Hydralisk

The Hydralisk is a ranged-attack Zerg warrior.

Overview
The Hydralisk is a Zerg evolution of the Slothien. While Slothiens were peaceful herbivores, the Hydralisk is noted as being one of the most fierce and sadistic of the Zerg strains. Hydralisks commonly reach 5.5 meters in length and can draw themselves up to over 2.4 meters in height. Since Hydralisks move relatively slowly over open terrain, it is common for Hydralisks to burrow and await their prey to enter killing range before attacking, destroying their enemies in a deadly crossfire. Despite their relatively sluggish nature, Hydralisks can climb vertical surfaces and continued evolution of the strain through muscular augmentation has resulted in faster Hydralisks.

Hydralisks may attack directly with scythe-like arms or strike from a distance with volleys of armor-piercing spines, the latter being the more common method of attack. Hundreds of spines are stored in the upper carapace plates. These spines have been specifically evolved from the defensive urticating (stinging) hairs of the Slothien and may be "grooved" for increased range. They can penetrate 2 cm of NeoSteel even at maximum range, such penetrative force stemming from their remarkable muscle structure (4,000 muscles compared to a Terran's 629). In addition, these spines are slightly poisonous. Fortunately for their enemies however, a few seconds warning is given before a Hydralisk launches such a volley, courtesy of the carapace folding back.

Prior to the beginning of the Brood War, Hydralisks gained the ability to mutate into Lurkers.

The first recorded encounter between Terrans and Hydralisks was aboard a cargo vessel. The Hydralisk was recorded by the derelict ship's security cameras. Current Terran tactics for dealing with the creatures stress the need for Siege Tank support.

StarCraft
Hydralisks have a single ranged-attack, unlike in the cinematics where they may melee attack. They are the only Zerg ground unit able to hit air targets, making them one of the most important Zerg units in a whole game. To be created, Hydralisk Dens are required to do so. Hydralisks are cheap enough to be mass produced in a short period of time and deal normal damage. Using them en masse with Zerglings, Mutalisks and Guardians can make them extremely deadly to the enemy unless he/she is prepared. Although Hydralisks can deal huge damage in large groups, there are numerous counters; Terrans benefit from large numbers of Siege Tanks, Marines paired with Medics, Goliaths, Bunker fire (only for defense and Battlecruisers. Protoss can effectively counter mass Hydralisks with Zealots, High Templar using Psionic Storm, groups of Archons and Reavers, the latter being especially effective.

In StarCraft: Brood War, Hydralisks gain the ability to morph into Lurkers although must research the Lurker Aspect from the Hydralisk Den.

Abilities

 * Burrow
 * Lurker Aspect
 * Cost: 200 0 200
 * Researched at: Hydralisk Den
 * Requires: Lair
 * Allows a Hydralisk to morph into a Lurker for 50 minerals, 100 vespene gas, and 1 additional control (Lurkers require 2 control).

Upgrades

 * Missile Attacks
 * Carapace
 * Muscular Augments
 * Cost: 150 0 150
 * Upgraded at: Hydralisk Den
 * Requires: none
 * Increases Hydralisk speed.
 * Grooved Spines
 * Cost: 150 0 150
 * Upgraded at: Hydralisk Den
 * Requires: none
 * Increases Hydralisk range to 5.

StarCraft: Ghost


Hydralisks are featured as a player unit in StarCraft: Ghost, in addition to acting as enemies. Hydralisks maintain their StarCraft abilities but also gain a powerful claw attack.

StarCraft II
Hydralisks will be featured in StarCraft II. Their appearance have changed slightly in StarCraft II. The most notable difference is their scythes, which now boast more spikes than in StarCraft. Their face is also slightly different from what it was before.


 * Abilities: Lurker Aspect
 * Main article: Lurker


 * The Hydralisk maintains the ability to morph into a Lurker.

Other Appearances
A Hydralisk unit is available as an easter egg in the single player campaign of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. In the second Night Elves mission, the Hydralisk is hidden in the forest north of the final undead camp, almost right next to the site where abandoned Ballistas are available for rescue. They can be obtained by using the newly obtained ballistas to destroy trees, then bringing a friendly unit near it. Hydralisks can also be seen in the finale, if the game is beaten in hard mode.

In WarCraft III, the Hydralisk's attack can clearly be seen - it opens shoulder plates to fire its spines at the enemy (as opposed to firing them from the groove in its lower jaw).

Special Hydralisk Strains

 * Frayne the Feral
 * Hunter Killer
 * Zergrinch Warg