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Assault Rifles

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Disambiguous.png This article is about assault rifle weapons in Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, and Mass Effect: Andromeda. For the skill in Mass Effect: Andromeda, see Assault Rifles (skill).
ME2 AR - Avenger.png

Assault rifles are one of the primary weapons in the Mass Effect universe. Extensively used by factions across the galaxy, assault rifles generally offer mid-range stopping power, more accuracy than submachine guns, and overheat allowances larger than shotguns, pistols/heavy pistols, or sniper rifles.

Mass Effect

Assault rifles refer to both the weapon type and the combat-oriented talent available only to Soldiers, the Turian Agent, and the Krogan Battlemaster as a starting talent. Assault rifles are designed for any combat situation, allowing for close-, medium-, and even (in the right circumstances) long-range combat.

Their automatic fire makes assault rifles perfectly designed for taking down enemies quickly or providing cover fire, but due to their high recoil, sniping with assault rifles is very difficult. Short, controlled bursts and a crouching stance are required to hit anything at long range. At close range, spraying bullets into a target is effective, if not as quick as a shotgun blast.

The Assault Rifle talent unlocks the Overkill ability. When active this causes the assault rifle to generate less heat (thus taking longer to overheat) and increases accuracy.

Assault Rifles is an excellent bonus talent for biotic or tech-focused characters. They have a rate of fire of 10 shots per second.

See also: Assault Rifle Guide.

Talent Ranks

Level 1: Overkill
Level 2: Increases damage by 5%. Increases accuracy by 10%.
Level 3: Increases damage by 8%. Increases accuracy by 14%.
Level 4: Increases damage by 10%. Increases accuracy by 17%.
Level 5: Increases damage by 12%. Increases accuracy by 20%. Unlocks Shotguns (Krogan Battlemaster).
Level 6: Increases damage by 14%. Increases accuracy by 22%. Unlocks Sniper Rifles (Turian Agent).
Level 7: Increases damage by 16%. Increases accuracy by 24%. Unlocks Sniper Rifles (Soldier).
Level 8: Advanced Overkill
Level 9: Increases damage by 18%. Increases accuracy by 26%.
Level 10: Increases damage by 19%. Increases accuracy by 28%.
Level 11: Increases damage by 20%. Increases accuracy by 30%.
Level 12: Master Overkill

Overkill

Overkill.png

Overkill is used by characters that can specialize in assault rifles. Soldiers, the Turian Agent, and the Krogan Battlemaster can learn this skill. It allows for firing of the rifle for long periods, with seriously reduced overheating and extra accuracy.

Note: Switching weapons, changing the equipped assault rifle to a different model, or modifying any upgrades currently installed on the rifle, will immediately cancel Overkill if it was active. This applies to all similar weapon talents in Mass Effect, for both Shepard and squadmates.

Overkill

Firing rifles generates 40% less heat, costs 20% less accuracy.
Duration: 10s.
Recharge Time: 45s.

Advanced Overkill

Firing rifles generates 50% less heat, costs 30% less accuracy.
Duration: 12s.
Recharge Time: 45s.

Master Overkill

Firing rifles generates 60% less heat, costs 40% less accuracy.
Duration: 15s.
Recharge Time: 45s.

Overkill (Legendary Edition)

Overkill.png

Overkill in Legendary Edition works largely as it did in the original game except that it has a much shorter 6 second duration and deals greatly increased damage during that period. Master Overkill is able to completely remove all heat generation.

Overkill

Firing rifles generates 80% less heat and does 50% more damage. Purges heat on use.
Duration: 6s.
Recharge Time: 45s.

Advanced Overkill

Firing rifles generates 90% less heat and does 75% more damage. Purges heat on use.
Duration: 6s.
Recharge Time: 45s.

Master Overkill

Firing rifles generates no heat and does 100% more damage. Purges heat on use.
Duration: 6s.
Recharge Time: 45s.

