What is the “Mass Effect”
The “mass effect” the series is named after is a space/time field that can be induced by introducing an electric current through a mineral called Element Zero. This alteration of space/time allows for ships to perform FTL travel, for bullets/shells to be propelled at relativistic speeds and for characters/machines to alter gravitational pulls or create energy shields. This “mass effect” is most commonly used in giant mechanical mass relays scattered across the galaxy that can propel ships to interstellar distances.
ME1 Element Zero changes mass in space/time with electricity https://youtu.be/D-1Cm-JX-RE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=208
ME1 Mass relays are explained https://youtu.be/D-1Cm-JX-RE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=271
Note: Also got a handful of links from this reddit thread. I also forgot to link the weapons videos individually.
Background
Shepard’s exact background varies based on player choice, but his default backstory states that he was born an orphan on earth and was the sole survivor of an attack by a giant monster known as a thresher maw on the planet Akuze. He then eventually became a member of the earth “federal alliance”, a governing body that helped humanity enter the galactic community after finding a mass relay in their solar system.
ME1 Text talks about Humanities discovery of the mass Relay system https://youtu.be/QjtaPhmhhAE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=128
ME1 Shepard is known for his survival on AKuze https://youtu.be/r5nPIe-DsqM?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=15
ME1 Shepard’s standard background is an orphan earthling who was the sole survivor of a thresher maw attack https://youtu.be/QjtaPhmhhAE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=73
ME1 Shepard says he grew up an orphan https://youtu.be/YgLwf7399no?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=138
In the first Mass Effect game Shepard goes on a mission to the planet Eden Prime, and comes across an ancient artifact that gives him visions of an ancient race known as the reapers. The reapers are a race of machines that wipe out all life in the galaxy in repeated “cycles” every 50,000 years. This discovery leads to Shepard trying to prevent the instigation of the next cyle by a reaper name Sovereign and enlists the help of Sovereign’s ally, the specter(basically members of a secret galaxy wide task force) Saren.
ME1 Shepard finds the beacon and it causes him to see a vision of the reapers https://youtu.be/BayLCuWSMdw?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=717
ME1 The reapers are first explained. They’re a hyper advanced machine race that hunted the Protheans to extinction https://youtu.be/Xu4tso_MC6E?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=293
ME1 The reaper Sovereign is explained https://youtu.be/QLnQU-H_1Mc?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=412
ME1 Sovereign explains the reaper cycle https://youtu.be/3zVW1mJ_rfE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=184
ME1 Shepard is told by a Prothean VI program about the Reapers. Shepard is told the extermination cycle has gone for millions of years https://youtu.be/Jijt2HrMxfE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=730
In order to stop Saren, Shepard instated as a specter by the galaxy’s leading government council, and gathers a team to aid him in his quest across multiple planets in the galaxy. This eventually culminates in a critical battle against Saren/Sovereign at the citadel, the galaxy’s central hub. Where Shepard and the alliance win, and save the council from certain death.
ME1 Shepard is made a specter so he can hunt down Saren https://youtu.be/2mYt2kJ49uA?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=450
ME1 Shepard fights and defeats Saren. Sovereign is destroyed by the alliance right after https://youtu.be/bPd2tV9pKFY?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=13
In the second game Shepard fights one of the allies of the reapers, the collectors, a race of beings that kidnap organic species to turn them into new reapers. At the start of the game Shepard’s “killed” by the collectors and then later revived using cybernetics by an organization called Cerberus. He then gathers a new team to wage an assault on the collectors base, preventing the new prototype reaper from being completed.
ME2 The Normandy gets attacked by a collector ship and Shepard is killed https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=252
ME2 Shepard is cybernetically rebuilt by Cerberus in the Lazurus project https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=607
ME2 Shepard talks to the illusive man about disappearing human colonies https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2530
In the final game Shepard gathers allies from across the galaxy as the remaining reaper forces invade the galaxy with the intent to wipe out all advanced life. Ultimately Shepard defeats them all by using a super weapon called the conduit. Which either gives his mind control over the reapers, destroys them across the galaxy or pacifies them by making them partially organic.
ME3 Shepard escapes the earth as it’s attacked by the reapers https://youtu.be/7b3TuNPzxSY?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1304
ME3 The Mass Effect 3 endings https://youtu.be/f_TM_skxgqI?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=3601
Character Classes
In Mass Effect there’s generally 6 classes you can choose from at the start of the game. Soldier, Engineer, Adept, Vanguard and Infiltrator. Each class grants specific base stats, weapons and special abilities/attacks to Shepard. Under NORMAL circumstances you can only use one class for a playthrough of a game and cannot change said class attributes part way through the story.
That said, it's important to note that through the usage of “advanced training” in Mass Effect 2 or Bonus skills learned via squad mates in various games, Shepard can learn skills/abilities that wouldn’t normally be available to his chosen character class. This overall makes the choice of character class irrelevant to anything but base stats and general “proficiency” with skills, as Shepard should technically be able to learn any ability he wants after putting in enough effort.
Note: Shepard’s ability to have abilities outside of his class is likely due to being rebuilt with cybernetics in ME2. It’s explicitly possible for Shepard to be given abilities from a class he did not have in the first game(if you import a save and change character class). Rydner in Mass Effect Andromeda likewise was also able to change class specific abilities on the fly due to a combination of more extensive implants(and an AI optimizing them).
Soldier
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/Soldier
This is the default character Class for commander Shepard. Soldier’s typically have stats and abilities that focus on high HP/Defense and heavy weapons/armor.
Engineer
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/Engineer
A character class focused around hacking, support or debuffing foes. They tend to have below average defense.
Adept
https://masseffect.fandom.com/wiki/Adept
A character class focused around biotic abilities, the power to control gravity with “mass effect fields”.
Vanguard
A character class with a combination of weapons/armor and biotic abilities.
Infiltrator
A character class that combines stealth with good armor use and hacking abilities.
