From the start of the game, players should always prioritize upgrades for their primary Weapon type: Heavy Pistols, SMGs, Shotguns, Assault Rifles, or Sniper Rifles. Unlike the Mass Effect 2 Armor Upgrades or Normandy Upgrades, which were often prioritized based on the upgrade type, Armor Upgrades require Shepard to prioritize by weapon type, as most of the upgrades are similar for each weapon. Those weapons are simply added to the Normandy's Armory and Shepard's personal arsenal, and players can equip squadmates with these weapons ahead of any mission or at a Weapon Bench.

It is important to note that these upgrades are different from the various armor pieces Shepard can loot or purchase from vendors during the game.

The order in which Shepard unlocks Weapon Upgrades in Mass Effect 2 tends to vary depending on what purchases they make and what order they complete squadmate recruitments and Loyalty missions. Best Weapon Upgrades to Get First in Mass Effect 2 Here are the best Weapon Upgrades to research first in Mass Effect 2. Weapon Upgrades will be especially important for combat-heavy classes, like Vanguards and Soldiers, as well as for companions who rely on firepower more than abilities. Almost all Weapon Upgrades affect the specified weapon for the entire squad, making them good investments for overall team power and synergy. While increasing damage tends to be a primary focus of Weapon upgrades, each weapon type also has a few upgrades that can increase accuracy, ammo capacity, and penetration of Armor or Barriers. The Weapon Upgrades section of the Mass Effect 2 upgrade interface include options to improve a weapon's base stats. Related: Mass Effect 2: Best Prototypes to Research First (& Why) With so many available weapons classes to choose from, and so many potential upgrades, it can be difficult to tell what should be prioritized and what can wait until later in the game when the Normandy has collected more resources.

Shepard can increase the power of most weapons available in Mass Effect 2 by purchasing or researching upgrades. The terminal in the Tech Lab allows Shepard to see all available upgrades and research them using rare minerals. To unlock it, players will need to recruit Mordin Solus on Omega. The upgrade system in Mass Effect 2 is accessed via the Tech Lab on the Normandy. Throughout the main story of Mass Effect 2, Shepard will encounter new potential upgrades to weapons, armor, squadmates, and even the Normandy itself.

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