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{{Otheruses4|ways to acquire a respec and how to use them|the slash command|respec (Slash Command)}}
 
{{Otheruses4|ways to acquire a respec and how to use them|the slash command|respec (Slash Command)}}
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== Overview ==
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{{TOCright}}
 
{{TOCright}}
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== Overview ==
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A '''Respecification''' (a.k.a. "Power Respecification", "respec") allows a player to ''respecify'' a character. This allows Primary and Secondary Powers, Power Pool Powers and Enhancement Slot assignments to be changed. Power set selections (both Primary and Secondary) cannot be changed.
  
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A '''power respecification''', or ''respec'', is a means for a hero or villain to respecify, or change, the powers he or she has available for use.  Power respecifications are gained in one of four ways:
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Respecs can be gained from a number sources, including various actions taken in-game, the [[Paragon Market]], the [[Paragon Rewards Program]], during some special events, and finally from the developers. These are described in detail below.
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# By completing a power respecification trial, or
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# By having one given to him or her during a special event or after a significant change in power mechanics
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# By reaching a specific numbers of months, and receiving one via the [[Veteran Reward System]].
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# For villains only, by completing the first Patron arc and unlocking a [[Patron Power Pools|Patron Power Pool]], a single respec is also awarded.
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Respecs are typically used to trade unwanted powers for more useful ones and/or to rearrange hard-to-obtain enhancements that have been permanently slotted into powers.
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Respecs are often used to trade unwanted powers for more useful ones; rearrange hard-to-obtain Enhancements between powers; and to optimise a character once they have reached level 50. Respecs are started by visiting a specific contact (in most cases), or sometimes by using the {{slashcommand|respec}} command (for "free respecs").
  
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* During a power respecification, a character may not change his or her [[Origin]], [[Archetype]], primary powerset, secondary powerset,[[Veteran Reward Program]]-selected powers, and, for Villains, [[Patron Power Pools|Patron Power Pool]]
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== Types and Sources of Respecs ==
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Respecs fall into two categories: earned respecs that a character receives due to some action they choose to take; and free respecs (known as a 'freespec') awarded by the development team or certain in-game action.
  
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* However, during a power respecification, a character may choose different powers within his or her primary and secondary powersets, as well as select different [[Pool Powers]] and/or [[Ancillary Power Pool]]s, reallocate enhancement slots, and redistribute all enhancements among new powers or slots.
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=== {{UL|Earned Respecs}} ===
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A character may accrue quite a number of earned respecs. Available respecs are shown when a character logs on. A system (green) message is displayed in the chat box stating, "You have x unclaimed respecs available," where x is the number of available respecs. In addition to this, a player may have also have number of respecs they may claim for a character from their in-game mail.
  
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== Types of Respecifications ==
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==== Summary ====
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There are four types of respecifications available. Each type stacks separately. It is currently unclear which gets used first when a character claims a respec from a contact, however using the /respec command always uses a freespec.
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An earned respec can be earned the following ways:
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*'''Earned Respecs''' - 3 maximum
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# Completing a [[Terra Volta Respecification Trial]] for heroes, or a [[Tree of Thorns Respecification Trial]] for villains. A maximum of 3 respecs can be earned by a character in this way.
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*'''Free Respec''' - 1 maximum
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# By placing a reward token in various slots in assorted tiers within the [[Paragon Rewards Program]]. Up to six respecs may be earned this way, and they are claimed from Account Items in-game email.
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*'''Veteran Respecs''' - 3 maximum (as of I8)
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# By purchasing a [[Character Respec Token]] from the [[Paragon Market]]. These are claimed from Character Items in-game email.
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*'''Patron Respecs''' - 1 maximum
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# For villains and rogues only, by completing the first Patron arc and unlocking a [[Patron Power Pools|Patron Power Pool]].
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*'''Respec Recipes''' - 1 maximum (considered a Free Respec)
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# For [[Soldiers of Arachnos|Soldier of Arachnos]] only, by reaching Threat Level 24. This respec is mandatory and must be taken the next time that character trains.
  
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=== Earned Respecifications ===
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==== Respec Contacts ====
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An earned respec is used by visiting a special contact.
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* Heroes: [[Jack Wolfe]], located in [[City Hall]] in [[Atlas Park]]; and [[James Frost]] in [[Fort Trident]].
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* Villains: [[Arbiter Lupin]], located next to to the AE Building in [[Nerva Archipelago]]; [[Arbiter Sawyer]], standing near the [[Pocket D]] entrance in [[Port Oakes]]; and [[Jacob Stone]] in [[The Crucible]].
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* Praetorians:  [[John Snow]], in [[Imperial City]], inside Studio 55. He is on the third floor of the club past the gambling area.
  
