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"Those things are pretty nasty. Next time, you should try not to let them splash you!"
Baneling SC2 head1

A baneling

The baneling is an explosive zerg strain, evolved from the zergling. It is a suicide bomber unit.

Overview[]

"Nothing wakes you up like seeing a pack of these tucking and rolling toward you."

- A Dominion marine on banelings(src)

Baneling SC2 Art2

A baneling

Banelings are created from zerglings following a brief chrysalis phase. In the new form, the zergling's claws shrivel and become withered, and a swollen sac filled with volatile chemicals grows out of its back.[1] The zergling's skin is repurposed, stretching over newly formed growths while its bone plates soften to hold bulbous, pulsating acid sacs in place. Though the remains of the carapace offer no real protection, they allow for unhindered delivery of the baneling's payload. The digestive and reproductory tracts are assimilated as nutrients to accelerate the process, and make room for the fleshy, mutated adrenal glands. These are re-purposed to produce and store large quantities of highly corrosive acid.[2] Few materials can withstand this acid burst.[3]

Baneling SC2 Cncpt1

A baneling

Because of its mass, the baneling's legs are thicker than the zergling's. In order to stabilize itself. Its feet are replaced by sharp spikes that allow them to navigate rough terrain, albeit at a slower pace. The Swarm was able to increase the baneling's speed despite these imperfections. Yet due to their bloated nature, banelings are barely able to walk. They have been observed to tuck into a ball and roll. Banelings also possess a rudimentary sonar system—Dominion scientists have theorized that this is a degeneration of the zergling's complex optical structure. This system consists of a transmitter in the center of the baneling's skull, along with two evenly spaced receivers to the sides. The transmitter emits pulses that map the baneling's surrounding area, and echoes back to the receiver, feeding the baneling with a continuous stream of spatial information.[2] Baneling anatomy contains lungs and a heart.[4]

Leviathan Brood banelings retain the spine-like growths of the zerglings that metamorphosed into them.[3]

As all Soronan mold proteins exist in banelings, they are capable of surviving on minimal oxygen and moisture.[2] Terran scientists theorize the triggering enzyme for the baneling's ability to detonate was adapted from those of early infested terrans.[5]

When a baneling gets close enough to an enemy, it triggers a reaction within its volatile chemical payload, causing the creature to explode with a shower of searing acid. The explosion destroys the baneling but also inflicts terrible damage to its enemies,[2] highly effective against both structures and ground forces. In fact, a clutch of them is capable of wiping out a group of vehicles and infantry in the blink of an eye. The banelings' lethality is further enhanced by the zerg predilection for burrowing. An apparently safe area can soon turn into a deathtrap as these monstrosities erupt beneath their foes, giving enemies virtually no time to react.[1] By 2511, the Terran Dominion had developed a neutralizing spray for their vehicles that could stop the corrosion from baneling acid.[4]

History[]

Banelings were first observed during the Siege of Cask on Sorona, in 2503.[6] Its defenders held out against the zerg long enough so that it came to pass that only minor breeds such as zerglings continued to be spawned to be sent into battle.[7] However, queens drove the development of a new strain,[1] via zerglings incorporating an acidic native mold into themselves.[7] These new banelings were thus sent against Cask, their spray of acid destroying its defenses and eradicating the terrans present.[7]

Baneling SC2 Art1

Banelings attacking Cask

During the same year,[8] when other terrans encountered the baneling for the first time they thought it was a mutation of a previously unknown genus rather than a morph of the zergling. The baneling was duly added to the list of threats and scientists began an effort to develop chemical rounds to detonate banelings prematurely.[1]

In 2505, Abathur used the baneling strain as a base for a mutation upgrade to the mutalisk, allowing its glaive wurms to explode on impact.[9] After joining Kerrigan, Dehaka would selectively breed his pack to create similar strains of creatures among the primal zerg.

Baneling acid sacs were harvested for use in Project Simulant in the project's attempt to recreate the baneling in robotic form. The engineers had to deal with the sacs constantly melting through the surrounding plate infrastructure. Eventually they made it work. Controlled banelings with replaced nervous systems were utilized by the Cerberus Program, in spite of the significant cost to do so for a suicidal creature.[3]

Game Unit[]

StarCraft II[]

Banelings are relatively small units that slowly move around the battlefield and kill opponents with a low-damage suicide attack.

