This page will show you some of the best builds for your squad mate Garrus Vakarian in Mass Effect 2. Here, you’ll find details on the best abilities to pick, and the best weapons to equip.

Garrus Overview¶

Garrus Vakarian is a Turian who used to be a part of the C-Sec Investigation Division. In Mass Effect 1, he was one of the main people responsible for the Saren investigation, who at the time was the Council’s top Spectre. Fast-forward, and he helps Shepard take down Saren, and stop the Geth. After the unfortunate incident to Shepard on the Normandy, Garrus goes his own way, which you’ll find more about in the Mission Dossier: Archangel.

When do you get Garrus¶

Garrus becomes available once you complete the Mission Dossier: Archangel which is available after the Prologue.

Overload Sniper Build¶

This build revolves around maxing out Garrus’ Overload to hit enemy shields as hard as it can with the Heavy evolution. We then take the Turian Renegade evolution to increase his Weapon and Power damage, making Overload more potent whilst increasing your Sniper damage. Finally, we max out his Armor-Piercing Ammo, taking the Tungsten Ammo evolution to increase the damage he does to Armor and Health by an extra 70%. We don’t take Concussive Shot, because on the Insanity difficulty, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Powers¶

This section will go into more detail on why the Powers are chosen for this particular build.

Overload¶

Overload is the main reason you bring Garrus along, that, and he’s awesome. Overload is the best power to use when you want to take down enemies who have shields, which in Mass Effect 2, there are a lot. We spec for the Heavy evolution to make sure he can take down a shield in one use.

Armor-Piercing Ammo¶

Armor-Piercing Ammo is Garrus’ Loyalty Power, and can only be unlocked by completing his…Loyalty Mission. This Ammo power will turn all his weapon fire into Armor-Piercing until you deactivate it, and by taking the Tungsten Ammo evolution, he’ll do an additional 70% damage to Armor and Health.

Turian Rebel¶

Turian Rebel is Garrus’ passive skill line which’ll increase his Health, Weapon Damage, and Power Damage. This will increase all damage across the board for him whilst giving him a little more survivability, By taking the Renegade evolution, you’ll end up with an extra 15% Health, 25% Weapon Damage, and 25% Power Damage making this a must to max out.

Concussive Shot¶

Concussive Shot is average at higher difficulties, but can still be useful for knocking down enemies, and dispersing enemy barriers. We don’t max this out in this build, due to building for max damage with his Sniper and Overload.

Best Weapons¶

This section will talk about what weapons are best for this particular build. This build relies on having the strongest Sniper possible to allow for one shot kills.

Sniper Rifle¶

The M-29 Incisor originally a DLC weapon in the base game can be purchased in the Citadel in the Legendary Edition.

Although it isn’t the best Sniper in the game, it works better for squad mates due to the way they use their weapons in the game. The best Sniper stat wise is the M-98 Widow, and is definitely worth thinking about, but for Garrus, the Incisor seems to do more DPS.

Assault Rifle¶

Or

Although you’ll mainly be using the Sniper with Garrus, it’s always nice to have a backup plan in the form of an Assault Rifle, and the M-96 Mattock is the choice for that due to its high damage, and Sniper like tendencies. The Vindicator is another solid Assault Rifle if you don’t want to use the Mattock. You can purchase the Mattock in Omega.