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If a character receives a power respecification due to completing a power respecification trial, it is considered an '''earned''' respec.  A character may have multiple earned respecs, currently up to three, available at any given time.
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=== {{UL|Free Respecs}} ===
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A free respec is obtained the following ways:
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# Often called a "freespec", these may be granted by the development team during special events or when [[Patch Notes|patches]] significantly change the way multiple powers or power sets function.
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# Crafting a [[Respec Recipe]].
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# Purchase from [[Candy Keeper]] using [[Candy Cane Salvage]], during  [[Winter Events]]. One respec per character per event can be earned.
  
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An earned respec is used by visiting a special contact. For heroes, this contact is [[Jack Wolfe]], located in the [[Freedom Corps]] headquarters in [[Galaxy City]]. For villains, the contact is [[Arbiter Lupin]], located next to [[Arbiter Frederick]] in the [[Nerva Archipelago]].
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==== Summary ====
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* No more than one freespec can be available at any given time. If a character has an unspent freespec, and another is awarded, they will not receive the new freespec.
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* If a character has an unspent freespec, the character cannot craft a Respec Recipe, nor can they claim a Holiday Respec from the Candy Keeper.
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* For the above reason, players should choose to use a freespec (if one is available), before spending an earned respec. That way they will receive another, should it be awarded.
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* A freespec can be used with the {{slashcommand|respec}} command, without needing to visit a special contact.
  
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There are currently two trials for the purposes of power respecification:
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== Limitations and Respec Failures ==
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Respecs are subject to a number of limitations and possible failures.
  
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=== Limitations ===
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* A character must be at least level three.
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* A character cannot be in strike force or task force mode. This includes all trials, strike forces, task forces, signature story arcs, mission architect missions and flashback missions,
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* A character's [[Origin]], [[Archetype]], primary power set, secondary power set, or [[Paragon Rewards Program]] power selections cannot be changed.
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* A power or enhancement slots cannot be taken in an order that isn't possible for a character levelling normally. An exception to this is [[Warshades]] and [[Peacebringers]] who, during a respec, may add slots to their Nova- and Dwarf-form-specific powers before the Nova and Dwarf forms themselves are available.
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* Changes are permanent! For this reason, it's often wise to plan your new build in advance. (Note: Tools such as ''Mids' Hero Designer'' can be useful here.).
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=== Respec Failures ===
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Sometimes, a player may receive a 'respec failed' message. These may occur for any number of reasons. The most common reasons include:
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* Not training up to the character's effective level before starting a respec
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* Being in Task Force/Strike Force mode, including  Flashback and Architect missions.
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If there were any un-slotted enhancements in the character's tray before the respec began, they might appear to have vanished after a respec failure. Once the respec has been successfully completed, they will be made available again.
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If this occurs, players should still have a respec token, and should be able to use it after the character moves to a new zone, or if the player logs out of City of Heroes and log back in. If your character has recently advanced to a new level, you're encouraged to visit an NPC trainer before trying a new respec.
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* See also the official Knowledgebase article [https://support.cityofheroes.com/app/answers/freedomdetail/a_id/7536/kw/respec Respec Failed].
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== How to Respec ==
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The process of completing a respec occurs in several stages. These are '''Power Selections''', '''Enhancement Slot Selections''', '''Slotting Enhancements''', and finally '''Confirming'''. These stages are outlined below in brief.
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* See also the official article [https://support.cityofheroes.com/app/answers/freedomdetail/a_id/8190/kw/respec Respecs in City of Heroes], on which this section is based, which includes a pictorial guide.
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=== Power Selections ===
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Select all of your character's powers. All powers will be chosen in the order that they are available, level by level. Progress as your pick each power is shown in red at the bottom of the screen.
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This stage mimics the normal training the character receives, with more powers available at later levels. The first choice mimics level 1 (character creation screen), the next choice level 2 (the first power received from a trainer), and so on.
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For example, when the sixth power is selected, the powers available will be the powers available for selection with the character attained security level 10 (i.e. when he or she selected his or her sixth power).
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When a respec is used, a character will be presented with the power selection screen to select his or her powers. The choice will be limited to the powers available when he or she first selected powers at level 1. After selecting a power, the character will be asked to select another power, this time with the powers available when he or she selected powers at level 2. For each subsequent power selection, the powers available will be the powers available for the next progressive level of the character.
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Keep on selecting powers until no powers remain, and the respec then moves onto the next stage.
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* For a chart showing at what levels new powers become available, see [[Leveling Chart]]
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=== Enhancement Slot Selections ===
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In this stage, all enhancement slots are placed. Again, progress is shown in red at the bottom of the window. This reflects the training a character receives at levels where no power is granted.
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At each step of this stage, either two, three or six enhancement slots are placed, depending on the effective level. Higher level powers are greyed out and cannot be slotted until the effective level they were chosen is passed.
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After all enhancement slots have been placed, the respec moves to the next stage.
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* For a chart showing at what levels enhancements are slotted, see [[Leveling Chart]]
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=== Slotting Enhancements ===
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This stage shows a window labelled "Place Enhancements". All of the character's enhancements (slotted and unslotted) are automatically placed in the "unassigned" section.
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Click and drag the desired enhancements into their respective slots. Unlike normal training, you can move slotted enhancements freely into and out of powers and slots during this stage.
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You can also keep (but not slot) enhancements; just put them back into your inventory. When the respec is completed these will be available to your character in the Inventory tray.
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This is the last formal stage of the respec process. It is worthwhile double-checking that you have slotted and placed all enhancements correctly before proceeding.
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Click "Finish" to proceed to the final stage.
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* Note:  Enhancements that remain unassigned will be lost forever once the respec is completed.
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==== What happens to unassigned enhancements? ====
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* All [[SO|Single Origin]], [[DO|Double Origin]] and [[TO|Training Origin]] enhancements are sold for their full purchase cost.
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* [[IO|Invention Origin]] enhancements are sold for the crafting cost only; '''not''' including any purchase cost.
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* [[Hamidon Enhancements]] and [[Synthetic Hamidon Enhancements]] are not assigned any value.
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* Enhancements combined with another of the same type(+ or ++) can be put in the tray but cannot be sold or traded.
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=== Confirming ===
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The player is asked to confirm and finish the respec. A dialog box appears, and this is the last chance to change any aspect of the respec.
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:{{CutsceneText|Text='''{{red|WARNING!}}'''
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At this point all slotted enhancements will become locked in. All unassigned enhancements will be refunded for their sell-back price in Influence. Are you sure you wish to proceed?
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'''{{green|Yes/No}}'''}}
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Click No to return the the previous stage, and Yes to complete the respec.
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'''When you click "Yes", you will ''not'' be able to go back.''' Any changes are now permanent, and powers, enhancement slots, and enhancement placements are locked in place. The only way to fix errors made in the respecification process is to respec again.
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A handy command to remember after a respec is {{slashcommand|clear_tray}}, as this will empty out a character's trays. After a respec, the game places powers in leveling order, followed by every single temporary, accolade, inherent, etc., power that the character has access to. Since the majority of players have their powers set up in a particular way, clearing the tray allows for a much easier process of placing powers where a player wants them; additionally, it will retain any [[Macro (Slash Command)|macros]] the player has created for that character.
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=== Rolling Back During a Respec ===
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At any time during the respec, clicking the "Back" button at the bottom left of the window will take you back one step, even to previous stages.
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Even at the final slotting stage, clicking back enough times will eventually bring you right back to the very first step taken in the respec.
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Clicking "Next" advances the respec to the next step.
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== Obtaining respecs: Details ==
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This section provides more information on each type of respec found in-game.
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=== Respec Trials ===
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There are two sets of trials, which upon completion will allow an eligible character to choose a respec from a reward table:
 
