Goliath (StarCraft II)

"Goliath on-line."

- Terran goliath

Goliaths appear in StarCraft II. For all intents and purposes, goliaths have been replaced by the cyclone, liberator, thor and viking in the game's multiplayer, as all three units function as superior anti-air fighters and armored support vehicles.

Overview
In the single-player campaign Raynor's Raiders still operate them, powering them up in the mission "Welcome to the Jungle" in anticipation of heavy air resistance from the Tal'darim. The Terran Dominion also employs them.

Strategy
Goliaths are strong against vikings (air mode), s, void rays, carriers, overlords, corruptors, and brood lords. They are also competent against colossus, as well as some lightweight ground units such as s and s, though not if they are in large numbers. They are weak, however, against marauders, s, thors, diamondbacks, s, stalkers, immortals, s, and s, while not being very effective against banshees and s.

Compared to the viking, the goliath costs one more supply and is less maneuverable in exchange for being lower on the tech tree and very slight advantages in cost and build time. Its ground attack has higher base damage than the viking, but due to a slower rate of fire has ultimately the same DPS. The goliath's anti-air attack deals slightly better damage than the viking against armored units, and has a better rate of fire, but this comes at a cost of range. Its role as a support walker is enhanced greatly by the Multi-Lock Weapons System upgrade, allowing it to target and attack ground and air units simultaneously and greatly boosting its effectiveness when facing a varied enemy force. Once the viking is acquired the goliath's usefulness decreases greatly, as the viking's upgrades also allow it the advantage of splash damage against air units.

Co-op Missions
Goliaths are exclusive to Rory Swann in Co-op Missions. They no longer require a tech lab to build, making them compatible with the reactor. Nova gains access to the advanced strike goliath, with enhanced life, damage and abilities.

Nova Covert Ops
Goliaths are available to Nova starting mission Trouble in Paradise.