Reave
A biotic vortex that drags enemies in while stripping their defenses with crushing force.
Reave is a devastating biotic ability available to advanced asari and human specialists within the Mass Effect universe. It functions as a unique hybrid of offensive force and defensive disruption, allowing the user to pull enemies toward themselves while simultaneously draining their shields or armor. Unlike standard biotic pulls that merely reposition targets, Reave inflicts direct damage based on the structural integrity of the enemy's defenses, making it a critical tool for breaking through heavy protection before finishing off vulnerable foes.
- Type
- Biotic Ability
- Primary Users
- Asari (Wards), Humans (Specialists)
- Effect
- Pulls enemies and damages Shields/Armor
- Energy Cost
- High Biotic Energy
- Cooldown
- Moderate
Lore & Background
Historically, this ability has been a staple of Asari biotic training, particularly among those who specialize in close-quarters combat and crowd control. While initially rare among human biotics due to the difficulty of mastering such precise field manipulation, advancements in Omni-tool integration and neural interface technology have made Reave more accessible to human specialists in later eras. It represents a shift from pure area denial to aggressive engagement, allowing biotics to dictate the flow of battle by forcing enemies into melee range where they are most vulnerable to follow-up strikes.
In Their Own Story
The corridor hummed with the static charge of dying lights as Commander Shepard raised her hand. The krogan brute ahead roared, his heavy shields flaring bright blue against the gloom. With a sharp exhale, she unleashed Reave. Space seemed to warp instantly; the massive alien was yanked off his feet, skidding across the metal grating as if dragged by invisible chains. His shields didn't just flicker—they shattered under the strain of the collapsing field, sparks raining down like fireflies. Before he could recover, Shepard was already closing the distance, her blade ready to strike the now-exposed flesh.
Reader's Guide
Reave is acquired through biotic training trees, typically requiring a significant investment in power levels to unlock its full potential. In combat, it serves as a primary tool for breaching enemy defenses before applying lethal damage. Tactically, Reave excels against shielded targets like Geth or Krogan, as the ability deals bonus damage specifically to shields and armor while ignoring health pools directly. Players should time the activation to pull enemies into clusters of other biotic powers, such as Warp or Nova, for maximum efficiency. Upgrading Reave increases its range, duration, and the amount of damage dealt to shields and armor. Higher tiers also reduce the cooldown, allowing for more frequent use in prolonged engagements. It is essential to pair this ability with a melee weapon or a secondary biotic blast to capitalize on the momentary vulnerability created by the pull.
Did You Know?
- Reave is one of the few abilities that deals increased damage specifically to shields and armor rather than raw health.
- The ability can be used to pull enemies out of cover, forcing them into open ground where they are easier to target.
- Asari biotics often favor Reave for its dual utility of crowd control and defense stripping in tight corridors.