StarCraft Wiki
Advertisement
StarCraft Wiki
Shakurus SC1 Art2
You may be looking for:
"We are the Swarm. Numberless...merciless."

- A zerg queen(src)

The Zerg Swarm is a terrifying and ruthless amalgamation of biologically advanced, arthropodal aliens. Dedicated to the pursuit of genetic perfection, the zerg relentlessly hunt down and assimilate advanced species across the galaxy, incorporating useful genetic code into their own.[2] They are named "the Swarm" per their ability to rapidly create strains, and the relentless assaults they employ to overwhelm their foes.[3]

Alongside the protoss and terrans, the zerg stand as one of the three dominant species of the Milky Way[4] and are universally feared, hated and hunted as such.[5] The Swarm in itself makes up a third of the power of the Koprulu Sector.[6] The zerg remain in areas of the galaxy outside the Koprulu sector.[7]

History

Main article: Zerg history
"Rule number one for running an empire, son: When the Zerg are a topic of conversation, the niceties go out the airlock."

Creation of the Swarm

Zerg SC1 Logo

The Swarm's initial insignia

"The Swarm had one purpose: to assimilate the protoss and create the hybrid."

Amon's xel'naga discovered the original zerg on Zerus.[8] The fallen xel'naga directly intervened in the zerg's development to gift them with the purity of essence, making them the counterparts of the protoss, gifted with the purity of form;[9] the zerg and protoss were intended to eventually merge to form a hybrid army for Amon.[10] At this point the zerg species diverged into two distinct branches; the Zerg Swarm that had been altered and the primal zerg that managed to avoid the tampering of Amon's xel'naga.[11] The xel'naga created the Overmind to control the zerg swarm and prevent a repeat of the protoss' Aeon of Strife. The Overmind oversaw the zerg swarm's rapid evolution, created the cerebrates, and divided the Swarm into broods.[2] The primal zerg, meanwhile, went into hiding to preserve their individuality.[12]

However, the xel'naga in Ulnar caught wind of Amon's plan, and sought to stop Amon from ending the Infinite Cycle. The two factions fought in the space above Zerus, and the swarm was released on the xel'naga. Most were slain and their knowledge was assimilated by the swarm.[8] Through this, the Overmind became aware of the existence of the protoss, and through them sought to make the Zerg Swarm perfect. However, it was aware of the directive implanted into it by Amon, and sought ways to subvert Amon's plans.[13]

The Great War

Main article: Great War
Hydralisk SC2 Art3

A hydralisk is incinerated on Chau Sara

Having assimilated multiple species and evolved during the journey, the Swarm arrived at the Koprulu sector near the Protoss Empire. The Overmind ordered the assimilation of the terrans; their psionic potential was needed to fight the protoss. The protoss detected the zerg, learned of their xel'naga origins, and dispatched the Koprulu Expeditionary Force under Executor Tassadar to deny the zerg a foothold.[2]

InfestedKerrigan SC2 Art3

The Queen of Blades

The Great War broke out with the zerg invasion of the terran worlds. Protoss purification, and terran internal strife, failed to contain the invasion. The terran rebel group, the Sons of Korhal, used and manipulated the invasion to overthrow the Terran Confederacy[14] and form the Terran Dominion.[15] The zerg captured Sarah Kerrigan at New Gettysburg[16] and withdrew to Char to transform her into the Queen of Blades.[17] The Overmind intended Kerrigan to succeed it as the Swarm's leader, freeing the zerg from Amon.[13] It had no concern over the other races of the galaxy.[18]

FallOfAiur SC2-LotV-R Cine1

The zerg on Aiur

The zerg were attacked on Char by the protoss; a renegade Tassadar joined forces with Dark Prelate Zeratul on Char. Zeratul, wielding the Dark Templar's power of the Void, permanently slew Zasz. This created a brief mental link between Zeratul and the Overmind, through which the Overmind learned the exact location of Aiur.[19] Kerrigan remained on Char while the Swarm invaded Aiur.[20]

Resistance against the zerg invasion was hampered by the protoss Conclave's overconfidence and a short protoss civil war.[21] The planet was devastated.[22] The Overmind relocated to Aiur,[23] where it was slain by Tassadar.[24] The protoss subsequently withdrew to Shakuras, the Dark Templar homeworld.[25]

The Brood War

Main article: Brood War (conflict)
UEDSlaveBrood SCR Game1

The UED Slave Broods

The Overmind's death left the Swarm divided between the cerebrate Daggoth and Kerrigan. Daggoth initiated creation of the second Overmind.[26] Kerrigan sought to kill the Overmind before it could mature and resume control over the entire Swarm and her.[27] The zerg civil war was complicated by the arrival of the United Earth Directorate Expeditionary Fleet in the Koprulu sector; the UED overthrew the Dominion,[28] and captured the second Overmind[29] with the intent of using the zerg to maintain control over the Sector.[22] The UED used the psi disrupter to fragment opposing zerg.[29]

Kerrigan manipulated both anti-UED terrans and the protoss to destroy the Psi Disrupter,[30] break UED control over the sector,[31] and slay the Overmind,[32] thus bringing the entire Swarm under her control.[33] Zerg betrayal dissolved the alliances of convenience.[32][34] The reformed Terran Dominion, UED remnants, and protoss attempted, and failed, to oust Kerrigan.[35] The war ended with all sides withdrawing to rebuild;[36] the zerg remained in control of previously infested worlds.[37]

Interbellum

For the next four years, the Swarm avoided outright conflict with the terrans and protoss while slowly expanding and evolving.[38][39] The remaining cerebrates died[38] and were replaced by broodmothers.[40]