Arsenal
Omnitool
A small personal computer that can be used to analyze objects, weapons and data. It can also be used for hacking, sending video messages and storing personal information. Omni-tools also come with miniature 3D printers called fabricators, that can allow them to create small objects, weapons or perform repairs on the battlefield with construction components called “omni-gel”. These internal fabricators can also be used to form super heated silicon-carbide weapons, such as daggers called “omni-blades”. Similar to other pieces of equipment the Omni-tool can be upgraded to improve performance.
ME1 Omni-tools are explained. They are holo tools with sensors and manufacturing abilities https://youtu.be/D-1Cm-JX-RE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=353
ME2 Games can be installed on omni-tools https://youtu.be/1alCM64SsTA?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2385
ME2 Omni-tools can leave holo messages https://youtu.be/GTexgT92iVw?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=114
PL 13:55 Omni-tools can make diagrams of a battlefield
ME3 Omni-tools can form various tools for repairs https://youtu.be/BVsBlgRiKh0?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=83
ME3 Omni-tools can send data interstellar distances and make holo images https://youtu.be/XGUL3oIB5Xg?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2334 https://youtu.be/ZPBfZcOkiN4?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=88
ME3 Omni-tools can play videos https://youtu.be/7ciV2KKTnzA?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1439
Weaponry
ME3 Shepard using the omni-tool to create a large blade https://youtu.be/6WdNvTaskFA?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1347
ME3 Shepard using the omni-blade https://youtu.be/HaUU7TtAm5c?t=262
ME3 Shepard has a holo blade https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=783
It’s stated the omni-tool uses a fabricator to make a holo blade https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/The-Art-of-the-Mass-Effect-Universe/TPB-Part-2?id=161155#75
General hacking
ME1 Shepard can hack into/decrypt machines https://youtu.be/rZvX6uXcWIY?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=350
ME2 Shepard hacking into an electronic safe https://youtu.be/EdMRMZ2JVvM?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=363
ME2 The omni-tool can be used to remotely hack into software https://youtu.be/EdMRMZ2JVvM?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1217
Omni tools can be used to hack into the geth https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Mass-Effect-Homeworlds/Issue-2?id=51495#8
Upgrades
ME2 Custom heuristics https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=14
ME2 Multicore amplifier https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=20
ME2 Hydra module https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=22
ME2 Predictive display https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=82
ME2 Quantum threading https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=95
Medigel
An all purpose medical salve. It uses biogenic nanides to heal injuries and also acts like an anesthetic, while creating a watertight seal around injuries. It can be applied manually or injected or spread internally. It can keep targets alive after seemingly fatal injuries, though it cannot heal massive blood loss, lost limbs or infection. Shepard typically has low doses of medi gel available through a delivery system in his suite or cybernetics, but also carries around 3-9 large doses he can apply manually for larger injuries.
ME1 Medi gel is a local anesthesia, clotting agent, and disinfectant https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=161
ME1 It’s said medigel can heal people physically https://youtu.be/QLnQU-H_1Mc?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=732
ME2 Medigel is used to heal a person's damaged leg https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1595
ME2 Medical 6 upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=6
ME2 Microscanner upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=43
EDI
The core AI for Shepard’s ship, the Normandy. EDI can provide support to her allies via scanning locations to create mini maps, hacking into enemy machinery, analyzing objects/organisms and so on. While EDI is later given an android body in Mass Effect 3, she still exists primarily in the ship and can still provide this backup on ground missions.
ME2 EDI is introduced as Normandy's AI. https://youtu.be/EdMRMZ2JVvM?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2026
ME2 EDI mentions that she has hacking and counter hack functions https://youtu.be/EdMRMZ2JVvM?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2733
ME2 EDI has a quantum state communicator https://youtu.be/EdMRMZ2JVvM?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3322
ME2 EDI can mark and track locations for Shepard, as well as communicate with him https://youtu.be/hPfrDKaw3qI?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=473
ME2 EDI remotely hacks into a lab https://youtu.be/oLCpoIgUqf4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1295
ME2 EDI can analyze DNA https://youtu.be/4xHNH7P-h80?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=645
ME3 Edi constantly evolves and was created for cyber warfare https://youtu.be/UdrjiuVtHhA?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=131
ME3 Edi hacked control of docking clamps https://youtu.be/UdrjiuVtHhA?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=230
Edi can store and send 7 zettabytes of information https://youtu.be/eqFWyoF6dQ8?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1417
Armor
N7 Armor
The standard Armor Shepard has in most of his appearances. It consists of a set of greaves, gauntlets, shoulder guards, a chest plate and a helmet. Each part consists of a dual layer of fabric armor with kinetic padding in a ablative ceramic shell. The armor comes with in built in communication, navigation, and battlefield awareness software. The helmet can also be upgraded to have to protect the wearer from hazardous conditions, like the vacuum of space or underwater.
ME1 Combat hard suites are explained https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=6
ME2 The armors in Mass effect can seal themselves for space exploration https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=398
Mass Effect 1 armor sets
In mass effect 1 armor is split between “light, Medium and heavy armor”. Typically higher protection and better shields are specific to the heavier armor. There’s about a dozen or so armor sets created by various alien races.
Mass effect 2 and 3 armor sets
Shepard's armor sets in Mass Effect 2 are more streamlined. Some armor sets have braces and micro-servos to support and enhance movement or attack speed. Some have built in micro-stimulants and medi-gel(healing space magic) for better health recovery. Others have technology that boosts shields, and on board computing power, etc. A particular notable armor piece is the Umbra Visor, which grants infrared vision.
Armor upgrades
In several games(mainly the first) you can upgrade armor sets. For example Stimulant packs can deliver shots of adrenaline for increased physical performance. Hardened waves are a complex filament network of element zero microcores that can protect against gravity and tech based attacks. Microprocessors can be wired into armor to release small doses of medi-gel to accelerate the healing. Other upgrades include advanced barriers, motorized joints/exoskeletons for added power, upgrades to internal firewalls. As well as various systems internal seals that protect against radiation, poison gasses, chemical compounds and biological hazards.
