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In StarCraft II, the overlord provides control but does not provide detection.

Overview[]

The overlord may evolve into the overseer which is a detector and spellcaster. Overlords are commonly used in the early game to scout areas and gain information on what strategies the opponent is going and what route they attack from. Overlord positioning is key to playing zerg, however picking off overlords can supply block the zerg player. They can commonly be hunted down by cheaper air units such as mutalisks, phoenixes and vikings, as well as roving packs of terran infantry.

Game Unit[]

Versus[]

In Legacy of the Void, the overlord loses its ventral sacs upgrade. Instead, each overlord is upgraded individually to be able to transport units. This upgrade requires a lair.

Upgrades and Abilities[]
PneumutizedCarapace SC2 Game1
Pneumatized Carapace

Increase speed of the overlord from 0.902 to 2.63, overlords with Ventral Sacs from 1.099 to 2.83, and the overseer 2.62 to 4.73.

Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery (with at least 1 other lair or hive)/Lair/Hive
Hotkey P
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 43seconds
ve
SC2 KerrImprovedOverlords Icon
Mutate Ventral Sacs

Upgrades an individual overlord, allowing it to transport units. Increases movement speed to 1.099 (2.83 with Pneumatized Carapace).

Usage
Hotkey T
Cost 25 Minerals 25 Vespene gas 12 seconds
Acquisition
Required Lair
ve

Increases armor of zerg air units.

Acquisition
Purchased from
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Effect +1 armor
Level 2
Cost 175 Minerals 175 Vespene gas 190seconds
Required Lair
Effect +1 armor
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 220seconds
Required Hive
Effect +1 armor
ve
OverseerMorph SC2 Icon1
Overseer Morph

The overlord can morph into an overseer, which becomes a detector.

Usage
Hotkey V
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 12 seconds
Acquisition
Required Lair
ve
GenerateCreep SC2 Icon1
Excrete Creep

The overlord creates a 2x2 patch of creep through an activated ability, the radius steadily expanding.[1]

Usage
Hotkey Generate creep: G
Stop creating creep: C
Duration 11 seconds
Acquisition
Purchased from Automatically researched upon creation of lair
Required Lair
ve

Heart of the Swarm[]

When Kerrigan reaches a certain level her overlords can be upgraded through one of her abilities to provide more control and be spawned instantly. This ability is called Improved Overlords. Overlords in the campaign lack the ability to transport units.

Upgrades and Abilities[]
SC2 KerrImprovedOverlords Icon
Improved Overlords

Overlords morph instantly and provide 50% more control.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Acquired from Kerrigan reaches Level 10.
ve

Co-op Missions[]

All zerg commanders (except Dehaka) use overlords for control and creep generation. All commanders can upgrade overlords with pneumatized carapace and morph to a overseer. Sarah Kerrigan, Zagara and Abathur overlords can be upgrade to transport function. Zagara's overlords use the Leviathan Brood's skin.

Egon Stetmann makes use of mecha overlords, which aside from being mechanical are the same as regular overlords.

Kerrigan Upgrades and Abilities[]

GenerateCreep SC2 Icon1
Generate Creep

The overlord creates a 2x2 patch of creep through an activated ability, the radius steadily expanding. Overlord generates creep when not moving.

Usage
Hotkey G (Generate creep)
C (Stop generating creep)
Cost 0 seconds
Acquisition
Required Lair/Hive
ve
OverseerMorph SC2 Icon1
Overseer Morph

The overlord can morph into an overseer, which becomes a detector.

Usage
Hotkey V
Acquisition
Cost 50 Minerals 50 ZergVespene SC2 Game1
Mastery: -0.5 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 per Reduced Combat Unit Vespene Gas Cost mastery point. Down to a maximum 35 Vespene gas
17seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
PneumutizedCarapace SC2 Game1
Pneumatized Carapace

Increase speed of the overlord from 0.59 to 3.38 and the overseer from 1.88 to 3.38.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey P
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 60seconds
Mastery: -1 Minerals -1 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 -1.2seconds per Expeditious Evolutions mastery point. Down to a maximum 20 Minerals 20 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 24seconds
ve
VentralSacs SC2 Game1
Ventral Sacs

Allows overlords to transport units.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey E
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 60seconds
Mastery: -2 Minerals -2 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 -1.2seconds per Expeditious Evolutions mastery point. Down to a maximum 40 Minerals 40 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 24seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
SC2 ZergAirCara
Zerg Flyer Carapace

