Changes: Specializations

Revision as of 04:15, 21 March 2014

Specializations are new features introduced in Halo 4. After a player reaches SR-50, he can choose a Specialization. Progressing in a Specialization's rank will unlock additional armor, emblems, and loadout options. After a player completes all 10 ranks of a Specialization, he can select a new Specialization. Upon completion of all Specializations, the player's player card will display Mastery instead of a Specialization name.

There are a total of 8 Specializations. At Halo 4's launch, only Wetwork and Operator were available. Pioneer and Pathfinder were unlocked on 1/21/2013, Engineer and Stalker were unlocked on 1/28/2013, and Rogue and Tracker were unlocked on 2/4/2013.^[1]Those who purchased the Halo 4 Limited Edition or played Halo 4 while connected to Xbox LIVE by November 20, 2012 had access to all 8 at launch.^[2]^[3]

Specialization Tracks

Selecting a Specialization will advance you to rank 1 of that Specialization. For example, an SR-50 player who chooses the Rogue Specialization will be immediately promoted to RG-1/SR-51 without needing to earn any XP. Each specialization offers 10 new ranks and unlocks as follows:

Foreground Emblems
Torso
Shoulders
Helmet
Weapon Skin & Emblem Background
Visor Color
Torso Skin
Shoulders Skin
Helmet Skin
Support Upgrade/Tactical Package.

Wetwork - WK

"Spartan optimization for stealth operations which focus on the elimination of an enemy target with the goal of leaving no tactical footprint behind."

The Wetwork armor configuration was widely utilized during the Insurrection of Talitsa. Completing all ten levels of the Wetwork specialization unlocks the Stealth Support Upgrade.

Pioneer - PR

"Spartan optimization for deployment into uncharted, hostile territory (such as uncolonized worlds or forerunner installations) for the purpose of gathering/relaying information."

Pioneer-class armor was worn by Spartan-IV security escort detail during initial forays on Shield World Trevelyan and Installation 03. Completing all ten levels of the Pioneer Specialization unlocks the Fast-Track Tactical Package.

Engineer - EN

"Spartan optimization for the subversion, repair, and/or reconstitution of a wide range of technology, including Covenant and Forerunner complex networks."

Completing all ten levels of the Engineer specialization unlocks the Drop Recon Support Upgrade.

Tracker - TK

"Spartan optimization for long range target tracking [trans-continent and off-world]. particularly in scenarios where conventional tracking has failed or such a substantial time has passed that the trail has gone cold."

Completing all ten levels of the Tracker Specialization unlocks the Requisition Tactical Package.

Rogue - RG

"Spartan optimization for single-operative missions which require a Spartan to be deployed on their own for incredibly long durations of time, even years if required."

Completing all ten levels of the Rogue Specialization unlocks the Stability Support Upgrade.

Stalker - SK

"Spartan optimization for target shadowing missions which require tactical invisibility despite operating at an extremely close range to the target itself."

Completing all ten levels of the Stalker Specialization unlocks the Nemesis Support Upgrade.

Pathfinder - PT

"Spartan optimization for deep, unconventional deployment within unknown enemy territory and with little to no assistance from Command."

Completing all ten levels of the Pathfinder Specialization unlocks the Gunner Support Upgrade.

Operator - OP

"Spartan optimization for the operation and control of a wide-range of vehicles, space, air, ground, and sea."

Completing all ten levels of the Operator Specialization unlocks the Wheelman Tactical Package.

Sources

[1] The Halo bulletin: 1.9.13

[IGNS-2] Halo 4 Specializations

[3] Early Access for Standard Edition owners

[1]

[2]