* The [[Terra Volta Respecification Trial]] for heroes, and
 
* The [[Terra Volta Respecification Trial]] for heroes, and
 
* The [[Tree of Thorns Respecification Trial]] for villains
 
* The [[Tree of Thorns Respecification Trial]] for villains
  
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<blockquote>
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Each trial has three similar versions, each with a different minimum level. These are a levels 24, 34 and 44. Throughout a character's life in the game, they may earn no more than three respecs from these trials, no matter how many or in what order they do these trials.
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==== Respecification Eligibility ====
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A character first becomes eligible to take the respecification trials at level 24, and again at levels 34 and 44.  The respecification is not linked to which trial is completed, but to the level.  For example, a character who is above level 44 and has never done a respecification trial, can do the first (lowest level) trial three times, the last (highest level) trial three times, or any combination of the trials, and gain all three respecification awards.
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From levels 24-33, a character can receive one respec from completing the first trial. From levels 34-43, a character can receive another respec from completing either of the first two trials. From levels 44 and up, a character may receive their third respec from completing any of the three trials.
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</blockquote>
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=== Free Respecifications ===
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A character can continue to participate in as many trials as they like, and will only be able to choose the other other rewards from the reward table at the end.
  
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If a character receives a power respecification due to having one given to him or her, it is considered a '''free''' respec. A character may have only one free respec available at any given time. If a character has a free respec when another respec is given out, he or she will not receive the new respec.
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See also the official articles:
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* [https://support.cityofheroes.com/app/answers/freedomdetail/a_id/3213/kw/respec Tree of Thorns Respec Trial]
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* [https://support.cityofheroes.com/app/answers/freedomdetail/a_id/1736/kw/respec Terra Volta Trial]
  
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Free respecs are usually given out after significant changes to game mechanics involving powers.  For example, when [[Enhancement Diversification]] was released on the live servers, a free respec was given to all heroes due to a significant change in the effects of enhancement slotting.
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=== Paragon Rewards Program ===
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The [[Paragon Rewards Program]] grants a respec up to six times, by placing a Reward token in a specific slot. These are then found in the in-game Account Items email, and can be claimed by all current and future characters on the player's account. Once claimed, the respec will disappear for that character, but it will still be available for other characters on the account.
  
