Armor upgrades work a little differently in each remastered game included in Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and Mass Effect 3 gives players the greatest freedom to choose upgrades and pieces for their style and class preferences. Armor upgrading in Mass Effect 2 was universal; once Shepard researched an upgrade, it applied to any armor they equipped and could even apply to squadmates. In Mass Effect 3, there are ways to upgrade weapons, but not armor. Instead, players will need to find or purchase armor pieces with static stats to upgrade from their default N7 armor set.
Players will find a plethora of options in both base game and DLC for Mass Effect 3. It will often be up to player preference and Shepard's class to help determine the best armor upgrades to use, though there are some that can suit a variety of classes and playstyles. Access to some pieces will also be determined by the order in which Shepard runs Mass Effect 3 side missions. Mass Effect 3 gives players far more customizable armor options, allowing them to mix and match pieces and get the best possible combination of stats. Here are some of the best armor upgrades in Mass Effect 3 and how to get them.
The Best Armor Pieces to Get First In Mass Effect 3
The best armor upgrades to get first in Mass Effect 3 are largely a matter of player preference, both for stats and style. While there are no armor upgrades in Mass Effect 3 that will benefit every class equally, there are a few that are solid options for multiple classes. This is especially true if players want a non-customizable set.
For Soldiers and Vanguards, the Collector Armor boosts shields, shield regeneration, and health by 20% and can be purchased early in the game (after Priority: Palaven) from Nos Astra Sporting Goods. Additionally, the Cerberus Armor can boost ammo capacity, weapon damage, shields, and health. It is also available after Priority: Palaven from Elkoss Combine Arsenal Supplies. If players prefer the modular, customizable armor sets, they should select pieces that increase weapon damage, shields, health, and, for Vanguards, power damage. Solid choices with certain pieces available early in the game include the Hahne-Kedar set, Serrice Council set, and the Recon Hood or Delumcore Overlay.
For power-reliant classes like Sentinels, Adepts, and Engineers, the Blood Dragon armor set is a solid first choice, increasing power damage by 30%, shields by 20%, and power recharge speed by 10%. It can also be purchased after Priority: Palaven from Kanala Exports. The Inferno Armor set is also not a bad choice, as it includes a 30% increase to both power recharge speed and power damage. It is available sooner, following Priority: Mars, from Kassa Fabrication. For customizable armor pieces, players should prioritize options that increase power damage, power recharge time, and shields. The best options that have pieces available to find and equip early in the game include the Kassa Fabrication set, the Serrice Council set, the Rosenkov Materials set, and the Mnemonic Visor or Capacitor Helmet.
Infiltrators are a bit of a special case, as they often need fewer defenses thanks to Tactical Cloak. They should prioritize finding and purchasing upgrades that increase headshot damage, especially if they tend to use Sniper Rifles as their primary weapon, and power damage and recharge speed. Good options include the Kuwashii Visor from Aegohr Munitions following Priority: Tuchanka, and the Armax Arsenal Greaves and Gauntlets from Priority: Sur'Kesh and N7: Cerberus Attack. For legs and chest, they can select the Serrice Council or Rosenkov Materials options, both available for purchase or found in early missions.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.