Phantom

The Phantom is a type of Cerberus unit encountered in Mass Effect 3. Foes and allies alike have described the Cerberus Phantom as "Goddamn ninjas on speed!" with various levels of admiration or dismay.

Capabilities
Offensive

Phantoms can quickly drain shields using a device built into the palms of their gauntlets, and are armed with swords which they use for close-range follow-up attacks. These attacks can incapacitate the player with a single strike.

Defensive

While they are protected by biotic barriers, Phantoms rely on their agility to evade enemy fire. They can quickly sidestep, roll, or leap away from attacks, disorienting the player. If endangered, Phantoms will also activate cloaks and take cover for a short period.

Tactics

 * Phantoms are almost as dangerous as Atlas mechs in terms of the damage they can inflict. The safest way to deal with them is from a generous distance. Although this may give Phantoms room to evade weapons fire and powers depending on the layout of the terrain, they lack ranged attacks with which to return fire. Allowing them to close the distance to melee range can be fatal.
 * If a Phantom cloaks, try to focus weapons fire on it as long as possible to disrupt the cloak, otherwise it will be completely invisible.
 * Particularly in the later rounds of multiplayer matches, Phantoms are prone to pairing up with a Nemesis. Because the Nemesis has no close range attacks, and is best dealt with by melee attacks or shotgun blast, it serves as a very effective lure for the Phantom. Keep this in mind when watching Nemeses move around the battlefield; if they remain in one corner for an extended period, they are likely being used as bait by a nearby Phantom.
 * Phantoms' barriers are quickly sapped by Overload. Once their barriers are down, biotic powers can be employed to incapacitate them (such as Singularity or Stasis).
 * Phantoms regularly take cover while closing distance towards targets. Due to the design of cover, their head is often slightly exposed, making it easier to line up headshots. This is particularly useful if you have a high powered weapon that can instant kill a Phantom with a single shot.

Class/Character-Specific Tactics


 * Phantoms are fortified well with a biotic barrier, however if playing as a salarian their special ability Energy Drain can take down the Phantom's barrier in almost one use which will leave its health open for any attack
 * In multiplayer, the krogan class are capable of killing a Phantom quickly enough with their heavy melee attacks, however be cautious that the timing of the attack is right, otherwise the Phantom may deal just as much damage if given the chance.
 * The Infiltrator is capable of using the Phantom's own tactics against them, with a combination of tactical cloak and melee attacks for massive damage or possibly one hit kills if handled carefully.