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A free respec is used by typing the '''/[[respec (Slash Command)|respec]]''' command on the chat command line.
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* See also the official article: [https://support.cityofheroes.com/app/answers/freedomdetail/a_id/8799/kw/respec Claiming Paragon Purchases and Rewards]
  
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=== Veteran Rewards Respecifications ===
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=== Purchased Respecs ===
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Several levels of the [[Veteran Reward System]] award respecs to all characters on the account. Specifically 9 months, 21 months, 33 months and 45 months reward respecs.
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A [[Character Respec Token]] can be purchased at any time, and in any number, from the [[Paragon Market]]. Once purchased, the token can be claimed from the in-game Character Items of the character the respec will be used on.
  
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Heroes can claim a Veteran Reward Respec by visiting [[Jack Wolfe]] in the [[Galaxy City]] Freedom Corps building.  Jack Wolfe is on the right after entering the building and is dressed in a Longbow uniform.
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Please note that Character Respec Tokens can be purchased from the Character Selection window by clicking the Store icon at the top right of the window. This will take the player to the Paragon Market.
  
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Villains can claim a Veteran Reward Respec by visiting [[Arbiter Lupin]] in [[Nerva Archipelago]]. Arbiter Lupin is located next to [[Arbiter Frederick]].
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=== Patron Arc Respec ===
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Each villain or rogue that completes the first [[Patron]] arc will also receive one respec. This can be used at any time thereafter, even the character does not wish to use a [[Patron Power Pool]]. Note that Patron Arc Respecifications are not lost if the character changes [[alignment]] to hero, though if the character changes to hero prior to finishing the arc, progress is halted and the respec will not be awarded until returning to villain or rogue to complete the arc.
  
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=== Patron Power Respecifications (Villains Only) ===
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Patron arcs can be undertaken from level 35 and onwards. Characters will receive a pop-up message from [[Arbiter Rein]] as soon as they are eligible to complete the arc, and should see him to choose a patron and then complete the arc.
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Each villain character that completes the first Patron arc and unlocks a patrol power pool will also receive a respec.
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=== Respecification Recipes ===
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=== Soldiers of Arachnos Respec ===
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As of [[Issue 11]] characters may earn [[Respec Recipes]] as rare drops from the enemy defeat recipe pools which, upon crafting the recipe, the character will receive a Free Respec as long as that character currently has no Free Respecs. This Free Respec (or "Freespec") will stack with earned respecs from Trials or Veteran Rewards.
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An [[Arachnos Soldier]] or [[Arachnos Widow]] - or collectively, [[Soldiers of Arachnos]] - receives a respec as soon as they reach [[Threat Level]] 24.  
  
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== How Respecifications Work ==
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This is a mandatory respec, and must be taken the next time the character trains. It allows these archetypes to use all of the power sets that are unlocked for them at level 24.
  
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When a respec is used, a character will be presented with the power selection screen to select his or her powers.  The choice will be limited to the powers available when he or she first selected powers at level 1.  After selecting a power, the character will be asked to select another power, this time with the powers available when he or she selected powers at level 2. For each subsequent power selection, the powers available will be the powers available for the next progressive level of the character.
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=== Free Respecs ===
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Free respecs, or "freespecs", are sometimes granted after the launch of a new Issue (major update to the game software) when significant changes to the game mechanics are made. Unlike all other sorts of respecs, these can be used from anywhere in the game world, by typing the {{slashcommand|respec}} command into the chat interface.  
  
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For example, when the sixth power is selected, the powers available will be the powers available for selection with the character attained security level 10 (i.e. when he or she selected his or her sixth power).
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'''Note:''' Characters can have only one of these "freespecs" available at any time. If a new one is granted before the old one is used, it will overwrite the old. Use it or lose it!
  
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After the power selection is complete, the character is then presented with the enhancement slot selection screen. Again, the powers available for slotting are the powers that were available at the time that the character attained the level for that particular round of slots.
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* See also the official article: [https://support.cityofheroes.com/app/answers/freedomdetail/a_id/8190/kw/freespec Respecs in City of Heroes]
  
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For example, when the sixth set of slots is selected, the powers available for slotting will be the powers available for selection when the character attained security level 13 (i.e. when he or she selected his or her sixth set of enhancement slots).
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=== Respec Recipes ===
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Characters may find [[Respec Recipe]]s as rare drops from defeating enemies or trade them with other players either directly or through the [[Auction House]]. Crafting this recipe grants a free respec. These cannot be crafted if the character already has a free respec available.
  