Assault Rifle types

Below is a list of the types of Assault Rifles and their base stats:























































































Tsunami line of Assault Rifles

Tsunami Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Ariake Technologies
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - 216 228 240 252 264 276 288
Shots Before Overheat: - - - 46.3 48.6 51.1 53.8 57 60.4 64.4
Accuracy Rating: - - - 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
 


Crossfire line of Assault Rifles

Crossfire Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Armax Arsenal
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - - - - 273 286 299 312
Shots Before Overheat: - - - - - - 65 69 74 81
Accuracy Rating: - - - - - - 53 55 56 57
 


Terminator line of Assault Rifles

Terminator Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Batarian State Arms
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240
Shots Before Overheat: 37.5 39 40.5 42.3 44.1 46.2 48.5 50.9 53.7 56.8
Accuracy Rating: 1 3 5 7 10 13 15 17 20 23

The Terminator assault rifles can be accessed through console commands, or by downloading Bring Down the Sky for the PC.

 


Gorgon line of Assault Rifles

Gorgon Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Cerberus Skunkworks
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 210 224 238 252 266 280 294 308 322 336
Shots Before Overheat: 37.5 39 40.5 42.3 44.1 46.2 48.5 50.9 53.7 56.8
Accuracy Rating: 70 71 72 72 73 74 75 75 76 77

The Gorgon assault rifles can only be acquired through console commands.

 


Raptor line of Assault Rifles

Raptor Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Devlon Industries
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - 198 209 220 231 242 253 264
Shots Before Overheat: - - - 49 51 54 57 61 65 69
Accuracy Rating: - - - 31 33 34 36 38 40 42
 


Banshee line of Assault Rifles

Banshee Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Elanus Risk Control Services
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 135 144 153 162 171 180 189 198 207 216
Shots Before Overheat: 36 38 39 41 42 44 46 48 51 54
Accuracy Rating: 1 1 1 1 1 4 6 9 12 15
 


Pulse Rifle line of Assault Rifles

Geth Pulse Rifle

Manufacturer: Geth Armory
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - - - - 280 294 308 322
Shots Before Overheat: - - - - - - 29 31 33 36
Accuracy Rating: - - - - - - 80 80 81 81
 


Lancer line of Assault Rifles

Lancer Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Hahne-Kedar
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 120 128 136 144 152 160 168 176 184 192
Shots Before Overheat: 38 39 41 42 44 46 49 51 54 57
Accuracy Rating: 1 3 5 7 10 13 15 17 20 23
 


Diamond Back line of Assault Rifles

Diamond Back Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 165 176 187 198 209 220 231 242 253 264
Shots Before Overheat: 39.8 41.4 43.2 45.2 47.4 49.7 52.4 55.3 58.6 62.3
Accuracy Rating: 10 12 15 17 19 21 24 26 28 30

The Diamond Back assault rifles can only be acquired through console commands.

 


Thunder line of Assault Rifles

Thunder Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Haliat Armory
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 195 208 221 234 247 260 273 286 299 312
Shots Before Overheat: 39 40.6 42.3 44.2 46.2 48.5 51 53.8 56.9 60.4
Accuracy Rating: 10 12 15 17 19 21 24 26 28 30
 


Torrent line of Assault Rifles

Torrent Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Jormangund Technology
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 180 192 204 216 228 240 252 264 276 288
Shots Before Overheat: 46.4 48.7 51.2 54 57.1 60.6 64.6 69.2 74.4 80.5
Accuracy Rating: 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 60 61

The Torrent assault rifles can only be acquired through console commands.

 


Breaker line of Assault Rifles

Breaker Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Kassa Fabrication
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - - - - 294 308 322 336
Shots Before Overheat: - - - - - - 60.6 64.6 69.1 74.3
Accuracy Rating: - - - - - - 49 51 52 53
 


Kovalyov line of Assault Rifles

Kovalyov Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Rosenkov Materials
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - - - - 315 330 345 360
Shots Before Overheat: - - - - - - 57 60.5 64.5 69
Accuracy Rating: - - - - - - 45 46 48 50
 


Avenger line of Assault Rifles

Avenger Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Elkoss Combine
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240
Shots Before Overheat: 34.8 36.1 37.4 38.9 40.5 42.2 44 46.1 48.4 50.8
Accuracy Rating: 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
 


HMWA Basic line of Assault Rifles

HMWA Basic Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Spectre Gear
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: 150 160 170 180 190 200 - - - -
Shots Before Overheat: 37.5 39 40.5 42.3 44.1 46.2 - - - -
Accuracy Rating: 1 3 5 7 10 13 - - - -

The HMWA Basic Assault Rifle can only be acquired through console commands.

