Halo 4 Specialisations: Halo multiplayer goes class-based

343's high-wire walk to innovation continues with the unveiling of Halo 4 Specialisations, eight miniature character classes that unlock once you've reached level 50 in multiplayer.

Each class offers nine levels of cosmetic customisation options, including armor sets, weapon skins, emblems and visor covers, but the tenth level is a game-modifying "perk". Tricksy.

Once you've signed up for a Specialisation, the multiplayer level cap will increase. "By enlisting in a Specialization you basically raise your own level cap," Halo 4 designer David Ellis told IGN. "With each one, you can extend the level cap a little further. You DO NOT have to rank all the way through again [to unlock another Specialisation]."

Two specialisations will be available at launch - Pioneer and Wetwork. The remaining six will follow via Halo 4 DLC. "We'll be watching the level curve of the community closely close launch and will do our best to role Specializations out as we see segments of the playerbase reach max rank," Ellis explained.

Nobody's mentioned price tags. Hopefully, that's because there aren't any.

I'm a big fan of what 343's trying to achieve with Halo 4, but this is difficult stuff. Certain of the Specialisations sound like they could make a serious difference to how people play, and while they won't be available as readily as Call of Duty's perks, it's easy to envisage a post-launch multiplayer scene which is dominated by certain ability sets, like Rogue.

Here's what we know about each Specialisation so far. Read Mike's extensive hands-on with Spartan Ops and War Games for more on Halo 4 multiplayer.

Wetworks

Wetworks users get protection against the wall-penetrating Promethean Vision Armor Ability. You'll still show up on the HUD of a player using it, but you'll be a slightly more inconspicuous outline rather than a big red blur. Also, you'll get a bit of sound dampening when you sprint.

Pioneer

A good standby if you're looking to rank up fast - this Spec generates extra XP for any action you take while you've got it equipped.

Engineer

As an Engineer, you'll be alerted to incoming weapon drops a couple of seconds ahead of other players, increasing the odds that you'll get their first. If you're close enough, the HUD will point the way with a GPS arrow.

Tracker

Damn near killed yourself reaching a drop, only to find that it's stuffed with underpowered guns? As a Tracker, you'll have one chance to re-roll the contents.

Rogue

Players of SWAT in Halo: Reach should prioritise this one - its Stability perk reduces scope wobble while zoomed. I dread to think of what DMR diehards will achieve with the thing.

Stalker

A class for those who hold grudges. The Nemesis armor mod generates an icon of the last person who killed you, and also tracks those who've attacked you.

Pathfinder

Only the biggest guns will do? Sign up as a Pathfinder for reduced cooldown on vehicle weapons, and easier carrying of emplaced guns.

Operator

The Wheelman mod grants your ride a little extra resistance against EMPS. It also lets makes vehicle health recharge a bit faster. Fortunately, this latter bonus can't be stacked.