Hardcore, though only of limited use in actual combat and subsequently on higher difficulties. Personally I put only one point in this power to have it handy if a situation to toss an enemy over a cliff is occuring, but throughout the whole game, I put rarely more than single point in it, as though it can serve as an Anti-Barrier power, other powers such as Warp do a far better job, enabling you to put the other points into for example the Bonus Power later on.
Bonus power is always a debate destined to never get solved. On points of immersion and continuity, I never give powers to classes that shouldn't have them lorewise (No biotics to non-Biotics mainly). For the soldier, without DLC, there is little left and thus I will refrain from giving any unqualified advises as I don't know your intended playstyle and or DLCs installed.
Now going on to the Squadmates:
Squadmates can be used for two main methods, maximising ones own advantages or substituting for ones own classes' shortcomings. Generally the first thing to do is to evaluate what your class/build is good at and what might get you in trouble. You can go powerhouse and risk getting your butt handed over if unlucky, or go for safe and be less destructive, but more adaptable to enemies.
In short, getting your Squadmates powers evolved comes first, the passive is usually last on the list with few exceptions (Namely two warrior types that give massive (!!!) damage boni if evolved in their respective path (one being DLC Character) and Miranda's, which can be lifesaving on higher difficulties.
Basically, caster type Squadmates do generally benefit from cooldown reductions and/or +power damage, whilst warrior type ones' can be neglected in favor for more primary powers such as ammo, etc. (safe for the mentioned exceptions).
I won't break down the pro's and con's on every Squadmate, but I advise you visit this site masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Soldier_Guide_(Mass_Effect_2) which essentially is everything I said and more.
Just one more thing, get Mass Effect 1 too and play it as soon as possible!
*meow*
Neofelis Nebulosa
On Character Builds is actually little to say at first. It is the classical "What you like" territory, so the first things we need to know to give you advise is what style you want to play (aka dealing out damage or more like controlling the battlefield, or just having fun playing the game with as most foetossing as possible). Us knowing the difficulty you play on is essential for conclusive results as gameplay somewhat shifts with difficulty above Veteran, mainly with regard on power usage.
You playing the Soldier does make it somehow easy however. Soldier is mostly about popping enemies heads with gruesome ammunition. First thing to maximise on a Soldier is by common opinion the Adrenaline Rush. Slows down enemy movement by quite a chunk and gives at minimum 100% extra damage (+Headshot bonus due to easy aiming another +100%). So Adrenaline Rush (hereafter referred to as [Last evolution/Form]-AR, not to be confused with Aussault Rifles that are solely AR) is priority #1.
Heightened AR slows time down by 70% and gives a total of 140% Damage Bonus. Hardened AR grants damage reduction by 50% on health (and health only) , slowing down time by 50% and granting 100% Damage Bonus. The former is great if you more of a sniper type, giving huge boni to oneshot weapons like Sniper Rifles (SR) and making aiming with everything easier aswell as preserving more ammunition because of the time diletation (firing fewer rounds is countered by the huge damage increase). The latter makes for a decent steamroller playstyle, enabling you to first, endure more damage once shields are depleted, second, to dish out more shots due to lesser time diletation whilst still granting a considerable damage bonus.
As for ammo powers (Incendiary/Disruptor[/Cryo]), evolve them equally (Cryo-Ammo is another story and in this little helpers guide neglected!). In the end run, I advise to advance Incendiary Ammo consequently above the Disruptor, as you will engage more Organic enemies than Synthetic ones on most missions.
The last Power safe for the Passive class power (which is to be evolved whenever you seem fit, mostly with regard to Paragon/Renegade points, I find advancing the passive power every two main-missions to be fitting) is the Concussive Shot. Great toy on difficulties below Veteran/Hardcore, though only of limited use in actual combat and subsequently on higher difficulties. Personally I put only one point in this power to have it handy if a situation to toss an enemy over a cliff is occuring, but throughout the whole game, I put rarely more than single point in it, as though it can serve as an Anti-Barrier power, other powers such as Warp do a far better job, enabling you to put the other points into for example the Bonus Power later on.
Bonus power is always a debate destined to never get solved. On points of immersion and continuity, I never give powers to classes that shouldn't have them lorewise (No biotics to non-Biotics mainly). For the soldier, without DLC, there is little left and thus I will refrain from giving any unqualified advises as I don't know your intended playstyle and or DLCs installed.
Now going on to the Squadmates:
Squadmates can be used for two main methods, maximising ones own advantages or substituting for ones own classes' shortcomings. Generally the first thing to do is to evaluate what your class/build is good at and what might get you in trouble. You can go powerhouse and risk getting your butt handed over if unlucky, or go for safe and be less destructive, but more adaptable to enemies.
In short, getting your Squadmates powers evolved comes first, the passive is usually last on the list with few exceptions (Namely two warrior types that give massive (!!!) damage boni if evolved in their respective path (one being DLC Character) and Miranda's, which can be lifesaving on higher difficulties.
Basically, caster type Squadmates do generally benefit from cooldown reductions and/or +power damage, whilst warrior type ones' can be neglected in favor for more primary powers such as ammo, etc. (safe for the mentioned exceptions).
I won't break down the pro's and con's on every Squadmate, but I advise you visit this site masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Soldier_Guide_(Mass_Effect_2) which essentially is everything I said and more.
Just one more thing, get Mass Effect 1 too and play it as soon as possible!
