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The Zerg Swarm - Units and Structures
Hydralisk
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Strengths:
Inexpensive; versatile; fast rate of fire; can burrow
Weaknesses:
Ineffective in smaller quantities; vulnerable to area effect attacks
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Pure wickedness takes the form of the Zerg Hydralisk, a serpentine monstrosity that stands twice as tall as a man and is protected by a thick carapace as sturdy as steel. The Hydralisk is the key to the Zerg military collective, with its combination of speed, power, versatility, and stealth all at a low cost. In combat, the Hydralisk forgoes its razor-like arms in preference to its Needle Spines, streamlined armor-piercing blades that it launches over long distances to puncture and kill a living creature in moments or to pierce and annihilate a vehicle. Though the Needle Spines aren't particularly powerful, a Hydralisk attacks quickly and relentlessly such that the damage quickly adds up. The effect is all the more poignant when Hydralisks attack en masse.
| Hit Points/Size | 80/medium | | Time to Build | 26 | | Cost (minerals/Vespene Gas/control) | 75/25/1 | | Weapon/Strength | Needle Spines 10, +1 per upgrade (explosive) | | Armor/Strength | Zerg Carapace 0, +1 per upgrade | | Special Options | Burrow |
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Hydralisks can dish it out, but are relatively easily to kill. Especially when facing Protoss Zealots or other short-range ground units, Hydralisks are best off using their long range and speed to keep away from the opponents while firing on them as they attempt to close in. Like all Zerg units and structures, Hydralisks slowly regenerate their health, so be sure and let them heal in between battles by burrowing them safely underground. The explosive nature of their Needle Spines makes Hydralisks less effective against lightly armored infantry units than against heavily armored vehicles and structures.
You can greatly improve your Hydralisks' combat prowess by upgrading them with Muscular Augments to improve their speed, then use Grooved Spines to increase the range of their Needle Spine attack. Both evolutionary enhancements are available at the Hydralisk Den. Add to that ranged weapons and carapace upgrades from the Evolution Chamber, and the Hydralisk becomes a fearsome foe under any circumstances. Keep some around your headquarters to help with base defense; send legions of them to harass and overwhelm the enemy; burrow them along the enemy's travel routes; and mount an indefensible surprise attack. Hydralisks serve any number of destructive purposes and serve them well. They are effective in any and every combat and defensive situation - the only prerequisite is to deploy them in large groups so their relatively weak strength and defense is accounted for through sheer number. Try and always hatch three Hydralisks at a time and beware of area effect attacks from the likes of Protoss High Templars, the Protoss Reavers, Terran Siege Tanks, or even enemy Zerg Defilers. These foes can vanquish your Hydralisk forces quickly if you keep them clustered close together. Spread your Hydralisks out if you suspect your enemy is prone to using these types of attacks.
Next: Queen and Broodling 
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