As the first hybrids became active, signs of Amon's machinations reached Kerrigan.[41] While searching for clues about the hybrids, Zeratul discovered Kerrigan was essential to prevent the Swarm from fulfilling the Dark Voice's apocalyptic plans;[13] the dark templar instructed Commander Jim Raynor of Raynor's Raiders to ensure Kerrigan's survival.[42]

The Second Great War

Main article: Second Great War

The Second Great War began with the Swarm's invasion of terran space in search of a xel'naga device.[43] Various terran groups used the upheaval to their own ends. Raynor's Raiders fomented rebellion against the Terran Dominion[44] and, on behalf of Crown Prince Valerian Mengsk's Moebius Foundation, recovered the device before the Swarm.[45] A joint Raiders and Dominion attacked Char and used the device to restore Kerrigan to her terran form.[46] The Swarm fragmented.[47][48][49]

Kerrigan was doggedly pursued by the Dominion,[50][51] which led to Raynor's capture and reported execution by the Dominion. Kerrigan began reuniting the Swarm as a tool for vengeance, both for herself and for Raynor.[52] During this period, the Swarm journeyed to Zerus, where it was reunited with the primal zerg[53] and Kerrigan became a primal zerg-human hybrid.[54] Her new form was more powerful than the previous hybridization, and free of Amon's influence.[55]

The Swarm discovered and destroyed a secret Dominion hybrid production facility led by Doctor Emil Narud,[56] a servant of Amon. Kerrigan killed Narud, and learned of Amon's resurrection and the threat he posed to creation.[57] She directed the Swarm to wage war against Amon after killing Emperor Arcturus Mengsk.[58][59]

The campaign against the Dominion was a success. Raynor was found alive and rescued from a secret prison.[60] The Swarm invaded Korhal,[61][62][63] and Kerrigan personally entered the Korhal Palace and slew Mengsk. The Swarm departed Korhal to fight Amon.[64]

The End War

Zerg under Kerrigan's command assaulted a Moebius Foundation base whose personnel had come under the thrall of hybrids. It was successfully destroyed.[65] Afterwards Kerrigan sent the zerg toward Ulnar, but were engaged by Amon's hybrid.[66]

During the Reclamation of Aiur, the Daelaam fought what it thought was feral zerg on the surface of Aiur. However, these had fallen under the control of Amon's hybrid, and used tactics against the Daelaam.[67] As Amon rose and corrupted the Khala, Amon Brood pushed Hierarch Artanis's few remaining loyalists with the help of the hybrid and corrupted Khalai, forcing him to leave Aiur on the Spear of Adun.[68]

ZerglingHydralisk SC2-LotV Cncpt1

Amon's zerg on Shakuras

Amon then reactivated the warp gate linking Aiur to Shakuras, and sent billions of zerg to Shakuras. The Daelaam evacuated what population they could, but the planet had been infested.[69] In a last ditch move, Matriarch Vorazun ordered the xel'naga temple's phase prism overloaded, destroying Shakuras and all zerg on the surface.[70]

Kerrigan's swarm continued to battle at Ulnar, and were met with the Daelaam who helped her push into the Temple of Unification. They broke through Moebius Corps, Tal'darim and hybrid forces to get to the Chamber of Ascension,[66] but found the xel'naga inside dead. Amon revealed his trap, and opened a void portal.[71] The Zerg Swarm and Daelaam allied to destroy the void crystals powering the portal, but in the process Kerrigan's swarm took heavy casualties.[72]

The Daelaam once again came into conflict with Amon's zerg on the planet Endion, where the zerg infested the surface. The Daelaam pushed through their hives to activate the stasis locks keeping the Purifier station of Cybros in orbit, eventually clearing the hives.[73] However then the stasis lock fell Amon's zerg and hybrid descended on Cybros, and began to attempt to destroy the station's power core. However, the Daelaam activated the Purifiers, who cleansed the zerg from the platform, then purified the surface of Endion of all life, destroying the zerg infestation on the surface.[74]

Upon the Daelaam's return to Aiur, Amon's zerg made up the bulk of the defenses. They had infested Antioch and fought to defend the khaydarin crystals that powered the psionic matrix there, but were beaten back by Vorazun and Highlord Alarak. The zerg brought up heavy defenses for the last crystal as well, but a combined Daelaam force led by Artanis cut through them and destroyed the crystal.[75]

Amon's zerg served as part of his defensive line defending his host body, alongside shadows of the Void and corrupted Khalai protoss. These were no match for the Daelaam, who destroyed the host body.[76] Amon's brood then converged on the Daelaam as they prepared the Keystone to extract Amon from the Khala,[77] but even with the aid of the Golden Armada could not destroy the Keystone in time. Amon was pushed from the material universe.[78]

AlliedCommanders SC2-LotV Art1
This article or section contains information derived from Co-op Missions, and should not be considered part of the official StarCraft storyline.

In spite of their weakened state, Kerrigan's Swarm was able to mobilize throughout the End War against Amon, winning several key victories under the leadership of Sarah Kerrigan, Zagara, Abathur, Alexei Stukov and Dehaka.[79]

Into the Void

On Ulnar, Kerrigan had managed to rebuild her broods, and sensed a benevolent voice calling to her from the Void. She gathered together the Dominion and the Daelaam, and the three factions pushed into the Void to end Amon and find out what voice was calling to them. They used the void portal in Ulnar to go into the Void,[80] but were attacked by shadows of the Void. They kept on the trail of the voice, and found it to be of Tassadar, who was imprisoned by Narud. Kerrigan and Alexei Stukov lead the zerg in the offense against Narud and his Void forces, and with the help of the Dominion and Daelaam pushed to Narud and weakened him. Stukov personally delivered the killing blow as revenge for killing him years earlier.[10]

Tassadar's voice revealed himself to be of Ouros, one of the last xel'naga, who said Kerrigan needed to ascend to a xel'naga in order to continue the Infinite Cycle and beat Amon.[81] Kerrigan began the process of absorbing Ouros's essence, but Amon sent shadows and void thrashers to stop the process. Zagara lead the swarm in the defense of their queen, and were aided by Raynor and Artanis. The transfer of essence was completed, and Kerrigan ascended to become a xel'naga. She stated that Zagara was now in charge of the swarm, and that she needed to remember the lessons Kerrigan had taught her.[82]

Kerrigan took her broods and directly engaged Amon, supported by the Terran Dominion and Daelaam. Her swarm destroyed the void crystals shielding him,[83] and Kerrigan delivered the killing blow against Amon. With Amon's fall, the swarm returned to the Koprulu sector.[84]

A New Queen

"Reports of zerg sightings near outer colony worlds. Have you seen anything? Send tips to us here."