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After the enhancement slotting is complete, the character will be presented with a screen in which he or she assigns all of his or her currently assigned and held enhancements to those slots.  Until an enhancement is assigned to an enhancement slot or to the enhancement inventory, it is considered unassigned.  Unlike the normal enhancement management screen, enhancements may be freely moved around between enhancement slots, the enhancement inventory tray, and the unassigned enhancements tray.
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A Respec Recipe can also be purchased from an Alignment Vendor in [[Fort Trident]] for [[Hero (Alignment)|Heroes]] or [[The Crucible]] for [[Villain (Alignment)|Villains]], for 10 [[Alignment Merits]].
  
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After all enhancements are placed into appropriate slots or into the enhancement tray, all unassigned origin (SO,DO, TO) enhancements will be sold for their full purchase cost. Invention Enhancements will be sold for the crafting cost (the price does not include the purchase cost).  Hamidon and Synthetic Hamidon Enhancements are not assigned any value.  They will be lost with zero influence/infamy gained if they are unassigned at the end of a respecification.
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=== Holiday Respecs ===
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During the [[Winter Event]], the [[Candy Keeper]] sells a respec option for 500 [[Candy Cane Salvage]] plus [[inf]] per character level. It cannot be purchased if the character is holding a free respec, and each character can only purchase one per event.
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
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* '''Important!''' Keep in mind that earned recipes are finite and free respecs are somewhat rare. If a character runs out of earned respecs, bad choices are semi-permanent!
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* ''Important note'': Once a character has earned all respecs available by completing the power respecification trial the maximum number of times (currently three for heroes and villains) and used all respecs available, the character may not change his or her powers again unless another unearned respecification is given out or that character crafts a [[Respec Recipe]]!
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* It is highly suggested to test new builds on the [[Training Room]] server before actually committing to the respec on the live server.
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* Because a character may have a maximum of one free respec at a time, it is highly suggested that these respecs be used before earned respecs by typing the '''/respec''' command on the chat command line.
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* The number of respecs a character has is shown each time they log into the game. A system (green text) message is displayed in the chat box stating, "You have ''x'' unclaimed respecs available," where ''x'' is the number of available respecs.
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* A player may see how many unclaimed respecs his or her character has at the time of logon. A system (green text) message is displayed in the chat box stating, "You have ''x'' unclaimed respecs available," where ''x'' is the number of available respecs.
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* Because a character may have a maximum of one free respec at a time, these respecs should be used before other, more hard-earned, ones. Typing {{slashcommand|respec}} on the chat command line will start a freespec, and this can be done at any time just to see if a character has one available (just exit the respec if not ready to proceed).
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* Remember that the order in which a character's powers are selected determines which powers are available when that character is exemplared or malefactored with lower-level heroes and villains. In general, powers should be selected in an order that reflects the order in which they would actually be used in-game.
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* Remember that the order in which a character's powers are selected determines which powers are available when that character is exemplared or malefactored with lower-level heroes and villains. In general, the most wanted or most often-used powers should be selected first.
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* Because the maximum number of respecs available is limited and the time between respecs is typically very long, it is highly suggested to test respecs on the [[Training Room]] server before actually committing to the respec on the live server.
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* The word "respec" is often misspelled "respect" by those unfamiliar with the term, by speed touch-typists, or sometimes even by some in a deliberate satirical manner. The word is an abbreviated form of the word ''respecification'', however, and "respec" is the correct spelling. In addition, "respec" is sometimes incorrectly expanded in-game to "respecialization", such as in the some badge text for respecs given as [[Veteran Rewards Program|Veteran Rewards]], leading to further confusion among players as to what "respec" is actually short for.  Upon completion, your character has been "respecified" or "respecced" (some players also use the term "respec'd").
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* The word "respec" is often seen misspelled as "respect" by those unfamiliar with the term, by speed touch-typists, or sometimes even by some in a deliberate satirical manner. The word is an abbreviated form of the word ''respecification'', however, and the "respec" spelling is the correct one.
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* The names of the villain respec trial contacts, Sparcetriel, Trepsarciel, and Ractespriel, are all anagrams of "respec trial."
 
* The names of the villain respec trial contacts, Sparcetriel, Trepsarciel, and Ractespriel, are all anagrams of "respec trial."
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* After using a respec, using the {{slashcommand|clear_tray}} command will clear all power trays of powers, as they will all fill up with random powers. This allows easier power placement onto the power trays.
  
