Collector Particle Beam

The Collector Particle Beam is a heavy weapon from Mass Effect 2.

In-Game Description
Precise and lethal, this focused radiation weapon is very effective against shields and barriers but less effective against armor.

The amount of energy required to create a destructive beam is several orders of magnitude more than the amount needed to launch a high-velocity projectile via a mass effect field.

The weapon you've retrieved appears to be a beam weapon of Collector origin, but efforts to understand the technology and replicate it have failed. With enough research, Normandy's engineers may be able to produce beam weapons, perhaps on a large scale.

Acquisition
Found on a dead Collector during the mission on Horizon, near the stairs where Shepard first finds frozen colonists. If you happen to miss that one, you can find another one near the locked door that leads to Delan after you beat the waves of attacking Collectors.

Player Notes

 * General Notes
 * Although the weapon is fully automatic, it will consume five units of ammunition at a time.
 * The Collector Particle Beam can be found on Horizon. One of the most useful heavy weapons available, the Particle Beam has great power and precision. Its continuous beam fire combined with an all-containing high capacity magazine that eliminates the need to reload makes the Collector Particle Beam an excellent offensive heavy weapon in all situations.
 * The Collector Particle Beam does not cause any type of damage to Shepard, or the squad (if they wander in front of it) regardless of difficulty setting allowing it to be fired at point blank range safely (one of only two heavy weapons capable of this, though what the M-622 Avalanche lacks in single target damage it makes up for by possessing splash damage).
 * Very effective against the Human-Reaper whilst hung up on the Orange Valves. If you are quick you can eliminate two or even three pumps in one pass. With Adrenaline Rush, you can take out all four in one go.
 * Class Specific Notes
 * It is also one of the best heavy weapons for an Adept, as it is very efficient against enemy shields.