Smash and Grab | Campaign - Artifact missions SC II: WoL Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Main objectives:

1. Get to the Artifact
2. Destroy the Stone Zealots (3)
3. Find Protoss Relics (4) (green dots)

Additional objectives:

Tychus has his eyes set on yet another Artifact. It's located on planet Monlyth, guarded by a group of fanatic Protosses. The mission seems fairly easy at first, but unfortunately as Raynor and the gang are getting ready to attack, they witness z Zerg invasion. That makes things a bit more complicated.

[#1]

There's no doubt that the Protoss won't be able to handle the Zerg invasion. As fighting both of them isn't really an option, you will have to get to the Artifact [1] before the Zergs do. During the mission you will be able to see how both races are doing and how much time you've got left to attack. The Protosses will build a couple encampments with Photon Cannons and send their troops there. It will stop the Zergs for a while, but they won't last forever [#1].

[#2]

Keep observing the situation and train your army. The Protosses will be focused on fighting off the Zergs and will send just a couple of Stalkers to your base. Besides it will be more of a presentation of the Marauders' abilities, which specialise in eliminating armoured units. Swann will send you a couple of them for tests at the beginning of the mission. Zergs will be definitely more problematic here, as besides attacking the Protoss camp, they will also come visit yours from time to time [#2]. Protect yourself with Bunkers and a Turret from the west. Be prepared for the attacks to get heavier with time.

[#3]

Note the Protoss relict on the left. There are four such treasures in total spread throughout the map (green dots) and once you gain them, you will earn the same amount of research points. This will help you develop new technologies and improvement, which will help you in further scenarios. To reach the seemingly closest one, you will have to follow a longer path, which will force you to eliminate a few Spine Crawlers [2] [#3] and Protoss relict defence. As for the other ones, just remember about them as you move to the natives' camp.

[#4]

As for the Protoss defence itself, note that it's being powered by Pylons. Is you destroy one, all nearby building will cease to function. It also applies to the Photon Cannons, which just can't shoot without the Pylons. Take advantage of this of course. I'd especially suggest Reapers with their mines (The Devil's Playground mission) if only you have them, but Marauders will also do fine [#4].

Generally assemble a strong army and head to the Protoss camp before the Zergs in the north break through their main defence. Remember that you have to reach the Artifact as the first. Be prepared for a difficult fight in the Protoss base, as the defendants won't let go easily [#5]. Also don't forget about the relict, located in the far east, nearby the entrance to the worship place.

[#5]

Desecrating the Artifact will draw yet another threat. Your vile deed will awaken two Stone Zealots, which will immediately start attacking. If only your army hasn't been decimated by the Protosses, you shouldn't have problems with them. However their attacks are in fact very dangerous [#6].

[#6]