Genetics

Expert: Earlier Specialisations

By Nocti · Last updated

Specialisations become available one Evolution level earlier.

Expert iconExpert

Unlock

Expert's required specialisation count and whether progress carries across runs have not been confirmed. Check the locked Genetics card; the earlier-specialisation effect does not establish the unlock requirement.

Practical use

Invest in an Evolution whose specialisation changes how you want to play. In Version 1.2, Projectile Tongue, Pedal Glands and Spinnerets specialise at Evolution level 2 with Expert instead of level 3; this is the Evolution’s upgrade level, not Darwin’s character level. Official 1.2 notes

Sources

The official Version 1.2 examples below confirm earlier specialisation for the three Evolutions discussed here. They do not establish the unlock requirement or show that every specialisation improves every build.

You May Also Need

What the earlier branch lets you choose

For Projectile Tongue, Whiplash increases firing speed and scales damage with Feeding Speed. Sticky instead changes the pull according to relative size: a smaller target comes toward Darwin, a larger target draws Darwin toward it, and similar sizes pull both toward each other. Official 1.2 notes

For Pedal Glands, Thick widens the trail and strengthens slowing with time spent on it, eventually stunning enemies that stay long enough. Nemertide makes the trail poisonous and increases all poison damage according to how slowed the enemy is. Official 1.2 notes

For Spinnerets, Trap stuns enemies that touch the web’s centre for three seconds; enemies stunned by Trap take 50% more damage. Egg Sac instead puts a cocoon in the web’s centre, from which an ally emerges when the web’s duration ends. Official 1.2 notes

Expert FAQ

What should decide which Evolution I level first?

Choose the earlier branch for the problem you want to solve: a pull, trail control, poison support, a central web trap or an ally that arrives after the web ends. Compare the branch’s activation condition with the upcoming encounter. Reaching a specialisation earlier is useful only when its effect fits the route you are actually playing.

Does Expert make a delayed branch effect happen immediately?

The earlier Evolution level changes when you can choose the branch. It does not remove Thick’s need for time on the trail or Egg Sac’s wait until the web ends. Plan those activation conditions separately from the level needed to acquire the specialisation.