StarCraft Wiki
StarCraft Wiki
Tag: sourceedit
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|fgcolor=black
 
|fgcolor=black
 
|image=Observer SC2 Head1.jpg
 
|image=Observer SC2 Head1.jpg
|imgsize=200px
+
|imgsize=254px
 
|create=
 
|create=
 
|comiss=
 
|comiss=
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|height=
 
|height=
 
|armaments=None
 
|armaments=None
|FTL=Yes ([warp space]])
+
|FTL=Yes ([[warp space]])
 
|faction=
 
|faction=
 
|job=Observation
 
|job=Observation
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
 
[[File: Observer SC1 Art1.jpg|thumb|left|An observer during the [[Great War]]]]
 
[[File: Observer SC1 Art1.jpg|thumb|left|An observer during the [[Great War]]]]
The observer is a small aerospace drone used to survey space and record events for analysis in the protoss archives.<ref name="SC1Man">Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. ''StarCraft (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref><ref name = "SC2 Observer">[http://www.starcraft2.com/features/protoss/observer.xml Observer]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Official StarCraft II website. Accessed 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2009-01-12</ref> The complex sensor array is power intensive but may detect [[cloak]]ed and concealed objects.<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/>
+
The observer is a small aerospace drone used to survey space and record events for analysis in protoss archives.<ref name="SC1Man">Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. ''StarCraft (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref><ref name = "SC2 Observer">[http://www.starcraft2.com/features/protoss/observer.xml Observer]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Official StarCraft II website. Accessed 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2009-01-12</ref> The observer’s primary means of locomotion is a discrete thruster that creates a gravity field, while energy-sheathed "fins" manipulate said field to generate lift and propulsion. Without modifications, the observer can adequately travel from one point to another, but is hard pressed to outrun pursuers—unless outfitted with a set of gravitic boosters.<ref name = "ObserverScience"/>
   
  +
[[File:Observer SC2 Art2.png|thumb|An observer approaches a world]]
Observers may be equipped for [[warp space]] travel and deployed for deep-space exploration.<ref name="SC:ShadXel"/> Units used for this purpose often lack defensive systems.<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> They may re-enter real space within planetary atmospheres and transmit data in real-time over interstellar distances. In addition observers may drop navigational beacons as homing devices.<ref name="SC:ShadXel">Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). ''[[StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04149-5.</ref>
 
  +
Observers may be equipped for [[warp space]] travel and deployed for deep-space exploration.<ref name="SC:ShadXel"/> Units used for this purpose often lack defensive systems.<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> They may re-enter real space within planetary atmospheres and transmit data in real-time over interstellar distances. In addition observers may drop navigational beacons as homing devices.<ref name="SC:ShadXel">Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). ''[[StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04149-5.</ref>
   
  +
{{clear}}
[[File:Observer SC1 Head1.png|An observer|thumb]]
 
  +
===Detection===
The sensitive sensor system,<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> sophisticated enough to even detect [[zerg]] [[spores]] within [[terrans]],<ref name="WoL_SafeHaven">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Safe Haven]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref><ref name="WoL_HavesnFall">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Haven's Fall]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> makes the observer a valuable auxiliary on the battlefield. Units intended for combat zones are equipped with a defensive micro-cloaking field. The sensor signature of the drone reduces the field's power requirement and allows the cloak to be maintained for extended periods<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> with little drain to its power core.<ref name = "WoLObserver">[http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/game/unit/observer Observer], [[Blizzard Entertainment]]. Accessed on 2010-11-13</ref>
 