By 2508, the Zerg Swarm was unified under Broodmother Zagara.[84] This year, a ceasefire was declared between the Swarm, the Daelaam, and the Dominion.[1] She forcibly laid claim to Char and all of the surrounding worlds,[84] bringing the ceasefire into question.[85] Before Kerrigan departed from the swarm, she gave Zagara two gifts, one was the ability to choose the zerg's fate for themselves, to potentially lead them away from their warlike ways. The second was the location of creature that could house xel'naga essence. Zagara had what essence she could gathered from Ulnar, but there was only a limited amount.[86]

At some point, the zerg attacked a Umojan Protectorate expedition to Jarban Minor, infesting most of the research team.[87]

Years later a terran separatist group known as the Defenders of Man began planting psi-emitters on Dominion planets, prompting feral zerg to attack. The feral zerg struck Antiga Prime first,[88] then the colony of Bountiful. Emperor Valerian Mengsk affirmed to his people that the Dominion was not at war with the Zerg Swarm.[89] Each time, the Defenders of Man would arrive to repel the zerg, as a motion to show how weak the Dominion was in the face of an alien invasion.[89] Psi-emitters were planted on Borea, and the Dominion was forced to evacuate.[90] Finally, the feral zerg struck Tyrador IX in number when several psi-emitters were planted, but were attacked by the Tal'darim Death Fleet. After the Dominion defeated the Tal'darim, the Defenders of Man fleet sent to rescue the civilians defeated the feral zerg.[91]

By 2511, Zagara's experiments with fusing zerg and xel'naga essence had seen fruition. Under the direction of Abathur, the swarm created the adostra, a creature that could generate life on planets passively as the xel'naga did. Abathur however despised these creatures, and Zagara's peaceful stance, which he saw as contradictory to the Swarm's purpose of domination. In response, Abathur siphoned off some of the xel'naga essence, and instead made a breed named the chitha, zerg that could be verbally commanded and had a strong psionic presence that could disrupt communication and other psionic beings. He modified a queen named Mukav, and brought her to his side, and set about his plot to spark a new war.

Zagara used the adostra to regenerate the planet of Gystt, which had been purified in the Great War. The adostra turned the planet into a vibrant jungle, fresh with life. Soon the Daelaam arrived, seeking to purify the planet, so Zagara sent a message to Emperor Valerian Mengsk of the Terran Dominion asking for aid. He arrived, and she extended a hand of diplomacy, saying the Swarm had changed and that she would be willing to help the ailing factions rebuild their planets as she had Gystt. Though skeptical, Artanis and Valerian agreed to meet with her as long as they could survey the planet.

However, Abathur soon put his plans into motion, using his chitha to force the terrans and protoss to destroy two of the three adostra nests, hoping to respark hostilities. This enraged Zagara, but the three factions were able to intervene before the last nest was destroyed, hold off the chitha, and discover Abathur's plot. Zagara and the survey team slew Mukav and the remaining chitha, and incapacitated Abathur. Zagara refused to kill Abathur, but said he would be kept in a place where he could do no more harm.

With the One-Day War resolved and true war averted, peace talks began between the three factions, with the Swarm offering to aid in reconstruction efforts if they Daelaam and Dominion provided aid for them as well.[86]

During the Battle of Adena, the renegade broodmother Niadra revealed herself yet again, ambushing a terran group to gain enough biomass for her true purpose given by Kerrigan years ago: to destroy the protoss. The resulting skirmish killed many protoss and terrans, though Niadra's true prize, a terran psionic named Elms, escaped the planet. Meanwhile, on Gystt, Zagara sensed the appearance of Niadra, and pondered what it meant for the sector.[92]

Characteristics

Hydralisk SCR Art1

A hydralisk

"I hope you're prepared for the next encounter. The zerg are coming. The zerg are nature in all her fury."

A great deal of information has been ascertained as to the nature of zerg physiology and psychology, such as through the Terran Confederacy's Project Bellwood,[93] and the Terran Dominion's Project Blackstone.[94] All zerg breeds are efficient killers and/or possess abilities that will aid the Swarm in the destruction of its enemies.[2]

Physiology

"Nature doesn't just adapt. Nature cheats, changes the rules, and slips out the back door with your wallet while you're still trying to figure out what the hell happened."
ZergPhysio SC1 Art1

A sample of zerg ionized tissue groups

The primal zerg maintain the genome of the zerg species before the creation of the Overmind.[95] After this, when the zerg deviated from their primal counterparts, the Swarm reduced their physical appearance to essential fighting components.[96] They excel in proliferation, per their high rate of reproduction.[97] The zerg as a whole are extremely tough, tenacious, and deadly. Their natural armor and weaponry is comparable to modern technology in terms of toughness and armor-piercing capabilities,[98] and their bone armor can take half a dozen gauss rifle rounds before breaking.[86] One-on-one, zerg are not as strong as their terran and protoss counterparts.[95] The zerg are extremely resistant to chemical agents,[98] but their biological nature still renders them vulnerable to concentrated radiation,[2] such as sigma radiation.[99]

