Starcraft 2 Zerg Buildings Guide
Starcraft 2 Zerg Buildings - Introduction
In this latest installment of our complete Starcraft 2 Zerg multiplayer guide, we tak a close look at the strange and twisted shapes that make up the Zerg building units and structures.
The Zerg are the least technological of the three Starcraft 2 races, their armies being based on their bizarre and alien biology, and their building structures are no different. Many of them resemble the fetid imaginings of some terrible Lovecraftian nightmare. It’s vital if you’re going to play Zerg in Starcraft 2 multiplayer online that you develop a firm grasp of the various building units, as many of the Zerg units require specialized structures to Research their respective Upgrades, a fact that makes this race arguably the hardest to play as for players new to SC2. This guide will help you decide on a build order that suits your end-game needs with full information on each Zerg building unit, its stats, weapons, Abilities and Researches.
Hatchery
The Hatchery is the foundation of your Zerg colony, and expanding your territory as the match progresses, since it can be built where no Creep presently exists. The Hatchery churns out the Larva units that you will evolve into your different Zerg units, and produces Creep to allow the other Zerg building units to be constructed.
Minerals: 300
Gas: -
Build Time: 100 secs
Health: 1250
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Required: -
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Hatchery will spawn 9 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Mutate into Lair
Cast Time: 80 secs
The Hatchery evolves into the Lair unit, allowing access to further Zerg unit and building types.
Extractor
The Extractor unit is the focus of your economy, converting Minerals and Gas into resources.
Minerals: 25
Gas: -
Build Time: 30 secs
Health: 500
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: -
Spawning Pool
The Spawning Pool is the source of researched upgrades for your Zergling ground troop units.
Minerals: 200
Gas: -
Build Time: 65 secs
Health: 750
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Hatchery
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Spawning Pool will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Adrenal Glands
- (Minerals: 200, Gas: 200, Time: 130 secs)
- Required: Hive
Upgrade for the Zerg Zergling unit that increase its speed of Attack by a factor of +20%.
Evolve Metabolic Boost
- (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 110 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Zergling unit that increases its speed of movement by a factor of +20%.
Evolution Chamber
This building unit is the focal point for upgrades for weaponry and armor for all your Zerg ground forces.
Minerals: 75
Gas: -
Build Time: 35 secs
Health: 750
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Hatchery
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Evolution Chamber will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Melee Attacks 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg ground melee units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 200, Gas: 200, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Lair
Ground Carapace 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg ground units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 225, Gas: 225, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 300, Gas: 300, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Lair
Missile Attacks 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg ground ranged units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 150. Gas: 150, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 200, Gas: 200, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Lair
Spine Crawler
The Spine Crawler is the main ground defense building unit for protecting your bases and supply chain.
Minerals: 100
Gas: -
Build Time: 50 secs
Health: 300
Energy: -
Armor: 2
Produces: -
Required: Spawning Pool
Weapons
Impaler Tentacle
- Ground Attack
- Attacks: 1
- Range: 7
- Damage: 25
- Bonuses: +5 vs Armored
Abilities
Root
Type: Command
Cast Time: 12 secs
The Spine Crawler unit roots itself to the designated spot. In this state it is immobile but able to attack ground units.
Uproot
Type: Command:
Cast Time: 1 secs
The Spine Crawler unit can move across the map, though it is significantly slower when not on creep and unable to attack enemy units.
Spore Crawler
The Spore Crawler fulfils the same duties as the Spine Crawler, but this time against incoming aerial attack.
Minerals: 75
Gas: -
Build Time: 30 secs
Health: 400
Energy: -
Armor: 2
Produces: -
Required: Evolution Chamber
Weapons
Spore Crawler
- Air Attack
- Attacks: 1
- Range: 7
- Damage: 15
Abilities
Root
Type: Command
Cast Time: 12 secs
The Spore Crawler unit roots itself to the designated spot. In this state it is immobile but able to attack air and detected units.
Uproot
Type: Command:
Cast Time: 1 secs
The Spore Crawler unit can move across the map, though it is significantly slower when not on creep and unable to attack enemy units
Detector
The Spore Crawler can detect burrowing, cloaked and hallucination enemy units
Hydralisk Den
The Hydralisk Den is required for the vital Grooved Spines upgrade for the Zerg Hydralisk unit.
Minerals: 100
Gas: 100
Build Time: 40 secs
Health: 850
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Lair
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Hydralisk Den will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Grooved Spines
- (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 80 secs)
Increases the range of the Zerg Hydralisk unit’s attacks.
Baneling Nest
This building unit is the home for upgrades for Zerg Banelings.
Minerals: 100
Gas: 50
Build Time: 60 secs
Health: 850
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Spawning Pool
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Baneling Nest will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Centrifugal Hooks
- (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 110 secs)
This upgrade for the Baneling unit increases its movement speed.
Lair
The Lair is an upgraded Hatchery that opens up Researches for Burrowing units and the Zerg Overlord.
Minerals: 150
Gas: 100
Build Time: 80 secs
Health: 1800
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: Larva, Queen
Required: Spawning Pool
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Lair will spawn 9 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Mutate into Hive
Cast Time: 100 secs
The Lair will evolve further into the Hive unit, allowing access to further researches and buildings.
Researches
Evolve Burrow
- (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 100 secs)
- Required: Lair
This upgrade for certain Zerg units allows them to burrow and remain undetected by enemy units.
