M-5 Phalanx

The M-5 Phalanx Heavy Pistol is a heavy pistol in Mass Effect 2.

In-Game Description
Highly accurate and lethal sidearm. Effective against armor; weak against shields and biotic barriers. Upgrades the Predator heavy pistol.

The M5 Phalanx is the product of the Alliance's Offensive Handgun Project that developed a close-in weapon to be used on armored or shielded targets with no loss of stopping power in comparison to the soldier's assault rifle. The Phalanx enjoys a ballistics advantage even over most "hand cannons" and features an integral laser sight which is highly visible even in bright lighting conditions. Civilian variants are often purchased by colonists on planets that have particularly dangerous big game animals.

Acquisition
Available through purchase of the Firepower Pack DLC.

Squad Use
This weapon can be used by Jack, Jacob, Miranda, Mordin, Tali and Kasumi.

Player Notes

 * The laser sight has a slight "boot-up" time as opposed to the crosshair, which is instantaneous. This delay is increased when firing from behind cover.
 * The M-5's exceptional accuracy makes it an excellent long range weapon for any player who lacks sniper rifle training.
 * Adverse lighting conditions can also make the beam difficult to see.
 * The M-5 may be used against all kinds of enemies, as its already-extraordinary accuracy and damage make it an ideal choice of weapon in the battlefield.

Trivia

 * A Phalanx is a tactical formation in which spear- or pike-men form into a rectangle, marching in close formation, with the front ranks interlocking their shields and the rear ranks wielding their weapons over the shields of those in front, allowing more soldiers to be engaged in combat while simultaneously discouraging attacks against the formation, especially by cavalry. The phalanx was most famously employed by the Macedonian armies of Alexander the Great.
 * BioWare developer Christina Norman nicknames the Phalanx the "dismantler," citing its extreme power and accuracy that allows the player to shoot the legs off every mech in one shot if they choose.
 * The laser sight on the Phalanx was designed to be both a benefit and a negative compared to a crosshair. While shots fired will hit exactly where the laser dot is aimed, it is more difficult to place the laser dot in the desired location when compared with a crosshair because the beam sways.