Kinetic barrier
Kinetic barriers are force fields like shields created from low level Mass Effect fields. They deflect objects or particles traveling towards a character at high speeds, allowing them to defend against most forms of gunfire or energy blasts. They function the same way as mass effect fields used on star ships, but are created by smaller “emitters” using Element Zero. In most of the games the recharge time and proficiency of these shields can be upgraded.
ME1 Characters using shields https://youtu.be/pWnDu-GIXs0?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=287
ME1 Kinetic barriers are mass effect fields that block projectiles https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=56
ME2 Burst regeneration upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=35
ME2 Nanocrystal shield upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=80
ME2 Shield harmonics upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=88
ME2 Ablative 6 upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=94
Cybernetics
By default several “character classes” in Mass Effect have cybernetic implants. The soldier class has ocular synaptic implants for better sight and weapon aiming. All biotic classes also have a variety of upgradeable “L3-5x implants” that aid their bodies with the spawning of mass effect fields. However at the start of Mass Effect 2, Shepard rebuilt by the organization Cerberus under operation “Lazarus”. This ended in Shepard having a significant portion of his body replaced or upgraded with cybernetic enhancements. Throughout the games those enhancements can also be further upgraded.
ME2 Shepard is cybernetically rebuilt by Cerberus in the Lazarus project https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=607
ME2 Project Lazarus is explained https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1241
ME2 Cybernetics upgrades https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=71
ME3 It’s stated Shepard was remade from the ground up by Cerberus https://youtu.be/XGUL3oIB5Xg?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=469
ME3 It’s stated Shepard had cybernetic implants https://youtu.be/50vDgcOjNk8?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2067
Some notable cybernetics include.
Heavy Bone Weave: Reinforcements to the skeleton with a synthetic weave, making Shepherd's bones almost unbreakable. Medi-gel conduits allow for bone regenerations in days.
Heavy Muscle Weave: Micro-fibers in the muscles that increase strength and decrease muscle damage from exertion.
Heavy Skin Weave: Strong synthetic fibers woven through the skin that dramatically reduce damage taken from most attacks. These fibers also act as a medi-gel conduit, improving healing.
Weapons
Most weapons in mass effect propel their ammunition using “mass accelerators''. Equipment that creates mass effect fields that propels slugs/bullets at speeds that would otherwise be unobtainable with gunpowder. Each weapon’s “ammunition” consists of a single block of metal that’s shaved off and propelled at these high speeds. These blocks of metal allow a weapon to fire thousands of rounds in a single battle. Most weapons also have self targeting systems that adjust for weather and atmosphere.
In the first game fire rates of weapons were limited by “heat build up”. But in Mass Effect 2 onwards the series introduced the concept of “thermal clips'. Thermal clips are detachable heat sinks used to manage heat build up. These allow for the user to repeatedly fire a weapon without pause, and quickly replace the sink after the weapon heats up too much.
ME1 Weapons are stated to use mass accelerators to fire bullets https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=99
ME1 It’s stated that mass effect accelerators can make bullets move at speed previously impossible. Though they still have recoil. https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=136
ME1 It’s stated all weapons in Mass effect use micro scale mass accelerators https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=206
ME1 Weapons in Mass Effect one can hold 1000s of rounds https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=236
ME2 Weapons are stated to use thermal clips starting in Mass Effect 2 https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=804
ME1:
Pistols: https://youtu.be/EQuDKTRZDDw?t=7
Submachine guns https://youtu.be/EQuDKTRZDDw?t=75
Assault rifle https://youtu.be/EQuDKTRZDDw?t=143
Shotgun https://youtu.be/EQuDKTRZDDw?t=284
Sniper rifles https://youtu.be/EQuDKTRZDDw?t=419
Heavy weapons https://youtu.be/EQuDKTRZDDw?t=536
ME2:
Heavy Pistols https://youtu.be/7kLOiY4YK9A?t=7
Submachine guns https://youtu.be/7kLOiY4YK9A?t=83
Assault rifles https://youtu.be/7kLOiY4YK9A?t=146
Shotguns https://youtu.be/7kLOiY4YK9A?t=303
Sniper rifles https://youtu.be/7kLOiY4YK9A?t=406
Heavy weapons https://youtu.be/7kLOiY4YK9A?t=534M-8 Avenger
A common and versatile assault rifle.
Geth Pulse Rifle
A geth weapon that fires high-energy phasic slugs. Particularly effective on Shields.
N-7 Typhoon
An automatic weapon with a face shield to protect against headshots. It’s well known for its kinetic kickback.
M-300 Shotgun
A Krogen made shotgun that’s effective at a short range. It has enough kickback to break a normal human's arm.
Geth Plasma shotgun
A Geth shotgun that fires superconducting projectiles that fragment and flash converts the air to plasma.
Disciple
An Asari shotgun that fires rounds with microscale submunitions capable of shredding through most armor.
Venom Shotgun
A Salarian shotgun that fires explosive slugs and micro grenades.
M-98 Widow
A 39 kilogram rifle capable of piercing heavy armor and vehicles. Normal humans can’t use it without breaking an arm.
Javelin
A rifle that fires superheated ferrofluid at speeds that can cut most objects in two.
N7 Valiant
A powerful alliance sniper rifle with an advanced fire control system.
HMWP Master Pistol
The most advanced pistol in the original Mass effect game.
N-7 Eagle
An alliance pistol modeled after the classic desert eagle earth handgun.
Acolyte
An Asari pistol that shoots rounds that warp time/space around targets similar to biotics, easily damaging kinetic shields.
M-4 Shuriken
A submachine gun that fires 3 round bursts that are effective against shields and biotics.
Geth Plasma SMG
A machine gun that fires superconducting toroids that break apart on impact, and flash-convert the shrapnel into plasma shots.
N7-Hurricane
The standard alliance military machine gun. It has an excellent rate of fire.
ML-77 Missile Launcher
A rapid fire missile launcher.
M-100 Grenade Launcher
Rapid-fire grenade launcher.
M-451 Firestorm
Creates a stream of fire that nullifies regenerative abilities.