 


HMWA Advanced line of Assault Rifles

HMWA Advanced Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Spectre Gear
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - 168 178 189 199 210 221 231 - -
Shots Before Overheat: - 43.3 45.3 47.4 49.8 52.4 55.4 58.7 - -
Accuracy Rating: - 7 10 12 14 17 19 22 - -

The HMWA Advanced Assault Rifle can only be acquired through console commands.

 


HMWA Master line of Assault Rifles

HMWA Master Assault Rifle

Manufacturer: Spectre Gear
Weapon Level: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Damage: - - - 288 304 320 336 352 368 384
Shots Before Overheat: - - - 52.5 55.5 58.8 62.5 66.8 71.7 77.3
Accuracy Rating: - - - 72 73 74 75 75 76 77

Only The HMWA Master Assault Rifle VII and X sophistication level can be found in-game. The rest can be acquired through console commands.

 










































































































Classes

The following classes can use the Assault Rifles talent by default:

Mass Effect 2

Assault rifles in Mass Effect 2 are a class of rapid firing ranged weapons, which also encompasses battle rifles, marksman rifles and light machine guns. Like all other non-heavy weapon types in Mass Effect 2 with the exception of sniper rifles, assault rifles benefit from increasing damage against targets at close ranges, maximized at point-blank (melee) range. The Soldier is the only player class that starts with training in assault rifles, while other player classes may choose to specialize in assault rifles later during the game. The following squadmates also utilize assault rifles: Garrus, Grunt, Legion, Morinth, Samara, and Zaeed.

Assault Rifle Models

Below is a list of the types of assault rifles in Mass Effect 2 and their base stats:

M-8 Avenger

M-8 Avenger Assault Rifle
  • Manufacturer: Elkoss Combine
  • Base Damage: 10.8
  • Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.25 / x1.25 / x1.25
  • Default ammo: 40 / 400
  • Acquisition: Default starting weapon

M-15 Vindicator

M-15 Vindicator Battle Rifle

M-76 Revenant

M-76 Revenant Light Machine Gun
  • Manufacturer: Unknown
  • Base Damage: 21.3
  • Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.4 / x1.2 / x1.2
  • Default ammo: 80 / 480
  • Acquisition: Collector Ship (mission) (Soldier only).

M-96 Mattock

M-96 Mattock Heavy Rifle
  • Manufacturer: Unknown
  • Base Damage: 50.4
  • Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.3 / x1.2 / x1.2
  • Default ammo: 16 / 64
  • Acquisition: Firepower Pack DLC.

Collector Assault Rifle

Collector Assault Rifle

Geth Pulse Rifle

Geth Pulse Rifle
  • Manufacturer: Geth Armory
  • Base Damage: 10.8
  • Damage Multipliers (Armor / Barriers / Shields): x1.15 / x1.35 / x1.35
  • Default ammo: 40 / 480
  • Acquisition: Dossier: Tali (Hardcore or Insanity only)

Upgrades

See also: Upgrade Guide#Assault Rifle Upgrades, Research#Assault Rifles
  • Assault Rifle Penetration (Tungsten Jacket)
Provides +25% assault rifle damage against armor, shields, and biotic barriers.
  • Assault Rifle Accuracy (Targeting VI)
Your entire squad's assault rifles are now much more accurate.
  • Assault Rifle Damage 1 - 7 (Kinetic Pulsar)
Provides +10% assault rifle damage.

Mass Effect 3

No longer exclusive to the Soldier, Assault Rifles are a viable option for any class. Their consistent rate of fire and damage output makes them an appealing choice for most play styles. The following squadmates utilize assault rifles: Ashley, Garrus, James, Javik, Kaidan, Grunt, Nyreen, Samara, and Zaeed.

Assault Rifle Models

Below is a list of the types of assault rifles in Mass Effect 3 and their base stats. Note that WCFDA stands for weight, capacity, fire rate, damage, and accuracy. The relevant values for those statistics are presented in that order.

Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle

Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle

Cerberus Harrier

Cerberus Harrier

Chakram Launcher

Chakram Launcher
  • Manufacturer: Ama-Lur Equipment
  • Base WCFDA: 40 / 22 / 12 / 50 / 75
  • Fire Mode: Charged Semi-automatic
  • Default ammo: 4 / 40
  • Acquisition: Kingdoms of Amalur Promotional Item, Omega: Aria T'Loak1

Collector Assault Rifle

Collector Assault Rifle

Geth Pulse Rifle

Geth Pulse Rifle

Geth Spitfire

Geth Spitfire

M-7 Lancer

M-7 Lancer

M-8 Avenger

M-8 Avenger

M-15 Vindicator

M-15 Vindicator

M-37 Falcon

M-37 Falcon

M-55 Argus

M-55 Argus
  • Manufacturer: Unknown
  • Base WCFDA: 57 / 50 / 27 / 27 / 12
  • Fire Mode: Three-round Burst
  • Default ammo: 21 / 168
  • Acquisition: Pre-order bonus, Despoina: Leviathan4

M-76 Revenant

M-76 Revenant

M-96 Mattock

M-96 Mattock

M-99 Saber

M-99 Saber

N7 Typhoon

Typhoon Assault Rifle

N7 Valkyrie

N7 Valkyrie

Particle Rifle

Particle Rifle

Phaeston

Phaeston

Striker Assault Rifle

Striker

1 In the Mass Effect 3: Omega DLC
2 Categorized as an assault rifle in multiplayer and as a heavy weapon in single-player
3 In the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC
4 In the Mass Effect 3: Leviathan DLC
5 In the Mass Effect 3: From Ashes DLC

Weapon Modifications

See also: Weapon Mods, Equipment Guide, section on Assault Rifle mods
  • Assault Rifle Stability Damper I - V
Distributes recoil with sliding system of counterweights compatible with kinetic coil generators. Reduces weapon kickback.
  • Assault Rifle Magazine Upgrade I - V
Increases magazine capacity, allowing more shots before reload.
  • Assault Rifle Piercing Mod I - V
Capacitor boosts kinetic coil generators, increasing shot penetration.
  • Assault Rifle Extended Barrel I - V
Lengthens barrel, creating greater bullet velocity and impact.
  • Assault Rifle Precision Scope I - V
Simple 4x optical scope to enhance stability while zoomed. Increases accuracy while moving and taking damage.
  • Assault Rifle Omni-Blade I - V (Requires Leviathan for single-player and Earth for multiplayer.)
Attach an omni-blade to the weapon for increased melee damage.
  • Assault Rifle Thermal Scope I - V (Requires Retaliation for multiplayer.)
Reveal enemies through walls and smoke with a 4x optical scope and enhance stability and accuracy while zoomed.
  • Assault Rifle High-Velocity Barrel I - V (Requires Retaliation for multiplayer.)
Superior kinetic coils increase shot penetration.

Mass Effect: Andromeda

MEA Assault Rifles.png

Assault rifles are best for mid-range combat, with a balance of fire rate, accuracy, and stopping power. They generally carry a greater ammo capacity than other weapon classes.

Weapon Models

L-89 Halberd

MEA L-89 Halberd MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 103
  • Rate of Fire: 300
  • Max Clip Size: 17
  • Max Ammo: 97
  • Accuracy: 111
  • Weight: 25

M-8 Avenger

MEA M-8 Avenger MP.png
  • Rarity: Common
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 30-51
  • Rate of Fire: 525
  • Max Clip Size: 30
  • Max Ammo: 300-375
  • Accuracy: 52-65
  • Weight: 25-13

M-37 Falcon

MEA M-37 Falcon MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 255-404
  • Rate of Fire: 90
  • Max Clip Size: 6
  • Max Ammo: 36-45
  • Accuracy: 48-60
  • Weight: 30-15

M-96 Mattock

MEA M-96 Mattock MP.png
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 54-88
  • Rate of Fire: 405
  • Max Clip Size: 20
  • Max Ammo: 160-200
  • Accuracy: 60-75
  • Weight: 25-13

Cyclone

MEA Cyclone MP.png
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 28-46
  • Rate of Fire: 675
  • Max Clip Size: 50
  • Max Ammo: 250-313
  • Accuracy: 42-53
  • Weight: 35-18

N7 Valkyrie

MEA N7 Valkyrie MP.png
  • Rarity: Ultra Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 106-163
  • Rate of Fire: 500
  • Max Clip Size: 20
  • Max Ammo: 140-175
  • Accuracy: 65-81
  • Weight: 20-10

Pathfinder Pioneer

Pathfinder-Pioneer.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 63-81
  • Rate of Fire: 600
  • Max Clip Size: 24
  • Max Ammo: 168-187
  • Accuracy: 55-65
  • Weight: 25-19

P.A.W.

