Starcraft – How to use reapers if not to destroy buildings

starcraft-2

In HotS, Blizzard will be removing the D-8 charges from reapers (the special attack that makes them effective against buildings). Currently, I like to build a pack of reapers (6-8) and use them to plow through an enemies base when he doesn't have troops there or is distracted. Now, I'm wondering how I can use them effectively in a different way (especially when HotS comes out).

I've tried adding them to my bio unit composition, but just marines + marauders seems much more (cost) effective, especially with upgrades. I can see them uses as an early harass / annoyance, but that probably works only against Protoss and only before they have stalkers.

Blizzard said at one point that they nerfed them too much in WoL, and want to bring them to their full potential in HotS. So I assume that they do have a valid use besides as an anti-building specialist, but what is that?

Best Answer

Reaper are neither a meaty nor a support unit, meaning they are not good in an army composition. This is because of their cost and their build time. Reapers are good scouts and harassment units.

There are a few timing attacks that are nasty, but actually mass Reaper is not viable. So Reaper are reduced to:

  • Scouting: especially with speed they are a cost effective scout compared to scans or slow units like Marine / SCV that get killed all the time.
  • Harassing: Having a few Reaper that regularly visit the opponents mineral line can be compared to drops. The opponent has to stay in his base or he risks loosing his economy.

But you also need a real army, that can finish you opponent.

In HotS the Reaper has exactly the same role. Their building damage is reduced, but they get an out of combat healing ability, so they can harass more often without dying.