The Strongest Companions In The Mass Effect Series, Ranked

This list contains spoilers!

Summary

  • Miranda excels in combat due to genetic perfection, but lacks absurdly strong abilities, making her strong but not invincible.
  • Garrus transitions from naive officer to deadly marksman, excelling in long-range combat and showing remarkable durability.
  • Jack’s tragic past and biotic upgrades make her an unstoppable force, capable of causing immense carnage with her otherworldly powers.

One reason why the Mass Effect series has won over so many hearts is its delightful ensemble of companions that join Shepard in the gameplay. As players embark on a fresh mission, they get to choose two friends to tag along. Though each companion possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, some are undeniably stronger and more resilient than others.

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the Mass Effect universe, I’ve noticed that while many discussions revolve around the charm and impact of these characters, less focus is given to their strength within the lore. In this captivating world, brute force alone doesn’t make a character strong; biotic abilities and enhancements play a significant role in combat, adding layers of complexity that elevate a character beyond just being physically imposing.

8. Miranda

Miranda Was Designed to Handle Any Kind Of Combat Scenario

  • Race: Human
  • Affiliation: Cerberus

At first glance, Miranda may appear as a rough and seemingly heartless emissary of Cerberus, seemingly uncaring towards others’ welfare. However, there’s a particular backstory that explains why she has developed this way. Miranda was engineered by her father to be genetically flawless, with her abilities, skills such as biotic control and marksmanship, and even her physical appearance tailored meticulously to make her the ultimate loyal instrument for The Illusive Man.

In various instances, it’s clear that Miranda possesses a remarkable ability to stand on her own, such as at the start of Mass Effect 2 where she single-handedly fended off a horde of robots without incurring a single injury. However, it’s important to note that Miranda doesn’t have any secret, overpowering abilities to rely on when situations become perilous. Despite her strength, she is still vulnerable like an ordinary human, meaning she isn’t invulnerable by any means.

7. Garrus

Shepard’s Most Loyal Companion Can Take A Lot Of Punishment While Dishing Out Plenty Of Damage

  • Race: Turian
  • Affiliation: C-Sec Officer / Mercenary

In the first Mass Effect game, when players initially encounter Garrus, he appears as a somewhat greenhorn officer, seemingly underutilized while stationed on the Citadel. Yet, once he manages to free himself from the bureaucratic shackles that had confined him for so long, he transforms into Archangel – a lethal sharpshooter who spends his days taking down criminals and thugs at great distances with an incredibly powerful sniper rifle. Similar to other Turians, Garrus may not excel in hand-to-hand combat situations, but from a distance, he can swiftly eliminate any targets that Shepard directs him towards.

Garrus’ strength is significantly boosted by his resilience in Mass Effect 2. An instance where this is evident is when he endures a barrage of bullets from a helicopter, returns after several hours to resume the mission, even though half of his face was severely burned. This shows that he can inflict sustained damage during combat without getting knocked out unexpectedly. Plus, who could overlook his powerful Concussive Shot, a skill that has undoubtedly saved many Mass Effect players from difficult firefights on more than one occasion.

6. Grunt

Even A Young Krogan Can Still Wreak Plenty Of Havoc

  • Race: Krogan
  • Affiliation: Shepard’s Crew

While Grunt may appear as a young one, his Krogan heritage gives him an extraordinary level of power, a fact that becomes evident when he forcefully pins Shepard against a wall after his initial release from the pod. Engineered to be the ultimate Krogan super soldier, Grunt demonstrates his abilities by not only obliterating enemies with shotguns and rockets but also exhibiting no hesitation in tearing them apart using sheer physical force.

Generally speaking, Grunt tends to rush into battle, aiming to take out numerous enemies with a single powerful attack. However, his inexperience sometimes causes him to struggle with making optimal use of his strength, which can lead to unnecessary waste. Despite this, his lineage makes him one of the strongest allies Commander Shepard has ever encountered.