Collector particle beam
A collector based weapon that fires a powerful beam of particles that can tear through armor and shields. The energy needed for this kind of weapon far exceeds the power of normal mass accelerator weaponry.
M-662 Avalanche
A weapon that super cools it’s ammunition into a Bose-Einstein condensate, a mass of subatomic particles capable of instantly freezing objects
M-920 Cain
A powerful heavy weapon that fires 25 gram explosive slugs at 5km/s. Its power is so high it can create mushroom clouds.
Arc Projector
A weapon that shocks multiple foes with electricity that follows along an ionized laser.
Reaper Blackstar
A gun that fires micro black holes that tear apart/alter the nuclear forces that hold a target's atoms together, changing the chemical composition of the target.
M-490 Blackstorm
A weapon that encases particles of matter within a high-powered mass-increasing field and elevates them to near-infinite mass. The resulting singularity rips the objects apart.
Throwable grenades. They typically take on the form of disks and have a countdown of about 10 seconds.
While some ammo types are regulated to being separate “powers” in later games, Mass effect one allowed you to install a variety of Ammo types in all weaponry. Some notable ammo types include radioactive, chemical and polonium rounds, which poison enemies and prevent regeneration.
Weapons in mass effect can also be upgraded to have additional attack power, better aim, better armor/biotic penetration etc. You can see a list of some general upgrades below.
General Upgrades
ME2 Microfield pulser https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=23
ME2 Combat scanner https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=26
ME2 Microscopic pulse https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=28
ME2 Thermal Sink https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=30
ME2 Synchronized pulser https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=31
ME2 Jacketing https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=32
ME2 Heat sink capacity https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=33
ME2 Microfusion array https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=69
ME2 Titan pulsar https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=73
ME2 Smart rounds https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=76
ME2 Tungsten Jacker https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=109
ME2 Kinetic pulser https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=111
ME2 Targeting Vi https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=113
ME2 Tungsten shoot jacket https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=120
ME2 Shabot Jacking https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=122
Abilities
Mental resistances
Shepard has repeatedly shown to have resistance to most forms of mind control. Asari like Liara and Morinth have noted his strong personality is difficult to meld with or take over. It’s also noted that the visions given to him by the prothean beacon in the first game would have driven most other characters insane. He’s also one of a few characters who was never indoctrinated(essentially mind controlled) by the reapers despite his proximity to them. He also shows “some” resistance to the similar mind control powers used by the ancient leviathan race.
ME1 It’s difficult for Asarai to link to Humans, particularly strong personalities like Shepard https://youtu.be/jDZ88HMl4K8?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=228
ME2 Shepard is immune to Morinth’s mind control powers https://youtu.be/XpzpelBfJJ4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2562
ME1 Reaper Indoctronication is used to control people https://youtu.be/2J7n7lWtVr4?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=360 https://youtu.be/2J7n7lWtVr4?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=772
ME1 It’s mentioned being around reapers indoctrinates subjects https://youtu.be/30Gswb2gN_c?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=225
ME3 Shepard can be affected by Leviathans, but resists long enough to get his point across https://youtu.be/8a7jsjrpCvI?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=3367
ME1 Shepard uses the Beacon which would have destroyed a lesser mind
Toxin Immunity
Due to the combination of cybernetic implants and natural toughness, Shepard has a large resistance to most forms of toxins. This includes alcohol, deadly poisons, and sedatives.
ME1 Knocked out but not seriously harmed by a poison that killed every human that drank it previously
ME2 Required increasingly strong doses of sedatives to keep him asleep
and ultimately attempts failed to work
N7 training
The highest level of proficiency in the human alliance space organization. In order to become an N1 ranking soldier a person must first undergo intense combat training in Rio de Janerio that lasts over 20 hours a day. N2-6 training involves training in zero-G combat, parachuting, jetboot/jetpack flight, combat diving, close-quarter combatives , linguistics, frontline trauma care and assault procedures, as well as possible specialization in space navel or vehicle combat. Finally N7 candidates are given basic gear, and stranded on an asteroid in a competition to see who lasts the longest before running out of oxygen.
ME3 N7 training is described https://youtu.be/cfgmVm59vx8?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=477
Talents/powers
Talents/powers are special attacks. They generally work on a cooldown and can be organized by several categories. They can also generally be upgraded.
Base powers
Unity
An ability that uses medi-gel to revive downed teammates during combat.
Passive support abilities(First Aid, Medicine, Fitness, Immunity, Specter Training)
Various passive support abilities that increase his HP, defense, strength or the effectiveness of his healing abilities.
Combat powers
Adrenaline rush
An ability that increases reaction time by 50% and increases damage by 100% for several seconds. It has various upgrades that can further increase reaction time to 70%, damage by 140% , or shields by 50%.
ME2 Adrenaline gives a short boost to reaction time and weapons damage https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=486
Concussive shot
An explosive gun shot that can knock down opponents. Upgrades like Heavy concussive shot and concussive blast, can increase the power or AOE of the attack.
ME2 Concussive shot fires a single high powered blast from a weapon https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=500
Marksman
A power that increases firing rate and accuracy.
ME3 Marksman being used https://youtu.be/Rf63i0seACM?t=18
Carnage
An explosive gun shot that shreds opponents. Its damage and radius can both be upgraded.
ME3 The carnage ability being used https://youtu.be/0_MdGhIwLY0?t=40
Ammo powers
Cryo Ammo
A power that can infuse any ammo with a freezing effect. Upgrades like Improved Cryo Ammo and Squad Cryo ammo improve the freezing effect and AOE of the attack.
ME2 Cryo ammo can freeze opponents solid https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=587
Disruptor Ammo
A power that can infuse any ammo with an electromagnetic pulse, allowing it to disable shields and electronics. Upgrades like heavy disruptor ammo and squad disruptor ammo allows ammo to make electronics explode or shares the ammos effects with teammates.