All zerg strains are capable of operating in a variety of environments, and some can operate in the vacuum of space.[100] Most zerg are not adapted for space travel by themselves, but are carried by larger zerg such as leviathans. Space-borne zerg either have vast stores of oxygen or have been adapted to not require it,[101] while terrestrial strains are much less dependent on oxygen than other organic creatures, and take a very long time to suffocate.[102]

Zerg must eat and rest, but do not require extended hours of sleep and have no set periods of inactivity.[39] Left unchecked, zerg multiply at an alarming rate.[103] Zerg strains gain nutrients from creep, but can consume other animals for nourishment if the situation demands it.[104] By 2511, plantlife generated by the adostra provided a substitute for creep to provide sustenance for some zerg strains.[86] Zerg do not die of old age,[99] but zerg of the Swarm do age.[47]

Most zerg ground strains are also capable of burrowing and digging through virtually any surface, using groups of tiny muscles that vibrate at a low frequency and grind dirt and stone along their way, allowing them to "swim through the ground."[99] This ability made them extremely deadly in ambush situations, as many terran or protoss forces suffered losses when suddenly being surrounded by a mass of enemy zerg units.[105] All zerg ground strains move faster on creep than they do on normal ground due to microscopic filaments within the substance that allow them to 'skate' over it.[106] In a protracted fight, one of the Swarm's greatest battlefield advantages is their underground rapid transit system which they can excavate with amazing speed. During the Great War and Brood War, this was provided for by the nydus canal. As of the Second Great War, this has been supplanted by nydus worms, spawned by the nydus network.[95]

Zerg possess remarkable regenerative capabilities. Their alpha amino acids possess unique R groups that allow dead cell matter to be combined with normal proteins to create new cells. Under normal circumstances, zerg may regenerate indefinitely; a radically changing cell structure is a by-product of the process, as well as high quantity of energy in the process.[99] Given time, even a gravely wounded zerg will return to full health. Thus, a zerg colony remains viable if even one creature or structure survives.[2] Few zerg survive for more than a few minutes in a given battle, but those that do evolve during the battle itself, becoming more powerful every hour.[107] The zerg constantly study their enemies and adapt accordingly.[108] Zerg structures have the ability to adapt while under fire, hardening their outer shell with bony plates when under fire in order to ensure its survival.[109]

Zerg structures are essentially giant organs and draw sustenance from creep, a thick carpet-like substance that integrates a colony's structures as one macro-organism.[2] Compound B-5801 provides their structural basis.[110]

The zerg are obsessed with detecting subtler motions and more advanced camuflauge techniques.[111]

Genetics

"No allegiance but to self. Kill or be killed...you know this! One will be consumed and become something greater than either. This is the heritage of the zerg!"

- Zurvan(src)

Before hatching, a zerg specimen has two cell types in general: Type A creates random different mutations, while B cells hunt the new mutations. Upon hatching, the specimen of a certain strain is a result of the Darwin's theory of evolution on a cellular level; it is made of the strongest cell mutations that survived.[99]

Like terrans and protoss, zerg genetic material consists of DNA,[112] seemingly in the shape of a double helix.[105] However, when a zerg strain's DNA evolves, it becomes less flexible.[40] Apart from the overlord, every zerg strain ever encountered by terrans has been a custom mix of DNA, to the extent that no non-overlord strain bears much genetic resemblance to the organism(s) that spawned it. Dr. Talen Ayers theorized that the zerg are unwilling to too deeply alter the genetic makeup of organisms with psionic potential, as even the slightest of genetic changes can remove said potential. This would, in his mind, explain the genetic similarities in this case.[94]

The zerg like to pit themselves against harsh climates, using a planet's harsh conditions to further their own evolution.[113] In regards to assimilating the genetic material of other species, the zerg were initially very selective, assimilating only strong species at the top of their food chains and eradicating 'lesser species' lest they corrupt the purity of the zerg genome.[2] Under Kerrigan, the situation changed, and the zerg were willing to assimilate any material they came across.[113] The zerg genetic landscape is constantly changing, to the extent where using terms such as "mutant" (mutation being a permanent change to an organism's genetic code) can be considered to be a misnomer.[94]

Zerg DNA is "antithetical" to protoss DNA and they cannot infest protoss under normal conditions. In addition, protoss psionic powers (Khala and Void) protect the protoss.[114] The protoss are the only known species that the zerg have failed to assimilate.[115] However, their DNA can be artificially combined, creating hybrids.[114]


The following section contains information from StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty that is ambiguously canonical.

Hyper-rare mutant strains exist within the zerg gene pool.[116]

Psychology

"I used to think that defeating the Zerg would take precise military maneuvers, clever tactics and strong leadership. I was wrong. You can't out-think the swarm, you can't out-maneuver the swarm, and you certainly can't break the morale of the swarm. I hate to admit this, but I could do my job just as well if I ordered all my men to simply shoot anything that moves."
ZergPhysio SC1 Art2

A hydralisk brain

It has been difficult for observers to determine the full extent of the zerg intelligence, but it is clear that they are a very cunning species, and they are capable of higher reasoning. Although they do not utilize technology, they demonstrate a clear understanding of it, and have been known to open airlocks and doorways in colonies that they have raided. As a group they also react intelligently to attacks and are adept at tactical combat. On an individual basis, though, the zerg seem to be hardly more than savage animals with little or no concern for self-preservation,[98] exhibiting no initiative.[95] Evolution is directed by "Alpha Zerg" strains, such as cerebrates and queens. Dr. Talise Cogan voiced the idea that the zerg, as a whole, can be considered to be a macro-organism.[94] The zerg can be considered to be a "slave race" to whatever entity controls them.[117] As a united body, zerg have been known to execute advanced combat tactics, setting up ambushes using burrowed units to disguise their ranks,[118] or using layered defensive lines like the infamous Juno lines to draw out armored columns.

