Wikia

Photon Cannon SC2 Game1 — A photon cannon
Added by Hawki

The photon cannon is an automated defense structure of protoss design. Although the protoss revel in the glory of personal combat, they also recognize the need for automated defenses. As such, the cannon fires an encapsulated antimatter sphere similar to that generated by the dragoon, which can target air and ground targets. They are enhanced with special sensor technology borrowed from the observer. Photon cannons require a link to the psionic matrix generated by pylons.^[1]

Game StructureEdit

StarCraftEdit

Photon Cannon

Structure
Race	Protoss
Role	Anti-air/anti-ground defensive structure
Armament	Phase disruptor
Properties
Sight range	11
Detection range	7
Production
Minerals	150
Build time	50
Produced from	Probe
Requires	Forge
Protection
Shields	100
Hit points	100
Armor	0
Combat
Ground attack	20n
Air attack	20n
Cooldown	22
Attack range	7

StrengthsEdit

Inexpensive
Easy to deploy

WeaknessesEdit

The battlecruiser can use the Yamato Cannon to destroy it at a safe distance as well as other long range units such as guardians.
Large numbers of units like zerglings or marines can take the cannon out, as it isn't very efficient against multiple foes.
High damage foes, like archons or ultralisks, can deal large amounts of damage faster than the cannon can.
Without pylons the protoss have no automated defenses.
As with all protoss units and buildings, EMP shockwaves from science vessels can render them without shields.

AbilitiesEdit

Detector
Notes
This unit may detect cloaked and burrowed enemies.

UpgradesEdit

Plasma Shields

Researched at

Forge

Hotkey

S

Properties

Level	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Minerals	200	300	400
Gas	200	300	400
Research time	266	298	330
Required		Cybernetics core

Notes

+1 armor bonus to shields per level for all units and structures.

DevelopmentEdit

During the StarCraft alpha, the photon cannon was known as the "photon battery."^[2]

StarCraft IIEdit

Photon Cannon

Structure
Race	Protoss
Role	Anti-air/anti-ground defensive structure
Armament	Phase disruptor
Properties
Sight range	11
Detection range	11
Production
Minerals	150
Build time	40
Produced from	Probe
Requires	Forge
Hotkey	C
Protection
Shields	150
Shield regen/second	2
Hit points	150
Type	Armored Mechanical Structure
Phase disruptor
Damage	20
Targets	Ground Air
Cooldown	1.25
Range	7
Meta
Target priority	20
Kill score	225
Production score	75

The photon cannon re-appears in StarCraft II, much the same as its predecessor.

AbilitiesEdit

Detector
Notes
This unit can detect cloaked and burrowed enemies.
Edit

Building UpgradesEdit