  +
[[File:Observer SC1 Art2.jpg|thumb|An observer]]
  +
The complex but sensitive sensor<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> matrix<ref name = "ObserverScience"/> is power intensive but may detect [[cloak]]ed and concealed objects.<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> This includes [[burrow]]ers and all types of camouflage or stealth systems.<ref name = "ObserverScience"/> It is sophisticated enough to even detect [[zerg]] [[spores]] within [[terrans]].<ref name="WoL_SafeHaven">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Safe Haven]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref><ref name="WoL_HavesnFall">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Haven's Fall]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> It is comprised of complex arrays of self-focusing lenses, powered by [[psionic]] lattices, which allow the observer to analyze the battlefield from its vantage point in the sky.<ref name = "ObserverScience"/> These properties make the observer a valuable auxiliary on the battlefield.<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/>
  +
  +
{{clear}}
  +
===Stealth===
  +
[[File:Observer SC2 Art1.jpg|thumb|The current observer design]]
  +
Observers intended for combat zones are equipped with a defensive micro-cloaking field. The sensor signature of the drone reduces the field's power requirement and allows the cloak to be maintained for extended periods<ref name = "SC2 Observer"/> with little drain to its power core.<ref name = "WoLObserver">[http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/game/unit/observer Observer], [[Blizzard Entertainment]]. Accessed on 2010-11-13</ref> The field renders them invisible to all but the most advanced of [[detector|detection]] technology. Its stealth capabilities are enhanced by its hull, which is fashioned out of a buoyant material that refracts light and masks its diminutive energy signature.<ref name = "ObserverScience">2014-11-20, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/unit/observer#science Observer Science]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-11-21</ref>
   
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
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===StarCraft===
 
===StarCraft===
  +
: ''For StarCraft gameplay information see: [[Observer (StarCraft)]]''.
{{UnitBox
 
  +
: ''For StarCraft in-game quotations see: [[StarCraft unit quotations#Observer|StarCraft Observer Quotations]]''.
|name=
 
|game=
 
|bgcolor=
 
|fgcolor=black
 
|image=Observer SC1 Game2.png
 
|imgsize=200px
 
|image2=
 
|imgsize2=
 
|race=Protoss
 
|faction=
 
|baseunit=
 
|role=Robotic stealth scout
 
|useguns=
 
|usearmor=
 
|hp=40
 
|shield=20
 
|energy=
 
|timedlife=
 
|size=Small
 
|type=
 
|armortype=
 
|trans=
 
|costmin=25
 
|costgas=75
 
|supply=1
 
|time=40
 
|produced=[[Robotics facility]]
 
|req=[[Observatory]]
 
|hotkey=O
 
|groundattack=
 
|airattack=
 
|cooldown=
 
|armor=0
 
|speed=3.33 (5 with Gravitic Boosters) [[File:GravBoost Observer Icon SC1.PNG|22px]]
 
|range=
 
|sight=9 (11 with Sensor Array) [[File:SensorArray Icon SC1.PNG|22px]]
 
|detect=9 (11 with Sensor Array) [[File:SensorArray Icon SC1.PNG|22px]]
 
|parent=
 
|addons=
 
|evolvesto=
 
|produce=
 
|allows=
 
|research=
 
|ability=
 
|structure=
 
|hero=
 
|campaign=
 
|npc=
 
|cancel=
 
|nocat=
 
|concatbott=
 
}}
 
[[File:Observer SC1 Game1.png|thumb|left|Game sprite]]
 
Observers are the protoss' mobile [[detector]]s. Although observers are 'permanently' cloaked, protoss players must be more alert to enemy anti-cloak units; the observer's low health gives little time to escape attackers. Observers are cheap enough to have a handful accompany an attack force, especially against a target with many detectors.
 
 
====Abilities====
 
{{SC1Detector|Protoss}}
 
{{SC1PermanentCloak
 
|note=
 
}}
 
{{clear|left}}
 
 
====Upgrades====
 
{{SC1ProtUpgrdAirArm
 
|note=
 
}}
 
{{SC1ProtUpgrdShield
 
|note=
 
}}
 
{{clear|left}}
 
{|
 
|-valign="top"
 
|{{SC1GraviticBooster
 
|note=
 
}}
 
|{{SC1ObserverSight
 
|note=
 
}}
 
|}
 
{{clear|left}}
 
 
====Quotations====
 
:''See: [[StarCraft_unit_quotations#Observer|StarCraft Observer Quotations]]''
 
