User:Kiljaedenas/HotS Upgrade Analysis

Heart of the Swarm Upgrade Analysis
The following is an in-depth tactical analysis of each of the possible unit upgrades available in Heart of the Swarm in the Evolution pit. NOTE THAT THIS IS A SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS BY PLAYERS, so you do not have to necessarily follow this viewpoint. The opinions given here are based off of the idea of maximizing each unit's possible fighting ability in the most situations.

Quick reminder for the following, the Evolutions are the permanent one-time choice upgrades and the Mutations are the upgrades that can be swapped before each mission.

Zergling

EVOLUTION: The Raptor cleanly wins out. Although the Swarmling option does make Zerglings faster and slightly cheaper in minerals to produce, it has absolutely zero effect on the combat ability, mobility or control cost of each Zergling. Some players like the extra Zerglings in order to change them into Banelings, but the savings in mineral costs aren't the problem; it's the gas costs that will hurt you. The Raptor on the other hand removes two of the Zergling's key weaknesses - vulnerability to defended choke-points and closing distance on ranged units - and gives them extra damage to boot. Raptors are vicious base ambushers, able to get inside and hit Workers from a very early stage of the map, and if they stay close to the cliff borders of the base they can be very effective at hit-and-run guerilla tactics which will drive the defending forces nuts. And they can still be morphed into Banelings if you so choose.

MUTATION: All three options are quite viable, depending on how you want to use your Zerglings/Raptors. If you have Raptors and can get the element of surprise on the enemy base, Adrenal Overload will let them do astounding damage when they get inside. Hardened Carapace makes them more capable of enduring frontline slug-fests, and Metabolic Boost makes Raptors excellent extremely-early base rushers, able to get inside to hit workers long before the enemy forces have built up much.

To be continued...