StarCraft

Q: What are the three races?

The **Terrans** are adaptable human exiles; the **Zerg** are a ruthless biological swarm controlled by a hive mind; and the **Protoss** are an ancient, technologically advanced species with psionic powers.

Q: In what order should I play the games?

For the story, play in release order: *StarCraft* (or *Remastered*) campaigns (Terran, Zerg, Protoss), then *Brood War*, followed by the *StarCraft II* trilogy: *Wings of Liberty*, *Heart of the Swarm*, and *Legacy of the Void*.

Q: Who are the main heroes?

The central figures are **Jim Raynor** (Terran rebel leader), **Sarah Kerrigan** (Zerg leader), and **Zeratul** (Protoss Dark Templar). Their intertwined destinies drive the saga's narrative.

Q: Can I play StarCraft for free?

Yes! The original *StarCraft* (classic version) and the *StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty* campaign (along with multiplayer) are free-to-play on Battle.net.

Overview Places & Experiences Collectibles Characters Weapons & Gear Media

StarCraft is a legendary real-time strategy (RTS) video game series developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Set in a distant future, it features three distinct races - Terrans, Protoss, and Zerg - locked in an epic struggle for dominance across the galaxy. The series is renowned for its competitive esports scene and deep strategic gameplay.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

StarCraft

Also Known As

StarCraft: Brood War, StarCraft II, SC, SC2

Format

game

Release Year

1998

Current Status

Active franchise

Country of Origin

United States

Creator

Blizzard Entertainment

Publisher

Blizzard Entertainment

Original Work

StarCraft (1998)

Genre

Real-time strategy, Sci-Fi

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape StarCraft.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

In the 26th century, humanity's exiled descendants, the Terrans, find themselves caught in a violent conflict between two alien species in the Koprulu Sector: the insectoid, hive-minded Zerg and the technologically advanced, psionic Protoss. The saga follows Marshal Jim Raynor as he fights against tyranny and ancient evils, witnessing the tragic transformation of Sarah Kerrigan into the Queen of Blades and the unfolding of a prophecy that could end all life.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

The Koprulu Sector is a remote, lawless frontier of the Milky Way. It is a region of stark contrasts, ranging from the industrial, dystopic sprawl of Terran worlds like Korhal to the organic, creep-covered hives of Char and the golden, psionically-charged citadels of Aiur. It is a universe where ancient xeno-archaeology meets gritty, futuristic warfare.

The Koprulu Sector, a distant part of the Milky Way galaxy.

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

The desperate struggle of species facing extinction.

Humanity vs. Monstrosity: Exploring what it means to be human through Kerrigan's transformation and the Protoss's rigid codes.

War & Politics: The Machiavellian maneuvering of factions like the Dominion.

Evolution: The Zerg's biological adaptation versus the Protoss's technological stagnation.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing StarCraft's global influence.

Creation Background

Blizzard wanted to create the ultimate RTS with three asymmetric races

Cultural Impact

Defined modern esports, especially in South Korea

Legacy

Considered one of the greatest RTS games ever made

Major Milestones

1998: Original StarCraft launches and becomes phenomenon,1998: Brood War expansion perfects the formula,2010: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty launches,2017: StarCraft Remastered brings HD graphics,2020: StarCraft II goes free-to-play

Awards

Game of the Year awards,Esports Game of the Year,Hall of Fame inductions

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from StarCraft.

Jim Raynor

“Some things are just worth fighting for.”

A former Confederate marshal turned rebel leader who fights against tyranny and corruptionView Profile

Sarah Kerrigan

“The Zerg will consume all.”

A former Terran Ghost who was transformed into the powerful Queen of Blades, ruler of the ZergView Profile

Zeratul

A wise and powerful Dark Templar who serves as a guide and prophetView Profile

Artanis

A young Protoss leader who must unite his people and reclaim their homeworldView Profile

Arcturus Mengsk

“I will not be stopped. Not by you, or the Confederates, or the Protoss, or anyone!”

The ruthless emperor of the Terran Dominion who will do anything to maintain powerView Profile

Explore all StarCraft characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is StarCraft?▼

StarCraft is a military science fiction real-time strategy (RTS) game series by Blizzard Entertainment, focusing on the galactic war between three species: Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss.

What are the three races?▼

The Terrans are adaptable human exiles; the Zerg are a ruthless biological swarm controlled by a hive mind; and the Protoss are an ancient, technologically advanced species with psionic powers.

In what order should I play the games?▼

For the story, play in release order: StarCraft (or Remastered) campaigns (Terran, Zerg, Protoss), then Brood War, followed by the StarCraft II trilogy: Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void.

Who is Sarah Kerrigan?▼

Sarah Kerrigan was a Terran Ghost (psychic operative) betrayed by her commander and captured by the Zerg. She was infested and transformed into the Queen of Blades, becoming one of the universe's most powerful and feared entities.

Is StarCraft still active?▼

While active development on new content has ceased, the servers remain online, and the game maintains a dedicated player base and a legendary professional esports scene, particularly in South Korea.

Why is StarCraft so popular in esports?▼

StarCraft (especially Brood War) pioneered modern esports. Its high skill ceiling, perfect asymmetrical balance, and spectator-friendly gameplay turned it into a national phenomenon in South Korea and a global competitive standard.

What is a 'Zerg Rush'?▼

A famous tactic and internet meme where a Zerg player overwhelms the opponent with a massive number of cheap, fast units (Zerglings) very early in the game. The term is now used to describe any overwhelming swarm attack.

Who are the main heroes?▼

The central figures are Jim Raynor (Terran rebel leader), Sarah Kerrigan (Zerg leader), and Zeratul (Protoss Dark Templar). Their intertwined destinies drive the saga's narrative.

Can I play StarCraft for free?▼

Yes! The original StarCraft (classic version) and the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty campaign (along with multiplayer) are free-to-play on Battle.net.

What is the 'Pylon' meme?▼

"You must construct additional Pylons" is an iconic audio warning heard by Protoss players when they run out of supply capacity. It has become a widely recognized catchphrase in gaming culture.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.

Official Website

Visit Official Site

Twitter

@StarCraft

Facebook

StarCraft

Instagram

@starcraft

Youtube

StarCraft

Streaming / Watch

Battle.netTwitchYouTube Gaming

Characters Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/starcraft/characters

Works Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/starcraft/works

Collectibles Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/starcraft/collectibles

Experiences Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/starcraft/experiences

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StarCraft

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Story, World & Core Themes

Cultural Impact Timeline

Key Characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Official & Related Links

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