Mass Effect’s version of the Milky Way galaxy houses several impressive species, with the Asari being among the best. Their elegance and intelligence make them well-respected in Citadel space, and they mostly live in harmony with the other races. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not prepared for a fight.
They naturally have a higher aptitude for biotics than anyone else, which helps them breed some impressive fighters. Many of them become commandos, others choose to be mercs, and a select few join your group of beloved companions. But out of all of the Asari you meet on your travels, which are the most powerful ones?
10 Aleena, Wrex’s Mercenary Friend
Aleena never makes a physical appearance in the series. Yet, based on Wrex’s stories about her, she’s a total badass. The Asari mercenary worked with the bristly Krogan on a contract, and the two bonded through combat. Although, their friendship was short-lived as Wrex was then hired to take her down.
Few can handle the powerful Krogan, but she managed to face him one-on-one and live to tell the tale. Plus, in the process, she managed to survive the destruction of a space station. It is not really confirmed, but many fans believe (and evidence in the games suggest this) that Wrex’s friend Aleena was, in fact, Aria T’Loak.
9 Sarissa Theris, The Bodyguard Turned Pathfinder
Initially, Sarissa Theris’ role in the Andromeda Initiative is to be the bodyguard for Matriarch Ishara, aka the Asari Pathfinder. She performs terribly in the role as she lets Ishara die. Yet, it’s not because she’s weak; it’s because she thinks retrieving a Kett data module is more important.
In fact, she’s a legendary Asari commando who has an impressive military record. Her skills are why she was made Ishara’s bodyguard in the first place and why everyone feels comfortable with her becoming the Pathfinder after her predecessor perishes. Sometimes, strength lies in making the tough calls.
8 Liara T’Soni, The Shadow Broker
At the beginning of the series, nobody would put Liara among the mightiest individuals in the galaxy. Her greatest power at that point is how she applies the knowledge she has amassed. But as time goes on, the Asari’s combat efficiency starts to grow. And, arguably, so does her knowledge base.
While tracking down Shepard’s body, for instance, she lays waste to many mercs. Even one of the original Shadow Broker’s best hitman, Tazzik, struggles against her. Then later, the powerful Spectre known as Tela Vasir can’t easily dispatch the information broker either. She proves that strength doesn’t always mean physical prowess.
7 Ygara Menoris, The Large Mercenary Leader
The Mass Effect series stretches longer than just the games. And Ygara Menrois is a powerful Asari who only appears in the Mass Effect Andromeda: Initiation novel. She was an Asari commando for many years as a part of the Talein’s Daughters unit.
However, she’s more physically imposing than the average commando due to her unusually large frame. After leaving her huntress life behind, she formed a mercenary group. In the book, this group has a run-in with Cora Harper.
6 Nisira T’Kosh, The Commanding Officer Of Talein’s Daughters
Not just anyone can lead an Asari huntress unit. After all, they’re the species’ elite military force. Yet, Nisira T’Kosh runs the Talein’s Daughters and her underlings respect her place as boss despite her tendency to be stern with them.
It’s no surprise they do what she says as Nisira has amazing credentials from lasting 70 tours to surviving the Siege of Arta. Unfortunately, her only appearance comes in the Andromeda: Initiation novel. Maybe one day, she’ll appear in a game or comic so the world can see her in action.
5 Morinth, The Ardat-Yakshi
Unlike many of the most strong Asari, Morinth is seemingly not military trained. However, she’s something more dangerous: an Ardat-Yakshi. The genetic disorder means that anyone the subject joins minds (and other things) with dies instantly. This alone doesn’t make an Ardat-Yakshi powerful; every time they kill, they become smarter and stronger.
In Morinth’s case, she spends years murdering people all over the galaxy. So, by the time she appears in Mass Effect 2, her biotic powers are at a similar level to the mighty Samara. The Justicar is likely more proficient with the series’ deadliest weapons, but Shepard’s involvement can mean life or death for the two Asaris.
4 Aria T’Loak, The Ruler Of Omega
Omega is filled with criminals and mercenaries of all races. However, not many of these reprehensible individuals are willing to cross Aria. She’s known as a ruthless badass who strikes fear into virtually all of the station’s residents and beyond. Voiced beautifully by Carrie Anne-Moss, everyone is both a little bit intimidated by and probably attracted to her.
Much of that reputation was garnered when she took over the station by publicly besting the strong Krogan that ran things at the time. Plus, fans who’ve played Mass Effect 3’s Omega DLC or read some of her comics can also attest to her abilities.
3 Tela Vasir, The Rogue Asari Spectre
Spectres are the Citadel Council’s greatest operatives and Tela Vasir is no different. She proves this in one of the series best expansions: The Lair of the Shadow Broker. The Asari gives Shepard, Liara, and their chosen teammate an extremely challenging fight despite coming into the conflict wounded.
Throughout the battle, she showcases that she’s an expert with firearms and a skilled biotic. The latter, in particular, causes problems for the legendary Commander. No wonder she’s so highly regarded by the Council and the Shadow Broker.
2 Matriarch Benezia, The Indoctrinated Asari
There are still many unknowns about Sovereign, but one thing everyone is aware of is the machine’s indoctrination abilities. It can control anyone who remains in its vicinity for a long period. Yet, Matriarch Benezia manages to fight against the control better than most even if just momentarily.
She’s able to rebel long enough to give Shepard important information about stopping Saren and the Reapers. Her strength isn’t too much of a surprise though, as she is a Matriarch. The Asari are much older (near or over 1,000 years old) and are typically more powerful than younger Asari. She uses all of her talents and experience to make things tricky for Shepard in their battle at Peak 15.
1 Samara, The Justicar
Not many Asari become Justicars partially because it forces them to live by a strict code, but also because most can’t survive the training. Anyone who does manage to earn the title is clearly tough – mentally and physically. They also prove themselves to be beyond reproach and entirely committed to the Justicar code.
However, what makes Samara even more fearsome is her age. Asari gradually get more proficient with their biotics as they get older. Thus, a veteran Justicar like Samara is one of the most dangerous individuals in the entire galaxy. That’s why many of the Asari who enter her path, such as Detective Anaya, are desperate not to get on her bad side.
NEXT: Mass Effect: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Samara the Justicar
