Mass Effect 2: Cryo Vanguard guide (by ScroguBlitzen)

ATTENTION: This guide was originally posted by ScroguBlitzen on the old BioWare Social Network (BSN) forums. I am copying it here so it does not disappear when the old BSN forums are shut down.


These videos demonstrate a cryo based style I have been working on with my Vanguard.
The basic idea is to take advantage of the freezing of enemies in order to use them as a temporary cover while your charge recharges before you kill them and move on to the next target.

The build is just a standard Vanguard build with Squad Cryo. I use Cryo Ammo on a Scimitar and Inferno Ammo on an Assault Rifle for armored opponents. The Scimitar is key because it allows you to more controllably freeze an enemy without accidentally one shotting them. You can usually freeze a single normal enemy with a single shot to their chest that will penetrate their shields and freeze them. If that doesn't work then a second shot will usually do it without killing them, or you can aim for their legs to do a bit less damage to them.

I think sinosleep remarked that if there is nearby cover, then you can safely charge. Well if you use cryo with the intention of freezing mobs then every target IS potential cover. In fact, the technique works best in open areas without lots of obstructions around because you need to do a lot of circling.


The common technique with Inferno Ammo is:

1. pick a target
2. charge
3. kill 1 or 2 mobs
4. shields get broken
5. duck into cover
6. charge cools down
7. goto 1

This technique I'm using with Cryo Ammo is:

1. pick a target
2. come out of cover moving towards it and shooting
3. once my shields are broken then charge it
4. shoot it once or twice to freeze it but not kill it
5. circle around behind it keeping most dangerous enemies on opposite side
6. charge cools down (opportunity fire if possible)
7. finish off frozen mob with melee or another shot
8. goto 1

Also worth noting that I tend not to use much "docked in" cover. Mostly just moving around constantly. The enemies hit you much less if you're moving laterally relative to them, so circling targets works well, especially when you circle them with the intention of putting them between you and other mobs. All the good vanguards already do this instinctively, but it's worth pointing out. It's also always a good idea to keep an eye on any heavies that are on the battlefield. You can dodge most of their attacks, but you have to see them coming. Rockets are aimed where you're standing, so lateral movements will always dodge them. Warp, Incinerate and both of Harbingers attacks will always be aimed at where you are moving to, so you can dodge them by moving left while they start, and then switching back to right once they release their attack (or vice versa).

As for gear, I just recommend maximum shields and the melee shoulders. Since your shield is recharging fully every 5 seconds approximately, and since I don't spend much time in cover, every bit of help to the shields is well worth it.

Here's some videos demonstrating this style:
Cryo Vanguard Baria Offices.
Cryo Vanguard Azure Landing.
Cryo Vanguard Tela Vasir.
Cryo Vanguard Hagalaz Exterior.
Cryo Vanguard Hagalaz Hatch Defense.
Cryo Vanguard Hagalaz Interior.
Cryo Vanguard Zaeed Loyalty.
Cryo Vanguard Suicide Mission Valves.
Cryo Vanguard : Arrival : Saving Dr Kenson.
Cryo Vanguard : Arrival : Fight for your life.