Cybernetics Core

[e][h] Cybernetics Core

Building Information

Cost:

 200  0  38

Hotkey:

B → Y

Defense:

500 500 1

Requirements:

• Gateway
• Pylon Power

Unlocked Tech:

• Robotics Facility
• Stargate
• Citadel of Adun
• Dragoon
• Level 2-3 Plasma Shields

Upgrades available:

• Level 1-3 Air Weapons
• Level 1-3 Air Plating
• Singularity Charge

Sight:

0

Animated:

Yes

The Cybernetics Core is a Protoss tech building. Building it requires a Gateway, and it unlocks the Dragoon, as well as more advanced tech buildings. Therefore, it's built in virtually every game.

During the active research of upgrades, the Cybernetics Core displays a rotating glowing ring. This allows the enemy to scout anything being researched. A common mindgame is to start the Air Weapons Lv.1 upgrade, then cancel it in order to fake the Dragoon range (Singularity Charge) upgrade and instead go with another build that delays it, such as a fast Robotics Facility build.

In the current competitive metagame, only a single Cybernetics Core is typically built, as it's not important to have both air armor and weapons upgrades researched quickly in any matchup.

Upgrades

Air Armor

150 (+75)      150 (+75)      168 (+13) (fastest) Air armor +1 per level, up to +3. A Fleet Beacon is required for levels 2 and 3.

Air Weapons

100 (+75)      100 (+75)      168 (+13) (fastest) Air damage +1 per level, up to +3. The Scout has 2 air attacks per shot, so it gets +2 per level, up to +6. A Fleet Beacon is required for levels 2 and 3.

Singularity Charge

150      150      105 (fastest) Dragoon range is increased by +2 from 4 to 6.

Competitive Usage

versus Zerg

As the Corsair is an essential unit in this matchup, the Cybernetics Core is built to unlock the Stargate. However, this is usually built after the Forge. Dragoons aren't very useful against early Zerglings, and the Forge is required for the Photon Cannon. The Dragoon range upgrade is researched later so that Dragoons can better handle Hydralisks and Lurkers.

Air Armor/Weapons Lv.1 are typically researched for the Corsair. The Air Armor upgrade is an especially effective countermeasure against the Mutalisk's multi-hit attack. Air Armor/Weapons Lv.2 and Lv.3 are typically not researched, as the Fleet Beacon isn't built in this matchup.

versus Terran

This is built in the early game regardless of the build order. The Dragoon range upgrade is typically researched early so that Dragoons can easily kite Marines, as well as outrange a stock Marine in a Bunker.

Air Weapons Lv.1 will be researched even before a Stargate is built if the intended late-game tech is the Carrier. Once the Fleet Beacon is finished, Air Weapons Lv.2 will be started immediately. Air Weapons Lv.3 is researched before Air Armor Lv.1, as Carriers greatly benefit from the extra Interceptor damage.

versus Protoss

As this matchup is heavily reliant on Dragoons and Reavers, the Dragoon range upgrade is mandatory.

Air Armor/Weapons upgrades are typically not researched. Air units other than the Shuttle and Observer are rarely used, and the Forge and Robotics Support Bay upgrades are more important.