*meow*
Neofelis Nebulosa
#5
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 01:48
Gnoster
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Thanks for the great responses.
I am only playing on normal difficulty for this my first game, and with all DLC except Overlord pack (only one which woudl cost me more money, so not sure if it's worth it yet).
I am only playing on normal difficulty for this my first game, and with all DLC except Overlord pack (only one which woudl cost me more money, so not sure if it's worth it yet).
Modifié par Gnoster, 29 décembre 2010 - 01:55 .
#6
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 02:13
hawat333
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I'll keep it short.
Adrenaline Rush is arugably the best skill to max out second as a soldier. First being the 'class' skill, as it will give you bonus to renegade and paragon points - which are required for persuasion/intimidate checks.
As you chose a soldier, the skill focus is absolutely up to you - the soldier relies on weapons more than other classes and weapons you can get for every occasion.
As for squatmates, I'd suggest to think about what you'll need on the mission. If you'll probably run into enemies who have high Armor, take a squadmate with incinerate or armor piercing (Like Garrus with a Sniper Rifle). If you'll probably run into a swarm of easy-to-defeat enemies, you shall take an AoE or fast attacking character (like Mordin), etc. If you're unsure, take both of them so you have something for every situation.
On Normal the game is still pretty easy, it's perfect for experimenting with skill layouts and squad combos.
Anyways, I'd strongly urge you to get ME1 because it's also a great game (a bit outdated in graphics and combat compared to ME2, but still it's worth the money) the lore and main plotline is sometimes even better a bit. And more things will make sense, ME2 is full of small references.
For your next playthrough (and you'll have a next one, I can assure you), try a 'caster' class like Adept or Engineer.
Adrenaline Rush is arugably the best skill to max out second as a soldier. First being the 'class' skill, as it will give you bonus to renegade and paragon points - which are required for persuasion/intimidate checks.
As you chose a soldier, the skill focus is absolutely up to you - the soldier relies on weapons more than other classes and weapons you can get for every occasion.
As for squatmates, I'd suggest to think about what you'll need on the mission. If you'll probably run into enemies who have high Armor, take a squadmate with incinerate or armor piercing (Like Garrus with a Sniper Rifle). If you'll probably run into a swarm of easy-to-defeat enemies, you shall take an AoE or fast attacking character (like Mordin), etc. If you're unsure, take both of them so you have something for every situation.
On Normal the game is still pretty easy, it's perfect for experimenting with skill layouts and squad combos.
Anyways, I'd strongly urge you to get ME1 because it's also a great game (a bit outdated in graphics and combat compared to ME2, but still it's worth the money) the lore and main plotline is sometimes even better a bit. And more things will make sense, ME2 is full of small references.
For your next playthrough (and you'll have a next one, I can assure you), try a 'caster' class like Adept or Engineer.
#7
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 04:53
Praetor Knight
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There are many great guides here for the classes, and there are tons of great videos you can check out on youtube.
If you need any specific advice for an area ask away!
And you can use this Calculator to tinker with your power evolutions, before you commit the points in game.
Welcome to the Forum,
and Happy Hunting
If you need any specific advice for an area ask away!
And you can use this Calculator to tinker with your power evolutions, before you commit the points in game.
Welcome to the Forum,
and Happy Hunting
#8
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 05:46
Aynien
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I don't think you really need to worry about squadies playing on normal, on most fights the one doing most dmg will be your soldier and after some point in the game you will be able to re-alocate your points, in case you think that something is wrong. You really should use this run on normal to learn the basics mechanics of the game and then do a run on hardcore to get a feeling of what squadie is good against wich type of defenses.
#9
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 07:11
Bozorgmehr
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Welcome Gnoster, you made the right choice getting Mass Effect 2 - great game.
Others already mentioned getting ME1; it's cheap, fun playing and it'll make you appreciate ME2 even more - highly recommended!
Be warned this section of the Mass Effect Forum allows spoilers and we don't want to spoil all the fun; just go and have fun - on Normal it doesn't really matter how you level your character (and squadmates), just try to experiment. You can redistribute your skill points at will about halfway through, don't be afraid to use this gift.
Chance are high you're gonna like this game and this forum is great for those who are looking for new ways to play ME2. The first playthrough should familiarize combat system (keep an eye out for the powers your squadies (can) use). I recommend going Vanguard next, they can use a brutal power and that will guarantee great CQC action improving your overall CQC abilities which'll come in handy playing one of the remaining classes.
Enjoy
Others already mentioned getting ME1; it's cheap, fun playing and it'll make you appreciate ME2 even more - highly recommended!
Be warned this section of the Mass Effect Forum allows spoilers and we don't want to spoil all the fun; just go and have fun - on Normal it doesn't really matter how you level your character (and squadmates), just try to experiment. You can redistribute your skill points at will about halfway through, don't be afraid to use this gift.
Chance are high you're gonna like this game and this forum is great for those who are looking for new ways to play ME2. The first playthrough should familiarize combat system (keep an eye out for the powers your squadies (can) use). I recommend going Vanguard next, they can use a brutal power and that will guarantee great CQC action improving your overall CQC abilities which'll come in handy playing one of the remaining classes.
Enjoy
#10
Posté 29 décembre 2010 - 10:48
Gnoster
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Thank you all for some great responses, and I get the hint, Mass Effect 1 on the to-buy list. Honestly it was looking at the trailer for ME3 that got me talked into buying the game, and after having seen the launch trailer of ME2 I was sold, that is breathtaking.
