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A zergling
The zergling is the basic zerg warrior.
Overview
A zergling during the Great War
Zerglings form the most numerous of the zerg mutations; the simple DNA allows two zerglings to be spawned from a single larva. The larvae get the genetic information from the 'primordial ooze' of spawning pools.[1] The smallest zerg strain apart from the larvae,[2] and equivalent in size to a large dog, zerglings are one meter tall and possess webbed feet.[3] Further mutations may be made to zergling DNA, namely the alteration of their physiology through a metabolic boost to increase their reflexes and rate of movement and the mutation of their adrenal glands, changing their glandular balance to induce a battle frenzy.[1] The rapid genesis modification to zergling cells allows their gestation to proceed at remarkable speed.[4]
A zergling after the Brood War
Zerglings are physically adaptable creatures, able to climb near vertical surfaces and are extraordinarily fast,[5] though they are generally easy to exterminate, one ending up as roadkill after being run over by a recon vehicle.[6] Usually, zergling eyes are orange (see images), though some have been observed to be red.[5] Such is their ability to see in low light conditions, these eyes can appear pure black (courtesy of the expanding pupils to allow more light to the retina).[2]
A zergling during the Second Great War
Outside of combat, zerglings can serve as lookouts[7] and lone zerglings serve as scouts,[3] though may have a retinue of hydralisks if they scout an exceedingly long distance away from a hive cluster.[8] When they attack however, zerglings move in large groups, ranging from a dozen to a hundred, often acting as "meat shields" for more powerful zerg strains.[3] Individually, zerglings are little more than feral animals, but work well in large groups under the command of larger zerg warriors.[1] In combat, zerglings are fond of ripping enemies to shreds with their sickles and fangs, indicating a sadistic streak (although not to the extent of the hydralisk).[1] When paired with roaches, they can be nearly unstoppable against marines bereft of siege tank or bunker support.[9]
Zerglings were allergic to lemon juice.[10] During the Second Great War, its validity became a Terran Dominion rumor[11]. Abathur resolved to solve the problem.[10]
History
Zerglings on the charge
Zerglings were evolved from the Zz'gashi dune runner when the latter were assimilated into the Zerg Swarm. The zergling may be a relatively recent addition to the swarm given that Zz'gash seems to be located close to the Koprulu sector.[12] Zerglings continued to evolve after the Brood War, gaining the ability to metamorphose into banelings. The evolution came from an experiment conducted by the zerg at the Dominion colony of Sorona, in which they incorporate a native acidic mold into their body structure.[13] This evolution was controlled by the new queen breed.[14]
The Terran Dominion has a secret program which uses zerglings to track psychic terrans.[15]
Game Unit
StarCraft
- For StarCraft gameplay information see: Zergling (StarCraft).
StarCraft: Ghost
The zergling in StarCraft: Ghost
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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. |
Zerglings in StarCraft: Ghost maintain their burrowing and health regeneration abilities. In addition, zerglings gain a "bloodlust" ability, which increases their damage and possibly speed while zerglings move in groups.[16]
The zergling is the basic zerg unit in the Invasion Mode. It can transform into a hydralisk, infested marine or mutalisk, costing one, two and five points respectively.[17]
StarCraft II
- For StarCraft II gameplay information see: Zergling (StarCraft II).
Other
Warcraft
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A zergling unit appears in Warcraft III.
World of Warcraft vanity pet
In World of Warcraft, zerglings appear as "vanity pets" and look much like in Warcraft III but are shorter, fatter, lack the spiked tail, are solid brown, and have wider mouths. They look generally cartoony, befitting their status as non-combat vanity pets.
The zergling pet will attack Grunty the murloc marine, who will also attack them.[18]
Heroes of the Storm
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The following section contains information from Heroes of the Storm and is not canon to StarCraft continuity
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Zerglings appeared as minions in early builds of Heroes of the Storm.[19] Kerrigan could ride a zergling mount in later builds.[20] In the current technical Alpha, Kerrigan can choose to amplify an ability to also spawn zerglings.
Known Zerglings
Zerglings attacking a reaper
Variant Strains
- Devouring One
- Eats the Fallen
- Primal zergling
- Raptor
- Screamer
- Swarmling
- War Zergling
- Zergrinch Goblin
Evolutions
Individuals
A zergling
Trivia
A Carbot-styled zergling
The zergling is often nicknamed "ling" in online culture. The Metabolic Boost zergling is often nicknamed "speedling" and the Metabolic Boost and Adrenal Glands zergling is often nicknamed "crackling".
A baneling/zergling plushie was available at BlizzCon 2013, along with a Carbot Animations-style zergling t-shirt.[21]
Zerglings were used as the basis of PETA's "Zerglings Have Feelings Too" campaign.[22]
References
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