Coverage WWI 2008 >> List of New Zerg Changes


Hive Queen - Protector of the Hive Cluster
The Queen has lost her ability to lay eggs that hatched into defensive structures. Reasoning behind the change was the fact that is became “a bit overpowered” because it could be made quantities for a relatively low cost. This Queen ability has now been replaced with the Mutate Larva ability that allows her to make Mutant Larva out of regular Larva. She is also capable of attacking at a range, which effectively can kill off other scouting Overlords that are not kept in check, and stay well behind the base defence when there is an attack.


The Hive Queen


Unit Mutation - New Unit! Mutant Larva
The Hive Queen can now create "Mutant Larva" from regular Larva. There is no cost involved, except for build time (30 sec). When the Larva is evolved, it's becomes larger but does not gain any new abilities. Instead the player gains control over the Larva movement.

The ability of the regular Larva to mutate into most of the Zerg breeds is improved dramatically: mutating a Mutant Larva into and of the breeds only takes 2 seconds instead of the unit’s real build time.


Nydus Canal
In the original StarCraft 2 build the Nydus Worm was basically a cloaked transport unit that could unbury anywhere. This has since been changed to a mechanic a little closer to the original. Its been changed to a Nydus Network (was Nydus Warrens) ability to “build” an exit anywhere on the map somewhere in sight, on creep.

The Nydus Network open has a short build time and then uses the regular animation sequence to burst out of the ground. After that they act like a building and are unable to re-bury). The Nydus Network can now hold 255 Zerg units. The units stay as long as ANY opening is available. If all the available openings are destroyed all the units currently inside will die.


Overlord / Overseer
The one major difference between the WWI 2008 build and the original Zerg release is that neither Overlords or Overseers can infest minerals any more. Their design is essentially unchanged, besides this pretty useful (and obviously overpowered) skill.

You must be registered and logged in to post comments.