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Changeling

From StarCraft Wiki

This article is about the unit. For the short story, see Changeling.

This article or section contains information about a StarCraft II unit or structure.

The content may be significantly out of date as StarCraft II experiences a new build weekly and may change substantially as more information becomes available. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details.

Changeling
Unit
Race

Zerg

Properties
Hit points

5[1]

Type

Biological[2]

Armor type

Light[3]

Production
Energy cost

100[4] Energy

Control

0[3] Control

Build time

17[3]

Produced from

Overseer[3]

Requires

Lair[3]

Combat
Armor

0[3]

The changeling is a zerg spy produced by the overseer. It is a very weak and unstable creature with a short lifespan.[5]

Contents

[edit] Overview

The changeling, composed of a protoplasmic substance, is capable of shapeshifting into a form resembling a terran. It can shift between specific appearances. It can even send out psionic impressions leading terrans to believe that everything is "all right".

It is intelligent, capable of operating computers. It can transform part of its body into a deadly bone blade, although its primary purpose does not appear to be combat.[6]

[edit] History

The changeling was developed as late as 2505 by Infested Kerrigan, who was testing it against the terrans before war broke out. The Terran Dominion, learning about the new breed, also conducted their own tests.[6]

[edit] Game Unit

Changelings

The changeling has a limited lifespan, which is measured by a decreasing bar visible on the interface below the name, and it will die when the bar is zeroed. The changeling has its own wireframe and portrait when not transformed (it uses the zergling in the current build).[7]

The changeling game unit has no attack or abilities other than shapeshifting;[8] any weapons it appears to carry are false.[5]

[edit] Shapeshifting

Shapeshifting
Usage
Range

12[2]

Notes

Shifting is an autocast ability that works activates when the changeling is not moving.[9] This will fool even detectors.[10]

Shifting occurs when the changeling approaches an enemy unit[2] or structure[5] within twelve spaces.[2] The changeling will take on the color of the nearby enemy, and the form of the basic combat unit (marine, zealot, or zergling) of the nearby enemy's race.[5] Its wireframe and portrait changes to that of the assumed form.[7] The transformation is permanent.[11]

The changeling's appearance exactly matches the assumed unit's form at the time of transformation; the changeling gains only the visual effects of upgrades.[12]

Edit
Changelings shapeshifting.

[edit] References

  1. ↑ Joneagle X. 2009-08-25. Joneagle_X 2009 BlizzCon StarCraft 2 Gameplay Review. StarCraft 2 Forum. Accessed 2009-08-25.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 StarCraft Legacy staff. 2009-04-04. Zerg Unit Information. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2009-06-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 StarCraft Legacy staff. 2009-04-04. Zerg Unit Stats. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2009-05-09.
  4. ↑ 1) In addition to having detection and increased speed from the Overlord they can use these abilities:

    Spore Cloud (50 energy)- Release a cloud of fog, covering an area and blocks line of sight for a period of time (subject to balance). Units that are above the fog can see into and over the fog. This ability is great at blocking the line of sight of spotter units on cliffs, block line of sight of Marines while your Zerglings run up close to attack range, or even to hide your ranged units like Hydralisks from the enemy while having your own spotter for the Hydras. Changeling (100 energy)- Changes into an enemy unit (Zealot, Zergling, or Marine) depending on the enemy race. This unit acts as an excellent scout. Karune. 2009-06-30. Karune: Can the queen heal? (10th post) Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-06-30.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Cavez. 2008-07-02. Changeling. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2008-07-02.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Waugh, James. "Changeling." (November 18, 2009). Blizzard Entertainment. Changeling: A Short Story by James Waugh Accessed 2009-11-18.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 PAX 2008 SC2 Zerg Changeling Gameplay Part 2/2 - 9/5/08. Blizzard Entertainment/Youtube. Accessed 2008-10-02.
  8. ↑ Currently, Changlings will not be able to burrow, use special abilities, or attack. They will turn into either a Zealot, Marine, or Zergling, depending on what enemy race they encounter. Karune 2009-03-20. Changeling question. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-03-21.
  9. ↑ kim900718. 2009-11-28. StarCraft2 (Busan Korea G-Star Saturday last match Part01.) (7:56 - 8:09)). Youtube. Accessed 2009-12-07.
  10. ↑ HDstarcraft et al. 2009-09-01. Starcraft 2/Blizzcon 2009 Podcast p5. Youtube. Accessed 2009-09-03.
  11. ↑ Changelings, once moved in contact of the enemy will permanently change to their standard tier 1 unit (Zealot, Marine, or Zergling) and will not change back into the original Changeling model. Hope that answers your question. Karune. 2009-05-01. Are changelings perm when turned? Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-05-01.
  12. ↑ This question is interesting to me as well and I tested this out. If you spawn a Changeling to Terran's base before Terran researches the Combat Shield upgrade, Changeling will be spawned as a Marine without a shield and even after the Combat Shield upgrade is done, your Changeling still remain without a shield but every other Terran's Marines will have the shields. However, you spawn a Changeling again after the Combat Shield upgrade is done, your Changeling will be spawned as a Marine with a shield. For Protoss case, even though you spawn a Changeling after the Zealot's Charge upgrade is done, your Changeling will be spawned as a Zealot with the normal speed. So, Changeling will be spawned as the same visual with the latest upgrade status of the opponent, but it will not have the upgraded ability. Karune. 2008-11-14. Karune: Changeling Disguise. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2008-11-15.
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