[3]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Era|Multiplayer|H4}}
+'''''Specializations''''' are new features introduced in ''[[Halo 4]]''. After a player reaches SR-50, he can choose a Specialization. Progressing in a Specialization's rank will unlock additional armor, emblems, and loadout options. After a player completes all 10 ranks of a Specialization, he can select a new Specialization. Upon completion of all Specializations, the player's player card will display Mastery instead of a Specialization name.
-{{Quote|Specializations: Receive early access to six Specializations, available at launch on Xbox LIVE, and use them, one at a time, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options.|EB Games Australia Halo 4 Limited Edition Page.}}
+There are a total of 8 Specializations. At ''Halo 4'''s launch, only Wetwork and Operator were available. Pioneer and Pathfinder were unlocked on 1/21/2013, Engineer and Stalker were unlocked on 1/28/2013, and Rogue and Tracker were unlocked on 2/4/2013.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/01/09/The-Halo-Bulletin-1913.aspx The Halo bulletin: 1.9.13]</ref>Those who purchased the Halo 4 Limited Edition or played Halo 4 while connected to Xbox LIVE by November 20, 2012 had access to all 8 at launch.<ref name="IGNS">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/15/halo-4-specializations-will-change-halo-multiplayer-forever  '''Halo 4 Specializations''']</ref><ref>[http://www.examiner.com/article/all-halo-4-specializations-can-be-unlocked-by-playing-the-game-early/ Early Access for Standard Edition owners]</ref>
-'''''Specializations''''' are one of the new features in ''[[Halo 4]]''. The Specializations are a 'perk like' system for ''Halo 4''. It was first announced along with the [[Halo 4 Limited Edition]].<ref>[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox360-157737-Halo-4-Limited-Edition-Xbox-360 '''EB Games Australia''': ''Halo 4 Limited Edition'']</ref>Specializations can only be earned upon reaching SR-50.<ref name="IGNS"/> Upon completion of all Specialization Tracks, the player's profile will display Mastery instead of a Specialization name.
-There are a total of 8 specializations, 2 of which were available at launch (Wetwork & Operator), the rest being unlocked later. Those who purchased the Halo 4 Limited Edition had access to all 8 at launch.<ref name="IGNS">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/15/halo-4-specializations-will-change-halo-multiplayer-forever  '''Halo 4 Specializations''']</ref> However, an email sent on October 15, 2012 stated that Standard Edition Halo 4 owners who played the game while connected to Xbox LIVE by November 20, 2012 (two weeks after release) would receive early access as well.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/article/all-halo-4-specializations-can-be-unlocked-by-playing-the-game-early/ Early Access for Standard Edition owners]</ref> 343 later disclosed the dates that the remaining specializations would be unlocked for all players: 1/21/2013 - Pioneer and Pathfinder, 1/28/2013 - Engineer and Stalker, 2/4/2013 - Rogue and Tracker.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/01/09/The-Halo-Bulletin-1913.aspx The Halo bulletin: 1.9.13]</ref>
 ==Specialization Tracks==
-Selecting a Specialization will advance you to rank 1 of that Specialization. For example, an SR-50 player who chooses the Rogue Specialization will be immediately promoted to RG-51 without needing to earn any XP. Each specialization offers 10 new levels and unlocks as follows:
+Selecting a Specialization will advance you to rank 1 of that Specialization. For example, an SR-50 player who chooses the Rogue Specialization will be immediately promoted to RG-1/SR-51 without needing to earn any XP. Each specialization offers 10 new ranks and unlocks as follows:
-#Foregound Emblems
+#Foreground Emblems
 #Torso
 #Shoulders
@@ Line 19: / Line 17: @@
 #Shoulders Skin
 #Helmet Skin
-#[[Support Upgrade]]/[[Tactical Packages|Tactical Package]].
+#[[Support Upgrade]]/[[Tactical Package]].
 ===Wetwork - WK===
 ''"Spartan optimization for stealth operations which focus on the elimination of an enemy target with the goal of leaving no tactical footprint behind."''
+The Wetwork armor configuration was widely utilized during the [[Insurrection]] of [[Talitsa]]. Completing all ten levels of the Wetwork specialization unlocks the [[Support Upgrade#Stealth|Stealth Support Upgrade]].
-Completing all ten levels of the Wetwork specialization grants the user the Stealth Support Upgrade, which dampens the noise the user makes while sprinting and speeds up assassinations. Additionally, instead of showing up as a red figure when seen through Promethean Vision, a player using the Stealth mod will appear blue like other inanimate objects, and cannot be seen through walls and other solid objects. The Wetwork Specialization was made available at launch together with the Operator specialization.
-The Wetwork armor configuration was widely utilized during the [[Insurrection]] of [[Talitsa]].