ME2 Disruptor being used to disable shields and weapons https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=550
Incendiary ammo
A power that can infuse any ammo with a fire/burning quality. The effect of the ammo also negates regeneration. Upgrades like inferno ammo and squad Inferno ammo increase the AOE or the attack grants the usage of incendiary ammo to squad mates.
ME2 Incendiary ammo burns armor and objects https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=561
Armor piercing ammo
A power that can infuse any ammo with armor piercing quality. Upgrades like tungsten ammo and squad ammo increase damage or grant the usage of said ammo to squad mates.
ME3 Armor piercing ammo being used https://youtu.be/L3NC6GTX7k8?t=5
Shredder Ammo
A power that can infuse any ammo with a shredding quality, effective against unshielded targets. Upgrades like Improved shredder ammo and squad shredder ammo allow for increased damage and allow squad mates to use said ammo.
Warp Ammo
A power that can infuse any ammo with a biotic mass effect field that creates Zero-G environments. Upgrades like heavy warp ammo and squad warp ammo increase damage or allow for teammates to use said ammo.
ME3 Warp ammo being used https://youtu.be/RPw0G_u8VDU?t=100
Tech powers
AI hacking
An ability that allows the user to hack into and take control of mechanical devices or synthetic lifeforms. Upgrades like area AI hacking and Improved AI hacking, improve defense when hacking or allow for hacking of multiple devices over a large area.
ME2 The AI hacking ability https://youtu.be/gWdThW0mDHw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=829
Cryo Blast
An attack that uses the omni-tool to fire super-cool subatomic particles to freeze opponents. Upgrades like deep cryo blast and full cryo blast increase power and AOE of the attack.
ME2 The Cryo blast ability https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=731
Combat Drone
A flying drone that can fire electric shocks on opponents from a distance. Upgrades like attack drone and explosive drone, increase damage, grant rockets and enable a self destruct mode.
ME2 The Combat drone ability https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=791
Incinerate
An explosion of plasma formed from the Omni-tool that incinerates opponents and nullifies regeneration. Upgrades like heavy Incinerate and Incinerate blast increase damage and AOE.
ME2 The incinerate ability https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=675
Overload
A powerful blast of energy that knocks out shields and electronic devices. Upgrades like heavy overload and area overload, increase damage or AOE of the attack. It can also be upgraded with a neural shock ability that stuns organic opponents.
ME1 The overload ability https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=345
ME2 The overload ability https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=631
Tactical Cloak
An ability that cloaks the user from enemy view. Upgrades like assassinations cloak and enhanced cloak increase damage while invisible or invisibility duration.
ME2 Shepard using the tactical cloak https://youtu.be/gWdThW0mDHw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=873
Tech Armor
An additional set of energy armor that temporarily boosts shields and can send out a pulse of energy to knock enemies back. Upgrades like assault armor and power armor, increase the pulse damage or increase Attack/defense when the armor is active.
ME2 The tech armor power https://youtu.be/YbCCpLS5Ads?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=886
ME3 The tech armor power https://youtu.be/YbCCpLS5Ads?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=1247
Sabotage
Allows the user to hack into robotic objects or weapons to sabotage them. Upgrades can make objects hacked explode when destroyed or increase hack effect durations.
ME1 The Sabotage power https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=295
ME2 The Sabotage power https://youtu.be/gWdThW0mDHw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=380
Dampening
Infuses proximity mines with an effect that disables technology and biotic abilities.
ME2 The Damping ability https://youtu.be/gWdThW0mDHw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=430
Sentry turret
A turret that can fire on nearby enemies. It has upgrades that give it cryo ammo, lightning bolt attacks, flame throwers, rockets and armor piercing rounds.
ME3 The Sentry turret https://youtu.be/sGxA2_qgBUw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=1149
Neural shock
An ability that shocks an opponent's neural system, paralyzing them for a short period of time. Upgrades like heavy neural shock and neural shockwave allow for shocks to chain between enemies or increase the AOE of the attack.
ME3 The neural shock ability https://youtu.be/_bdK8jp7GMg?t=82
Fortification
A move that reinforces armor with non-newtonian fluid to increase defense. Upgrades like Improved fortification and heavy fortification improve the duration of the move and the amount of damage reduced.
ME3 The fortification power https://youtu.be/oVrOxYQXas4?t=107
Energy Drain
An ability that drains the shields of an opponent and adds that power to Shepard’s. Upgrades like heavy drain and area drain increase the power of the energy drain and its AOE.
ME3 Energy drain ability https://youtu.be/adHOE1fCXcs?t=102
Geth Shield boost
An ability that reinforces your energy barrier with Geth barrier technology. Upgrades like heavy Geth shield boost and improved Geth Shield boost increase the shield damage nullification and time span.
ME3 Geth shield ability https://youtu.be/oVrOxYQXas4?t=18
Defensive matrix
An ability that improves defense by encasing armor in protective foucault currents. It can be upgraded with improved defense and time span.
ME3 The defensive matrix ability https://youtu.be/khBqKYOXeSg?t=15
Decoy
An ability that creates a holographic copy of Shepard to serve as a distraction. It can be upgraded to last longer, shock enemies with electricity or explode upon disappearing.
ME3 The Decoy ability https://youtu.be/hCifm87FplY?t=82
Defense Drone
Creates a holographic drone that attacks foes with lightning. It can be upgraded for higher attack power and range.
ME3 Defense drone ability https://youtu.be/Jksh_thPAyA?t=40
Grenade powers
Cluster
Several grenades grouped together and thrown in a biotic field. This power can be upgraded for increased damage and radius.
ME3 Cluster grenades https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=1065
Frag
A power that grants the usage of a shrapnel filled grenade. It can be upgraded with a larger radius in addition to increased damage against Shields and armor.
ME3 Explosive frag grenades https://youtu.be/KIy-3UFDcCQ?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=740
Lift
A grenade that creates an upwards explosion of biotic energy. It can be upgraded with increased damage and radius.
ME3 Lift grenades https://youtu.be/otmx6mJfzJc?t=6
Sticky
A grenade that sticks onto opponents before exploding. They can be upgraded with additional explosive power or to activate only after enemies come within a certain distance of them.
