
The class passive works much like it does in Mass Effect 2, only now ranks 4-6 all have two different options for specialization, as do ranks 4-6 on all other available powers. The Sentinel's Tech Armor has the unique ability to instantly recharge squadmate powers when activated. The Engineer's class power Tech Mastery can lower the cost of Research projects in the Normandy Tech Lab. The Infiltrator's class power grants it a time dilation effect while zoomed through the scope of a sniper rifle. The Soldier has a slightly higher amount of base health than the other classes and also gains a time dilation effect while "storming" (sprinting) during combat. The class-specific ability is a passive power that can be further specialized in one of two ways at maximum rank (rank 4). Specializations are not available for NPC squad members. Specializations are only unlocked once per player character and will then carry over to subsequent playthroughs with that character. Selecting a specialization offers access to a new trait that add ranks 7-12 to your class specific talent ranks 1-6 are unchanged, and grant the same bonus when you take ranks 7-12. There are six specializations, two of which are available based on your initial class choice. Specialized class talents are unlocked once assignment UNC: Rogue VI on Luna has been completed.
The Soldier regenerates a small amount of health over time by default. The Soldier possesses neither Electronics or Decryption in its default talent pool and must rely on the squad for the expertise to access secured gameworld objects. The Adept and the Vanguard can't increase their First Aid healing with their own talent points and must rely on squad members to gain greater healing from medi-gel. NPC squad members have their own classes that may or may not draw from the same ability pools as player classes for more information see talents, or the powers pages for Mass Effect 2 and for Mass Effect 3.Ĭlasses have unique attributes and can be further specialized to have even more intense focuses or proficiencies: Newly-created or imported characters begin the game with points already allocated in certain abilities by default these vary by class.
In all three games abilities can be upgraded through the allocation of points that are gained from leveling the character.
In the original Mass Effect, abilities are referred to as talents, whereas in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 they are referred to as powers. Each class has a unique pool of available abilities plus a corresponding unique class ability that improves attributes important to that class.
Each class has distinct proficiencies in three main areas: general combat using firearms or melee strikes, tech attacks, and biotics.