Becoming a hero

[Ares]

I just reached Highly Decorated as squad leader and commander since it required level 80. Next thing is a hero level without any progression bar so I wondered, after looking it up on internet, what the requirements are to reach it.
I read all kinds of things: according to some only the best players can play as hero (wonder on what basis it would be decided), Tripwire says nothing about how to achieve it.
Any clues?

[Moskeeto]

It requires level 80 and a class you have levelled up all the way.

[Ares]

I played as a hero SL last games but is there any progression to be made cause I've one star now but I saw some guys with 3 stars?

[Ooga booga]

There is a limit.
Final level you unlock is basically Highly decorated, which gives best extra stats so far. However there is hero rank which is automatic.
Since hero has even greater stats to prevent a team to be too overpowered there is a limit to the available number of hero slots. Generally on 64 player servers only 6 people each team can have hero status, when its filled, you just play as standard Highly Decorated.
If the hero seat is available, the class you choose will have the hero name near it. (ex. Hero Squad Leader instead of Squad leader).
The limitation reason is because heroes NEVER and will NEVER get suppressed, and additionally to the awesome skin they got, they cause greater suppression when shooting enemies, and also nearby allies (depending on distance) get bonus suppression resistance when a hero is in the vicinity. Be aware though, dying as hero makes your nearby allies fully suppressed if they see you. Its a game mechanic.

[Ares]

Thx for the reaction, clear as water.

[Manbearpig]

So, just to double check, it requires highly decorated on a class and level 80, then that class can be a "Hero", provided the limit hasn't been reached? I only ask because my more used classes are at like 12,000/5000 xp for highly decorated because I am not level 80 yet.

[Big Red]

^ Yea thats right

[SirChris]

so you pretty much babysit everybody?