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== See Also ==
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== Historical ==
 +
{{historical|type=section}}
  
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* The '''[[Veteran Rewards Program]]''' program was removed from the game with the release of [[City of Heroes: Freedom]]. It was replaced by the [[Paragon Rewards Program]]. While it was available, the Veteran rewards program awarded one respec to each character on a player's account at varying intervals. Respecs were awarded for 9, 21, 33, 45 and 69 months of membership.
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* '''Purchased Respecifications'''. Prior to the introduction of City of Heroes: Freedom, players could purchase a respec from the Character Select screen. Players selected the character they wanted to respec, then selected the "Enter Store" icon in the lower right, then followed the prompts. Cost was US$9.99. After the release of City of Heroes: Freedom, this was removed and players instead purchase a [[Character Respec Token]] from the [[Paragon Market]].
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* '''[[Respec Recipe]]s''' were added to the game with [[Issue 11]].
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* '''Holiday Respecifiations''' were added to the game with the [[Winter Event 2009]].
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== See Also ==
 
* [[Respec (Slash Command)]]
 
* [[Respec (Slash Command)]]
 
* [[Terra Volta Respecification Trial]]
 
* [[Terra Volta Respecification Trial]]
Line 98: Line 212:
 
* [[Respec Recipe]]
 
* [[Respec Recipe]]
 
* [[Post-respec build]]
 
* [[Post-respec build]]
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* [[Candy Keeper]]
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* [[Candy Cane Salvage]]
  
 
[[Category:Gameplay]]
 
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Latest revision as of 01:01, 2 February 2014

This article is about ways to acquire a respec and how to use them. For the slash command, see respec (Slash Command).


Overview

A Respecification (a.k.a. "Power Respecification", "respec") allows a player to respecify a character. This allows Primary and Secondary Powers, Power Pool Powers and Enhancement Slot assignments to be changed. Power set selections (both Primary and Secondary) cannot be changed.

Respecs can be gained from a number sources, including various actions taken in-game, the Paragon Market, the Paragon Rewards Program, during some special events, and finally from the developers. These are described in detail below.

Respecs are often used to trade unwanted powers for more useful ones; rearrange hard-to-obtain Enhancements between powers; and to optimise a character once they have reached level 50. Respecs are started by visiting a specific contact (in most cases), or sometimes by using the /respec command (for "free respecs").

Types and Sources of Respecs

Respecs fall into two categories: earned respecs that a character receives due to some action they choose to take; and free respecs (known as a 'freespec') awarded by the development team or certain in-game action.

Earned Respecs

A character may accrue quite a number of earned respecs. Available respecs are shown when a character logs on. A system (green) message is displayed in the chat box stating, "You have x unclaimed respecs available," where x is the number of available respecs. In addition to this, a player may have also have number of respecs they may claim for a character from their in-game mail.

Summary

An earned respec can be earned the following ways:

  1. Completing a Terra Volta Respecification Trial for heroes, or a Tree of Thorns Respecification Trial for villains. A maximum of 3 respecs can be earned by a character in this way.
  2. By placing a reward token in various slots in assorted tiers within the Paragon Rewards Program. Up to six respecs may be earned this way, and they are claimed from Account Items in-game email.
  3. By purchasing a Character Respec Token from the Paragon Market. These are claimed from Character Items in-game email.
  4. For villains and rogues only, by completing the first Patron arc and unlocking a Patron Power Pool.
  5. For Soldier of Arachnos only, by reaching Threat Level 24. This respec is mandatory and must be taken the next time that character trains.

Respec Contacts

An earned respec is used by visiting a special contact.

Free Respecs

A free respec is obtained the following ways:

  1. Often called a "freespec", these may be granted by the development team during special events or when patches significantly change the way multiple powers or power sets function.
  2. Crafting a Respec Recipe.
  3. Purchase from Candy Keeper using Candy Cane Salvage, during Winter Events. One respec per character per event can be earned.

Summary

  • No more than one freespec can be available at any given time. If a character has an unspent freespec, and another is awarded, they will not receive the new freespec.
  • If a character has an unspent freespec, the character cannot craft a Respec Recipe, nor can they claim a Holiday Respec from the Candy Keeper.
  • For the above reason, players should choose to use a freespec (if one is available), before spending an earned respec. That way they will receive another, should it be awarded.
  • A freespec can be used with the /respec command, without needing to visit a special contact.

Limitations and Respec Failures

Respecs are subject to a number of limitations and possible failures.

Limitations

  • A character must be at least level three.
  • A character cannot be in strike force or task force mode. This includes all trials, strike forces, task forces, signature story arcs, mission architect missions and flashback missions,
  • A character's Origin, Archetype, primary power set, secondary power set, or Paragon Rewards Program power selections cannot be changed.
  • A power or enhancement slots cannot be taken in an order that isn't possible for a character levelling normally. An exception to this is Warshades and Peacebringers who, during a respec, may add slots to their Nova- and Dwarf-form-specific powers before the Nova and Dwarf forms themselves are available.
  • Changes are permanent! For this reason, it's often wise to plan your new build in advance. (Note: Tools such as Mids' Hero Designer can be useful here.).

Respec Failures

Sometimes, a player may receive a 'respec failed' message. These may occur for any number of reasons. The most common reasons include:

  • Not training up to the character's effective level before starting a respec
  • Being in Task Force/Strike Force mode, including Flashback and Architect missions.

