Can you influence skill specializations?

[2025 Subaru Crosstrek]

​Is it possible to influence specializations of skills, like only using heavy weapons to get powerhouse, or is it completely RNG as to what specializations you'll get?

[Lord Fancy Pants]

I'm pretty sure that it is based on traits, so you can't influence it. However, you can buy skill books from the Mysterious Wandering Trader that allow you to change specializations.

[MadDjinn]

on a quick review, it appears that it's trait related.

Though I still hand heavy weapons to those I want to get Powerhouse and stealth around zombies for those I want to get stealth. Seems to work, but probably just because the traits lined up with my intent for those survivors.

edit: and to prove that out, I gave one survivor a blade but the only specialization choice ended up being Striking.

[Cryptic Bong]

it would be really nice that they skill up on the weapons they use instead on random which is annoying after much time spending on bladed weapons only to get endurance or close combat

[Stardustfire]

there are some traits that can deliver some advancements as nailed options, or deny some options. also the number can be broadend or choped down by some trait. got it onetimes that a trait only gave me one option in WIts, another trait gave me all (or nearly all) options for advancements in one field as if i used a reskill book.
i think the only advancement that ever shows up is sprint in cadio.

[Mooman]

Originally posted by Cryptic Bong:

it would be really nice that they skill up on the weapons they use instead on random which is annoying after much time spending on bladed weapons only to get endurance or close combat

Close Combat and Powerhouse or Acrobat can be a lot of fun.

You use your kicks more than weapons to knock down Zeds for easy ground executions. Breaks up the meta.

[Duke Fleed]

If you look up on the wiki you can see that certain traits will lock in upgrade options for same skills. So for some survivors it is possible to predict what they will specialize in. However you can also buy skillbooks that let you select any specialization from certain traders