 
====Development====
 
The observer was initially called the "witness."<ref name = "SCEditor">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]] [[StarEdit|Map Editor]].'' (Blizzard Entertainment) (in English). March 31, 1998</ref>
 
{{clear}}
 
   
 
===StarCraft: Ghost===
 
===StarCraft: Ghost===
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{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
===StarCraft II===
 
===StarCraft II===
  +
: ''For StarCraft II gameplay information see: [[Observer (StarCraft II)]]''.
{{UnitBox
 
  +
: ''For StarCraft II in-game quotations see: [[StarCraft II unit quotations#Observer|StarCraft II Observer Quotations]]''.
|name=Observer
 
|game=SC2
 
|bgcolor=
 
|fgcolor=black
 
|image=Observer SC2 Rend1.png
 
|imgsize=
 
|imgdesc=
 
|image2=
 
|imgsize2=
 
|imgdesc2=
 
|race=Protoss
 
|faction=
 
|campname=
 
|baseunit=
 
|role=Flying spy
 
|useguns=
 
|usearmor=
 
|energy=
 
|engyregen=
 
|timedlife=
 
|size=
 
|type=*Air
 
*[[Mechanical]]
 
|armortype=[[Light]]
 
|transcapacity=
 
|transsize=
 
|sight=11
 
|detect=11
 
|broodling=
 
|costmin=25
 
|energycost=
 
|costgas=75
 
|supply=1
 
|campcost=
 
|time=40
 
|produced=[[Robotics facility]]
 
|parent=
 
|evolvesfrom=
 
|req=
 
|hotkey=B
 
|speed=1.875 (2.8125 with Gravitic Boosters) [[File:GraviticBooster SC2 Game1.png|22px]]
 
|accel=2.125 (3.1875 with Gravitic Boosters) [[File:GraviticBooster SC2 Game1.png|22px]]
 
|lataccel=0
 
|decel=0
 
|creepbonus=
 
|creepmultiplier=
 
|collision=0.5
 
|shield=20
 
|shieldregen=2
 
|hp=40
 
|hpregen=
 
|armor=0 {{SC2AirArmor}}
 
|gun1name=
 
|gun1strength=
 
|gun1attacks=
 
|gun1ground=
 
|gun1air=
 
|gun1cool=
 
|gun1range=
 
|gun1upgrd=
 
|gun2name=
 
|gun2strength=
 
|gun2attacks=
 
|gun2ground=
 
|gun2air=
 
|gun2cool=
 
|gun2range=
 
|gun2upgrd=
 
|addons=
 
|evolvesto=
 
|produce=
 
|allows=
 
|research=
 
|ability=
 
|priority=20
 
|killscore=400
 
|makescore=200
 
|lostscore=
 
|notes=Permanently cloaked.
 
|structure=
 
|hero=
 
|campaign=
 
|npc=
 
|cancel=
 
|nocat=
 
|concatbott=
 
|concattop=
 
}}
 
The observer reprises its role as a stealthy detector.
 
 
====Abilities====
 
{{SC2Detector|Protoss}}
 
{{AbilityBox
 
|name=Permanent Cloaking
 
|game=Sc2
 
|bgcolor=
 
|fgcolor=
 
|width=
 
|float=
 
|image=ObserverCloaking SC2 Icon1.jpg
 
|imgsize=30px
 
|race=Protoss
 
|campaign=
 
|campcost=
 
|acqmin=
 
|acqgas=
 
|acqhp=
 
|acqengy=
 
|acqsh=
 
|acqunits=
 
|acqtime=
 
|acqprod=
 
|acqreq=
 
|acqkey=
 
|usemin=
 
|usegas=
 
|usehp=
 
|useengy=
 
|usesh=
 
|useunits=
 
|userng=
 
|useduration=
 
|usetime=
 
|usecool=
 
|usekey=
 
|note=This unit is permanently cloaked. They cannot be seen or directly attacked by enemy forces, unless they have [[detector]] support.
 