If there were any un-slotted enhancements in the character's tray before the respec began, they might appear to have vanished after a respec failure. Once the respec has been successfully completed, they will be made available again.

If this occurs, players should still have a respec token, and should be able to use it after the character moves to a new zone, or if the player logs out of City of Heroes and log back in. If your character has recently advanced to a new level, you're encouraged to visit an NPC trainer before trying a new respec.

How to Respec

The process of completing a respec occurs in several stages. These are Power Selections, Enhancement Slot Selections, Slotting Enhancements, and finally Confirming. These stages are outlined below in brief.

Power Selections

Select all of your character's powers. All powers will be chosen in the order that they are available, level by level. Progress as your pick each power is shown in red at the bottom of the screen.

This stage mimics the normal training the character receives, with more powers available at later levels. The first choice mimics level 1 (character creation screen), the next choice level 2 (the first power received from a trainer), and so on.

For example, when the sixth power is selected, the powers available will be the powers available for selection with the character attained security level 10 (i.e. when he or she selected his or her sixth power).

When a respec is used, a character will be presented with the power selection screen to select his or her powers. The choice will be limited to the powers available when he or she first selected powers at level 1. After selecting a power, the character will be asked to select another power, this time with the powers available when he or she selected powers at level 2. For each subsequent power selection, the powers available will be the powers available for the next progressive level of the character.

Keep on selecting powers until no powers remain, and the respec then moves onto the next stage.

  • For a chart showing at what levels new powers become available, see Leveling Chart

Enhancement Slot Selections

In this stage, all enhancement slots are placed. Again, progress is shown in red at the bottom of the window. This reflects the training a character receives at levels where no power is granted.

At each step of this stage, either two, three or six enhancement slots are placed, depending on the effective level. Higher level powers are greyed out and cannot be slotted until the effective level they were chosen is passed.

After all enhancement slots have been placed, the respec moves to the next stage.

  • For a chart showing at what levels enhancements are slotted, see Leveling Chart

Slotting Enhancements

This stage shows a window labelled "Place Enhancements". All of the character's enhancements (slotted and unslotted) are automatically placed in the "unassigned" section.

Click and drag the desired enhancements into their respective slots. Unlike normal training, you can move slotted enhancements freely into and out of powers and slots during this stage.

You can also keep (but not slot) enhancements; just put them back into your inventory. When the respec is completed these will be available to your character in the Inventory tray.

This is the last formal stage of the respec process. It is worthwhile double-checking that you have slotted and placed all enhancements correctly before proceeding.

Click "Finish" to proceed to the final stage.

  • Note: Enhancements that remain unassigned will be lost forever once the respec is completed.

What happens to unassigned enhancements?

Confirming

The player is asked to confirm and finish the respec. A dialog box appears, and this is the last chance to change any aspect of the respec.

Balloon.png WARNING!

At this point all slotted enhancements will become locked in. All unassigned enhancements will be refunded for their sell-back price in Influence. Are you sure you wish to proceed?

Yes/No

Click No to return the the previous stage, and Yes to complete the respec.

When you click "Yes", you will not be able to go back. Any changes are now permanent, and powers, enhancement slots, and enhancement placements are locked in place. The only way to fix errors made in the respecification process is to respec again.

A handy command to remember after a respec is /clear_tray, as this will empty out a character's trays. After a respec, the game places powers in leveling order, followed by every single temporary, accolade, inherent, etc., power that the character has access to. Since the majority of players have their powers set up in a particular way, clearing the tray allows for a much easier process of placing powers where a player wants them; additionally, it will retain any macros the player has created for that character.

Rolling Back During a Respec

At any time during the respec, clicking the "Back" button at the bottom left of the window will take you back one step, even to previous stages.

Even at the final slotting stage, clicking back enough times will eventually bring you right back to the very first step taken in the respec.

Clicking "Next" advances the respec to the next step.

Obtaining respecs: Details

This section provides more information on each type of respec found in-game.

Respec Trials

There are two sets of trials, which upon completion will allow an eligible character to choose a respec from a reward table:

Each trial has three similar versions, each with a different minimum level. These are a levels 24, 34 and 44. Throughout a character's life in the game, they may earn no more than three respecs from these trials, no matter how many or in what order they do these trials.

From levels 24-33, a character can receive one respec from completing the first trial. From levels 34-43, a character can receive another respec from completing either of the first two trials. From levels 44 and up, a character may receive their third respec from completing any of the three trials.

A character can continue to participate in as many trials as they like, and will only be able to choose the other other rewards from the reward table at the end.

See also the official articles:

Paragon Rewards Program

The Paragon Rewards Program grants a respec up to six times, by placing a Reward token in a specific slot. These are then found in the in-game Account Items email, and can be claimed by all current and future characters on the player's account. Once claimed, the respec will disappear for that character, but it will still be available for other characters on the account.

