Primal ultralisk encompass a variety of primal zerg strains, and exhibit a high amount of variety in their appearance, with some closely resembling the ultralisks of the Zerg Swarm and others being better suited to life on Zerus.[1]
Primal ultralisks first appeared during the first engagement on Zerus, as part of Brakk's pack.[2] Later they appeared as part of Dehaka, Yagdra, Slivan and Zurvan's packs.[3][4]
During Kerrigan's invasion of Korhal, several primal ultralisks assisted Dehaka in disabling Mengsk's Psi Destroyer. [5] Primal ultralisks also participated in the final assault on Augustgrad.[6]
Primal ultralisks are drastically different from their Zerg Swarm counterparts, being significantly smaller, possessing lower health, and lacking the large shield-like carapace above a normal ultralisk's head. They also attack differently, as their kaiser blades, instead of being mounted to their backs, are attached to their front legs in the form of large, retractable claws. They also look more similar to ravasaurs, Brakk and tyrannozor.
Heart of the Swarm
Primal ultralisks are encountered throughout the campaign of Heart of the Swarm as both enemies and allies.
Primal ultralisks are available to Dehaka in Co-op Missions. They can evolve into tyrannozors.[7] They appear as a re-skinned ultralisk rather than using the unique model in Heart of the Swarm.
Upgrades
Brutal Charge
Primal ultralisks can charge to a target location, knocking back units in the area and dealing 25 damage. Can be set to autocast.
The primal ultralisk originally had a "Devour" ability, where it swallowed a non-massive enemy unit. The enemy unit would not be destroyed, but would be removed from battle and take damage over time as long as it remained swallowed. Destroying the primal ultralisk frees the swallowed unit.[9]
Notes
A primal ultralisk skin (similar to the version seen in Co-op Missions) is available in multiplayer for players who reach level 10 with the zerg Katowice 2018 War Chest.[1]