
Squad builds - Mass Effect: Andromeda (MEA)
In this post, I would like to cover how you should build your squad companions in Mass Effect Andromeda. Generally, there are no builds per see as you can maximize their skills by reaching a high enough level. However, you can still prioritize certain skills to utilize them the best
Contents
General Considerations for Companions
- You cannot change their gear
- Companions will not replace a good Ryder build
- I do not prioritize detonator abilities, as I like to usually control this with Ryder's skills
- As the game progresses, the companions become more of the aggro targets or combo primer sources, not damage dealers
- I prioritize abilities that stun, knock down, or disable enemies.
- I avoid upgrades that activate after the companion kills an enemy because mostly you will be doing the killing. Their damage is lowered compared to Ryder's
- I prioritize upgrades that give max shields and hp rather than regeneration speed
Cora - human biotic
One of the first companions you get in the game. She is extremely versatile and probably the best companion that you can use throughout the game. She comes with a wide array of abilities and can even restore Ryder's HP beyond 50%
Order | Skill | Description |
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1 | ![]() |
We first obtain active abilities as this will allow the companion to have a wide arsenal of options when in combat. |
2 | ![]() |
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3 | ![]() |
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4 | ![]() |
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5 | ![]() |
Now, as we obtained the abilities, we can start maximizing them
Order | Skill | Description |
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6 | ![]() |
Get Radius, Extended Duration, and Regeneration upgrades. |
7 | ![]() |
Get Damage & Force, Weapons & Melee, and Bastion upgrades. |
8 | ![]() |
Get Devastating Melee, Weapon Training, and Cryo Ammo upgrades. |
9 | ![]() |
Get Damage & Force, Anti-Shield, and Seisimic Nova upgrades. |
10 | ![]() |
Get Physical Training, Hold the Line, and Barrier Projetion upgrades. |
Drack - krogan Warrior
A Krogan warrior that is extremely effective at melee range and is the most sturdy companion. I personally think he is the most effective when close to the enemies and has high survivability. This way he can take a lot of damage and draw away the enemies.
Order | Skill | Description |
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1 | ![]() |
We first obtain active abilities as this will allow the companion to have a wide arsenal of options when in combat. Blood Rage is very valuable as it improves Drack's melee combat capabilities. Incinerate allows priming enemies for Fire Combo. |
2 | ![]() |
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3 | ![]() |
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4 | ![]() |
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5 | ![]() |
Now, as we obtained the abilities, we can start maximizing them
Order | Skill | Description |
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6 | ![]() |
Get Impact, Anti-Armor, and Double Incinerate upgrades. |
7 | ![]() |
Get Tempered, Engineer, and Incendiary Ammo upgrades. |
8 | ![]() |
Get Regeneration, Brutality, and Triggered Rage upgrades. |
9 | ![]() |
Get Endurance, Damage Reduction, and Defiance upgrades. |
10 | ![]() |
Get Damage & Force, Stunning, and Heavy Flak upgrades. |
Liam - human infiltrator
He is a former police officer that has joined Andromeda Initiative. His skills allow him to be effective at both long-range and melee combat. He has two abilities that can stun enemies - Havoc Strike and Overload, the latter can also prime enemies for Tech combos (albeit this happens for a few seconds)
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
We first obtain active abilities as this will allow the companion to have a wide arsenal of options when in combat. |
2 | ![]() |
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3 | ![]() |
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4 | ![]() |
|
5 | ![]() |
Now, as we obtained the abilities, we can start maximizing them
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
6 | ![]() |
Get Recharge Speed, Anti-Shield, and Neural Shock upgrades. |
7 | ![]() |
Get Radius, Weapon & Melee Synergy, and Stunning Strike upgrades. |
8 | ![]() |
Get Damage, Concussion, and Anti-Shield upgrades. |
9 | ![]() |
Get Piercing Strike, Anti-Shield, and Weapon Focus upgrades. |
10 | ![]() |
Get Durability, Defensive Positioning, and Momentum upgrades. |
Jaal - Angaran Infiltrator
He joins your group once you find Aya planet, to follow your actions for the Resistance. He has skills that allow him to get behind enemies and deal large damage. Moreover, he can restore his shields and prime nemesis for Tech combos.
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
We first obtain active abilities as this will allow the companion to have a wide arsenal of options when in combat. |
2 | ![]() |
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3 | ![]() |
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4 | ![]() |
|
5 | ![]() |
Now, as we obtained the abilities, we can start maximizing them
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
6 | ![]() |
Get Recharge Speed, Damage, and Disrupting Strike upgrades. |
7 | ![]() |
Get Recharge Speed, Persistent Drain, and Damage upgrades. |
8 | ![]() |
Get Damage, Concussion, and Anti-Shield upgrades. |
9 | ![]() |
Get Shredding Rounds, Precision, and Destabilization upgrades. |
10 | ![]() |
Get Strong Defense, Deflection, and Obscuration upgrades. |
Peebee - Asari Biotic
She is a young Asari (100 years old) who is trying to unravel the Remnant secrets. Her abilities make her proficient with Biotic skills and allow her to prime biotic combos.
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
We first obtain active abilities as this will allow the companion to have a wide arsenal of options when in combat. |
2 | ![]() |
|
3 | ![]() |
|
4 | ![]() |
|
5 | ![]() |
Now, as we obtained the abilities, we can start maximizing them
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
6 | ![]() |
Get Duration, Expose, and Anti-Shields upgrades. |
7 | ![]() |
Get Damage & Force, Recharge Speed, and Lifting Shockwave upgrades. |
8 | ![]() |
Get Outbreak, Weaken, and Virulence upgrades. |
9 | ![]() |
Get Efficiency, Advanced Amplitude, and Biotic Synergy upgrades. |
10 | ![]() |
Get Resilience, Barrier Detonation, and Advanced Resilience upgrades. |
Vetra - soldier sentinel
She is a Turian broker that would make various cargo deals with various groups in Nexus. She has good soldier-like skills, making her an effective weapon user. Unfortunately, she can only prime enemies with level 6 Turian Smuggler skill for Tech combos. It becomes available once you do her loyalty mission.
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
We first obtain active abilities as this will allow the companion to have a wide arsenal of options when in combat. |
2 | ![]() |
|
3 | ![]() |
|
4 | ![]() |
|
5 | ![]() |
Now, as we obtained the abilities, we can start maximizing them
Order | Skill | Description |
---|---|---|
6 | ![]() |
Get Damage & Force, Target-Marking, and Anti-Shield upgrades. |
7 | ![]() |
Get Efficiency, Advanced Weapon Training, and Disruptor Ammo upgrades. |
8 | ![]() |
Get Duration, Damage & Force, and Supercharge upgrades. |
9 | ![]() |
Get Hardened Shields, Reinforced Shields, and Turbo Armor upgrades. |
10 | ![]() |
Get Defensive Systems, Defensive Positioning, and Emergency Power upgrades. |
Conclusion
If you have read this much, I will be honest about the Mass Effect Andromeda Squad builds. Overall, I used whatever companion I felt like using for most of the game. They do not change much, and all the builds I recommend are mostly self-sufficient on Insanity.
Of course, early in the game, they are invaluable, but as you reach level 25+, their importance goes down.
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