 <gallery widths="140" orientation="none" spacing="small">
-wetwork1.png|Standard Wetwork Armor
+wetwork1.png|Standard Wetwork Armor.
-wetwork2.png|Standard Wetwork Armor with Wetwork visor
+wetwork2.png|Standard Wetwork Armor with Wetwork visor.
-wetwork3.png|Full Wetwork set
+wetwork3.png|Full Wetwork set.
-wetwork4.png|Full SHARD Wetwork set
+wetwork4.png|Full SHARD Wetwork set.
-DMR_Noble_Trans.png|DMR noble skin (WETWORK-5)
+DMR_Noble_Trans.png|DMR noble skin (WETWORK-5).
-IMG_0426.JPG|Enemy player with Stealth active under [[Z-5080 Short-Range Spectrum Augmenter/Vision|Promethean Vision]]
+IMG_0426.JPG|Enemy player with Stealth active under [[Z-5080 Short-Range Spectrum Augmenter/Vision|Promethean Vision]].
-px-Wetwork-1.png
+px-Wetwork-1.png|Wetwork emblem.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 41: / Line 37: @@
 ''"Spartan optimization for deployment into uncharted, hostile territory (such as uncolonized worlds or forerunner installations) for the purpose of gathering/relaying information."''
+Pioneer-class armor was worn by Spartan-IV security escort detail during initial forays on Shield World Trevelyan and Installation 03. Completing all ten levels of the Pioneer Specialization unlocks the [[Tactical Package#Fast-Track|Fast-Track Tactical Package]].
-The Fast Track Tactical Package earned by completing the Pioneer specialization earns extra experience when equipped, allowing players to rank up faster. However, you only gain extra XP for the time Fast Track was equipped in the match. Using a loadout with Fast Track equipped near the end of a match will not get you extra XP for actions performed earlier in the match. Assuming the perk is constantly equipped, Fast Track yields an XP bonus of about 20%. The Fast Track bonus is not affected by Double XP.
-Pioneer-class armor was worn by Spartan-IV security escort detail during initial forays on Shield World Trevelyan and Installation 03.
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
-pioneer1.png|Pioneer Armor
+pioneer1.png|Pioneer Armor.
-pioneer2.png|Pioneer Armor with a Pioneer Visor
+pioneer2.png|Pioneer Armor with a different colored visor.
-pioneer3.png|Full Pioneer Armor set
+pioneer3.png|Full Pioneer Armor set.
-pioneer4.png|Full Pioneer Armor set skin
+pioneer4.png|Full Pioneer Armor set skin.
-PlasmaPistolFracture.png|Plasma Pistol Fracture skin (PIONEER-5)
+PlasmaPistolFracture.png|Plasma Pistol Fracture skin (PIONEER-5).
 PP_Skin_Trans.png
 </gallery>
@@ Line 57: / Line 51: @@
 ''"Spartan optimization for the subversion, repair, and/or reconstitution of a wide range of technology, including Covenant and Forerunner complex networks."''
+Completing all ten levels of the Engineer specialization unlocks the [[Support Upgrade#Drop Recon|Drop Recon Support Upgrade]].
-The Drop Recon Support Upgrade gives Spartan-IVs a crucial advantage in procuring ordnance. Ordnance will appear on the HUD of Spartans utilizing the Drop Recon armor mod at longer ranges. Additionally, incoming timed ordnance drops in the vicinity will show up on the user's HUD, informing the user about the location of the ordnance drop, the weapon dropped and time remaining before it drops.
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
-Engineer1.png
+Engineer1.png|View of the engineer helmet.
-Engineer2.png
+Engineer2.png|Engineer helmet with a different visor color.
-engineer3.png
+engineer3.png|Full view set of the engineer armor.
+engineer4.png|Full view set of the engineer armor with a different visor color.
-engineer4.png
-Engineer Suppressor Weapon Skin Unlock.png|[[Z-130 Directed Energy Automatic Weapon|Suppressor]] weapon skin unlock
+Engineer Suppressor Weapon Skin Unlock.png|[[Z-130 Directed Energy Automatic Weapon|Suppressor]] weapon skin unlock.
-Suppressor_render_with_weapon_skin.png
+Suppressor_render_with_weapon_skin.png|another view of the Shatter skin.
-Suppressor Skin 2.jpg|A Engineer Spartan with his [[Suppressor]]
+Suppressor Skin 2.jpg|A Engineer Spartan with his [[Suppressor]].
-Suppressor Skin 1.jpg|The FPV of the Suppressor Skin
+Suppressor Skin 1.jpg|The FPV of the Suppressor Skin.
 </gallery>
 ===Tracker - TK===
 ''"Spartan optimization for long range target tracking [trans-continent and off-world]. particularly in scenarios where conventional tracking has failed or such a substantial time has passed that the trail has gone cold."''
-When players earn Personal Ordnance, they are offered three random choices - which may not always be desirable. However, players with the Requisition Tactical Package gain a fourth option; by pressing up on the D-pad, players effectively 're-roll', replacing the first set of three options with three randomly determined ones. Once 're-rolled', the effect is irreversible, and items may repeat (e.g. you may get an Overshield initially and after reselecting), but it greatly increases a player's chances of obtaining more desirable ordnance.
+Completing all ten levels of the Tracker Specialization unlocks the [[Tactical Package#Requisition|Requisition Tactical Package]].
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
