Specializations

“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.

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.

There are a total of 8 specializations, 2 of which will be available at launch (Wetwork & Operator), the rest being unlocked later. Those who purchase Halo 4 Limited Edition will have access to all 8 at launch. However, an email sent on October 15, 2012 states that Standard Edition Halo 4 owners who play the game while connected to Xbox LIVE by November 20, 2012 (two weeks after release) will receive early access as well.

The Different Specializations

Each specialization offers a unique 10 levels of unlocks, the first 9 levels unlocking different permutations including armor, weapon skins, emblems, visors, and eventually, at the 10th level, a unique game changing perk. You get your first specialization after SR50

Wetwork

The Stealth mod gives the Spartan IV a few stealth benefits. The Stealth armor mod dampens footprint and running sounds and assassination animations are faster, resulting in quicker assassinations. With the Wetwork armor modification, instead of showing up as a red figure on Promethean Vision, foes will only be able to see the outline of your figure. The Wetwork Specialization is availible at launch with the Operator specialization.

Description from Halo 4: "Spartan optimization for stealth operations which focus on the elimination of an enemy target with the goal of leaving no tactical footprint behind."

Standard Wetwork Armor

Standard Wetwork Armor with Wetwork visor

Full Wetwork set

Full SHARD Wetwork set

DMR noble.jpg

DMR noble skin (WETWORK-5)

Enemy player with stealth active under promethean vision

Pioneer

The Pioneer's Fast Track mod allows the Spartan IVs using it to gain experience points leading to the next rank at a faster rate. Keep in mind though, for Fast Track, you only get extra XP for the amount of time you were using it. Activating it at the end of a match isn't going to net you extra XP for actions earlier in the match. Fast Track gives close to a 20% XP bonus. The Fast Track bonus is not affected by Double XP.

Description from Halo 4: "Spartan optimization for deployment into uncharted, hostile territory (such as uncolonized worlds or forerunner installations) for the purpose of gathering/relaying information."

Pioneer Armor

Pioneer Armor with a Pioneer Visor

Full Pioneer Armor set

Full Pioneer Armor set skin

PlasmaRepeater.png

Plasma Pistol Fracture skin (PIONEER-5)

Engineer

When ordinance drops are activated, the Engineer’s Drop Recon armor mod provides an advantage. A couple extra seconds before other players see the drop coming down, the Engineer gets alerted on the incoming drop. Based on the distance to the weapon, you can get an arrow pointing you to where the nearest timed ordinance drop is coming in. It extends the range of those popping up on your HUD.

Suppressor weapon skin unlock

Description from Halo 4: "Spartan optimization for the subversion, repair, and/or reconstitution of a wide range of technology. Inlcuding Covenant and Forerunner complex networks."

Tracker

When receiving an ordinance drop, you may not always find what you desire out of the three choices given to you. With the Tracker's Requisition mod, you are able to get an all new selection from the ordinance drop you call in.

Boltshot weapon skin unlock

Description from Halo 4: "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."

Rogue

With the Rogue's Stability mod, your aim is less "flinchy" and doesn't get thrown off when scoped in on a weapon.

Rogue Armor

Rogue Armor with a Rogue Visor

Full Rogue Armor

Full Rogue Armor with skin

Rogue Covenant Carbine Weapon Skin Unlock.png

Covenant Carbine Weapon skin unlock

Description from Halo 4: "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."

Stalker

The Stalker packs the Nemesis armor mod, a passive skill that causes an icon of the last person that killed you to appear on the HUD, but only for five seconds after you respawn.

Stalker BR55 WeaponSkin.png

Stalker weapon skin unlock

Pathfinder

Pathfinders enjoy the Gunner mod, which reduces the cool-down on vehicle weapon overheating and allows you to move at a normal walking pace when carrying a detached emplacement.

Assault Rifle weapon skin unlock

Operator

The Wheelman armor mod the Operator carries gives you a bit of a resistance against EMP shots against a vehicle you are driving. It won’t necessarily stop you in your tracks anymore. This also allows you to recharge the health of a vehicle slightly faster.

M6 Series weapon skin unlock

Gallery

01 Wetworks.png

The Wetworks Specialization

02 Pioneer.png

The Pioneer Specialization

03 Engineer.png

The Engineer Specialization

04 Tracker.png

The Tracker Specialization

05 Rouge.png

The Rouge Specialization

06 Stalker.png

The Stalker Specialization

07 Pathfinder.png

The Pathfinder Specialization

08 Operator.png

The Operator Specialization