Increases the armor of zerg air units.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Spire/Greater spire
Hotkey M
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Mastery: -2 Minerals -2 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 -3.2seconds per Expeditious Evolutions mastery point. Down to a maximum 40 Minerals 40 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 64seconds
Effect Armor: 1
Level 2
Cost 175 Minerals 175 Vespene gas 190seconds
Mastery: -3.5 Minerals -3.5 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 -3.8seconds per Expeditious Evolutions mastery point. Down to a maximum 70 Minerals 70 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 76seconds
Required Lair/Hive
Effect Armor: 2
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 220seconds
Mastery: -5 Minerals -5 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 -4.4seconds per Expeditious Evolutions mastery point. Down to a maximum 100 Minerals 100 ZergVespene SC2 Game1 88seconds
Required Hive
Effect Armor: 3
ve

Zagara Upgrades and Abilities[]

GenerateCreep SC2 Icon1
Generate Creep

The overlord creates a 2x2 patch of creep through an activated ability, the radius steadily expanding. Overlord generates creep when not moving.

Usage
Hotkey G (Generate creep)
C (Stop generating creep)
Cost 0 seconds
Acquisition
Required Lair/Hive
ve
IconZagaraOverseer
Overseer Morph

The overlord can morph into an overseer, which becomes a detector.

Usage
Hotkey V
Acquisition
Cost 45 Minerals 44 Vespene gas 17seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
PneumutizedCarapace SC2 Game1
Pneumatized Carapace

Increase speed of the overlord from 0.59 to 3.38 and the overseer from 1.88 to 3.38.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey P
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 60seconds
ve
VentralSacs SC2 Game1
Ventral Sacs

Allows overlords to transport units.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey E
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 60seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
SC2 ZergAirCara
Zerg Flyer Carapace

Increases the armor of zerg air units.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Scourge nest
Hotkey M
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Effect Armor: 1
Level 2
Cost 175 Minerals 175 Vespene gas 190seconds
Required Lair/Hive
Effect Armor: 2
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 220seconds
Required Hive
Effect Armor: 3
ve

Abathur Upgrades and Abilities[]

GenerateCreep SC2 Icon1
Generate Creep

The overlord creates a 2x2 patch of creep through an activated ability, the radius steadily expanding. Overlord generates creep when not moving.

Usage
Hotkey G (Generate creep)
C (Stop generating creep)
Cost 0 seconds
Acquisition
Required Lair/Hive
ve
OverseerMorph SC2 Icon1
Overseer Morph

The overlord can morph into an overseer, which becomes a detector.

Usage
Hotkey V
Acquisition
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 17seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
PneumutizedCarapace SC2 Game1
Pneumatized Carapace

Increase speed of the overlord from 0.59 to 3.38 and the overseer from 1.88 to 3.38.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey P
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 60seconds
Mastery: -1.2seconds per Structure Morph and Evolution Rate mastery point. Down to a maximum 24seconds
ve
VentralSacs SC2 Game1
Ventral Sacs

Allows overlords to transport units.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Hatchery/Lair/Hive
Hotkey E
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 60seconds
Mastery: -1.2seconds per Structure Morph and Evolution Rate mastery point. Down to a maximum 24seconds
Required Lair/Hive
ve
SC2 ZergAirCara
Zerg Flyer Carapace

Increases the armor of zerg air units.

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Spire/Greater spire
Hotkey M
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Mastery: -3.2seconds per Structure Morph and Evolution Rate mastery point. Down to a maximum 64seconds
Effect Armor: 1
Level 2
Cost 175 Minerals 175 Vespene gas 190seconds
Mastery: -3.8seconds per Structure Morph and Evolution Rate mastery point. Down to a maximum 76seconds
Required Lair/Hive
Effect Armor: 2
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 220seconds
Mastery: -4.4seconds per Structure Morph and Evolution Rate mastery point. Down to a maximum 88seconds
Required Hive
Effect Armor: 3
ve

Stukov Upgrades and Abilities[]

GenerateCreep SC2 Icon1
Generate Creep

The overlord creates a 2x2 patch of creep through an activated ability, the radius steadily expanding. Overlord generates creep when not moving.

Usage
Hotkey G (Generate creep)
C (Stop generating creep)
Cost 0 seconds
ve
OverseerMorph SC2 Icon1
Overseer Morph

The overlord can morph into an overseer, which becomes a detector.

Usage
Hotkey V
Acquisition
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 17seconds
Required Infested factory
ve
PneumutizedCarapace SC2 Game1
Pneumatized Carapace

Increase speed of the Overlord from 0.47 to 3.38 and the Overseer from 1.88 to 3.38.

Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Infested command center
Hotkey P
Cost 50 Minerals 50 Vespene gas 60seconds
ve
SC2 TerrVehArm
Infested Terran Vehicle and Ship Plating

Increases the armor of infested terran vehicles and spacecrafts.

(Also affect Overlords, Overseers and Brood Queens)

Usage
Passive
Campaign Acquisition
Unlock Initially available.
Acquisition
Purchased from Infested armory
Hotkey V
Level 1
Cost 100 Minerals 100 Vespene gas 160seconds
Effect Armor: 1
Level 2
Cost 175 Minerals 175 Vespene gas 190seconds
Effect Armor: 2
Level 3
Cost 250 Minerals 250 Vespene gas 220seconds
Effect Armor: 3
ve

Development[]

The following section contains information from a previous version of StarCraft II which is no longer valid.

The reason for the changes and the split between the overlord and overseer in terms of detection was that the zerg "were somewhat 'detectorific'" in StarCraft.[2]

Overlords briefly lost the ability to transport units in early 2008 but regained the ability by December.[3]

Overlord SC2 DevRend1

Early StarCraft II overlord

Overlords used to have the Slime and Create Creep abilities.[4] They did not cost energy.[5]

  • Slime (also known as "Corrupt Minerals")
    • The overlord could drop a non-attacking slime creature,[5] temporarily disabling resource nodes and xel'naga towers.[6][7] The minerals can be covered as they're being harvested, enabling raids which slow down an enemy's economy.[5] The creature must be killed before the minerals can be accessed.[5][2]
    • This ability took some time to "cast" and had a small cooldown timer.[5]
  • Create Creep
    • Generates a temporary patch of creep on the ground.[5]

StarCraft II beta patch 14 increased the cost of Pneumatized Carapace from 50 minerals and gas to 100. The Patch 1.4.3 Balance Update increased the overlord's movement speed by 25%, from 0.4687 to 0.586.

Before Legacy of the Void, all overlords were upgraded to transports with the Ventral Sacs upgrade. The expansion changed the upgrade to effect individual overlords. As of the Patch 4.2.1 Balance Update, Mutate Ventral Sacs requires a lair instead of an evolution chamber.

Patch 4.0 increased the overlord's movement speed without Pneumatized Carapace from 0.82 to .902. The Patch 4.0.2 Balance Update allowed the overlord to respond more quickly to morph commands. Patch 4.7.1 increased the time between Generate Creep growth periods from 0.36 to 0.45. The Patch 4.10.1 Balance Update decreased the cost of Pneumatized Carapace from 100 minerals and gas to 75 while Patch 4.11 reverted this.

Removed Upgrades[]

VentralSacs SC2 Game1
Ventral Sacs

The overlord can transport units.

This upgrade is removed in Legacy of the Void. Overlords must now be upgraded individually.

Acquisition
Purchased from Lair/Hive
Hotkey E
Cost 200 Minerals 200 Vespene gas 130seconds
ve

Images[]

Skins
Portraits

References[]

  1. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II Map Editor. (Activision Blizzard) (in English). July 27, 2010
  2. 2.0 2.1 INC Games: Zerg Q&A. Accessed on 2008-03-20 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "INC" defined multiple times with different content
  3. Karune. 2008-12-17. StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 47. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2008-12-17.
  4. StarCraft Legacy staff. 2009-04-04. Zerg Unit Information. StarCraft Legacy. Accessed 2009-06-23.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 1) The tier 1 Overlord is very slow and does not have detection, though still essential for scouting throughout the game.

    2) They are two different abilities. In generating creep, the Overlord essentially unloads a bunch of creep straight to the ground below it, which expands. Corrupting minerals takes some time to fully cast, but it creates a non-attacking creature that takes over that resource, and needs to be killed before those minerals are able to be gathered. Furthermore, you can corrupt resources that are already being mined, introducing potential Overseer raids to slow the enemy's production.

    3)Neither abilities require energy. Creep generation does not have a cooldown whereas corrupt minerals has a small cooldown timer.
    Karune. 2008-04-25. Overseers having Creep Drop, details?. Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2008-04-25.
  6. Burnes, Andrew. 2008-03-10. StarCraft 2 - Zerg Attack: New Screenshots, Unit Images & Unit Info! IGN.com Accessed 2008-03-10.
  7. Korda, Martin. Hands-on: Martin Korda gets to grips with StarCraft II and gets the lowdown on the newly evolved Zerg. CVG.com Accessed 2008-05-04.
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