@@ Line 80: / Line 75: @@
 tracker4.png
 Tracker Boltshot Weapon Skin unlock.png|[[Z-110 Directed Energy Pistol/Exotic|Boltshot]] weapon skin unlock
-Boltshot_Render_with_weapon_skin.png
+Boltshot_Render_with_weapon_skin.png|Another view of the Piston skin.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 86: / Line 81: @@
 ''"Spartan optimization for single-operative missions which require a Spartan to be deployed on their own for incredibly long durations of time, even years if required."''
-Completing the Rogue specialization unlocks the Stability Support Upgrade which steadies your weapon while being struck by incoming fire, increasing the user's accuracy and lethality at longer ranges.
+Completing all ten levels of the Rogue Specialization unlocks the [[Support Upgrade#Stability|Stability Support Upgrade]].
-The stability support upgrade does not remove all shake from incoming fire, but the reduction in shake is still noteworthy.
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
-rogue1.png|Rogue Armor
+rogue1.png|Rogue Armor.
-rogue2.png|Rogue Armor with a Rogue Visor
+rogue2.png|Rogue Armor with a darker orange Visor.
-rogue3.png|Full Rogue Armor
+rogue3.png|Full Rogue Armor.
-rogue4.png|Full Rogue Armor with skin
+rogue4.png|Full Rogue Armor with skin.
-Carbine_Skins_Trans.png|[[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant Carbine]] Weapon skin unlock
+Carbine_Skins_Trans.png|[[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant Carbine]] with Reign skin unlocked.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 101: / Line 94: @@
 ''"Spartan optimization for target shadowing missions which require tactical invisibility despite operating at an extremely close range to the target itself."''
+Completing all ten levels of the Stalker Specialization unlocks the [[Support Upgrade#Nemesis|Nemesis Support Upgrade]].
-Stalkers gain access to the Nemesis Support Upgrade, a passive skill which creates an icon over the last person that killed you on your HUD lasting for four seconds after you respawn, allowing skilled users and coordinated teams to hunt down playmakers, objective carriers and power weapon holders.
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
@@ Line 108: / Line 101: @@
 stalker3.png
 stalker4.png
-BR_Skin_Trans.png|Battle Rifle weapon skin unlock
+BR_Skin_Trans.png|Battle Rifle with Dunes skin unlocked.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 114: / Line 107: @@
 ''"Spartan optimization for deep, unconventional deployment within unknown enemy territory and with little to no assistance from Command."''
+Completing all ten levels of the Pathfinder Specialization unlocks the [[Support Upgrade#Gunner|Gunner Support Upgrade]].
-Pathfinders enjoy the Gunner Support Upgrade, which reduces the cool-down time on mounted weapons when overheating and allows those who use it to move at a normal walking pace while carrying a detached emplacement, greatly increasing the efficiency of detached turrets.
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
-pathfinder1.png
+pathfinder1.png|Pathfinder helmet.
-pathfinder2.png
+pathfinder2.png|Helmet with Pathfinder visor.
-pathfinder3.png
+pathfinder3.png|Full view set of the Pathfinder armor.
+pathfinder4.png|Full view of the armor with Pathfinder armor skin, unlocked completely at Pathfinder level 9.
-pathfinder4.png
-Pathfinder AR Skin unlock.png|[[MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System|Assault Rifle]] weapon skin unlock
+Pathfinder AR Skin unlock.png|[[MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System|Assault Rifle]] weapon skin, unlocked at Pathfinder level 5.
-AR_Skin_Trans.png
+AR_Skin_Trans.png|Another view of the Predator skin.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 128: / Line 121: @@
 ''"Spartan optimization for the operation and control of a wide-range of vehicles, space, air, ground, and sea."''
+Completing all ten levels of the Operator Specialization unlocks the [[Tactical Package#Wheelman|Wheelman Tactical Package]].
-Completing the Operator specialization grants access to the Wheelman Tactical Package. Tailored towards heavy vehicle users, a Spartan with the Wheelman armor mod driving any vehicle enjoys significantly higher resistance to EMP shots - halving the duration the vehicle is stalled for from 4 seconds to 2 - and increases the durability of the vehicle by slightly increasing its health regeneration rate. In addition, vehicles driven by a Wheelman user are slightly more difficult to board.
 <gallery widths="140" spacing="small">
-operator1.png
+operator1.png|The operator helmet.
-operator2.png
+operator2.png|A purplish visor color for the operator helmet.
-operator3.png
+operator3.png|Full operator armor.
+operator4.png|View of the full armor with a purplish visor color.
-operator4.png
-Operator Magnum Weapon Skin Unlock.png
+Operator Magnum Weapon Skin Unlock.png|Lateral view of the [[Magnum]] with the ''static'' skin. Earned at Operator-5.
-Magnum Skin Trans.png
+Magnum Skin Trans.png|Another view of the ''Static'' skin.
 </gallery>