Banelings do not roll[10] unless they have their speed upgrade.[11]

It is strong against marines, zealots, and zerglings, and weak against thors, stalkers, and roaches. Siege tanks are also very effective against banelings while in Siege Mode. High templar with psi storm can also obliterate tightly packed baneling groups, while the sentry can use Force Field to prevent the banelings from getting into melee range. Banelings are also useful when facing massed light units such as hydralisks.

Banelings are strong against melee units[12] and weak buildings such as bunkers, supply depots, and photon cannons[13] but are weak against ranged weapons due to their low hit points.[14] They are designed to counter zealots, zerglings, and un-upgraded marines.[15][16]

Groups of banelings do not attack individual targets with overkill, they will only detonate as many of themselves as needed to destroy one target before moving on to the next (or waiting for new orders). When assaulting multiple targets banelings can transition from a just-slain target to a still living one in a fraction of a second.

The baneling's splash attack does not injure friendly units.[17][18][19][20][21] It does full damage within the splash radius.[15][16][20]

If a baneling is killed, it explodes, dealing splash damage around it. Unlike other units, banelings do not increase a unit's kill counter.

Banelings won't accidentally target buildings when ordered to attack units.[22]

A burrowed baneling can have unburrow set to autocast, giving it an attack ability similar to that of a spider mine.

Versus[]

Baneling SC2 DevRend1

A baneling (early render)

Baneling SC2 DevRend2

A baneling (early render)

Banelings are a powerful economy-raiding force; by using overlords to transport them into an enemy base, they can quickly devastate the workers. However, a planetary fortress is well suited to destroy the banelings.[14] Use of raiding is recommended even until late game.[23]

Banelings should be mixed with zerglings when facing ranged opponents because they become difficult to focus fire; even one baneling escaping the fire can destroy a mass of ranged units.[24]

Banelings have low hit points so are best used in ambushes.[25] They can burrow, attacking like mines,[24] but can also attack from other hidden areas, such as behind trees, to accomplish the ambush.[25]

Banelings are very useful against marines and zealots, even into the late game,[23] and generally dominate units such as zerglings in combat, but zerglings can come out ahead with micro.[26] Banelings can be defeated by marines equipped with stimpacks or defended by marauders.[27]

As they do splash damage, banelings are effective against cloaked units. For instance, a group of dark templar attacking a hatchery can be eliminated by banelings that target the hatchery itself,[28] or by commanding the baneling to explode on the spot.[29]

A baneling/roach combo can be very powerful against terrans. The roaches will soak incoming damage, making it easier for the banelings to reach their targets.[30]

Upgrades and Abilities[]
Acquisition
Purchased from Evolution chamber
Hotkey M
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 114seconds
Level 2
Cost 150 Minerals 150 Vespene gas 136seconds
Required Lair
Level 3
Cost 200 Minerals 200 Vespene gas 157seconds
Required Hive
ve
  • +1 bonus to armor per level for zerg ground units.
Acquisition
Purchased from Evolution chamber
Hotkey C
Level 1
Cost 150 Minerals 150 Vespene gas 114seconds
Level 2
Cost 200 Minerals 200 Vespene gas 136seconds
Required Lair
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 157seconds
Required Hive
ve
CentrifugalHooks SC2 Game1
Centrifugal Hooks
  • Increases the speed of banelings to 4.13.
  • Causes banelings to roll instead of walk.
Acquisition
Purchased from Baneling nest
Hotkey C
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 71seconds
Required Lair
ve
AttackStructure SC2 Icon1
Enable Attack Building

Allows banelings to automatically target structures.

Banelings deal 80 damage to structures

Usage
Hotkey F
ve
Explode SC2 Icon1
Explode

Banelings can be ordered to detonate, instantly dealing damage around them, even if burrowed. The ability is not smartcast.

Usage
Hotkey X
ve

Many zerg ground units may burrow, becoming invisible and revealed primarily by detectors, and may not move or attack while burrowed.

Exceptions include:

  • Roach, which may move while burrowed
  • Lurker, which may attack while burrowed
  • Infestor, which may move while burrowed
  • Baneling, which can detonate while burrowed.

Some units can unburrow via autocast, causing them to emerge and attack when an enemy moves into range.

