Promotion points

Promotion Points are a gameplay mechanic in Command and Conquer: Generals and Zero Hour.

Game Effect[]

Promotion Points are utilized to unlock specific General's Powers, which varies depending on the player's starting faction or subfaction.
- All General Powers require at least one promotion point. If multiple ranks (up to 3) are available, one point must be spent for each to fully upgrade it.
- Once a promotion point is spent, it cannot be refunded and stays so for the rest of the match.
The player starts with one point. The next three promotions add one point each, with the fourth and final one adding three, for a total of seven. However, there have been a number of exceptions that exceed this limit:
- The Sneak Attack power is provided by default for all GLA subfactions in Alexis Alexander's challenge and does not take up a promotion point, meaning the player still has seven to spare, rather than six.
- In Area Fifty-Two, after the GLA defectors join the player's American forces, they are granted full access to GLA's standard arsenal and a combination of General Powers that require eight points (SCUD launcher, Marauder tank, Technical training, Hijacker, Rebel Ambush at level 3 and Anthrax Bomb).