Direct answer
Character creation covers Hawks at the start and additional Custom Operators recruited later. Species and appearance are customization choices; the public sources checked do not establish a universal species-stat bonus, so choose species for identity unless the current in-game summary explicitly shows a mechanical change.
Do these in order
- 01
Create Hawks with the identity and appearance you want before the opening operation.
- 02
Read every on-screen trait and class summary instead of relying on an old species list.
- 03
Use the Den's customization systems for later cosmetic changes when they become available.
- 04
Recruit Custom Operators when you need new class coverage rather than trying to turn authored operators into templates.
Hawks and Custom Operators
Hawks is the player-created company leader. The campaign later allows recruitment of additional Custom Operators, while Authored Operators have fixed identities and join through the story.
Does species change stats
The reliable public material reviewed here emphasizes visual identity and operator customization, not a confirmed universal species-stat system. Because launch guides disagree on exact species counts, this page avoids freezing a number that may differ by character type or update.
What can be changed later
EA's missing-content guidance confirms a Customization Facility in the Den after the tutorial for cosmetic items. Do not assume that this facility replaces every initial identity or class decision; check the current menu before confirming a permanent-looking change.
Custom versus authored
Custom Operators are built to cover roster needs. Authored Operators carry story context and unique roles. Keeping those two pools separate prevents confusion when a named story character cannot be recreated through the custom creator.
Sources checked
Official and platform sources establish supported behavior. Independent reporting can carry attributed developer statements or hands-on findings. Community links establish symptoms and player language only.
OfficialOfficial overview of Hawks, Custom Operators, and Authored Operators.
Official confirmation of initial Hawks customization and the later Den Customization Facility.
First-party store description of direct Custom Operator recruitment.
