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The Zerg Swarm - Units and Structures

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    Terran
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Go to GameSpot's Guide to Broodwar

Ultralisk

Strength:
Hardy; very powerful
Weaknesses:
Short range; cannot attack flying units; cannot burrow
The Ultralisk represents the ultimate mutation of the Zerg genetic strain and a testament to the species' single-minded, destructive tendency. As big as a house, twice as heavy, and armed with natural blades so sharp they can cut through steel like butter, Ultralisks are virtually unstoppable and frightfully strong. They have few weaknesses and can charge directly into battle with little fear of anything save a concentrated and relentless defense. Take heed to upgrade your ground weapons before deploying Ultralisks, as these boosts yield great additional destructive force to the Ultralisk attack.

Hit Points/Size 400/large
Time to Build 60
Cost (minerals/Vespene Gas/control) 200/200/6
Weapon/Strength Kaiser Blades 20, +3 per upgrade
Armor/Strength Zerg Carapace 1, +1 per upgrade

To be sure, this incredible living weapon has its intrinsic flaws; its girth prevents it from moving quickly or from burrowing underground like most Zerg. Likewise, the Ultralisk must be adjacent to its target to tear into it with its Kaiser Blades, and in spite of its massive size, it cannot hit flying opponents. But most significant, perhaps, is its cost - the Ultralisk is the most expensive warrior in the Zerg collective.

Because of its limitations, the Ultralisk is most effective when working alongside its brethren Hydralisks, who can support it with their versatile, long-range Needle Spine attack. Swarms of Zerglings will also help draw enemy fire from the massive beast. Terran Firebats, Vultures, and Ghosts - all of whom are adept at crushing Zerglings - are virtually useless against Ultralisks, whose thick armor renders their antipersonnel attacks fractionally powerful. Ultralisks deployed in combination with Zerglings should be ordered to eliminate those types of enemy units first and foremost.

Ultralisks are especially dangerous in conjunction with the fiendish Zerg Defiler, who can produce a Dark Swarm over the mammoths that no aerial weapon can penetrate. Ultralisks play an imperative role at the forefront of every large-scale Zerg offensive, but in spite of their power, they must be managed carefully.