StarCraft® II

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Units

Hydralisk

The evolutionary matrix of the caterpillar-like herbivorous Slothien was supercharged by the original Overmind, who twisted the hapless creatures into nightmarish killers known as Hydralisks. Within the plates of their carapaces, Hydralisks house hundreds of armor-piercing spines that can be fired in volleys at enemies approaching from ground or air. The remarkable musculature of the Hydralisk (4,000 muscles compared to a Terran’s 629) can launch a Needle Spine at astounding speeds, easily penetrating 2 centimeters of solid neosteel even at maximum range. Under any circumstances, massed groups of Hydralisks should be approached with extreme caution, and preferably with Siege Tank support.
Heart of the Swarm Wings of Liberty
Unit Statistics

3D Model

Basic information

Race: Zerg
Life: 80
Armor: 0 (3)
Movement: Normal
Cargo Size: 2
Attributes: Light - Biological

Production

Producer: Larva
Hotkey: H
Requires: Hydralisk Den
Cost: 100 50
Supply: 2
Build time: 33

Combat

Upgrades:
Weapon:
Ability:

3D Model

Basic information

Race: Zerg
Life: 80
Armor: 0 (3)
Movement: Normal
Cargo Size: 2
Attributes: Light - Biological

Production

Producer: Larva
Hotkey: H
Requires: Hydralisk Den
Cost: 100 50
Supply: 2
Build time: 33

Combat

Upgrades:
Weapon:
Ability:

SPECIMEN ANALYSIS

SERRATED MANDIBLES
NEEDLE SPINES
CLAWS
HYPERACCELERATED METABOLISM
ENTRY 1/4
Recent studies suggest that the thick mandibles of the herbivorous Slothien were subjected to forced evolution to increase their effectiveness. With an estimated bite force of 5000 pounds per square inch, the Hydralisk’s jaw can easily cut through flesh, bone, or neosteel.
The caterpillar-like Slothien were once covered in fine bristles coated with mild paralytic venom to discourage predators. After their assimilation, this innocuous defensive trait gave way to highly poisonous armor-piercing spines. When ready to attack, the formidable musculature of the Hydralisk contracts, releasing large volleys of lethal biological ordnance.
Grown from the relatively soft ribs of the Slothien, and hardened through genetic manipulation, these tri-bladed scythes are formidable weapons in close quarters combat. The high-density bone blades are connected to a set of fast-twitching, striated muscles, which allow for great striking power with a modest range of motion—deadly even in restricted mobility scenarios such as tight corridors or trenches.
Hydralisks are fearless, living weapons. Their endocrine and adrenal systems have been altered for that purpose, and the chemicals pumped into their bloodstream effectively force them to live in a perpetual “fight response.” Some Hydralisk variants seem to be able to overcharge their specialized endocrine system, substantially increasing aggression and savagery.
0.17 0.6 0.44 0.2 0.69 0.7 0.4 0.6

General Strategy

  • High-damage ranged unit.
  • Able to attack air and ground units.
  • Best paired with other unit types to protect their high damage output from enemies.
  • Can improve attack range with Grooved Spines upgrade.
  • Can burrow with Burrow upgrade.
  • Can improve movement speed off of creep with the Muscular Augments upgrade.
  • Effective at attacking air units when grouped in large numbers.

Strong Against

Weak Against

Evolutions

  • Burrow: Allows the unit to take cover underground, rendering it unable to attack. A burrowed unit is invisible unless revealed by detectors or effects.
  • Grooved Spines: Increases Hydralisk range by 1.
  • Muscular Augments: Increases Hydralisk movement speed when off of creep.

Countermeasures

Terran VS
  • Use vehicles such as Siege Tanks in Siege Mode to attack Hydralisks from range. Siege Tanks are especially effective when Hydralisks are grouped which can give you the opportunity to eliminate multiple Hydralisks at once.
  • Hellions with upgrades kill Hydralisks quickly. Make sure to approach the Hydralisk pack to maximize on the splash damage.
Zerg VS
  • Swarms of upgraded Zerglings are able to swiftly surround and destroy individual Hydralisks; similarly, Banelings get a significant boost to their detonation damage against Hydralisks.
  • Roaches’ armor and health pools allow them to efficiently defeat Hydralisks.
Protoss VS
  • Use Sentries equipped with the “Guardian Shield” ability to significantly reduce damage to your units when faced with large groups of Hydralisks.
  • The High Templar’s “Psi Storm” ability is extremely effective against stationary Hydralisks.
  • Zealots have the ability to cheaply soak up a large amount of damage from Hydralisks, while dealing a fair amount back. Research Charge to make sure Hydralisks can’t kite.
  • Colossus splash damage also destroys Hydralisk swarms.

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