ME3 Sticky grenade https://youtu.be/gWdThW0mDHw?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=1255
Flashbang Grenade
A disorienting grenade that disables the neural systems of organics, electronics, biotic powers and technology. Upgrades like frag grenade and improved flashbang grenade improve damage and radius.
ME3 Flashbang grenades https://youtu.be/-82Vhm6E7KU?t=50
Inferno Grenade
A grenade that creates a large burst of fire in all directions. Upgrades like heavy Inferno grenade and inferno blast grenade increase damage and AOE.
ME3 Inferno grenade https://youtu.be/fziDd-E_Amg?t=2
Proximity mine
A sticky mine that activates when an enemy comes within range. It can be upgraded to do additional damage or to slow the movement of an opponent.
ME3 Proximity mine https://youtu.be/EULi8QVECpo?t=63
Biotics
“Biotic” is a term used to describe characters or organisms that have the ability to telekinetically affect gravity with self made mass effect fields. This allows them to float, form shields and create a variety of special attacks. In universe this ability is due to humans being exposed to element Zero in vitro and developing special nodules along their body that can be activated using implants after reaching adulthood. Shepard can be a naturally born biotic in the first game, and can either become biotic after being rebuilt by Cerberus or learn biotic abilities as bonus skills in later games. Biotic powers can also be improved via various new implants and upgrades in most games.
ME1 Kaiden explains how element zero creates biotics https://youtu.be/9AhcXREJx1U?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=248
ME1 Biotics have the ability to manipulate dark matter to create mass effect fields. Humans normally need training and implants for it. They’re normally a result of pre-birth exposure to element zero https://youtu.be/D-1Cm-JX-RE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=3 https://youtu.be/D-1Cm-JX-RE?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=390
ME2 The biotic codex entry https://youtu.be/6cANePMUcUs?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1369
ME2 Biotic powers can be used to float https://youtu.be/NCSVlDp-rlk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1656
ME3 Biotics can make shields https://youtu.be/rSNs-JFqdvU?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=265
ME2 Neural mash upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=104
ME2 Hyper-amp upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=107
ME2 Smart amplifier upgrade https://youtu.be/WBgMDs0nnVo?t=108
Biotic charge
A biotic ability that boosts Shepard towards an opponent for a body slam. Upgrades like heavy charge and area charge increase the damage and AOE of the move.
ME2 Shepard has a biotic dash attack https://youtu.be/hPfrDKaw3qI?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1529
ME2 Shepard using charge https://youtu.be/pLlrDfSyI-Q?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=658
Nova
Creates a large burst of biotic energy. The move can be upgraded with a higher strength and radius.
Pull
A biotic ability that pulls an enemy towards Shepard. Upgrades like heavy pull and pull field pull opponents for longer or pull a larger AOE of objects
Singularity
A biotic power that creates a dark vortex that draws in opponents and dangles them in zero G. Upgrades like wide singularity and heavy singularity increase the number of objects and AOE of the field. It can also collapse in an explosion.
ME1 Singularity pulls enemies into a ME induced black hole https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=324
ME2 Singularity is used https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=681
Shockwaves
Creates mass effect shockwaves along the ground that can damage foes. Upgrades like heavy shockwave and improved shockwave increase damage and AOE,
ME2 The Shockwave move creates a wave of energy that damages foes https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=555 https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=700
Throw
A move that creates a gravitational push that knocks opponents away. Upgrades like heavy throw and throw field increase the force of the push or the AOE.
ME1 Throw pushes objects away from the player https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=247
ME1 Throw https://youtu.be/pLlrDfSyI-Q?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=346
Lift
A move that lifts an opponent in a Zero-G mass effect field.
ME1 This move lifts enemies in a zero G field https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=282
Warp
A ball of gravitational energy that can be thrown at opponents and rips them apart on a molecular level. Upgrades like heavy warp and unstable warp increase the power and AOE of the attack
ME3 Warp https://youtu.be/YbCCpLS5Ads?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=1392
ME2 Warp https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=613
Lash
Creates a whip of gravitational energy that latches onto opponents and throws them. The move can be upgraded to do additional damage and penetrate shields.
ME3 Lash https://youtu.be/g2wpoTXbihg?t=16
Barrier
Creates a mass effect barrier around the user, increasing protection. The move can be upgraded in durability and time span. It can also be given the power to discharge explosively when destroyed.
ME1 Barrier creates additional mass effect barriers around the character https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=221
ME3 Barrier https://youtu.be/adHOE1fCXcs?t=664
Slam
A move that lifts an opponent up in a gravitational field and slams them back down against the ground. It can be upgraded to do additional damage or to cause the opponent to explode on impact.
ME3 Slam https://youtu.be/adHOE1fCXcs?t=257
Statis
A move that locks an opponent still within a gravitational field. Upgrades can increase the length and AOE of the move
ME1 Status disables movement and weapons https://youtu.be/lKhJBlm65U4?list=PLUls2U1FlkrOsMBl6HDzuJitJgUvBLexo&t=357
ME3 The move status https://youtu.be/adHOE1fCXcs?t=514
Flare
A powerful explosive projectile of biotic energy. It can be upgraded to have improved damage and AOE
ME3 Flare https://youtu.be/ElKRpPr5RW8?t=15
Dark Channel
Creates a gravitational field around an opponent that continuously damages them. It can be upgraded to last longer, do more damage, and slow the movement of targets.
ME3 Dark channel https://youtu.be/oFlnmKA1Drw?t=34
Reave
A biotic power that directly attacks the nervous systems and electronics to prevent regeneration. Also restores health. Upgrades like heavy reave and area reave increase power and AOE.
ME3 Reave https://youtu.be/adHOE1fCXcs?t=435
Dominate
A move that affects the mind of a biological target and forces them to attack allies or harm themselves. Upgrades allow you to use the move on multiple targets at once or increase the stats of the organisms under control.