Generally, communication between members of the Swarm is done through psionics, although higher command strains are able to process and understand vocal commands. After the End War, vocal and non-psionic communication became more commonly used by the Zerg Swarm.[86]

NiadraBrood ShadowWars Comic1

The zerg attacking en masse

For the zerg, success on the battlefield comes down to overwhelming numbers and great mobility. For them, war is simply survival of the fittest.[119] It is deemed mission critical by the Terran Dominion that zerg spawning centers be targeted as soon as tactically possible, for while the zerg can multiply at an alarming rate, their production of strains is centralized. Hence, the zerg will protect their hatcheries with fanatical zeal.[95]

The quest for perfection is rooted deep within the zerg psyche, and is a pseudo-religious concept for them. The core idea of this 'religion' is that there is a state that the zerg can reach where they would no longer need to evolve, that their evolutionary form would never have to change again because they could already adapt to any situation.[120]

Zerg have the ability to sense psychic power[121] and, being sensitive to it, often respond to it[122] (to the point of rendering themselves temporarily out of the control of a leader)[123] and seek it out.[124][125] This ability has a greater range than that of wranglers, weakly psychic terrans employed to find other psychics.[126]

In the rare cases the zerg's hive mind does communicate by a means terrans understand, they often refer to themselves as the "We." Those undergoing infestation are beckoned to be brought into their collective, welcoming them as the "Us."[127]

Control

The amount of control exerted over a zerg force also impacts on their intelligence.[2] Without this control, the zerg will become little more than animals, attacking everything on sight,[22] at times, even their own kind.[20] These zerg are referred to as feral zerg and can generally only operate at the lowest level.[128] In contrast, primal zerg are individuals, with no links to a hivemind.[54]

During the Brood War, the Queen of Blades became the uncontested leader of the Swarm. However, creating sapient lieutenants such as broodmothers extended her control over the Swarm even further.[129]

Zerg can be "lobotomized" to lose contact with the Zerg Swarm. The Terran Dominion conducted this experiment as early as 2500, using zerglings to seek psychic terrans.[126]

Warp Travel

Warp SC1 CineTheWarp1

Zerg warp rift

The zerg are able to create rifts into warp space to transport themselves at faster-than-light speeds. These rifts have been utilized multiple times.[17][130]

Worlds

Main article: Zerg worlds

The zerg have demonstrated an ability to storm worlds, but are less well-equipped at holding them. After the Brood War, the Swarm pulled back to Char, but could have easily expanded to cover numerous worlds again.[129] Over 100 worlds have been infested by the zerg.[131] Before they invade a planet, zerg fleets typically drop a massive payload of hive spores to seed the surface. Through the infestation process, the zerg can convert entire planetary bio-systems into extensions of their will.[95]

The following is a list of planets and moons that have been conquered by the Swarm, if only temporarily:

Zerg SC-BW Art1

Zerg on Tarsonis

Gameplay

General Notes

The zerg as a whole use large numbers of fast, weaker units that can be built or rebuilt quickly as long as they can establish a good starting economy, which can be one of their toughest challenges. They excel at attacking but are much weaker at defense than the protoss and terran factions. Gameplay with and against the zerg revolves heavily around their economy; if playing as them one needs to aggressively grow their economy faster than the enemy, and conversely when fighting the zerg one should either grow their own economy quickly to keep up or hamper the opponent's as much as possible.

StarCraft

StarCraft: Ghost

StarCraft II

Notes

  • Many zerg breeds have a pair of mandibles on the sides of their mouths that can close together to form a mouthguard of sorts. Examples include the hydralisk, the lurker, and the queen. Most other breeds have some form of tusks or mandibles on or near their mouths. Dehaka, a primal zerg, also possesses these. Queens and broodmothers possess movable cheek mandibles, but do not have actual mouths.
  • In the 2013–2018 period, the zerg article was the eighth most visited page on the wiki, narrowly losing out to the protoss (which took the #6 spot).[132]
  • In the original StarCraft, the zerg unit sounds are meant to convey the sense of the zerg 'talking,' even though words aren't actually being said.[133]

Development

"If the Protoss were the hyperadvanced aliens of StarCraft and Terran were its rough-and-tumble space cowboys, the Zerg were the savage monsters of the universe—the bugs and beasts that existed only to kill or spread their infestation."

- Development notes on the zerg(src)

ZealotHydralisk SC1 Cncpt1

One of the earliest zerg (and protoss) concepts

  • The original conception of the zerg in the StarCraft alpha had them named "Nightmarish Invaders" and later "zurg." This was later changed to "zerg" to avoid legal action from Pixar, as per the character of Emperor Zurg from Toy Story.[134]
  • In the alpha, the zerg were a race of bio-mechanical creatures.[135] Samwise Didier has commented that the bio-mechanical idea has arguably come full circle as of StarCraft II, where by the end of the game, various infested mechanical units were used by the zerg[136] (such as the infested banshee).
  • It was decided early on that the zerg would literally swarm their enemies.[137] They were originally conceieved as "teeth and feral rage; the dark side of evolution." Sharks were used as a point of reference in the original conception, taking flight to hunt humans from the sky.[138] The name "Nightmare Invaders" was retained for the freeware version of StarCraft: Loomings on its victory screen.[139]
  • Alongside the terrans and protoss, the zerg aesthetic was decided early on in the development of StarCraft, that their structures would be spikey, almost triangular.[137] The triangular aspect came from Samwise Didier applying shape language theory to the three races, with the zerg structures being 'triangles,' the terrans' 'squares,' and protoss structures being elliptical.[136]
  • The zerg were developed concurrently alongside the protoss.[138] However, the zerg underwent more revision than their counterpart in the original game; Blizzard frequently let its artists hold "jam sessions" to find the right look for the creatures. The hydralisk became the basis for the zerg after its reveal, namely that the zerg would be a purely organic race, with the look and feel being "hard chitinous plates and supple muscular flesh with lots of sharp points."[133]
  • During development of StarCraft: Brood War, a number of zerg concepts were developed. These were a mix of crustaceans, mammals, and "cat-looking things." During development of StarCraft II, the developers focused on the elements they liked, such as using overlapping plates and "adjusting the ratio of toothiness to glowing pustules to tentacle-y bits."[136]

