Protoss

Overview

With their highly advanced technology and potent psionic abilities, the protoss once considered themselves the most powerful species in the galaxy. Their war with the zerg has proved otherwise: even the most individually capable warrior cannot overcome such insurmountable numbers. The lesson has been a hard one for the protoss, for their society is built around core philosophies that have been rigidly adhered to for over a thousand years. However, the zerg invasion of the protoss homeworld of Aiur has brought the race to a crossroads: the protoss must embrace change if they are to survive and prevail. Now new tactics and technologies are being brought to bear in the increasingly desperate battle against the zerg, and ancient, terrible weapons the protoss set aside long ago are being unleashed.

The protoss have never been a prolific people and have traditionally bolstered their numbers with a variety of robotic war machines. Individual protoss warriors are unsurpassed in their skills, greatly enhanced by the combination of technology and formidable psionic strength. Nonetheless, the protoss must rely on mobility and surprise to maximize their advantages without getting drawn into a battle of attrition. One of their greatest strengths lies in their fleet, which boasts a variety of ships powerful enough to pound an enemy to atoms.

Game Play

Protoss units are the most expensive and time consuming in the game, but they are worth it. Protoss units have a higher effective hitpoint rating then other units in their Tier because of the addition of shields. The basic Zealot costs 100 minerals, twice that of the Terran Marine, yet has 160 effective hitpoints versus 45. All Protoss shielding also regenerates over time, providing for increased longevity.

The Protoss become increasingly deadly over time. A teching Protoss player is the worst enemy of anyone still hanging around Tier 1. The Colossus, a walking mechanical horror of destruction, can easily and effectively destroy a Tier 1 force in seconds. They are expensive, but that is the name of the game.

The remainder of the final tier Protoss units are more or less just as deadly as the Colossus, and provide the player with innumerable ways to crush an enemy. However with their expense and build time so high, their use requires careful planning. The Protoss player can be left vulnerable because of the unit production requirements.