Equipment

Mass Effect includes a variety of equipment for your character. Equipment is rated in Roman numerals, I being the lowest and VIII being the highest.

Weapons
Modern infantry weapons are mass accelerators, miniature railguns firing projectiles the size of a grain of sand at hypersonic velocities. While not much more powerful than conventional bullets, the ammunition for these weapons is far more compact, increasing the ammunition soldiers can carry in the field.

Pistols

 * Kessler

Shotguns

 * Storm

Sniper Rifles

 * Avenger

Assault Rifles

 * Lancer

Other

 * Grenades

Armor
There are three categories of armor:

Light Armor
Light armor offers a basic level of protection from enemy attacks and minimizes the movement penalties that affect weapon accuracy. All classes can wear light armor.

Medium Armor
Medium armor offers an increased level of protection, but also increases the movement penalties that affect weapon accuracy. Soldiers can wear medium armor from the start, while Vanguard and Infiltrator classes can train to wear it.

Heavy Armor
Heavy armor offers the highest level of protection from enemy fire, but also has the highest movement penalities affecting weapon accuracy. Only specially trained frontline Soldiers can wear it. No class can wear heavy at the start, but the Soldier class can train to wear it.

Upgrades
Upgrades enhance and customize equipment, letting you increase damage, boost shields, etc. You can only upgrade the following equipment types: armor, weapons, ammo, and grenades. Each equipment piece has specific upgrade slots. For example, the ammo slot on a weapon can only be upgraded with an ammo upgrade.

To upgrade equipment, access the Mission Computer (by pushing the START button), and then select Equipment. Choose the piece to upgrade on the lower right section of the screen, and then press X to view the Upgrade screen. To upgrade ammo, select the applicable weapon, and then press right on the D-pad to view the ammo upgrade.

Other items

 * Omni-tools
 * Bio-amps
 * Resources
 * Containers
 * Omni-gel
 * Medi-gel
 * Credits - the primary monetary unit