So with the nerfs to the Asari Adept (otherwise called AA after this,) many were becoming concerned that the character would be undeniably weaker in terms of survival ability. The previous builds used the Barrier Drain evolution of the Barrier trait that all biotic characters have to stay within close range of enemies (for Annihilation ability) and still be able to retain shields.

The Barrier Drain ability previously gave +20% on melee hits, which was nerfed to +15% yesterday. Other nerfs that affected the AA character reduced the radius of the Annihilation ability, increased to the power recharge speed penalty (due to Annihilation being a constantly active passive,) and reduced the character’s shields from 250 to 200. All of the above gave the previously overpowered character some pretty substantial nerfs on paper, but appear to have actually had the opposite effect.

Due to yesterday’s Patch 1.06, all power combo damage was buffed depending on the tier you were playing. Bronze, the easiest difficulty, gave a 60% increase to base power combo damage. Silver gave a  140% increase to base power combo damage. And Gold gave a whopping 200% increase to base power combo damage. This is a large increase in power at all levels, and helps every character in the game.

So, what’s the new overpowered build for the AA character?

Throw: 1

Annihilation: 1, 2, 3, 4a, 5a, 6a

For rank 4 evolution, select Radius (4a). While the previous radius was +50%, the new +35% increase is still substantial.

For rank 5 evolution, Damage Attraction (5a) is the best of the two evolutions available. The additional +20% damage from all sources easily outweighs the extra movement speed.

For the rank 6 evolution, Draining Field (6a). This gives you +30% shields for each enemy killed within the Annihilation field. Since this is a Lance build, you’ll be wiping stuff out quickly and easily. *Quick note: This effect stacks with other ability debuffs, including other AA builds…

Lance: 1, 2, 3, 4a, 5b, 6b

The biggest takeaway from these selections is the rank 6 evolution. You’ll pretty much need it to keep spamming the biotic detonations. Shield-powered takes away the cooldown on Lance and replaces it by using your shields as fuel. Looking at rank 6 evo for Annihilation, you should constantly have shields available. This effectively bypasses the cooldown and allows you to (essentially) spam the shit out of biotic combos. And, with the increased damage to power combos, just absolutely wreck everything in your biotic field.

Offensive Biotics: 1, 2, 3, 4a, 5a, 6a

You’ll need Power Enhancement (4a)  since Lance has no cooldown. You’ll need Exposure (5a) to add an additional 20% debuff to enemies. And you’ll need Biotic Expert (6a) to ensure enemies melt while Lance-ing them.

Barrier: 1, 2, 3, 4a, 5b, 6b

Barrier Drain (5b) is just for added durability and emergency shield source for Lance, for when you find yourself with no shields.

I haven’t tried this build yet, because I only just started playing with the character, but even from looking at the build and typing it out… I think it’s overall better than the previous builds that were viable. With the added power combo damage, and other small changes, the nerfs just made a perfect character to roll face in Gold. You essentially spam combos, destroying everything within the kill circle, and then run around to find to more victims. Of course, the recent adjustments to the Kett and Outlaws have somewhat leveled the playing field, and perhaps made this build even more viable.

Try this build out and let me know what you think, because it certainly sounds amazing. Let us know in the comments, or let us know on Twitter!