New to StarCraft II? Learn the Ropes Before its PC Game Pass Launch

Intergalactic warfare rages on in the outer rim of space, sixty thousand light-years from our Earth. Everywhere, every day, there’s anarchy—skirmishes, insurgencies, sorties, border conflicts. Untamed madness, primed for a leader with the gall and grit to temper it.

The galaxy awaits its greatest commander: you.

Whether you’re taking your first tentative steps into the RTS (real-time strategy) universe or you’re a battle-seasoned genre veteran, StarCraft II has something new to offer every player. And with StarCraft II: Campaign Collection launching into PC Game Pass tomorrow, it’s the perfect time to step into this iconic universe. Experience versatile gameplay that caters to players of all levels, bolstered by a large and welcoming community and a storied esports scene. Interested in taking your army for a spin around the galaxy? Learn more about the experience that awaits you before diving in.

Pledge your Allegiance

StarCraft II: Campaign Collection features over 60 missions across three distinct campaigns: Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void. As you battle through these missions, you will command three different races, each with a unique playstyle, in the quest for ultimate galactic conquest. Each of the races boasts unique units, buildings, and personalities.

Terran

Descendents of a centuries-past colonization expedition, the Terran race is comprised of resourceful and resilient humans.

Key features:

• All-rounders – Terran forces rely on a large mixture of durable units to counter and outwit their enemies.
• Durable and dependable – When properly reinforced, Terran bases can withstand a lot. Plus, if you find yourself unsatisfied with your base layout midway through a match, you can simply lift up a building and relocate it to a new area.

Zerg

No technology? No problem. What the merciless alien Zerg lack in intellect and firepower, they more than make up for with their many, many, many units.

Key features:

• Strength in numbers – Zerg can swarm their enemies with an overwhelming amount of fast-moving, low-cost units
• Creep – Zerg bases can be covered in a nourishing biological substance that provides speed and vision buffs

Protoss

Wielding technology and formidable psionic strength, the ancient and mysterious Protoss are warriors unmatched in both skill and courage.

Key features:

• Warp Gates – Unique to the Protoss, Warp Gates can teleport ground units and facilitate the rapid production of units at specific map locations
• Individual power – Strong and dynamic like the Colossus and the Carrier can help the Protoss dominate any battlefield

 

Keys to Conquering the Galaxy

The objective of most StarCraft II missions is simple: Construct a base, build an army, and employ creative techniques and tactical finesse to defeat your opponent. To secure your victory, you’ll need to learn how to multitask throughout the game by balancing macro– and micro-management.

The term macro refers to your ability to juggle big-picture strategy. Throughout the match, you’ll want to expand around the map and build your team’s economy by generating resources, constructing supply structures, and producing units for your army.

Micro is, as the name implies, your capacity to control your team’s units on a small-scale level. After your forces have begun to assemble, you can destabilize your enemy by attacking their army and sabotaging their structures. Understanding the units that comprise your team and learning how to effectively utilize their individual abilities is key to successful micro play.

Once you’ve learned the ways of the macro-micro-ing masters, you’ll be on your way to outsmarting and outplaying each match-up you meet. Playing through the Campaign Collection is also a perfect teaching tool for entering the world of StarCraft II multiplayer – make your way through all 60 missions and you’ll have a more-than-solid grounding I all three playable factions that you can take into the PvP sphere.

Study Up to Ready Up

There’s always more to find out about StarCraft II, and if you’re keen to learn more about the game before queueing into your first match or just want to pick up some new tips and tricks, the StarCraft II team and community have resources for you.

• Official forums
• StarCraft subreddit
• PiG’s beginner basics videos
• Spawning tool

And if that’s not enough StarCraft campaign goodness for you, PC Game Pass members can also claim the entirety of StarCraft: Remastered, the updated version of the classic original game, from tomorrow.