Inspirations

  • In terms of visual design, the zerg have drawn inspiration from many sources, ranging from other works of science fiction (such as the Alien series) to deep sea biology.[140] The prevailing science-fiction theme for the zerg (in terms of inspiration) was the idea of parasites assimilating their host.[136] Alien and Starship Troopers were among the most significant influences;[141] in the case of the latter, zerg standing-in for Arachnids in mods, assaulting fortified terran positions in a manner similar to the 1997 film, are very common.[142]
  • The zerg have been compared to the Borg from Star Trek.[144]
  • According to StarCraft concept artist Maxx Marshal, he had no knowledge of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise when designing the zerg (zerg have often been compared to the Tyranids), and based their designs off of his interest in comic books.[145] Similarly, Bob Fitch has stated that he had not heard of 40K until after StarCraft was shipped, after which a rumor began to circulate that StarCraft was based on the IP.[143]
  • The zerg provided some of the inspiration for the Infernal Host faction in Stormgate,[146] and at least some of the inspiration for the grell in ZeroSpace.[147]

Design Process

According to Samwise Didier, the zerg design process can be summed up as follows:

  • 1) You start with lots of teeth.
  • 2) You choose a troop type
    • a) Melee attacker
    • b) Ranged attacker
    • c) Flying attacker
    • d) All of the above (game designers don't like this option, as it's too multi-purposed)
  • 3) Pick a form
  • 4) Add 2 or more of the following:
    • a) Poisonous spines
    • b) More teeth
    • c) Barbed tails
    • d) Jagged claws
    • e) Spiked back plates
    • f) Insectoid wings
    • g) Venomous tendrils
    • h) Bat wings
    • i) Acidic glands
    • j) A lot more teeth
  • 5) Choose a name prefix:
    • a) Rage
    • b) Omega
    • c) Spore
    • d) Ravage
    • e) Blade
    • f) Destruct
    • g) Terror
    • h) Any other word that sounds violent and exudes overall nastiness.
  • 6) Choose a suffix:
    • a) -ling
    • b) -list
    • c) -tor
    • d) -zor
    • e) -etc.[115]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). "Koprulu Sector Timeline." StarCraft: Evolution. Del Rey Books. ISBN 0425284735.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. StarCraft (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
  3. 2015-9-25, Co-op Missions: Additional Commanders Revealed. Battle.net, accessed on 2015-9-25
  4. (2007). StarCraft: The Board Game (manual). Fantasy Flight Games.
  5. 2011-05-31, May 2011 HoTS Fansite Interview. StarCraft Legacy, accessed on 2011-05-31
  6. 2011-05-31, Hands On With StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm’s Campaign, Now With More RPG and Space Yetis. Kotaku, accessed on 2011-06-09
  7. 2012-12-05, Community Lore Discussion BlizzCon 2015. StarCraft Legacy, accessed on 2015-12-28
  8. 8.0 8.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Rohana (in English). 2015.
  9. Overmind: "Now shall the events set into motion so long ago be made complete. For the Protoss, too, were created by the Xel'Naga. They were the first creation, gifted with a purity of form. And we were the second creation, blessed with a purity of essence. Indeed, our two species are but opposite facets of a greater whole. Soon shall our two races be made as one." StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Level/area: Full Circle (in English). 1998.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Into the Void, Into the Void. (in English). 2015-11-10.
  11. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Birthworld (in English). 2013-03-12.
  12. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Waking the Ancient (in English). 2013-03-12.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Echoes of the Future (in English). 2010-07-27.
  14. Edmund Duke: "This is Duke. The Emitters are secured and on-line."
    Sarah Kerrigan: "Who authorized the use of Psi Emitters?"
    Arcturus Mengsk: "I did, Lieutenant."
    Kerrigan: "What? The Confederates on Antiga were bad enough, but now you're going to use the Zerg against an entire planet? This is insane."
    Jim Raynor: "She's right, man. Think this through."
    Mengsk: "I have thought it through, believe me. You all have your orders. Carry them out." StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Big Push (in English). 1998.
  15. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: The Inauguration (in English). 1998.
  16. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: New Gettysburg (in English). 1998.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: Egression (in English). 1998.
  18. Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-10-22. StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 3. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2012-10-22.
  19. Overmind: "Yet shall their overweening pride be their downfall. For when the assassin Zeratul murdered Zasz, his mind touched with mine, and all his secrets were made known to me. I have taken from his mind the secret location of Aiur, the Protoss Homeworld." StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Level/area: Eye for an Eye (in English). 1998.
  20. 20.0 20.1 Rosenberg, Aaron (May 23, 2006). StarCraft: Queen of Blades. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7133-6.
  21. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: Homeland (in English). 1998.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 Underwood, Peter, Chris Metzen and Bill Roper. StarCraft: Brood War (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
  23. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: The Invasion of Aiur. (in English). 1998.
  24. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: The Death of the Overmind. (in English). 1998.
  25. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Escape from Aiur (in English). 1998.
  26. Kerrigan: "Apparently, many of the renegade Cerebrates, commanded by Daggoth, have merged into a new Overmind. Fortunately, the creature is still in its infant stages. It can't control the Swarm yet, but Daggoth and the others still have control over most of the Broods." StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Quest for Uraj (in English). 1998.
  27. Kerrigan: "Look, I don't need to tell you all what might happen if that thing reaches maturity. I can guarantee you that should it awaken, it'll take full control of me just like it did before. I don't want that to happen, and I'm pretty sure you don't want it to happen either." StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Quest for Uraj (in English). 1998.
  28. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Emperor's Fall (in English). 1998.
  29. 29.0 29.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: To Chain the Beast (in English). 1998.
