The base damage for the semi-automatic M-97 Viper is on the lower end with just 81.9 per round, but its rapid-fire capability and marksman accuracy make it the perfect sniper rifle for assassins and infiltrators. Related: Mass Effect: Why THESE Asari Are So Dangerous The M-97 Viper Despite its outright inability to damage shields and biotic barriers, choosing ammo power like Warp Ammo for biotics or Disruptor Ammo for shields can help do away with the protection layer so Shepard can take an effective headshot to wipe them out. Drops for thermal clips for the Mantis usually only contain one or two, so making sure there is another powerful weapon on backup when ammo runs out is essential. The Mantis fires only one shot per round and has a spare ammo capacity of nine, which can become a little inconvenient as Shepard has to scramble to find more ammo at times. With a damage output base of 263.1, it's the perfect weapon for taking out lesser enemies with a single headshot from afar, clearing out the battlefield so Shepard and their squad can focus on more pressing matters. This powerful weapon is not as effective against biotic barriers and shields as the Incisor, but it does grant a 50% bonus against armor. When starting the game as an Infiltrator or Soldier, Shepard will automatically gain access to the M-92 Mantis during the 'Freedom's Progress' mission.

Related: How Mass Effect's Most TERRIFYING Race Became an Endangered Species The M-92 Mantis After receiving a note from the Illusive Man, the Incisor can be found and equipped from the weapons locker. Originally, the M-29 Incisor was only made available to PC players with the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game, however, the Aegis Pack DLC was later made for console player purchase. When picking up thermal clips, if the number of shots in the chamber is not divisible by three, it will fire one or two, and then the next shot fires three. The amount of ammunition sniper rifles can stock varies between models, and the Incisor tends to fall on the upper end of the scale, allowing Shepard to carry up to 30 rounds. The Incisor's output damage is lower than the other sniper rifles, doing just 53.6 base damage, but it grants a 25% bonus each to armor, shields and barriers on contact.

The Incisor fires three Burst-Fire shots per trigger pull, and upon hitting the target it overloads active defenses like shields and barriers. The M-29 Incisor, which was originally designed for use by military and police, may not be the most powerful sniper rifle, but it does have a unique perk that definitely makes it useful.

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