Blizzard has released the latest balance patch for StarCraft 2, version 5.0.16, For public testing area. This update comes after Blizzard announced that no new content will be developed for the game starting in October 2020.
The patch makes several changes, including reducing the starting workers from 12 to 8, and introduces a series of balance adjustments and quality of life improvements to all three races. It also includes several bug fixes.
According to Blizzard, the focus of the update is to enhance the early and mid-game experience, allowing players to remain competitive on a one-to-three basis for a longer period of time.
The goal is to make non-deformed gateway play more practical and increase strategic options for the Zerg, Terran, and Protoss.
Economic changes in StarCraft 2 patch 5.0.16
The most noticeable changes affect the start of each match:
- The initial number of employees has been reduced from 12 to 8.
- Default resources on large mineral patches have now decreased from 1,800 to 1,600, while those on small patches have increased from 900 to 1,200.
- Total default minerals per base have increased from 10,800 to 11,200.
- Vespen Geysers now provide 2,500 resources instead of 2,250, increasing the total gas per base from 4,500 to 5,000.
- Additionally, the harvest yield for enriched Vespane gas has decreased from 8 to 6.
These changes mean that players need to make more cautious decisions early in the game, which places an emphasis on scouting and increases the time before armies reach maximum size.
Race-specific balance changes for Zerg, Terran, and Protoss.
Each race has received significant adjustments:
- Zerg changes include reducing supplies from Hatchery, Lair, and Hive from six to four.
- slow creep spread
- Increased damage from Spore Crawler against biological units.
- cheap carapace upgrade
- An auto-attack weapon for miscreants
- and the extended microbial shroud ranges from nine to twelve.
- The Viper’s stealth capability can now target siege tanks.
Terran changes include reducing the command center supply from 15 to 13; Redesigned Ghost to use three supplies, granting 100 health, 20 base damage, and a range of seven, with modified static targeting that no longer cancels on damage; and updating subgroup priorities in MEDEVAC.
Protoss adjustments include moving Warpgate Research from the Cybernetics Core to Gateway, reducing Warp-in time to three seconds, introducing a fifty-fifty conversion cost for Warpgate conversions, and updating the cooldown for Gateway and Warpgate units. High Templar Psi Storm damage has been reduced from 110 to 100.
Bug fixes, PTR status, and how to try Starcraft 2 patch 5.0.16
The patch includes an extensive list of bug fixes and quality of life improvements that address visual indicators, animation timing, unit selection behavior, and audio cues.
Major updates include:
- Active Creep tumors are now prioritized over inactive tumors during selection, with Mule Repair being set to auto-cast by default
- Select Xel’Naga towers can now be accessed through the Fog of War.
- Additionally, there are several visual and audio improvements to spell effects across all races, as well as increases to the command behavior of workers when building refinery structures.
Patch 5.0.16 is now live on the public testbed. Blizzard notes that changes may be adjusted based on feedback from testers before full release. Players can opt for a test area through Battle.net to share their feedback.
StarCraft 2 was released in 2010. Although Blizzard ended development of new content in 2020, the company has continued to release balance updates as needed.
Patch 5.0.16 is the most significant balancing and quality of life update in years.