Purchased Respecs

A Character Respec Token can be purchased at any time, and in any number, from the Paragon Market. Once purchased, the token can be claimed from the in-game Character Items of the character the respec will be used on.

Please note that Character Respec Tokens can be purchased from the Character Selection window by clicking the Store icon at the top right of the window. This will take the player to the Paragon Market.

Patron Arc Respec

Each villain or rogue that completes the first Patron arc will also receive one respec. This can be used at any time thereafter, even the character does not wish to use a Patron Power Pool. Note that Patron Arc Respecifications are not lost if the character changes alignment to hero, though if the character changes to hero prior to finishing the arc, progress is halted and the respec will not be awarded until returning to villain or rogue to complete the arc.

Patron arcs can be undertaken from level 35 and onwards. Characters will receive a pop-up message from Arbiter Rein as soon as they are eligible to complete the arc, and should see him to choose a patron and then complete the arc.

Soldiers of Arachnos Respec

An Arachnos Soldier or Arachnos Widow - or collectively, Soldiers of Arachnos - receives a respec as soon as they reach Threat Level 24.

This is a mandatory respec, and must be taken the next time the character trains. It allows these archetypes to use all of the power sets that are unlocked for them at level 24.

Free Respecs

Free respecs, or "freespecs", are sometimes granted after the launch of a new Issue (major update to the game software) when significant changes to the game mechanics are made. Unlike all other sorts of respecs, these can be used from anywhere in the game world, by typing the /respec command into the chat interface.

Note: Characters can have only one of these "freespecs" available at any time. If a new one is granted before the old one is used, it will overwrite the old. Use it or lose it!

Respec Recipes

Characters may find Respec Recipes as rare drops from defeating enemies or trade them with other players either directly or through the Auction House. Crafting this recipe grants a free respec. These cannot be crafted if the character already has a free respec available.

A Respec Recipe can also be purchased from an Alignment Vendor in Fort Trident for Heroes or The Crucible for Villains, for 10 Alignment Merits.

Holiday Respecs

During the Winter Event, the Candy Keeper sells a respec option for 500 Candy Cane Salvage plus inf per character level. It cannot be purchased if the character is holding a free respec, and each character can only purchase one per event.

Notes

  • Important! Keep in mind that earned recipes are finite and free respecs are somewhat rare. If a character runs out of earned respecs, bad choices are semi-permanent!
  • It is highly suggested to test new builds on the Training Room server before actually committing to the respec on the live server.
  • The number of respecs a character has is shown each time they log into the game. A system (green text) message is displayed in the chat box stating, "You have x unclaimed respecs available," where x is the number of available respecs.
  • Because a character may have a maximum of one free respec at a time, these respecs should be used before other, more hard-earned, ones. Typing /respec on the chat command line will start a freespec, and this can be done at any time just to see if a character has one available (just exit the respec if not ready to proceed).
  • Remember that the order in which a character's powers are selected determines which powers are available when that character is exemplared or malefactored with lower-level heroes and villains. In general, the most wanted or most often-used powers should be selected first.
  • The word "respec" is often misspelled "respect" by those unfamiliar with the term, by speed touch-typists, or sometimes even by some in a deliberate satirical manner. The word is an abbreviated form of the word respecification, however, and "respec" is the correct spelling. In addition, "respec" is sometimes incorrectly expanded in-game to "respecialization", such as in the some badge text for respecs given as Veteran Rewards, leading to further confusion among players as to what "respec" is actually short for. Upon completion, your character has been "respecified" or "respecced" (some players also use the term "respec'd").
  • The names of the villain respec trial contacts, Sparcetriel, Trepsarciel, and Ractespriel, are all anagrams of "respec trial."
  • After using a respec, using the /clear_tray command will clear all power trays of powers, as they will all fill up with random powers. This allows easier power placement onto the power trays.

Historical

Badge time.png This section contains information that no longer applies to the current version of City of Heroes Freedom. It is provided for historical purposes.
  • The Veteran Rewards Program program was removed from the game with the release of City of Heroes: Freedom. It was replaced by the Paragon Rewards Program. While it was available, the Veteran rewards program awarded one respec to each character on a player's account at varying intervals. Respecs were awarded for 9, 21, 33, 45 and 69 months of membership.
  • Purchased Respecifications. Prior to the introduction of City of Heroes: Freedom, players could purchase a respec from the Character Select screen. Players selected the character they wanted to respec, then selected the "Enter Store" icon in the lower right, then followed the prompts. Cost was US$9.99. After the release of City of Heroes: Freedom, this was removed and players instead purchase a Character Respec Token from the Paragon Market.
  • Respec Recipes were added to the game with Issue 11.
  • Holiday Respecifiations were added to the game with the Winter Event 2009.

See Also

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