diff --git a/test/spec/specHelper.js b/test/spec/specHelper.js
index 8ce17cff59..eb818a6ee0 100644
--- a/test/spec/specHelper.js
+++ b/test/spec/specHelper.js
@@ -13,20 +13,24 @@ var specHelper = {};
   specHelper.newReward = newReward;
   specHelper.newChallenge = newChallenge;
 
-  function newUser() {
-    var buffs = {per:0, int:0, con:0, str:0, stealth: 0, streaks: false};
+  function newUser(overrides) {
+    var buffs = { per:0, int:0, con:0, str:0, stealth: 0, streaks: false };
+    var stats = { str:1, con:1, per:1, int:1, mp: 32, class: 'warrior', buffs: buffs, gp: 0 };
+    var items = {
+      lastDrop: { count: 0 },
+      hatchingPotions: {},
+      eggs: {},
+      food: {},
+      pets: {},
+      mounts: {},
+      gear: { equipped: {}, costume: {}, owned: {} }
+    };
+
     user = {
-      auth:{timestamps: {}},
-      stats: {str:1, con:1, per:1, int:1, mp: 32, class: 'warrior', buffs: buffs, gp: 0},
-      items:{
-        lastDrop:{count: 0},
-        hatchingPotions: {},
-        eggs: {},
-        food: {},
-        pets: {},
-        mounts: {},
-        gear: {equipped: {}, costume: {}, owned: {}}
-      },
+      _id: 'unique-user-id',
+      auth: { timestamps: {} },
+      stats: stats,
+      items: items,
       party: {
         quest: {
           progress: {down: 0}
@@ -41,6 +45,9 @@ var specHelper = {};
       filters: {},
       achievements: {}
     };
+
+    _setOverrides(user, overrides);
+
     return user;
   }