MEA P.A.W. MP.png
  • Rarity: Ultra Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon remnant orange.png Remnant
  • Damage: 35-54
  • Rate of Fire: 600
  • Max Clip Size: 25-37
  • Max Ammo: 1 (∞)
  • Accuracy: 75-94
  • Weight: 35-18

Revenant

MEA Revenant MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 34-54
  • Rate of Fire: 620
  • Max Clip Size: 60
  • Max Ammo: 360-450
  • Accuracy: 40-50
  • Weight: 40-20

Sandstorm

MEA Sandstorm MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 148-234
  • Rate of Fire: 210
  • Max Clip Size: 14
  • Max Ammo: 126-158
  • Accuracy: 68-85
  • Weight: 35-18

Soned

MEA Soned MP.png
  • Rarity: Ultra Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon heleus orange.png Heleus
  • Damage: 32-49
  • Rate of Fire: 850
  • Max Clip Size: 120
  • Max Ammo: 360-450
  • Accuracy: 30-38
  • Weight: 60-30

Sovoa

MEA Sovoa MP.png
  • Rarity: Ultra Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon heleus orange.png Heleus
  • Damage: 263-302
  • Rate of Fire: 300
  • Max Clip Size: 10
  • Max Ammo: 90-113
  • Accuracy: 60-75
  • Weight: 30-15

Sweeper

MEA Sweeper MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon remnant orange.png Remnant
  • Damage: 76-120
  • Rate of Fire: 450
  • Max Clip Size: 18-28
  • Max Ammo: 1 (∞)
  • Accuracy: 70-88
  • Weight: 25-13

Thokin

MEA Thokin MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon heleus orange.png Heleus
  • Damage: 44-70
  • Rate of Fire: 750
  • Max Clip Size: 24
  • Max Ammo: 240-300
  • Accuracy: 50-63
  • Weight: 30-15

X5 Ghost

MEA X5 Ghost MP.png
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Tech Type: Rd icon milkyway orange.png Milky Way
  • Damage: 40-63
  • Rate of Fire: 600
  • Max Clip Size: 75
  • Max Ammo: 450-563
  • Accuracy: 52-65
  • Weight: 20-10

Zalkin

MEA Zalkin MP.png
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Tech Type: Rd icon heleus orange.png Heleus
  • Damage: 70-115
  • Rate of Fire: 475
  • Max Clip Size: 24
  • Max Ammo: 192-240
  • Accuracy: 48-60
  • Weight: 25-13

Assault Rifles Customization

Assault Rifles can be customized by two different methods in Mass Effect: Andromeda.

Weapon Modifications

Main article: Mods

Mods are customizations that are exclusive to weapons only in Mass Effect: Andromeda. Mods use round-shaped sockets on a weapon and can only be changed at a Loadout terminal.

Weapon Augmentations

Main article: Augmentations

Augmentations are semi-permanent customizations to crafted weapons or armor in Mass Effect: Andromeda. When a weapon is created during Development (crafting), hexagonal-shaped sockets are available to add augmentations to the weapon. These augmentations cannot be changed like weapon Mods and stay part of that weapon until it is deconstructed.

See Also

Mass Effect Talents
Biotic Barrier • Lift • Singularity • Stasis • Throw • Warp
Combat Assault Rifles • Pistols • Shotguns • Sniper Rifles • Assault Training • Fitness • Basic Armor • Combat Armor • Tactical Armor
Tech Damping • Decryption • Electronics • First Aid • Hacking • Medicine
Class Adept • Asari Scientist • Engineer • Infiltrator • Krogan Battlemaster • Quarian Machinist • Sentinel • Soldier • Turian Agent • Vanguard
Player only Charm • Intimidate • Spectre Training
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