Probe

The probe is the basic protoss construction unit.

Overview
Probes are robotic drones and stand at at the forefront of protoss colonization and military efforts. They were originally designed by the Khalai Caste to lay the foundation for protoss colonies on hostile worlds where living workers would be at too great a risk. Probes are functional, light, and easy to produce. Their outer shell does not offer much in the way of protection (even factoring in their plasma shield) but it allows probes to operate virtually anywhere without sacrificing speed or mobility. The frame can also absorb light and turn it into energy, forgoing the need for a power supply.

The probe truly shines in its service to protoss military might, providing service to the nexus of any protoss base. They are also used to warp in structures, manufacturing and planting micro-beacons, allowing fully functional buildings to be warped in over interstellar distances. This process enables the protoss to quickly settle on new worlds, or establish nexus points to strike at their enemies, while only using a handful of probes.

As multipurpose platforms designed to operate in hazardous environments (likely teeming with dangerous creatures), probes are equipped with a miniature energy projector, which shoots out a particle beam. Commonly used to collect samples and mineral crystals, the beam can be boosted to cause kinetic damage to targets deemed a threat. Probes are also often used as rudimentary spies, sent ahead to survey the potential locations of enemy encampments.

Probes are controlled by an artificial intelligence. Even after the Brood War, it is not uncommon to see hundreds of probes lining the streets of a protoss settlement, performing one task or another.

Probes are able to construct facilities from scratch. If the situation calls for it, probes may be used as a last line of defense.

StarCraft

 * For StarCraft gameplay information see: Probe (StarCraft).
 * For StarCraft in-game quotations see: StarCraft Probe Quotations.

StarCraft: Ghost
The probe seemingly appears in StarCraft: Ghost, although its function(s) are unknown.

StarCraft II

 * For StarCraft II gameplay information see: Probe (StarCraft II).
 * For StarCraft II in-game quotations see: StarCraft II Probe Quotations.

Known Probes

 * Probe 2553B
 * Probe (Unity of Races)
 * Probius

Trivia
A probe pet is available in Diablo III for those who purchase the digital deluxe or collector's edition of StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void.