5. Thane

An Assassin Who Can Take Out His Opponents In The Blink Of An Eye

  • Race: Drell
  • Affiliation: Mercenary

In the Mass Effect series, the Drell are seldom encountered, and among them, Thane stands out as a prominent character. With a career spanning years, Thane is an expert assassin who can take down his targets without them ever realizing he’s there. Few characters in Mass Effect can match Thane’s skills in hand-to-hand combat, but his abilities extend beyond that.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say Thane showcases an impressive arsenal, ranging from pistols to submachine guns, and extending even to sniper rifles. He also boasts some unique biotic abilities that serve him well in warding off adversaries who attempt to overpower him. While he may struggle when faced with a horde of enemies alone, in one-on-one encounters, Thane is as lethal as they come.

4. Javik

Javik Uses His Immensely Powerful Prothean Abilities To Assist Shepard In Mass Effect 3

  • Race: Prothean
  • Affiliation: Prothean Resistance Leader

In the universe of Mass Effect, though the Protheans play a significant role in its lore, they were only physically encountered for the first time during the third game. This is notable because they were once destroyed by the Reapers and their technology could potentially be used against them. Javik, who led the Prothean rebellion at the initial invasion of the Reapers, offers a hint of his immense power.

What truly sets him apart, however, is his mastery over Prothean abilities that prove particularly effective in battle. For instance, Dark Channel – a destructive black void – can obliterate enemies from within and even infect others as it’s being utilized. His unwavering determination and versatility with firearms only add to his value, making him not just an indispensable asset for his knowledge, but also his power.

3. Wrex

Wrex Only Unleashed His True Power When Absolutely Necessary

  • Race: Krogan
  • Affiliation: Clan Urdnot

Wrex, a Krogan, endeavors to alter the public view of his kin and guide them toward a tranquil existence by restraining their inclination to sow conflict and disorder wherever they roam. Despite his long history as a warrior, spanning over 700 years, it’s no overstatement to acknowledge that Wrex has faced numerous trials and tribulations, often surviving the worst of circumstances. Although he may appear as a pacifist, make no mistake, he is more than willing to stand up for himself if someone crosses him.

In addition to his physical strength, Wrex possesses the ability to utilize some biotic abilities during battles, making him particularly formidable. Given his frequent, reckless charge into chaotic fights, defeating him in combat may appear all but impossible for his adversaries.

2. Samara

A Justicar Who Possesses An Arsenal Of Mind-Bending Biotic Abilities And Powers

  • Race: Asari
  • Affiliation: Justicar

Samara isn’t your typical Asari; instead, she’s a dedicated Justicar warrior who tirelessly pursues justice across the universe. Known for their proficiency with biotic abilities, Samara raises the bar significantly, capable of hurling her opponents against walls with a mere gesture. Her centuries-long mastery of these skills has earned her a formidable reputation, making her an intimidating adversary when she crosses paths with Shepherd in Mass Effect 2.

It strongly suggested that if Samara were ever to turn against her post and desert it, she would be incredibly difficult to defeat due to the exceptional nature of her powers. Samara has the ability to employ her biotic skills for self-defense by creating shields, making her both a potent damage dealer and a formidable defensive character. Fortunately, Samara usually doesn’t showcase her full potential without a valid reason, choosing instead to join forces with Shepard in order to locate her daughter and thwart the Collectors menace.

1. Jack

Jack Was Made Into A Biotic Monster By Cerberus, Granting Her Otherwordly Powers

  • Race: Human
  • Affiliation: Nobody

When Shepard sets out to enlist Jack from the Purgatory Prison, they’re immediately told that this mission could be lethally risky due to Jack’s erratic behavior. Yet, the extent of the destruction Jack was capable of was beyond anyone’s anticipation. Due to being forcefully subjected to experiments by Cerberus during her childhood, Jack is a unique human with an array of enhanced biotic skills. These abilities make it challenging not just to approach her, but also to inflict any harm on her.

When Jack emerges from her capsule, she demolishes the entire prison on her own, throwing guards off balance like dolls and crushing mechanical units effortlessly. Jack’s tumultuous past and simmering anger have only fueled her desire to wreak havoc against her adversaries, amplifying her biotic abilities to pulverize anyone who dares oppose her. Even Shepard, known for annihilating an entire Reaper, seemed somewhat apprehensive when first encountering Jack, suggesting the immense strength this character possesses, making her arguably the most potent companion in the series.

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2025-07-28 06:34