The small, savage Zergling is one of the few breeds that a core species has been found for. It is so closely related to the dune-runners of Zz’gash that it is believed that the Zerg at some point encountered and "absorbed" the DNA structure of the dune-runners. Mutated by the Zerg to be more efficient killers, the voracious Zergling are capable of ripping a larger creature to shreds with their razor-edged forearms and sharp fangs. Their DNA structure is so simple that two Zerglings can be created from a single Larva.

Although the Zergling is small and relatively low in vitality (HP), do not understimate their usefulness. In addition to the early game rush, Zerglings can be a vital tool in the later game as well serving as the frontline of an attack backed by Hydralisks, Mutalisks, or Guardians. As cannon fodder, they give the more expensive units a longer lifespan and better attack potential while they tie up the enemy. Also, since Zerglings require no Vespene gas to be produced, they are a good choice to use up the usual mineral overhead that is accumulated in the later game to balance the gas usage for the more advanced breeds.

In some cases, the Zerglings don't even need to be used as decoys or fodder. Once their melee attack, Carapace, Metabolic Boost and Adrenal Glands have been upgraded/evolved, they can be a huge threat when built in substantial numbers. A swarm of 100 or more fully upgraded Zerglings can be fairly cheap for the amount of sheer havoc they can wreak. The unending flood of these units can cause even the most stalwart enemy to tremble in their feet.

Zerglings can also be evolved to gain the ability to Burrow. With it, they can be used to burrow at resource nodes or choke points to keep track of enemy expansion or movement. With their extremely low cost, burrowed Zerglings can cover an entire map making it much easier to plan out strategies or defenses

Defilers with Zerglings

If Defilers are available, Zerglings make the perfect counterpart for them. They can be used for the Defiler's Consume ability, quickly recharging the Defiler's energy stores. Also, when Zerglings are used in combination with the Defiler's Dark Swarm ability, they can really cause massive damage (since only melee attack units can hit beneath a Dark Swarm). With a Dark Swarm over a blockade of Siege Tanks/Bunkers or Photon Cannons, Zerglings can make quick work of them, clearing a path so that the more powerful ranged attack units like Hydralisks can break through

Upgrades

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Burrow - With the Burrow ability, Zerglings will be able to hide from more powerful foes, watch an area undetected, and ambush the enemy.

Melee Attacks - Each upgrade adds +1 to Melee Attacks for a total of +3 when fully upgraded.

Carapace - Each upgrade adds +1 to the Carapace for a total of +3 when fully upgraded.

Metabolic Boost - This will allow your Zerglings to travel across the map much more quickly, and reach their targets at a faster rate.

Adrenal Glands - This upgrade gives the Zerglings a faster attack and combined with the Metabolic Boost, the adrenalized Zerglings can reach and attack an enemy at an alarming rate, quickly tearing down any opposing enemy force or base.