  30. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Reign of Fire (in English). 1998.
  31. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: True Colors (in English). 1998.
  32. 32.0 32.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: To Slay the Beast (in English). 1998.
  33. Samir Duran: "My Queen, with the Overmind and its Cerebrates destroyed, all of the Zerg in this sector have reverted to your direct control." StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Reckoning (in English). 1998.
  34. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Drawing of the Web (in English). 1998.
  35. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Omega (in English). 1998.
  36. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: Epilogue (in English). 1998.
  37. Blizzard Entertainment. Koprulu Sector Systems: Char. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2012-10-16.
  38. 38.0 38.1 Metzen, Chris; Chambers, Andy; StarCraft Legacy staff. 2009-04-03. BlizzCon 2007 StarCraft Lore Panel Editorial. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2009-05-18.
  39. 39.0 39.1 Golden, Christie (November 27, 2007). StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7126-8.
  40. 40.0 40.1 StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-05-30. May 2011 HoTS Gameplay Info. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2011-05-31.
  41. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: The Prophecy. (in English). 2010.
  42. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Zeratul's Warning. (in English). 2010.
  43. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Zerg: UNN newscast after "Supernova." (in English). 2010.
  44. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Hearts and Minds. (in English). 2010.
  45. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Maw of the Void (in English). 2010-07-27.
  46. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: All In (in English). 2010-07-27.
  47. 47.0 47.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Izsha (in English). 2013-03-12.
  48. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after: Harvest of Screams (in English). 2013-03-12.
  49. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after: Domination (in English). 2013-03-12.
  50. Golden, Christie (November 6, 2012). StarCraft II: Flashpoint. Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books). ISBN 978-1451-65962-7.
  51. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Back in the Saddle (in English). 2013-03-12.
  52. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Transmission (in English). 2013-03-12.
  53. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Supreme (in English). 2013-03-12.
  54. 54.0 54.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: The Crucible (in English). 2013-03-12.
  55. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after Crucible. (in English). 2013-03-12.
  56. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Hand of Darkness (in English). 2013-03-12.
  57. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Shifting Perspectives (in English). 2013-03-12.
  58. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Stukov (in English). 2013-03-12.
  59. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after Death from Above (in English). 2013-03-12.
  60. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Conviction (in English). 2013-03-12.
  61. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Planetfall (in English). 2013-03-12.
  62. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Death from Above (in English). 2013-03-12.
  63. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: The Reckoning (in English). 2013-03-12.
  64. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Ascension (in English). 2013-03-12.
  65. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Whispers of Oblivion, Dark Whispers (in English). 2015-07-15.
  66. 66.0 66.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: The Infinite Cycle (in English). 2015-11-10.
  67. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: For Aiur! (in English). 2015-11-10.
  68. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: The Spear of Adun (in English). 2015-11-10.
  69. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Amon's Reach (in English). 2015-11-10.
  70. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Last Stand (in English). 2015-11-10.
  71. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Entombed. (in English). 2015.
  72. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Harbinger of Oblivion (in English). 2015-11-10.
  73. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Unsealing the Past (in English). 2015-11-10.
  74. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Purification (in English). 2015-11-10.
  75. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Templar's Return (in English). 2015-11-10.
  76. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: The Host (in English). 2015-11-10.
  77. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Salvation (in English). 2015-11-10.
  78. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Legacy. (in English). 2015.
  79. 2018-01-14, Blizzard Entertainment. Starcraft II: Co-Op Missions. (Activision Blizzard). PC.
  80. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: An Unexpected Meeting. (in English). 2015.
  81. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Last Shepard of the Cycle. (in English). 2015.
  82. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Into the Void, The Essence of Eternity (in English). 2015-11-10.
  83. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Into the Void, Amon's Fall (in English). 2015-11-10.
  84. 84.0 84.1 84.2 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Homecoming. (in English). 2015.
  85. 2016-10-21, Six Reasons Why StarCraft: Evolution Will Be a Must-Read. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2016-10-22
  86. 86.0 86.1 86.2 86.3 86.4 Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). StarCraft: Evolution. Del Rey Books. ISBN 0425284735.
  87. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Nova Covert Ops, Night Terrors (in English). 2016-08-02.
  88. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Nova Covert Ops, Flashpoint (in English). 2016-08-02.
  89. 89.0 89.1 Kate Lockwell Twitter. Kate Lockwell's Twitter, accessed on 2016-03-22
  90. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Nova Covert Ops, Sudden Strike (in English). 2016-03-29.
  91. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Nova Covert Ops, Trouble in Paradise (in English). 2016-08-02.
  92. Watrous, Valerie (w), Sepulveda, Miguel (i) and Javir Mena (c). (February 3rd, 2018). StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 6. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 6 Accessed 2018-02-03.
  93. StarCraft beta-The Zerg. Accessed on 2008-01-31
