Two Units Every Terran Player Should Use

With such powerful basic combos, many Terran players forget about the utilities of two excellent tools in their arsenal: The flamethrowing Hellion, and the versatile Raven. But in many situations, a few of these specialty units can turn the tide of battle for a Terran bioball or tank line.


The Hellion is often underrated. By the time a Hellion can be made, there are often more enticing units available to mass; why make Hellions instead of more marines, marauders or tanks? Hellions can be destroyed by almost any unit in a straight fight. Make no mistake, the Hellion requires considerable micromanagement; but with the right tactics, this unit can be hell on wheels. The greatest combat utility of this unit is against zerglings and their big brother banelings, making it a natural partner to the Thor. With infernal pre-igniter upgrades, two Hellions can liquefy a swath of the bugs in a single burst. Without the zergling speed upgrade, Hellions can escape a normally unstoppable swarm without a scratch. They can even destroy zealots, but these shielded tough guys take a bit longer to toast.

However, combat utility is not the only function of the Hellion. With their speed and line damage, Hellions make excellent economy harassers. If the workers run, it’s all the better; they line up perfectly, and the flamethrower causes maximum destruction. And finally, to top off this useful Terran unit, there is the cost; a mere 100 minerals, less than a single marauder.

The Raven though, has far greater utility than the Hellion. It boggles the mind why this unit is not included in any high-tech Terran force. This spiritual successor to the Science vessel has every bit of its ancestor’s utility. The first ability, Auto Turret, seems mediocre at first. However, this ability can provide an expendable frontline for a force of infantry, fill in a gap in a chokepoint, or protect a tank line from sneaky zerglings. The turrets and the Raven’s capability to detect invisible units would be enough for a worthwhile unit, but the Raven is capable of far more. For a small fee of 100/100, Hunter Seeker Missile can be upgraded at the starport tech lab. This missile can do considerable damage in an area of effect to a mass of enemy units, albeit with considerable energy cost.

However, the Raven has one more ability: The Point-Defense Drone. This ability is worthy of its own paragraph. A defense drone can be placed anywhere for 100 energy, and lasts 180 seconds un-upgraded. With the full energy it starts with, the drone will intercept 20 visible projectiles, such as photon cannon blasts or hydralisk spines. A small force of infantry can, with the protection of a few drones, destroy a far larger force of hydralisks or stalkers. The defensive capability of the defense drone cannot be exaggerated: It is just that good.

The Terran are already known for their tough infantry and heavy firepower. However, with good use of the Hellion and Raven, a Terran force is truly something to be feared.