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StarCraft 2: HotS Multiplayer Makes Sweeping Changes

(PC)

Cutting the Protoss Carrier from the expansion is just one of Blizzard's many changes coming to HotS.

By Mike Nelson 10/22/2011

I really didn't think they were going to change this much for StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm's multiplayer. We were all expecting some news in regards to new unit additions (which we got), but I didn't think stuff was actually going to get cut -- especially the controversial decision to cut the Protoss Carrier. The official word on this is "to avoid redundancy and maintain a tight and manageable number of multiplayer units." So let's take a look at all of the additions, cuts, and changes that are taking place.

Protoss

Units Cut - Carrier & Mothership: It's hard to imagine that the next expansion of StarCraft 2 will negate the ability to "carrier rush" -- I still can't believe it. The reasoning is that the Protoss currently suffer from a lack of a decent AOE anti-air unit late in the game. So instead of adding units that will make the late-game management that much more confusing, these units have been cut to eliminate redundancy and allows the introduction of units that can better serve this purpose for the Protoss.

Click the image above to check out all StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm screens.

New Unit - Tempest: This is the new capital ship designed to fill the void of a late-game AOE anti-air unit, and is capable of firing on ground units as well. I didn't think the unit was that powerful when playing, but this is something that could be tweaked later in game's creation process.

New Unit - Oracle: This unit is wholly designed to be a be a pest. When I had a chance to use it I would move it behind my enemy's base, and move in and out of their mineral field, deploying a crystal sphere that covers over half of the minerals, negating their ability to harvest from these until the shield dissipates. It can also spy on other buildings to see an opponent's build process.

Click the image above to check out all StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm screens.

New Unit - Replicant: Playing as a Protoss but wish you could use a Siege Tank? Well, now you can. This unit is expensive so you're best using it against a worthwhile non-massive enemy unit rather than cloning something like a Zergling or a single Marine.

New Abilities: The Arc Shield, an ability that temporarily adds additional shield and building armor, and can produce a weapon similar to a cannon, has been added to the Nexus. The downside with this cannon is that it can only damage light units and is designed more for the sake of defending the Protoss against an opening attack from an enemy (Marine or Zergling rush, for example). Mass Recall is another ability that has been added to the Nexus that allows the Protoss to teleport their army from battlefield back to the Nexus, useful if you discover your units are overpowered and need to regroup. Doing so will stun these units temporarily.

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Comments (9)

Stupid question, but...
Posted: userComment.createdDate by LordSephiran

Is it worth it to buy WoL if you suck at multiplayer? I would only play SP or co-op... On a side note, this looks like an interesting expansion...

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- Yes
  Posted: 10/27/2011 by mattycobb
  
  You would probably still have fun with it. You can play online without playing the ladder. There are lots of custom games of all types (tower defence etc). The single player campaign is pretty enjoyable too. You also might find out that you enjoy the ladder. It places you in with people of similar skill.
  
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Some very interesting changes
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Grimbear13

Going to Blizzcon, watching the finals of the tournament (along with a few others) and seeing all this new HotS stuff made me really wanna get back into SC2. I fell out after a bunch of my friends stopped playing it, but hopefully I'll be able to get back in there and get my skills back up!

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Why make terran stronger?
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Heaven_Inferno

Zerg was uber weak in WoL and now they add more units to Terran which was the strongest in WoL. Some balance this is. Well I can't say anything much until I try out this new units.

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reapers will still be able to attack buildings
Posted: userComment.createdDate by Sleep_it_Off

in wings of liberty they have a special grenade attack they use when attacking buildings, which is being removed in heart of the swarm. i believe they'll still be able to attack buildings with their guns however.

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Oh blizzard
Posted: userComment.createdDate by mr_luga

Only blizzard would add more things to Terran in a zerg expansion

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- Actually
  Posted: 10/24/2011 by Grimbear13
  
  These are just the MP changes they're adding WAY more to the Zerg this expac it's just in the Single player. I got to sit down with the 1p at Blizzcon and it was a blast to play. My brother told me that the MP lines moved incredibly slow so I didn't feel like waiting in them and figured I'd try my luck to win a Diablo 3 signed poster a few more times.
  
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Now I am excited
Posted: userComment.createdDate by DBfletcher

This looks like it could shake up the online it a really good way.
Should be a good addition.

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Oh Blizzard Balance..
Posted: userComment.createdDate by RocK_M001

May you never change! 8DOn a side note.. why is it that all the images seem to be for Starwars:OR? xD

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