What exactly is meant by "universal specialization" for the Force Emergent and the Force Exile?

There are three universal specializations so far, you've named two, and the third is "Recruit" in Ageof Rebellion.

Basically "Universal" Specializations work as "in career" specialization for every career. They cannot be purchased as the first specialization, but when purchased as a second, third, fourth or twentieth specialization, they don't suffer the same penalty of paying an extra 10xp when buying it.

So if a Smuggler/Pilot wants Force Sensitive Emergent, and has no other specializations beyond the first, it will cost them 20xp as opposed to 30xp if they wanted to get the Doctor Specialization from Colonist.

Make sense?

Yes indeed. Thanks!

There are three universal specializations so far, you've named two, and the third is "Recruit" in Ageof Rebellion.

Basically "Universal" Specializations work as "in career" specialization for every career. They cannot be purchased as the first specialization, but when purchased as a second, third, fourth or twentieth specialization, they don't suffer the same penalty of paying an extra 10xp when buying it.

So if a Smuggler/Pilot wants Force Sensitive Emergent, and has no other specializations beyond the first, it will cost them 20xp as opposed to 30xp if they wanted to get the Doctor Specialization from Colonist.

Make sense?

I'll revive this ancient thread because I have a follow-up question. (I'm brand new to the FFG SW mechanics).

Universal spcializations cost the same as career specializations but are explicitly stated not to be career specializations. AoR p.100: “While this means that the [this] specialization costs the same as a career specialization, note that universal specializations are not career specializations.” This throws me a bit as I cannot see a reason for this clarification statement. Anyone know what this means/signifies? Are there other facets of career specializations that does not apply to universal specializations? I'm so confused...

8 minutes ago, angelman2 said:

I'll revive this ancient thread because I have a follow-up question. (I'm brand new to the FFG SW mechanics).

Universal spcializations cost the same as career specializations but are explicitly stated not to be career specializations. AoR p.100: “While this means that the [this] specialization costs the same as a career specialization, note that universal specializations are not career specializations.” This throws me a bit as I cannot see a reason for this clarification statement. Anyone know what this means/signifies? Are there other facets of career specializations that does not apply to universal specializations? I'm so confused...

You cant attach signature abilities to them.

7 minutes ago, angelman2 said:

I'll revive this ancient thread because I have a follow-up question. (I'm brand new to the FFG SW mechanics).

Universal spcializations cost the same as career specializations but are explicitly stated not to be career specializations. AoR p.100: “While this means that the [this] specialization costs the same as a career specialization, note that universal specializations are not career specializations.” This throws me a bit as I cannot see a reason for this clarification statement. Anyone know what this means/signifies? Are there other facets of career specializations that does not apply to universal specializations? I'm so confused...

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any distinction but it might be a case of "future proofing", which can be seen in a couple of areas of the game. Basically the devs make a distinction or ruling on the off-chance that some future book introduces a hypothetical mechanic that requires such a distinction.

Thank you guys This clarifies it right up for me (and I think you might both be right here).

❤️

You can't choose an universal specialisation as your starting specialisation. Only a career specialisation from your career can be chosen as starting specialisation. I've always read the clarification about universal specialisation as a purpose to make that clear for players and GMs.

That makes sense as well. Thanks