  94. 94.0 94.1 94.2 94.3 Dayton, Cameron et al (July 21, 2014). StarCraft II: War Stories. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ASIN B00IWTWTBY.
  95. 95.0 95.1 95.2 95.3 95.4 95.5 Barba, Rick. StarCraft Field Manual (hardcover). Insight Editions, November 17, 2015.
  96. 2013, HotS Zurvan. Deviantart, accessed on 2013-12-25
  97. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. Collections Tab: Skins. July 19, 2017
  98. 98.0 98.1 98.2 Zerg Overview. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2008-01-31
  99. 99.0 99.1 99.2 99.3 99.4 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Zerg research (in English). 2010.
  100. Zerg. StarCraft Compendium. Accessed on 2008-01-31
  101. Blizzard Entertainment. 2013-01-07. StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 11. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2013-01-07.
  102. Blizzard Entertainment. Project Blackstone - Declassified, accessed on 2013-09-03.
  103. Races: Zerg, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2010-08-07
  104. 2014-12-01, BlizzCon 2014 LotV Lore Community Corner Discussion with James Waugh. YouTube, accessed on 2015-04-03
  105. 105.0 105.1 Perdition turret
  106. Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2010-07-24. Units: Queen. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2014-08-14.
  107. StarCraft Legacy staff. 2010-10-22. BlizzCon 2010 StarCraft II Custom Maps and Editor Panel. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2010-10-23.
  108. 2011-05-31, Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm Hands-On Preview - Zerg Campaign. Gamespot, accessed on 2011-07-08
  109. Todd, Hugh. "“Lens of the Void”." (April 25, 2013). Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft Lore: Lens of the Void Accessed 2013-04-26.
  110. 2014-07-31, Drone: Science. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2014-08-07
  111. 2014-12-04, Overseer Science. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2014-12-06
  112. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Dark Origin (in English). 1998.
  113. 113.0 113.1 2011-11-08, StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm interview—Blizzard breaks down Zerg lore. PC Gamer, accessed on 2011-11-19
  114. 114.0 114.1 Blizzard Entertainment. 2013-01-15. StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 12. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2013-01-15.
  115. 115.0 115.1 Didier, Samwise. The Art of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, March 12, 2013.
  116. 2014-08-30, Unused HoTS Story Elements. StarCraft Legacy, accessed on 2014-09-05
  117. 2015-03-06, PAX East 2015 Blizzard Panel | Blizzplanet (1/2). YouTube, accessed on 2015-03-22
  118. Dayton, Cameron. "Cold Symmetry." (March 7, 2013). Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft Lore: Cold Symmetry Accessed 2013-03-07.
  119. 2017-12-08, Which Race Should I Play?. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2017-08-12
  120. 2011-11-08, StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm interview—Blizzard breaks down Zerg lore. PC Gamer, accessed on 2011-11-19
  121. Grubb, Jeff (February 27, 2001). StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04148-9.
  122. Neilson, Micky (December 18, 2000). StarCraft: Uprising. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0743-41898-0 (eBook).
  123. Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04149-6.
  124. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: The Trump Card (in English). 1998.
  125. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Return to Char (in English). 1998.
  126. 126.0 126.1 Benjamin, Paul and Dave Shramek (w), Sevilla, Hector (p, i). "War-Torn." In StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 3 (paperback binding), pp. 6-47. Tokyopop, July 14, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-80832-5.
  127. Brooks, Robert. "“The Education of PFC Shane”." (April 4, 2013). Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft Lore: The Education of PFC Shane Accessed 2013-04-04.
  128. Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-11-26. StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 6. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2012-11-26.
  129. 129.0 129.1 Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-12-03. StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 7. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2012-12-03.
  130. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: The Warp. (in English). 1998.
  131. Furman, Simon (w), Federico Dallocchio (p, i). "StarCraft #3" StarCraft 1 (3) (August 19, 2009) DC Comics (Wildstorm).
  132. 2018-03-30, 'Starcraft' 20th Anniversary: What Fans Are Most Interested In. Wikia, accessed on 2018-04-01
  133. 133.0 133.1 2018-12-02, 20 YEARS OF STARCRAFT: AN IGN RETROSPECTIVE. IGN, accessed on 2018-12-03
  134. Early Alpha, StarCraft Evolution. Accessed on 2013-02-06
  135. 2007-06-24, Starcraft Teaser (1995). YouTube, accessed on 2013-02-06
  136. 136.0 136.1 136.2 136.3 Neilson, Mickey. Forging Worlds: Stories Behind the Art of Blizzard Entertainment (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, January, 2022.
  137. 137.0 137.1 137.2 2017-04-27, Rock and Roll Days of StarCraft: a Development Retrospective. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2017-04-29
  138. 138.0 138.1 Brooks, Robert. The Cinematic Art of StarCraft (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, October 18, 2018.
  139. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: Precursor bonus campaign, Tutorial: "Boot Camp" (in English). 1998-09-03. Map Archives: Precursor Campaign.
  140. 2012-06-09, Interview with Allen Dilling, Lead Artist, StarCraft 2 Heart of the Swarm. YouTube, accessed on 2012-06-21
  141. IGN. 2018-03-30. Celebrating 20 Years of Starcraft: An Interview with Starcraft's Creators IGN.com. Accessed 2018-03-30.
  142. 2022-11-29, Starship Troopers Extermination Sends Players To An Ugly Planet, A Bug Planet. Kotaku, accessed on 2022-12-06
  143. 143.0 143.1 2021-07-21, Bob Fitch. Twitter, accessed on 2021-12-28
  144. 2023-07-29, StarCraft 2 to get its largest tournament in years. Yahoo News, accessed on 2024-06-14
  145. Deviantart. 2019-09-01. Old Starcraft Art Deviantart.com. Accessed 2019-09-01.
  146. 2023-06-11, Stormgate fuses StarCraft and Warcraft in new gameplay footage. Video Games, accessed on 2023-06-14
  147. 2023-08-19, NEW RTS?! First gameplay look - SC2 PROS helped design this INSANE NEW RTS | ZeroSpace. YouTube, accessed on 2023-12-31
Smallwikipedialogo

This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Zerg

The list of authors can be seen in the page history of Zerg.

Wikipedia content was licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License prior to June 15, 2009 is. Wikipedia content from June 15, 2009, and StarCraft Wiki content, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License 3.0 (Unported).
Advertisement