Mass Effect is a trilogy known for its commitment to science fiction and the space opera narrative approach. Though the trilogy is beloved, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition went a long way in updating and modernizing the franchise for millions of gamers.
Mass Effect 1 is where it all began, and the role-playing game masterpiece had some shortcomings when it came to combat. The pistols were one of the more effective weapon types, but like most of the game’s guns, many of the top guns outside of the premier leaders were simply average at best.
10 Cobra X
You would assume that a line of guns only usable via cheats/console commands would be stellar, but for Hahne-Kedar Shadow Works, that’s simply not the case. All of their weapon lines are named after different species of snakes. But their guns aren’t as fear-inducing as their naming convention suggests.
Their pistol line, Cobra, sports a gun labeled Cobra X that mixes a damage output of 202 with the ability to shoot 23.6 bullets before it overheats. The rating, in terms of accuracy, is in the mid-60s.
9 Stinger X
A company like Devlon Industries that is known for its armor may be best served to focus on that solely. The weapons they produce are solid but tend to fall short of their competitors in many ways. The Stinger line of pistols they manufacture is the “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none” of pistols.
It has a damage output of 202 with 26.2 shots before overheating and a 71 accuracy rating. These are all good numbers, but it doesn’t reach the highs of the other pistols on this list. The red-coating Devlon Industries’ weapons displays do make them aesthetically pleasing in combat though.
8 Raikou X
Some gamers who played Mass Effect 1 might have thought that the Raikou line of pistols was a Pokemon easter egg. But that’s the name of the god of lightning in Japanese mythology. The manufacturer of those pistols, Ariake Technology, seems to be an Earth-based Japanese company due to their logo featuring a sun-like image.
Their Raikou X pistol may not get thunderous applause, but a 221 damage output and an accuracy rating of 68 could be considered shocking. It may not be the best pistol, but it’s certainly serviceable.
7 Pinnacle X
It’s quite ironic that a pistol named Pinnacle wouldn’t be the best in its class, but Mass Effect 1 wouldn’t be as beloved if it didn’t feature some humor. Even more ironic is that the Jormangund Technology produced Pinnacle X can only be acquired via console commands.
A damage output of 221 is a little low, but pairing that with an accuracy of 81 and the allowance of more than 30 shots before heating makes it so this ironically named gun is more than a joke. Those with access to console commands should try it out.
6 Stiletto X
Most people are familiar with the word “stiletto” relating to high heels, but it’s also the name of a short dagger with a tapered blade. When comparing melee weapons with guns, the comparison between a pistol and a dagger seems fitting. Both are small but extremely effective at close range.
The Stiletto X from the Haliat Armory lives up to the short-range effectiveness with an accuracy of 65. Soldiers wielding this Turian-produced product will benefit, though, from its mark of 239 damage per shot.
5 Brawler X
Armax Arsenal may sound like a throwaway name for a random company. But they happen to be the main suppliers of equipment for the elite military units belonging to the Turian race. This race is known for its military prowess and is one of the more dangerous forces in the galaxy.
This means that the Brawler X is likely the main pistol their forces use and Armax Arsenal’s best product in that class has an accuracy rating of 79 and with each shot dishes out 239 damage. It also helps that it can fire over 30 shots before it overheats. Most
4 Razer X
In the real world, Razer is a name associated with premier PC and tech parts, accessories, and systems. As far as Mass Effect 1 goes that name still carries a lot of possible traction. Kassa Fabrication manufactures a line of pistols with the name Razer, and the Razer X is the top of the line.
It may not hit the highs of other pistols, but its stat line is quite balanced across the board. It’s hard to beat a pistol that inflicts 258 damage per shot, has an accuracy rating of 77, and can be shot a little over 28 times before it overheats and needs a break.
3 Harpy X
It is said that harpies are the personification of storm winds, and with the Harpy X, that name feels fitting. A pistol that can shoot 21.5 times before overheating, labeled with an accuracy rating of 88, and outputs 258 damage per shot seems like a storm of itself.
Those running into combat with Commander Shepard wielding this Cerberus Skunkworks product will understand just how ferocious this thing can be in the right hands. Unfortunately for mythology fans, the gun isn’t a half-human and half-bird creature who shrieks as they attack.
2 Karpov X
Among the best manufacturers in Mass Effect 1, it seems like Rosenkov Materials is the only one that can almost compete with the incredible Spectre gear. As a human organization that’s Russian in origin, they do a great job of showcasing what the human race is capable of.
It wouldn’t be shocking if many Turians used their pistol called the Karpov X considering its 315 damage rating output is hard to overlook. The 69 accuracy rating may sound like a joke, but it’s more than enough for an accomplished military veteran to use and make the most of in the heat of battle.
1 HMWP Master X
The moment an individual becomes a Spectre they not only receive automatic access and permission to anything they desire, but they also obtain exclusive industry-defining armor and weaponry. HMW is a designation for this Spectre gear and every weapon in the master grade of HMW is the best in its class.
The pistol, or HMWP, is no different with 294 damage, 29.3 shots before overheating, and an astounding accuracy rating of 88. This pistol is ultra-effective in Mass Effect 1 and should be sought after by you, or anyone using a pistol as their primary or secondary weapon.
NEXT: Mass Effect 1: The Best Shotguns In The Game
