Mass Effect 2/Gameplay

Shields
Many enemies use kinetic barriers, or shields, to block attacks directed at them. Shields not only offer protection from gunfire, but can also block the vast majority of biotic/tech powers. Shields can, however be overloaded in a few different ways. If the enemy has a blue bar covering their health bar, that enemy has shielding (see right). First is with rapid-fire weapons (i.e., Submachine Guns and Assault Rifles) and Shotguns. These weapons can hit a shield in multiple locations in quick succession. Shields will fall much faster the more they're hit at once.

Using the Overload power is another way to take out shields quickly. The power can even be upgraded to have a wider area-of-effect, allowing you to severely damage the shields of a whole group of enemies. Lastly, you can activate disruptor ammo on your guns. Disruptor ammo is like having a mini Overload in each round you fire. Use disruptor ammo on one of the above mentioned weapons for an even greater shield-shattering effect.