Class powers/specialization
In Mass Effect 1 and 2 Shepard can further specialize his “class”, typically gaining additional HP, Defense or Damage buffs. Based on Shepard's standard lower class(Soldier), his specialization class would likely either be Shock Trooper or Commando. In Mass effect 3 each “standard class” has a special “mastery” skill, which grants similar buffs to stats.
Feats
Strength
ME2 Shepard destroys a large flying attack plane https://youtu.be/FVRfCEtABZk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3388
The M-662 Avalanche fires super cooled Bose-Einstein condensate, which is a real life substance said to reach around−273.15 °C (near absolute Zero).
The M-920 Cain is stated to fire a 25 gram slug at 5km/s and hit with enough force to create a mushroom cloud. It’s also nicknamed the “nuke launcher”.
The M-490 Blackstorm is specifically stated to create a gravitational singularity with near infinite mass and has an event horizon similar to normal black holes.
Shepard can wield the widow sniper rifle, which can break a normal human’s arm.
ME2 The Claymore could blow apart the head of a thresher maw after being swallowed
Various biotic abilities are stated to be able to produce forces between 1000-1200 newtons.
Some biotic abilities like warp destroy objects on a subatomic level
It’s stated in the novels that high end cybernetics potentially allow humans to deliver 2000 pounds of force.
Speed
ME1 It’s stated that mass effect accelerators can make bullets move at speed previously impossible https://youtu.be/cNQdBMvW3lk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=136
ME3 Shepard avoids being targeted by a reaper laser https://youtu.be/107qRDRLI_I?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1797 and https://youtu.be/EGZHmSLlVbU?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1236
ME3 The collector particle beam is stated to be a radiation based laser weapon, meaning its beam should likely travel close to light speed.
Endurance
ME2 Shepard survives the Normandy spaceship exploding(he only dies due to his suite getting compromised) https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=481
ME2 Shepard's shields protect against the heat of Haestrom, which has a surface temp of 44C https://youtu.be/qT3h2Owks6g?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1498
ME2 Shepard is shot point blank, but his shields negate it https://youtu.be/NCSVlDp-rlk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2296
ME3 Shepard survives falling several dozen feet https://youtu.be/3NxTZPyBQY8?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=541
ME3 Shepard gets hit point blank by a beam laser from the Reaper Harbinger https://youtu.be/f_TM_skxgqI?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2533
ME3 Shepard survives the destruction of the citadel and the conduit space station in the “destruction ending” in Mass Effect 3. Both these spaceships together are dozens of Kilometers large https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=102&v=6AdWqlsQjWo&feature=youtu.be
ME3 Blown back by a nearby blast from an Atlas. An Atlas mech can blow a person apart with its guns
Scaling
As one of the strongest soldiers in the series and having had various implants to improve his physical strength, Shepard obviously scales to most physical feats in the series.
ME2 Garrus survives a blanket of bullets and a small explosion from a rocket https://youtu.be/_mGrmvWZFqg?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1077
ME2 Kasumi dodges machine fire https://youtu.be/FVRfCEtABZk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3348
Liara dodges shots from a rifle https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Mass-Effect-Redemption/Issue-4?id=69786#4
Biotics
With biotic powers Shepard should match or be in the same ballpark of power as other biotics on his team. He’s also been noted to be an unusually powerful biotic should the player choose it as his main class.
ME2 Miranda says she can crush a mech with her biotics https://youtu.be/tud87V9Ohi4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2943
ME2 Samara can create a forcefield of biotic energy to force collector bug swarms away https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1918
ME2 Samara creates a powerful city block sized biotic push https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2497
Liara puts a biotic shield around an entire ship to protect it https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Mass-Effect-Homeworlds/Issue-4?id=51525#15
Liara destroys the inside of a space station with a biotic pulse https://readcomiconline.li/Comic/Mass-Effect-Redemption/Issue-3?id=69785#22
ME2 Morinth and Samara cause a lot of office junk and chairs to floar with their biotic powers https://youtu.be/XpzpelBfJJ4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2645
ME2 Jack destroys a giant mech with a biotic punch https://youtu.be/rxOnRYa8nC0?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3002
Reapers
While Shepard can’t defeat the most powerful reapers single handedly he has destroyed minor reapers and survived attacks from larger ones.
For example at the end of Mass Effect 3 Shepard is hit point blank with the main gun of the reaper Harbinger and Harbinger is described as the first and most powerful reaper. Normal reaper ships are stated to have kiloton or megaton level attack power.
ME3 Reapers can create explosions seeable from space https://youtu.be/HaUU7TtAm5c?t=117
ME3 Shepard gets hit point blank by a beam laser from the Reaper Harbinger https://youtu.be/f_TM_skxgqI?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2533
Reaper capital ships are said to have kiloton fire power.
It being stated Reaper ships have megaton level fire power.
Shepard has also directly been able to defeat smaller “destroyer” Reaper ships using the M-920 mini nuke explosive gun, as well as the infant “capital reaper ship” known as the Human Reaper. Even a smaller destroyer Reaper could survive bombardment from an entire fleet of Spaceships. Dreadnought class spaceships are stated to have kiloton level attack power(The Quarrians had ships on this level to fight the Geth in said instance).
ME2 Shepard fights the human reaper https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3189 https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3718
ME3 Shepard fights and destroys a reaper(with space artillery from an entire space fleet, guided by a laser) https://youtu.be/EGZHmSLlVbU?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1223
ME3 Shepard blows up a destroyer reaper with the M-Cain https://youtu.be/tdX0mfD6T_M?t=1008
ME2 A 20 kilo feros slug fired by a dreadnought ship hits with the force of a 38 kiloton bomb https://youtu.be/1alCM64SsTA?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=23
Synthetics
Some synthetic creatures that Shepard fights are said to think or crunch through data at speeds reaching light speed or nano second timings. For example
Legion states he and the geth are capable of thinking at light speed.
