Creep

From StarCraft 2 Wiki

Creep is the base material of the Zerg, providing nourishment for the larger "breeds" that act as Zerg "buildings". These structures are basically enormous organs that rely on Creep for nutrients. Any single Hive Cluster is essentially one single living entity that uses the Zerg breeds for protection and to fulfill specific tasks and where the Creep binds the Cluster together. The Creep sends tendrils deep into the earth to absorb raw minerals and automatically produces a nourishing substance for the structures on the surface.

(SC1) Zerg base attacked by enemy Zerglings.

Large Zerg base under attack. Creep covering most of the area.

The only Zerg structures that can be created without creep are the Hatchery and the Extractor, where the first one creates Creep itself, and the latter can absorb the nutrients it needs directly from the Vespene geyser. Besides the Hatchery (and its upgrades Hive and Lair, the Zerg can also create the nutrient substance with Creep Tumors, Shriekers and a stationary Overlord. Before and during the Brood War, the Zerg relied on Creep Colonies, Spore Colonies and Sunken Colonies besides the Hatchery for Creep infestation. Regardless of the source, once established, the spread of Creep is so rapid, it can be observed in real time.

(SC2) Visible Overlords that are regenerating Creep.

Smaller Zerg base attacked by Protoss.

As the Zerg Swarm have evolved to a more complex genepool, so has the increased need for nutrients. If a Zerg building is left outside of the natural Creep radius, it will start to degenerate and eventually die. This is due to a stronger composition in the Creep, and this Creep will now also in turn slowly corrode Protoss and Terran buildings, if they are exposed to it for a prolonged period of time.

Like human skin, the Creep is an organ on its own and is extremely resilient as long as it has a Creep-producer nearby. The Creep possesses a self-replicating cell structure and is capable of proliferating in any environment; even in a deoxygenated environment or over water. However, its strength lies in its survivability and regeneration, as the substance itself is not very sturdy. Creep that has grown over a hole in the ground will break if any force is applied to it.

The main vulnerability of the Creep is extreme heat; fire and explosive rounds can ignite the substance and burn it away. This is a very inefficient way of removing it, as the rapid cellular regeneration will grow back incinerated tissue within seconds. The only guaranteed way to dispose of Creep is to destroy the Hatchery and any other Creep-generating Zerg structures or units in the vicinity. If these Creep-generators are well hidden, it can be a hard job, as Creep can look "dead" (to the extent this bio-matter can look dead) one second and begin moving/regenerating the next.

Creep is of a dark grey/purple coloration and feels thick and slimy to the touch. It has been described as similar to the feel of feces. Just as all other Zerg lifeforms, Creep is sensitive to psionic powers, and some psionically gifted individuals can even control its growth and movement.

[edit] Game Use

All Zerg structures except the Hatchery and the Extractor must be created on Creep. It does not have to be any specific Zerg player's Creep, it's free for friends and foes alike.

[edit] StarCraft II Use

In StarCraft II, the Creep is generated from Creep Tumors laid by the Hive Queen and Overlords that are upgraded. The Overlords can only generate creep when they are stationary in the air, and if they stop generating creep, it will dissipate at normal speed. The speed of Creep growth is also increased by these upgrades.

Creep will now also be mandatory for all Zerg structures, and if a Zerg structure is lacking its gooey nutrients, it will start to degenerate and die. Likewise, the Creep also affects Protoss and Terran buildings, making them take 3 damage per second, and could possibly be used as a new push tactic as well, with buildings or Overlords.

In StarCraft II, the creep can now spread to any surface that isn't vertical, enabling it to spread down ramps. Similar to StarCraft, any Creep that isn't physically connected to other Creep, but within one Creep-generator's radius will remain alive.

[edit] StarCraft I Use

The only two uses of Creep in StarCraft I are increased life regeneration for Zerg units and the ability to build Zerg structures. Any structures left outside the Creep radius will still work at 100%, regenerate damage taken, etc. It's not possible to build other races' buildings on Creep, but already built ones will keep it at bay without taking damage.

Creep can not spread through obstacles such as ramps, but the creep radius of Creep Colonies (and mutations) will sustain creep even if the area is not covered (if one is made on a cliff, a second one below, the second one is destroyed, the Creep below will stay).