Template:Unitboxsmall The Hydralisk is a ranged-attack Zerg warrior.
Overview
The Hydralisk (pre-Brood War)
The Hydralisk (post-Brood War)
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.[1] 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,[2] it is common for Hydralisks to burrow and await their prey to enter killing range before attacking,[3] destroying their enemies in a deadly crossfire.[4] Despite their relatively sluggish nature, Hydralisks can climb vertical surfaces[5] and continued evolution of the strain through muscular augmentation has resulted in faster Hydralisks.[1]
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.[3] Hundreds of spines are stored in the upper carapace plates.[1] These spines have been specifically evolved from the defensive urticating (stinging) hairs of the Slothien[4] and may be "grooved" for increased range.[1] 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).[4] In addition, these spines are slightly poisonous.[6] Fortunately for their enemies however, a few seconds warning is given before a Hydralisk launches such a volley, courtesy of the carapace folding back.[5]
Prior to the beginning of the Brood War, Hydralisks gained the ability to mutate into Lurkers.[7]
The first recorded encounter between Terrans and Hydralisks was aboard a cargo vessel. The Hydralisk was recorded by the derelict ship's security cameras.[2] Current Terran tactics for dealing with the creatures stress the need for Siege Tank support.[4]
Game Unit
StarCraft
The Hydralisk in StarCraft I
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
200 Template:Zergas - 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).
- Cost: 200
Upgrades
- Missile Attacks
- Carapace
- Muscular Augments
- Cost: 150 150 Template:Zergas
- Upgraded at: Hydralisk Den
- Requires: none
- Increases Hydralisk speed.
- Cost: 150
- Grooved Spines
- Cost: 150 150 Template:Zergas
- Upgraded at: Hydralisk Den
- Requires: none
- Increases Hydralisk range to 5.
- Cost: 150
StarCraft: Ghost
The Hydralisk in StarCraft: Ghost
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This article or section contains information about StarCraft: Ghost, which has been declared non-canon. Elements may be taken as 'flavor lore' however.
The content may be significantly out of date. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details. |
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.[8]
StarCraft II
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This article or section contains information about a StarCraft II unit or structure.
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The content may be significantly out of date as StarCraft II experiences a new build weekly and may change substantially as more information becomes available. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details. This template acts as a reference for StarCraft II beta and the Galaxy Map Editor.
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Template:Unitbox2 Hydralisks will be featured in StarCraft II.[4]
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
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,[10] 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.[10] 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
Images
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. StarCraft (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hydralisk. StarCraft Compendium. Accessed on 2007-11-27
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bill Slavicsek, David Eckelberry, Shawn F. Carnes. Alternity: StarCraft Edition. Wizards of the Coast, March 1, 2000. ISBN 0-7869-1618-4.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 StarCraft II-Hydralisk. Accessed on 2008-03-10
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hickman, Tracy (May 21, 2002). StarCraft: Speed of Darkness. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04150-9.
- ↑ Metzen, Chris & Samuel Moore (March 29, 1999). "StarCraft: Revelations." Amazing Stories 596 (Spring): 20-27.
- ↑ Underwood, Peter, Chris Metzen and Bill Roper. StarCraft: Brood War (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
- ↑ Source: BlizzCon 2005 StarCraft: Ghost information. Zerg units. Artist: Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2007-09-08.
- ↑ Burnes, Andrew. 2008-03-10. StarCraft 2 - Zerg Attack: New Screenshots, Unit Images & Unit Info! IGN.com Accessed 2008-03-10.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment. Eternity's End. Daughters of the Moon.