Evolve Pneumatized Carapace
- (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 60 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Overlord unit that increases its movement speed.
Evolve Ventral Sacs
- (Minerals: 200, Gas: 200, Time: 130 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Overlord unit that allows it to act as a unit transport.
Roach Warren
As is the established Zerg pattern, the Roach unit has its own dedicated Research building unit.
Minerals: 150
Gas: -
Build Time: 55 secs
Health: 850
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Spawning Pool
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Roach Warren will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Glial Reconstitution
- (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 110 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Roach unit that increases its movement speed.
Evolve Tunneling Claws
- (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 110 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Roach unit that gives it the ability to move while burrowed and also allows it to regenerate lost Hit Points when under the ground.
Infestation Pit
The Infestation Pit provides the Zerg Infestor with its vitally important Neural Parasite Ability, allowing it to take control of enemy units and turn them against their comrades.
Minerals: 100
Gas: 100
Build Time: 50 secs
Health: 850
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Lair
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Infestation Pit will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Pathogen Glands
- (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 80 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Infestor unit that increase its starting Energy stat by +25
Evolve Neural Parasite
- (Minerals: 150, gas: 150, Time: 110 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Infestor unit that unlocks the Neural Parasite Ability.
Spire
The Spire unlocks Researched Weapon and Armor Upgrades for Zerg aerial units.
Minerals: 200
Gas: 200
Build Time: 100 secs
Health: 600
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Lair
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Spire will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Mutate Into Greater Spire
Cast Time: 100 secs
The Spire unit will mutate into a Greater Spire unit, unlocking researches for Zerg aerial units.
Researches
Flyer Attacks 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg air units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 175, Gas: 175, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 250, Gas: 250, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Hive
Flyer Carapace 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg air units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 225, Gas: 225, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 300, Gas: 300, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Hive
Nydus Network
The Nydus Network illustrates the crossover between technology and biology in the Zerg forces. It allows a giant worm to act as a troop transport for your units to ferry them across the battlefield.
Minerals: 150
Gas: 200
Build Time: 50 secs
Health: 850
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: Nydus Worm
Required: Lair
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Nydus Network will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Summon Nydus Worm
Cast Time: 20 secs
The Nydus Network unit will summon a Nydus Worm allowing the transport of friendly units to any other Nydus Network on the map.
Load
Type: Command
The Nydus Network will take onboard an unlimited amount of friendly units.
Unload
Type: Command
The Nydus Network will unload all the transported units.
Hive
The further upgrade for the Hatchery and Lair buildings.
Minerals: 200
Gas: 150
Build Time: 100 secs
Health: 2500
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: Queen
Required: Infestation Pit
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Hive will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Burrow
- (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 100 secs)
- Required: Lair
This upgrade for certain Zerg units allows them to burrow and remain undetected by enemy units.
Evolve Pneumatized Carapace
- (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 60 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Overlord unit that increases its movement speed.
Evolve Ventral Sacs
- (Minerals: 200, Gas: 200, Time: 130 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Overlord unit that allows it to act as a unit transport.
Ultralisk Cavern
This structure provides the Ultralisk with its Chitinous Plating Upgrade.
Minerals: 150
Gas: 200
Build Time: 65 secs
Health: 600
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Hive
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Ultralisk Cavern will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Evolve Chitinous Plating
- (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 110 secs)
Upgrade for the Zerg Ultralisk unit that increases its Armor stat by +2
Greater Spire
An evolved Spire, unlocking Researches for aerial units.
Minerals: 100
Gas: 150
Build Time: 100 secs
Health: 1000
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Hive
Abilities
Spawn Broodlings
Cast Time: Instant
The Greater Spire will spawn 6 Broodlings when destroyed by enemy units.
Researches
Flyer Attacks 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg air units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 100, Gas: 100, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 175, Gas: 175, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 250, Gas: 250, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Hive
Flyer Carapace 1-3 (Upgrade for all of the Zerg air units)
- Level 1: (Minerals: 150, Gas: 150, Time: 140 secs)
- Level 2: (Minerals: 225, Gas: 225, Time: 170 secs)
- Level 3: (Minerals: 300, Gas: 300, Time: 200 secs)
- Required: Hive
Creep Tumor
An unusual structure produced from a Zerg Queen unit, that acts as a Creep generator allowing you to expand your building network.
Minerals: -
Gas: -
Build Time: 15 secs
Health: 50
Energy: -
Armor: 1
Produces: -
Required: Queen
Abilities
Spawn Creep Tumor
Type: Command
Cast Time: 15 secs
Energy: 25
This ability produces a burrowed Creep generator that will feed nearby Zerg building units.
Conclusion
The Starcraft 2 Zerg buildings are a weird and disturbing collection of biological growths. Mastering a build order while playing Zerg in Starcraft 2 multiplayer online is vital, due to so many of the Zerg units requiring individual structures to access their Upgrades. Learn the information contained within this building units guide, and then apply it to overwhelm and absorb your many enemies on Battle.net.
This post is part of the series: The Complete Starcraft 2 Building Units Guide
Bright Hub has compiled one of the most indepth guides to all the available Building Units and Structures for Terran, Protoss and Zerg players in Starcraft 2 online multiplayer available anywhere on the Web. Each article has all the stats, Upgrades, Abilities and Researches info you need for SC2.