We would like to thank everyone for taking part in the StarCraft II beta. Your contributions to the beta process have been enormous. Each game and every player who has been actively participating has made an impact on the ongoing balance of the game and every game played has brought to light any possible strengths and weaknesses of the various units and races.
While we are getting to the end of this phase of the beta, we still need your participation and feedback for our latest balance changes in patch 14. As we have in previous reports, we have taken the time to explain a bit more about the changes that have been made and our thoughts on them.
Viking- Ground damage decreased from 14 to 12.
The Viking’s damage has been reduced to make them a little less effective on the ground. Massed Vikings were a little too powerful in a few late game scenarios. Vikings have also become very dominant in terran vs. terran matches and we are testing to see if a small damage reduction will make some other units more viable.
Archon- Build time decreased from 17 to 12.
Archons can now merge a little faster so “mid battle merges” will be a little bit more practical.
Ultralisk- Anabolic Synthesis upgrade removed. - Health increased from 450 to 500.- Speed increased from 2.25 to 2.9531.
Ultralisks have been buffed to include their speed upgrade as by default and to give them a little more endurance in big fights. This may or may not be enough to get the Ultralisk ultimately where we want him to be. We will continue testing going forward.
Infestor- Burrowed move speed increased from 1 to 2.- Peristalsis upgrade removed.
Roach- Organic Carapace upgrade removed.- Tunneling Claws now also increases burrowed regeneration rate from 5 to 10.
There are many different upgrades on the zerg, the Roach and the Infestor both had three upgrades. We are reducing and combining these upgrades so the units get a little bit more powerful or so that you have to buy fewer upgrades to complete your units. We have also reduced the cost of several energy abilities on the Zerg that didn’t see a lot of use. We will continue to monitor these abilities moving forward.