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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.

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

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting StarCraft without spoilers.

Best starting point

Start with the earliest core StarCraft (1998) (around 1998), then expand to other official releases as needed.

Recommended order

If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.

Fast-track option

To catch up faster, focus on the main story / questline first, then return to side content later.

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 t...

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-co...

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 Ma...

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

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.