Ultimate Javik Build - Mass Effect 3 (ME3)

This post covers the best Javik build in Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect 3 Legendary Edition. He is a biotic specialist from the long-lost Prothean race. You can unlock him with From Ashes DLC or with the Legendary version.

Javik Build

The build specializes in priming Biotic explosions. So you could say he will play more of a support role so that either Shepard or other companions can utilize these moments for maximum damage.

Squad Point Allocation

This section covers how Squad points should be allocated for the end game on the Javik Build

Important! Squad ability respec in the Medical Bay does not work on Javik. This is a bug that can be fixed with Javik respec mod

Power name	Upgrades Order	Level (Points)
Dark Channel	Duration Recharge Speed Pierce	6 (21)
Lift Grenade	Damage Max Grenades Damage & Radius	6 (21)
Pull	Radius Expose Any	6 (21)
Slam	-	-
Vengeful Ancient	Any Any Squad Bonus	6 (21)

I think the most extensive discussion point for Javik is whether you should pick Slam or Pull. Abilities are very similar, but Slam can deal damage. However, I still do not take it, why is that? The answer is simple - Slam is perfect for detonating Biotic explosions, but it is lackluster in their setup as it only works during the "lift" part of the ability. With this in mind, you have at most two seconds to hit the enemy with Biotic ability for detonation.

I think this just creates a lot of problems and provides less control. Of course, with this build, Javik will not be able to detonate biotic explosions by himself. So if you need a way for a combo detonation then definitely take Slam.

Ability Progression

This section covers detailed ability progression for Javik Build. This is just a suggested progression, feel free to adjust it based on your needs.

Order	Skill	Description
1	Dark Channel Lv 3	This is Javik's main ability. We take the first three levels for decreased recharge speed and higher damage. It works on all protected enemies and primes Biotic Explosion.
2	Pull Lv 3	This is the second ability that Javik should get. It will greatly improve his capabilities at disabling enemies without protection and priming Biotic Explosions. It also allows taking Cerberus Guardians' shields away. Although it is not effective against protected enemies it will still stagger them. Pull is an alternative to Slam ability.
3	Vengeful Ancient Lv 3	We take the first three levels for increased power damage, health, and shields.
4	Lift Grenade Lv 2	This ability can come in handy during more difficult or multiple enemies. You can use up all grenades to deal some large damage. The second level also provides bonus grenade capacity.
5	Dark Channel Lv 5	I suggest taking Duration and Recharge Speed upgrades. I do not think that bonus damage is worth it as the main idea is to easily prime Biotic explosions.
6	Pull Lv 5	Take Radius and Expose upgrades. What makes these upgrades great is that Pull can affect multiple enemies. Moreover, detonated biotic explosions will deal 30% more damage.
7	Vengeful Ancient Lv 5	To be honest, what upgrades you pick do not have a drastic change. If Javik uses something like N7 Typhoon, definitely take the Weapon Damage upgrade. If you wish to increase Dark Channel damage take Power Damage upgrades. However, the increase is negligible and I don't think it is worth it.
8	Lift Grenade Lv 4	Take the Damage upgrade. It will greatly improve the offensive capabilities of Javik grenades.
9	Pull Lv 6	The last level provides two powerful upgrade alternatives. Either one works. Recharge Speed will allow you to use Pull in very short cooldown intervals. Double Pull is also very effective as not only it will hit two targets but they will be both staggered if they have protections.
10	Dark Channel Lv 6	Both Damage and Pierce work. The choice here does not have any major impact on Javik build.
11	Vengeful Ancient Lv 6	Take Squad Bonus upgrade that provides bonus power damage for maximum squad effectiveness. Another upgrade that decreases shield-recharge delay is also good as a defensive option, especially on Insanity run.
12	Lift Grenade Lv 6	Take Damage & Radius upgrade to maximize the grenade effectiveness.

Tactics and Squad

This Javik build has a clear goal - prime Biotic Explosions. With this in mind here are some tips that I would like to share

Prime Biotic Explosions

Both of these abilities are used to prime Biotic Explosions. However, they have a distinct difference on when should be used:

• Dark Channel - this is a special ability that does not really deal a lot of damage in the first big, but over time. However, it primes Biotic Explosion on the protected enemy. Once that happens just use detonator abilities like Throw and Warp for large amounts of damage. What is special Dark Channel will then move to the next enemy where you can do Biotic explosion again.
• Pull - although this ability doesn't do much against Protected enemies, it is very effective against unprotected ones. Once that happens you can use Detonator abilities for a large explosion. The thing is that Pull has a very short cooldown and can be used by Javik often.

Companions

This section will cover some good synergies that can be used with Javik. I definitely recommend avoiding Soldier and Engineer classes that have no way to exploit biotic abilities and their combos.

• Adept, Sentinel, and Vanguard are the best choices for maximum effectiveness. They can exploit both Pull and Dark Channel to easily create Biotic combos.
• Liara and Kaidan are also perfect companions for Javik. They can exploit the Dark Channel and Pull with Warp, Reave for Biotic explosions

Bring Javik often on missions

If this is your second or later playthrough I cannot recommend this enough. He has interesting banter and some good dialogue options in critical game moments. Overall he expands the game lore in a natural way.

Of course, on your first playthrough you may find other characters more interesting and you should take the ones you like the most.

Equipment

This section will cover what equipment you should be using with Javik Build.

Assault Rifle

Name	Upgrades	Description
N7 Typhoon	Magazine Extend Barrel	This is the most overpowered weapon for a companion. Javik will decimate any enemies with it. It is also very strong against shields.
M-7 Lancer	Magazine Extend Barrel	A well-rounded rifle that deals adequate damage. It is also a good option in Javik's hand.
M-76 Revenant	Magazine Extend Barrel	Similar to N7 Typhoon but a more grounded option. Deadly in Javik's hands.

Heavy Pistol

Name	Upgrades	Description
M-77 Paladin	High-Caliber Barrel Pistol Power Magnifier	This is a popular choice amongst most players. It is a Spectre-level weapon that gives excellent stats and ensures high damage.
Acolyte	High-Caliber Barrel Pistol Power Magnifier	I really enjoy giving this weapon to companions. It allows one to stagger them with charged shots that explode after some time.

Armors

In mass Effect 3 different companion armors provide some different stat boosts. So it is a good idea to see what you pick. Here is what I recommend for the Javik build:

Name	Effects
	-25% Power Cooldown

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this post on the best Javik build in Mass Effect 3. I covered recommended abilities and their progression, best equipment, and tactics.

Feel free to leave a comment below!