The human reaper was stated to have nanosecond crunching powers
ME3 Edi can store and send 7 zettabytes of information https://youtu.be/eqFWyoF6dQ8?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1417
It’s also worth pointing out that while the above is typically referred to in regards to processing data, all reapers are capable of flying across space at FTL speeds, showing they do need to be able to react to movement on that level of speed(the human reaper was also intended to fly when finished). Shepard fights several reaper destroyers on foot in Mass effect 3.
Experience
Mass Effect 1
ME1 Shepard takes down the wanted criminal Fist https://youtu.be/GMmGaIkUmNM?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=216
ME1 Shepard fights the mechanical Geth race https://youtu.be/95jqXEUc3zs?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=428
ME1 Shepard defeats Elestia Falls https://youtu.be/z1fyn3tbdyk?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=345
ME1 Shepard fights Asari matriarch Benzia https://youtu.be/QLnQU-H_1Mc?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=102
ME1 Shepard destroys the Thorian plant, which was taking control of the population of Feros https://youtu.be/CTNaUboL41U?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=2
ME1 Shepard begins his final fight with Saren to stop him from giving the reapers control of the citadel https://youtu.be/tnlqVaaz25M?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=194 https://youtu.be/wVOrAciFCag?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=399
ME1 Shepard fights and defeats a fully indoctrinated Saren https://youtu.be/bPd2tV9pKFY?list=PL0FE7D394C01058B9&t=13
Mass Effect 2
ME2 Shepard saves Garrus from an assault from various criminal groups on the station Omega https://youtu.be/hPfrDKaw3qI?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1942
ME2 Shepard helps Mordin Solus create a cure to a plague affecting various species on the space station Omega https://youtu.be/CLy46rBYFzY?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=755 https://youtu.be/CLy46rBYFzY?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2803
ME2 Shepard fights his way out of a super prison and rescues the biotic Jack https://youtu.be/rxOnRYa8nC0?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2640 https://youtu.be/ANdVP_-ivtk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1295
ME2 Shepard comes to save a Horizon colony from the Collector race https://youtu.be/NeUrveg0Vl8?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2880
ME2 Shepard helps Zeed hunt down the merc/criminal Vido https://youtu.be/zVSd_LY325Y?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1556
ME2 Shepard helps Jacob find his father’s ship, the Hugo https://youtu.be/6VzZp_LrFdo?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=358 https://youtu.be/6VzZp_LrFdo?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1817
ME2 Shepard helps prevent Thanes son Koylat from murdering a Turian politician https://youtu.be/Tb3GcGoemEs?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1222
ME2 Shepard fights and defeats a Thresermaw on the Krogan home planet. It’s stated he’s the first to do so in generations. https://youtu.be/a22xwfIaDj4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=670 and https://youtu.be/a22xwfIaDj4?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=822
ME2 Shepard helps Mordin invade a science facility where his former protégé is trying to create a cure to the Korgan genophage https://youtu.be/rgYcTX5n-9c?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2132
ME2 Shepard helps Kasumi break into the vault of a rich businessman named Hawks https://youtu.be/FVRfCEtABZk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=2115 and https://youtu.be/FVRfCEtABZk?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3649
ME2 Shepard fights a rogue AI core from “project overlord” https://youtu.be/Vn20DHWQSV8?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=932
ME2 Shepard helps Legion fight the heretic Geth that are siding with the reapers https://youtu.be/BUQ7bC9Vk18?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1205 https://youtu.be/BUQ7bC9Vk18?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1697
ME2 Shepard storms the Collector base to save his crew and the human colonists https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=741
ME2 Shepard fights a prototype human reaper https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3189 https://youtu.be/cwIpyUFhAnU?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=3718
ME2 Shepard takes down the shadow broker and installs his ally Liara in her place https://youtu.be/odCj2deggGA?list=PLHvnuL-DiXkiSzBOT5saKc4MMlCSLh6TT&t=1812
Mass Effect 3
ME3 Shepard save General Victus , allowing him to become the new turian prime arc https://youtu.be/6WdNvTaskFA?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1879
ME3 Shepard discovers and rescues a living prothean, Javik https://youtu.be/2HOOl_5sUEE?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1850
ME3 Shepard saves the students of Grissom academy from Cerberus https://youtu.be/J7783dotgZM?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2124
ME3 Shepard helps disarm a Torrian bomb on the Krogan planet of Tuchunka https://youtu.be/AW2yklKMAdo?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=831
ME3 Shepard helps Mordin create the cure to the Krogan genophage https://youtu.be/107qRDRLI_I?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2041
ME3 Shepard frees the Geth from reapers control https://youtu.be/Gv9llT5KF3w?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=413
ME3 Shepard is able to bring peace to the Quarians and the Geth https://youtu.be/EGZHmSLlVbU?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1568
ME3 Shepard fights Kai Lang https://youtu.be/rSNs-JFqdvU?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2145
ME3 Shepard comes to the Cerberus headquarters to take it down https://youtu.be/eqFWyoF6dQ8?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=2088
ME3 Shepard participates in the battle of earth https://youtu.be/pCsgsIRrBLo?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=770
ME3 Shepard discovers the Leviathans https://youtu.be/8a7jsjrpCvI?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=3305
ME3 Shepard defeats a clone of himself https://youtu.be/Z7CtpVva2os?list=PL237F41CD4E0DEA3A&t=1360
Summary
Various healing methods. Several are internal via cybernetics and basically give him a minor healing factor
Can mind control foes
Can manipulate gravity
Can destroy objects on a subatomic level or directly mess with their molecular structures
Can form singularities with near infinite mass
Various levels of armor (His actual armor, tech armor, biotic shields, kinetic shields, ect)
2000 pound lifting strength
Immunity to most toxins, mind control and hacking
Has several hacking abilities
Multiple drones and holo decoys
Invisibility
Ap/Endurance is likely town-city level
Reaction and attack speed is likely rela-light
Various elemental and toxic ammo types
Can drain shields from opponents
Can drain HP from opponents to restore his own
Can negate regeneration
Can disable electronics and shut down the nervous systems/biotic abilities of foes
In conclusion wall level and subsonic. Arbiter solos the verse.