ME1 - Basic Engineer Leveling Guide
Nov 19, 2016 1:43:18 GMT
jmac1424, Darth Dennis, and 2 more like this
Post by capn233 on Nov 19, 2016 1:43:18 GMT
This is a repost of a thread I made Dec 23, 2014.
Objective: Chart a path to level an Engineer starting from Level 1 with the goal of completing the run on Insanity.
Bonus Power: To keep this a generic Engineer, I will use Assault Rifles as the example. This will add some reliable DPS, but it also precludes biotic talents that move the character out of vanilla range. If you think you will have a lot of trouble with durability you can consider taking Barrier. I will try to mention when alternate build strategies may be helpful with other bonus powers.
Persuasion: I like to build characters that end up with enough persuasion to pass most checks, but I also don’t mind exploiting paragon and renegade glitches to do so. That means I like to invest 6 points in Intimidate and take 4 freebies for 10 (which passes all checks, eventually). I will mention some of the checks that you may not pass if you run into them before this build path can pass them. Largely I will try to give the option to pass checks that derive some benefit, or can cut down on tedium.
Assumptions: As with the Adept Guide, the assumption is that you already have XP bonuses. This only really matters with regard to plot points that I point out along the way, although it may also mean that if you don’t make a level before a few of the early fights the game might be tougher for you. There should be some buffer, and there are some alternate paths you can take early game that are a little easier if you are having too many problems. I will try to mention them.
Miscellaneous: Engineer is widely considered the most challenging class for Insanity. Largely this is because you don’t have Immunity or Barrier. This is also why it usually is not recommended as your first run on Insanity. Of course with some care to the build and squad management, we can attempt to ease that pain a bit.
The engineer does of course have Shield Boost, but in my opinion this is largely a futile place to spend points. Early game where you will feel the most fragile your armor doesn’t have enough shields to matter. By mid to late game, your talents and armor will give you so many shields that you can probably take most of the hits during a battle and simply wait until after to recharge them.
In many instances it will be prudent for the Engineer to direct the battle from behind the rest of the squad, or at the least from behind the tank. In some ways this means Engineer is probably closer to a classic mage than an Adept is.
Objective: Chart a path to level an Engineer starting from Level 1 with the goal of completing the run on Insanity.
Bonus Power: To keep this a generic Engineer, I will use Assault Rifles as the example. This will add some reliable DPS, but it also precludes biotic talents that move the character out of vanilla range. If you think you will have a lot of trouble with durability you can consider taking Barrier. I will try to mention when alternate build strategies may be helpful with other bonus powers.
Persuasion: I like to build characters that end up with enough persuasion to pass most checks, but I also don’t mind exploiting paragon and renegade glitches to do so. That means I like to invest 6 points in Intimidate and take 4 freebies for 10 (which passes all checks, eventually). I will mention some of the checks that you may not pass if you run into them before this build path can pass them. Largely I will try to give the option to pass checks that derive some benefit, or can cut down on tedium.
Assumptions: As with the Adept Guide, the assumption is that you already have XP bonuses. This only really matters with regard to plot points that I point out along the way, although it may also mean that if you don’t make a level before a few of the early fights the game might be tougher for you. There should be some buffer, and there are some alternate paths you can take early game that are a little easier if you are having too many problems. I will try to mention them.
Miscellaneous: Engineer is widely considered the most challenging class for Insanity. Largely this is because you don’t have Immunity or Barrier. This is also why it usually is not recommended as your first run on Insanity. Of course with some care to the build and squad management, we can attempt to ease that pain a bit.
The engineer does of course have Shield Boost, but in my opinion this is largely a futile place to spend points. Early game where you will feel the most fragile your armor doesn’t have enough shields to matter. By mid to late game, your talents and armor will give you so many shields that you can probably take most of the hits during a battle and simply wait until after to recharge them.
In many instances it will be prudent for the Engineer to direct the battle from behind the rest of the squad, or at the least from behind the tank. In some ways this means Engineer is probably closer to a classic mage than an Adept is.