|editname=
 
}}
 
{{clear|left}}
 
 
====Upgrades====
 
{{SC2ProtUpgrdAirArm
 
|note=
 
}}
 
{{clear|left}}
 
{{SC2ProtUpgrdShield
 
|note=
 
}}
 
{{SC2GraviticBooster
 
|note=
 
}}
 
{{Clear|left}}
 
 
====Development====
 
{{Dev|StarCraft II}}
 
In a September 2008 build of [[StarCraft II]], the observer did not require an [[observatory]] to build, making it available earlier in the tech tree than in [[StarCraft]]. It was upgraded at the [[null circuit]].<ref name = "QA44">[[Karune#Batch 44|Karune]]. 2008-09-05. [http://www.battle.net/forums/thread.aspx?fn=sc2-general&t=1752651&p=1&#post1752651 StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 44]. ''Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum.'' Accessed 2008-09-05.</ref>
 
<gallery>
 
File:Observer SC2 DevGame1.jpg|Development render
 
File:Observer SC2 DevHead1.gif|Development portrait
 
</gallery>
 
{{clear}}
 
   
 
==Known Observers==
 
==Known Observers==

Revision as of 03:43, 6 April 2016

The observer is a small, stealthy robotic protoss reconnaissance unit.

Overview

Observer SC1 Art1

An observer during the Great War

The observer is a small aerospace drone used to survey space and record events for analysis in protoss archives.[1][2] The observer’s primary means of locomotion is a discrete thruster that creates a gravity field, while energy-sheathed "fins" manipulate said field to generate lift and propulsion. Without modifications, the observer can adequately travel from one point to another, but is hard pressed to outrun pursuers—unless outfitted with a set of gravitic boosters.[3]

Observer SC2 Art2

An observer approaches a world

Observers may be equipped for warp space travel and deployed for deep-space exploration.[4] Units used for this purpose often lack defensive systems.[2] They may re-enter real space within planetary atmospheres and transmit data in real-time over interstellar distances. In addition observers may drop navigational beacons as homing devices.[4]

Detection

Observer SC1 Art2

An observer

The complex but sensitive sensor[2] matrix[3] is power intensive but may detect cloaked and concealed objects.[2] This includes burrowers and all types of camouflage or stealth systems.[3] It is sophisticated enough to even detect zerg spores within terrans.[5][6] It is comprised of complex arrays of self-focusing lenses, powered by psionic lattices, which allow the observer to analyze the battlefield from its vantage point in the sky.[3] These properties make the observer a valuable auxiliary on the battlefield.[2]

Stealth

Observer SC2 Art1

The current observer design

Observers intended for combat zones are equipped with a defensive micro-cloaking field. The sensor signature of the drone reduces the field's power requirement and allows the cloak to be maintained for extended periods[2] with little drain to its power core.[7] The field renders them invisible to all but the most advanced of detection technology. Its stealth capabilities are enhanced by its hull, which is fashioned out of a buoyant material that refracts light and masks its diminutive energy signature.[3]

Game Unit

StarCraft

For StarCraft gameplay information see: Observer (StarCraft).
For StarCraft in-game quotations see: StarCraft Observer Quotations.

StarCraft: Ghost

StarCraft Ghost Logo2
This article or section contains information about StarCraft: Ghost, which has been declared non-canon. Elements may be taken as 'flavor lore' however.
The content may be significantly out of date. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details.
Observer SC-G Game1

An observer in Ghost

Observers were to appear in StarCraft: Ghost[8]

StarCraft II

For StarCraft II gameplay information see: Observer (StarCraft II).
For StarCraft II in-game quotations see: StarCraft II Observer Quotations.

Known Observers

Observer SC2 DevRend1

An observer

References

  1. Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. StarCraft (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Observer. Blizzard Entertainment. Official StarCraft II website. Accessed 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2009-01-12
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 2014-11-20, Observer Science. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2014-11-21
  4. 4.0 4.1 Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04149-5.
  5. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Wings of Liberty, Safe Haven (in English). 2010-07-27.
  6. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Wings of Liberty, Haven's Fall (in English). 2010-07-27.
  7. Observer, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2010-11-13
  8. Ghost Units, StarCraft Freak. Accessed on 2011-12-25