Greetings,

As you have no doubt gleaned from the topic title, I'm having trouble deciding on which of the advance specialization to choose upon reaching level 10.

I recently participated in the weekend beta, and chose the sniper specialization, but had to stop playing before really getting to check it out. Now because you are locked into your choice (correct me if I'm wrong) the decision I make is fairly important, as it decides the future of my character.

I would rather play as the operative, as healing has always been my preferred role in online games (not to mention they are always in demand), but I as I plan on mostly playing this game singleplayer to experience the story content, I am afraid that playing the healing route will significantly degrade my experience if I cannot efficiently solo as well as the other options. So my question goes out to those who have experience with either class option or both. Does the Operative hold up as well soloing as the Sniper? Is there a predominantly ranged role for the Operative, or are they restricted more to melee with the stealth tree?

**It should be noted that I dont want to play a melee character, so my last question refers to the Operatives ranged capabilities.

***Is there going to be dual-specs?

I dont know if there is dual-specs but I think the sniper looks pretty damn cool. Having a good range is always good no matter if you are playing PVE or PVP.

There are no dual specs. They're adding it post launch, and when they do, it's only going to be between talent trees within your AC, not between ACs.

AC choice is (semi) permenant. I say semi because they have a one-shot undo option. In the beta it's a vendor on the 2nd planet. Supposedly there'll be a story option after launch instead.

Operative as healers are ok, but not as powerful as the Inquisitor nor the Bounty Hunter specced to healing.

Now, this was as of 2(correction, 3, as this upcoming weekend is a new build) builds ago, so that could have changed since then.

Edit: Also, don't worry about soloing. I heard they did some crazy balancing stuff last build making it really hard to solo for everyone, but apparently that was due to some erroneous math. When you have your companion with you, you can solo fine regardless of spec.

Especially once you get the additional companions that fill the role you're missing.

(Most people start with companions that mirror their class, besides Smuggler. However, you'll eventually get companions to fill every role. So if you're a healer/burst dps, you'll get a ranged or melee tank companion to counteract your limits)

Either you're playing dps/tank and you have a healer with you as a companion, or you're a healer and your companion is dps/tank.

Maybe soloing would be harder if you're a healer and you bring another one. Slower, at least.