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The Protoss Conclave - Units and Stuctures

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STARCRAFT
  Race Overview
    Terran
    Zerg
    Protoss Units
    Protoss Structures
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  Contents

Go to GameSpot's Guide to Broodwar

Dragoon

Strengths:
Versatile; hardy; effective against flying units
Weaknesses:
Slow rate of fire; vulnerable to swarming; ineffective in smaller quantities
Among the most revered members of the Protoss fighting force is the Dragoon, whose robotic arachnoid sarcophagus houses a vengeful Zealot restored to life through highly advanced Protoss cybernetics. These resurrected fighters are slower and bulkier than Zealots, but can fight from a distance by means of their Phase Disruptor cannons that are equally effective against ground and aerial forces. These Phase Disruptors are powerful but slow to fire. As such, Dragoons can be easily overwhelmed if the enemy outnumbers them. Thus, they are best used in conjunction with Zealots who can distract the enemy long enough for the Dragoons to finish them off.

Hit/Shield Points/Size 80/100/large
Time to Build 50
Cost (minerals/Vespene Gas/PSI) 150/50/2
Weapon/Strength Phase Disruptor 20, +2 per upgrade (explosive)
Armor/Strength Protoss Armor 1, +1 per upgrade Plasma Shields 0, +1 per upgrade

Though Dragoons demand a significant quantity of Vespene Gas to build, they are relatively inexpensive on the whole. If you can quickly assume control of a large quantity of resources, producing vast numbers of Dragoons alone may be enough to win your battle. Their single major weakness - their slow rate of fire - is nullified when Dragoons are deployed in droves.

Protoss Dragoons provide invaluable base defense because of their ability to target both flying and ground units. They can support your immovable Photon Cannons and likewise provide defense where the enemy has managed to avoid your Cannons' wrath. Use the Dragoon's range and mobility to harass aggressive opponents and lure them into range of your Photon Cannons.

Make certain to increase Dragoon attack range by developing the Singularity Drive at the Cybernetics Core. Also keep in mind that the upgrades at the Forge benefit your Dragoons just as much as your Zealots, and remember to prioritize weapons upgrades first. Quickly amassing an army of Zealots and Dragoons may well lead to a quick, decisive victory for the Protoss commander in control of these relentless fighters.