The ability is not smartcast.

Usage
Hotkey R
Cost 2 seconds to burrow, 1 second to unburrow seconds
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey B
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 71seconds
Required Lair (WoL)
Hatchery (HotS/LotV)
ve

Heart of the Swarm[]

Baneling SC2-HotS Story1

The baneling upgrade screen

In the campaign of Heart of the Swarm, banelings are unlocked upon playing the mission "Domination." Banelings may be evolved into either splitters or hunters after completing the required evolution mission. At Level 20, Kerrigan can use a Spawn Banelings ability to instantly create 6 banelings.

Upgrades and Abilities[]
SC2 CorrosiveAcid Icon
Corrosive Acid

Doubles damage inflicted to primary target. Splash damage is unchanged.

Damage output of baneling acids low. Room for improvement. Acidic compounds can be altered. Mutation of production cells within membrane of acid sacs is required. Would increase acid potency two-fold, deliver significant damage to target.

Campaign Acquisition
ve
SC2 Rupture Icon
Rupture

Increases explosion radius by 50%.

Current membrane toughness of acid sacs too low. Can restructure membranes, thicken. Will allow acid sacs to carry increased volume, improved radius of spray upon detonation. Will decrease likelihood that enemy survives inevitable rupture.

Campaign Acquisition
ve
SC2 RegenerativeAcid Icon
Regenerative Acid

Baneling explosion heals allied units and structures.

Discovery. Successful mutation of baneling acid spray, infused with debriding properties of swarm queen's transfusion. Upon detonation, acid spray dissolves necrotic tissue from injured zerg within radius. Allows wounded zerg to regenerate quickly.

Campaign Acquisition
ve
BTN-HotS-Baneling-Splitter-Icon
Baneling Evolution: Splitter Strain
  • Splits into two Baneling Spawn on death.
  • Baneling Spawn deal less damage.

Decentralized nervous system of splitter strain increases efficiency at siege warfare. Upon detonation, two baneling spawn split from remains, continue pressing assault. Split only occurs once. Further splits invariably result in acidic fluids of limited sentience.

Campaign Acquisition
ve
BTN-HotS-Baneling-Hunter-Icon
Baneling Evolution: Hunter Strain
  • Leaps over obstacles and onto targets from long range.
  • Can jump up and down cliffs.

Hunter strain, strategic asset. Extreme conditions used to guide evolution. Hunter strain can propel itself up cliffs, attack foes caught unawares. Able to leap over Swarm troops, bombard enemies. Banelings no longer trapped behind hungry zerglings.

Campaign Acquisition
ve

Co-op Missions[]

Banelings are used by Zagara in Co-op Missions. In addition to normal production from zerglings, Zagara can upgrade baneling nests to periodically spawn banelings over time.

Mecha banelings are used by Stetmann. These banelings have an energy barrier allowing them to survive longer until contact with their enemy.

Upgrades and Abilities[]
SC2ZergBurrow
Burrow

Buries the unit underground. Burrowed unit are unable to move or attack, but they cannot be seen without detection.

Usage
Hotkey R
Cost 2 (burrow)seconds
1 (unburrow) seconds
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
ve
CentrifugalHooks SC2 Game1
Centrifugal Hooks

Increases banelings movement speed.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Baneling nest
Hotkey C
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 60seconds
ve
SC2 CorrosiveAcid Icon
Corrosive Acid

Increases banelings attack damage to primary target by 100%. Splash damage remains the same.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Reach Zagara Level 11.
Acquisition
Purchased from Baneling nest
Hotkey A
Cost 150 Minerals 150 Vespene gas 90seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
SC2 Rupture Icon
Rupture

Increases banelings splash damage radius by 50%.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Reach Zagara Level 11.
Acquisition
Purchased from Baneling nest
Hotkey R
Cost 150 Minerals 150 Vespene gas 90seconds
Required Hive
ve
SC2 ZergMeleeWeap
Zerg Ground Attacks

Increases the attack damage of zerg ground units.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Evolution chamber
Hotkey M
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Effect Damage: 44 (+44 vs Structure)
Level 2
Cost 150 Minerals 150 Vespene gas 190seconds
Required Lair/Hive
Effect Damage: 48 (+48 vs Structure)
Level 3
Cost 200 Minerals 200 Vespene gas 220seconds
Required Hive
Effect Damage: 52 (+52 vs Structure)
ve
SC2 ZergGrndCara
Zerg Ground Carapace

Increases the armor of zerg ground units.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Evolution chamber
Hotkey M
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Effect Armor: 1
Level 2
Cost 175 Minerals 175 Vespene gas 190seconds
Required Lair/Hive
Effect Armor: 2
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 220seconds
Required Hive
Effect Armor: 3
ve
SC2 Zagara AC - Splitter
Baneling Evolution: Splitter

Upgrades Zagara's banelings into splitters.

