Mass Effect: Legendary Edition aims to let fans experience the original trilogy with updated graphics, enhanced performance, and gameplay changes. Mass Effect 1 introduces players to six different characters that can be recruited as part of Shepard’s crew, all of which have different personalities, histories, and combat abilities. But which Mass Effect 1 crewmates are the best?
For most players, the choice likely comes down to personal preference. Several Mass Effect 1 characters are available to romance, and players looking for Shepard to enter a relationship with one of their crew members may want to bring them along for every mission. For other players, their choices may revolve around combat strengths and weaknesses. For example, a Shepard who prioritizes biotic abilities may want to bring a squad with strong tech and physical skills.
Some Legendary Edition crew members are more prominent in the story of the Mass Effect trilogy than others, with certain companions appearing across all three games and even getting additional story focus in DLC. But each still brings unique story content and combat abilities to the series, so players should give every crewmate consideration when configuring their squad.
Best Mass Effect 1 Crewmates: Garrus
With a focus on long-range combat and tech, Garrus is a Mass Effect 1 crewmate with superior damage potential in battle. He makes for a strong supporting fighter, and typically fits into a sniper role. While he is best kept to the back line in a fight – he lacks the heavier protection that other crewmates possess, such as the barrier ability or heavy armor – his tech skills also make him a useful asset outside of combat situations. Additionally, Garrus is one of only two characters who can be a part of Shepard’s crew in all three games of the Mass Effect trilogy, giving him a hefty amount of story content for players to experience.
Best Mass Effect 1 Crewmates: Tali
As the only other crewmate who can be recruited in all three Mass Effect games, Tali is another companion with a significant amount of story content to bring to the series, and her strength against the Geth makes Tali especially useful in Mass Effect 1. In combat, she is a tech specialist, and though she also lacks heavier protection abilities her shield is sufficient enough to make her a sustainable fighter. That said, players will likely not want to use Garrus and Tali in tandem with one another, as their supporting roles, tech skills, and lack of durability has the potential to make them redundant in a fight.
Best Mass Effect 1 Crewmates: Wrex
Wrex is the most durable of the Mass Effect 1 companions, serving as a tank in combat with his access to heavy armor as well as both the barrier and immunity abilities. He possesses a mix of close and long range skills, making him a versatile ally in a fight, though players will likely need a tech-heavy companion to balance out his lack of tech abilities. When partnered with Garrus or Tali, Wrex’s biotic and combat skills become part of a highly balanced and damage-heavy team regardless of Shepard’s combat focus. From a story standpoint, Wrex brings a Krogan perspective to the series that can potentially have major influence through all three games of the trilogy.
Ultimately, the choice of best crewmates comes down to personal preference. Mass Effect 1‘s many side quests gives players ample opportunity to mix and match various squads. Players should experiment with different team compositions to figure out which character combinations work best for their playstyle in combat, as well as which companions they find themselves becoming invested in as the story of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition progresses.
