Terran

Overview

The terrans are relative newcomers to the Koprulu sector. They are the descendents of a disastrous colonization expedition launched from Earth centuries ago, its human cargo made up of dissidents and malcontents the government deemed expendable. The survivors of the expedition established three colonies that became the basis for the major power blocs in terran space: the Confederacy, the Kel-Morian Combine, and the Umojan Protectorate. The corrupt Confederacy was overthrown by terrorist and revolutionary Arcturus Mengsk during the chaos of the zerg invasion. Now the Terran Dominion has emerged from the ashes of the old Confederacy as the dominant power, ruled by none other than Emperor Arcturus I.

Forced to adapt to the harsh existence on the mostly lifeless worlds of the sector, the terrans are masters of survival. With neither the advanced technology of the protoss nor the natural prowess of the zerg to rely on, the terran military forces consist of a varied mix of units. From basic but effective infantry like the marines to heavily armed battlecruisers, terran units rely on solid armor, plentiful firepower, and strength in numbers to hold the line. Terrans excel in defensive situations where their bunkers and siege tanks really shine.

Game Play

Terrans have neither the astounding technology of the Protoss, nor the infinite numbers of the Zerg. Instead, they walk in the middle and manage to survive using a well-manned force and good tactical capabilities. Units are relatively cheap and decently fast to build. The basic Tier 1 unit, the Marine, has range and can fire at both air and ground units. Bunkers provide a cheap means of extending the lifetime of units, and with support they can provide for the defense of a Terran base without too much trouble.

Most Terran buildings can Lift-Off. Like in Starcraft I, the buildings can fly and reposition themselves anywhere as necessary. This provides an advantage to Terrans early on as they can reach island expansions before anyone else.

Key elements of the Terran arsenal are nuclear warheads are siege tanks, both which have survived the transition over from the first game.