Suicide unit. Deals damage over a small area upon death. Splits into smaller units as it dies.

Can attack ground units.

Usage
Notes

Replace default skin Icon Zerg Baneling to splitter strain IconZagaraBaneling

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Reach Zagara Level 14.
ve

Development[]

Main article: Baneling/Development

Heroes of the Storm[]

Heroes DevLog2
The following section contains information from Heroes of the Storm and is not canon to StarCraft continuity

Banelings can be spawned by Zagara in Heroes of the Storm.[31] They also replace Tychus's Shredder Grenades in his Infested Tychus skin.[32]

Banelings can be spawned on the map Braxis Holdout, and are part of the zerg attack waves that are sent against opponents.[32]

Special Baneling Strains[]

Baneling HotS Game2

A baneling

Trivia[]

"There ain’t no party like my baneling’s tea party! Hey! Ho!"

- Daxxarri(src)

  • The baneling is often nicknamed "bling" in online culture.
  • "Baneling soup" may be a delicacy consumed by terrans.[34]
  • Various real-life hive insects (such as ants) have the ability to "explode," drenching their opponents in haemolymph. The process is known as "autothysis." However, it is rarely used; usually against creatures invading the ants nests.
  • "Baneling" was the codename of the second alpha testing phase in Stormgate. The phase was named in reference to the baneling.[35]

Merchandise[]

Baneling SC2 Phys1

Baneling plushie

  • A baneling/zergling plushie was available at BlizzCon 2013.[36] A San Diego Comic Con special edition of the reversible plushie allowed the zergling to turn into a hunter baneling.[37]
  • A baneling shirt with the titled "This is how we roll" was available from Jinx.com.[38]

Images[]

Skins
Portraits

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 2008-05-23. Baneling. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2008-05-23.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Baneling, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2014-08-14
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. Collections Tab: Skins. October 17, 2016
  4. 4.0 4.1 Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). StarCraft: Evolution. Del Rey Books. ISBN 0425284735.
  5. Blizzard Entertainment. Project Blackstone, accessed on 2013-03-13
  6. September 27, 2011. "Timeline." StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). pp. 393-416. ISBN 978-1439-10938-0.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Dayton, Cameron. "Broken Wide." (March 5, 2010). Blizzard Entertainment. Broken Wide Accessed 2010-03-05.
  8. Kenyon, Nate. (September 27, 2011). StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1439-10938-0.
  9. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Evolution pit units (in English). 2013.
  10. Dustin Browder, Robert Simpson, Matt Cooper, David Kim. 2008-12-19. Battle Report (2). Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2009-04-16.
  11. Yes. In the current build, Banelings are no longer roll but once they get the movement speed upgrade, they have the rolling animation. Cydra. 2009-04-22. Do the Banelings roll with the speed upgrade? Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forums. Accessed 2009-04-22.
  12. Karune. 2007-11-26. >Karune, can you please discuss new zerg pics. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2007-11-26.
  13. Blizzcon Video Archive (Sonkie vs Yellow). Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2008-10-19.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Karune. 2007-11-26. Baneling Drop. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2007-11-26.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Xordiah. 2008-04-11. Discussion of the Month April: The Baneling. StarFeeder. Accessed 2008-04-12.
  16. 16.0 16.1 Karune. 2008-04-13. Discussion of the Month April: The Baneling. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2008-04-13.
  17. I can confirm you that exploding Banelings do not damage allied units: both your units and those of your allies are not affected at all by the acid explosion. Zhydaris. 2010-01-19. Question on Baneling splash damage/friendlys. StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2010-01-19.
  18. @Crazy_dave
    At the moment there's no friendly fire associated to the Explode ability.
    The baneling explode exactly when you press the key, no targeting needed, no delay.

