Others can be unlocked by speaking to various squadmates aboard the Normandy. Some of these are obtained during squadmate Loyalty missions. These can include upgrades to specific squadmate abilities, new weapons, improved shields and protections, and new abilities. The Prototype section of the Mass Effect 2 upgrade interface serves as a sort of catch-all for upgrades that may be difficult to classify. Related: Mass Effect 2: Best Ship Upgrades to Research First (& Why) Others come from squadmates' suggestions or as a result of making enough upgrades from the Weapons and Armor categories.

The terminal in the Tech Lab allows Shepard to see all available upgrades and research them using rare minerals. Some upgrade schematics can be purchased from vendors at hubs like Omega, the Citadel, Tuchanka, and Illium, or found on missions. To unlock it, players will need to recruit Mordin Solus on Omega. The upgrade system in Mass Effect 2 is accessed via the Tech Lab on the Normandy. Throughout the main story of Mass Effect 2, Shepard will encounter new potential upgrades to weapons, armor, squadmates, and even the Normandy itself.