StarCraft/Protoss buildings

Buildings in StarCraft serve several purposes. Most of them are used to produce units, others to research upgrades, or to provide static defences. Most importantly, they allow you to climb up the technology tree, allowing the construction of more buildings and units. The Protoss are unique in that once the probe has started the warping process, it is then free to go as it will. The building will 'build itself'.

General
These are the buildings useable from the beginning of the game, requiring no focus on a particular unit strategy.

Nexus
This building is THE most crucial building owned. As well as producing probes, it is also the resource-gathering centre. Losing one's last Nexus means a complete stop to all resource gathering until another can be built...if there are enough minerals available. At 400 minerals each, it's pretty hefty. It is also one of the few buildings which does not have to be built in the range of a pylon.


 * Cost:        400/0
 * Hit Points:  750/750
 * Requirements: None

Assimilator
Assimilators allow probes to mine geysers for vespene gas. Players sometimes use their early worker scout to build an assimilator on top of their opponent's vespene geyser, delaying vespene gas accumulation. Although this trick can be performed by any race, it is most apt to the Protoss, as their probes need only start the building process.


 * Cost:        100/0
 * Hit Points:  450/450
 * Requirements: None

Pylon
The Pylon is the power source for all Protoss buildings (except for the Nexus and Assimilator). Protoss buildings require at least one Pylon built nearby in order to function properly. If a Pylon powering a building is destroyed, the building will stop working. Pylons also provide 8 unit support each.


 * Cost:        100/0
 * Hit Points:  300/300
 * Requirements: None

Gateway
The Gateway is where Protoss ground units (Zealot, Dragoon, High Templar, and Dark Templar) come out.


 * Cost:    150/0
 * Hit Points:  500/500
 * Requirements: Nexus

Forge
The Forge is used for upgrading Ground Attack, Ground Armor, and Shield Armor.


 * Cost:        150/0
 * Hit Points:  550/550
 * Requirements: Nexus
 * Research:    Ground Weapons Upgrade, Ground Armor Upgrade, Plasma Shields Upgrade

Photon Cannon
The Photon Cannon is a defensive structure for the Protoss. Its ranged attack can hit both ground and air units. It can also detect cloaked units.


 * Cost:        150/0
 * Hit Points:  100/100
 * Requirements: Forge
 * Damage:      20 (Air and Ground)

Shield Battery
The Shield Battery can be used by all Protoss units to recharge their shields.


 * Cost:        100/0
 * Hit Points:  200/200
 * Requirements: Gateway
 * Max Energy: 200

Cybernetics Core
The Cybernetics Core is used for upgrading Air Attack, Air Armor, and increased attack range for Protoss Dragoons.


 * Cost:        200/0
 * Hit Points:  500/500
 * Requirements: Gateway
 * Research:    Air Weapons Upgrade, Air Armor Upgrade, Singularity Charge

Robotics Tech Path
This particular technology path leads to special units which provide transportation, detection and artillery. Often used on ground maps for detection or for a reaver drop on ground maps, it is usually a popular choice on air maps, to provide the transportation needed for a quick attack or expansion.

Robotics Facility
The Robotics Facility is the construction center for Shuttles, Reavers, and Observers. Only Shuttles are available by default.


 * Cost:        200/200
 * Hit Points:  500/500
 * Requirements: Cybernetics Core

Robotics Support Bay
Allows Reavers to be built at the Robotics Facility


 * Cost:        150/100
 * Hit Points:  450/450
 * Requirements: Robotics Facility
 * Research:    Scarab Damage, Reaver Capacity, Gravitic Drive

Observatory
Allows Observers to be built at the Robotics Facility


 * Cost:        50/100
 * Hit Points:  250/250
 * Requirements: Robotics Facility
 * Research:    Sensor Array, Gravitic Booster

Citadel Tech Path
This is a very common choice on ground maps, as Protoss ground units are far superior to other races' units, allowing greater versatility to the Zealot and bringing into play the Templar and Archon units.

Citadel of Adun
Allows the Templar Archives to be warped in.


 * Cost:        150/100
 * Hit Points:  450/450
 * Requirements: Cybernetics Core
 * Research:    Leg Enhancement

Templar Archives
Allows both High and Dark Templar to be built at the Gateway.


 * Cost:    150/200
 * Hit Points:  500/500
 * Requirements: Citadel of Adun
 * Research:    Psionic Storm, Hallucination, Khaydarin Amulet, Mind Control, Maelstrom, Argus Talisman

Stargate Tech Path
Stargate technology is one of the more rarely used pathways, used mainly on air maps or in the endgame for that extra punch.

Stargate
The Stargate allows air units to be warped in.


 * Cost:        150/150
 * Hit Points:  600/600
 * Requirements: Cybernetics Core
 * Can Train: Scouts, Carriers and Arbiters

Fleet Beacon
The Fleet Beacon allows Carriers to be constructed, and allows Scouts, Carriers, and Corsairs to be upgraded.


 * Cost:        300/200
 * Hit Points:  500/500
 * Requirements: Stargate
 * Research:    Apial Sensors, Gravitic Thrusters, Carrier Capacity, Disruption Web, Argus Jewel

Arbiter Tribunal
The Arbiter Tribunal allows Arbiters to be constructed and upgraded.


 * Cost:        200/150
 * Hit Points:  500/500
 * Requirements: Stargate, Templar Archives
 * Research:    Recall, Stasis Field, Khaydarin Core