    Yes, we've been following the thread you're referring to and we're quite interested in the discussion going on there.
    I suggest you to continue posting your suggestions because your opinion matters to us, even if we don't always reply to every single thread.

    @Phase_tn
    Here's one occasion where I think you might need smart casting. Let's assume you have 20 Zerglings currently selected, you don't have a lot of vespene gas and you feel the need for 5 or so Banelings. Without smart casting you'll have to manually select 5 of these little dodgy creatures and then morph them, or else you'll be mutating all of the 20 Zerglings into Banelings (and deplete your vespene reserves in the meanwhile).
    With smart casting on the other hand you'll be able to mutate 5 of them in a matter of seconds without deselecting them, just by pressing the key 5 times in a row.

    Obviously this is just an example, but I feel that smart casting has a role to play here.
    Zhydaris. 2009-12-15. Siege mode. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-12-15.
  19. Quote:
    But Banelings splash damage doesn't hurt your own units right?
    No, it doesn't hurt your own units. Karune, Olivestrip. 2009-03-16. Are Banelings going to be visible? (post 11) Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-03-16.
  20. 20.0 20.1 Karune. 2008-04-16. StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 35. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forums. Accessed 2008-04-16.
  21. Karune. 2007-11-26. Baneling's Explosion: Friendly Fire or Not?. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2007-11-26.
  22. Karune. 2009-02-18. StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 49. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-02-18.
  23. 23.0 23.1 Zerglings are always useful in late game due to their speed and ability to surround enemies. Banelings too are especially useful against both Zealots and Marines, even with their upgrades, and thus will always be useful to counter them. Additionally, Banelings are always useful in raiding, which should be done throughout the entirety of a StarCraft II game. Karune. 2009-03-16. Teir 1 Unit in Late Game. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-03-16.
  24. 24.0 24.1 Banelings are visible and still very effective. When they are grouped with Zerglings, it is hard to focus fire several Banelings approaching at the same time. Even one Baneling getting through can be devastating to mass Marine armies or groups of Zealots.

    Burrowed Banelings are also like mines, deadly when used as an ambush on unsuspecting forces.
    Karune. 2009-03-16. Are Banelings going to be visible? (post 2) Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-03-16.
  25. 25.0 25.1 Pardo, Rob and Zetaras Xal'Kurat. 2008-06-29. WorldWide Invitational 2008: Pictures, Presentations, Videos (StarCraft II Panel: Evolving Design) SC2 Blog. Accessed 2008-06-30.
  26. The tier 2 battle continues with Banelings that can dominate Zerglings, but with micro, Zerglings can actually come out ahead in Zergling vs. Baneling battles. Karune. 2008-08-18. StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 43. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2008-08-18.
  27. Zarhym. 2010-03-12. #BlizzChat Developer Chat on Twitter – 3/12. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2010-03-13.
  28. 2007-17-11, StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 46. Karune. Accessed on 2008-18-11
  29. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard) (in English). July 27, 2010
  30. Hammy. 2009-04-04. ESL Finals Paris StarCraft II Gameplay Impressions. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2009-05-18.
  31. 2014-05-30, Blizzard Says Heroes of the Storm Is "Much Closer to a World of Warcraft Experience". Gamespot, accessed on 2014-05-31
  32. 32.0 32.1 Blizzard Entertainment. Heroes of the Storm (Blizzard Entertainment) (in English). June 2, 2015
  33. 2011-07-16, Poll: Partyin’, Partyin’, Yeah!. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2011-07-29
  34. 2017-11-23, StarCraft Twitter. Twitter, accessed on 2017-11-26
  35. 2023-10-19, Stormgate Closed Alpha Update - Gameplay and Community Tournaments. YouTube, accessed on 2023-10-19
  36. 2013-10-18, (Updated) BlizzCon® Store Online Sale Open Now Through November 9. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2013-10-20
  37. 2017-07-08, 2013 Starcraft Zergling / Baneling Plush Sdcc Blizzcon Reversible. Amazon.com, accessed on 2017-07-08
  38. StarCraft II That's How We Roll Premium Tee, Jinx.com. Accessed on 2017-07-08
  39. Heart of the Swarm Collector's Edition, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2012-12-03
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