StarCraft has been one of the most titanic sci-fi games since the ’90s, with Brood War still boasting an impressive competitive scene even by modern standards. Whilethe team at Blizzardhasn’t done much with the IP since the release of Legacy of the Void, there’s a chance that could change now that Microsoft holds the studio’s reins.
If you’re preparing for that hopeful future, it might be time to read up on what lore the Koprulu Sector has to offer. To that end, we’ve gathered some of our favorite StarCraft novels so you can get your reading list together. Here are our favorite of the StarCraft novels.
StarCraft: Heaven’s Devils
See where Jim’s story began
If you’re a fan of Raynor and Findlay and want to find how the pair got started, this is going to be your favored starting point. This story looks into the mythical Heaven’s Devils, what led to the formation of the military unit, and how the group came to an end.
The Heaven’s Devils are mentioned a few times throughout StarCraft, especially through the Terran campaign of the second game. Wings of Liberty might make a few mentions, but we don’t get much more information on what this legendary outfit that Raynor and Findlay belonged to was.
This novel rectifies that. Taking place before the first StarCraft, it highlights Jim Raynor and Tychus Findlay in their dayswith the Devils. No spoilers, but the story leads right up to the origin of Raynor as a marshal for Mar Sara.
StarCraft: Ghost - Nova
See how a Ghost is made
Everyone’s favorite Ghost (sorry, Kerrigan) gets her backstory fleshed out in this heartbreaking, tragedy-filled tale. It also provides great insight into the “production” of Ghosts, how someone gets picked for the program, and more.
Ghosts are among the most iconic characters in the StarCraft universe. These somewhat-tragic, arguably psychopathic government agents are the peak of stealth and subterfuge. Among them, “Nova” is the most prominent figure, appearing multiple times in StarCraft II and crossing over as a playable hero in Heroes of the Storm.
Born November Terra, the novel follows her origins as a youth. Born into a wealthy family, tragedy forces her into a horrific, traumatizing life struggling to survive. This is a story you’llneed to readif you want to understand more about how Ghosts end up where they are.
StarCraft: Liberty’s Crusade
Seeing a new perspective
Liberty’s Crusade follows a character that we were never fortunate enough to see in the games, but who has a far-reaching impact on the lore off-screen. This novel is great for fans of Kerrigan and Raynor, as well as people who want to read another view on the events of the first game.
Liberty’s Crusade is an interesting one, as it focuses heavily on a character that’s largely absent from the games. Michael “Danny” Liberty - usually referred to as Mike Liberty or Danny Liberty - was an independent reporter who worked to uncover and reveal the corruption and war crimes within the Confederacy, and later the Dominion.
Liberty’s role was replaced by reporter Kate Lockwell when StarCraft II was released, leaving Liberty’s only in-game appearance as the prequel ARG to Nova Covert Ops. Through this story, it highlights just how integral he was in canon in the late days of the Confederacy, as well as his relation to Kerrigan and Raynor.
StarCraft: Evolution
Live for the Swarm
Starcraft: Evolution is great for Zerg fans, but anyone with a curiosity on the events of the universe post-SC2 should give this book a read. This story focuses on how the Swarm was reorganized after Kerrigan handed control over to Zagara and the attempts to repair the endless Swarm’s reputation.
Zerg fans, rejoice! StarCraft: Evolution is our choice as the best novel for Zerg fans, though that’s a spot with a good deal of competition. Evolution takes place after the events of StarCraft II, where the Swarm has adapted to Zagara as their new leader. Now peaceful and attempting to prove that this is the case, Zagara plays host to a set of characters that are suspicious of her latest attempts to terraform and renew previously uninhabitable planets.
As things begin to spiral out of control, we see what years of genocide and war-based trauma can do to a galaxy. It’s part jungle combat, part political intrigue, and part murder mystery. The Zerg stay front and center throughout the whole story, so if you live for the Swarm, this is a can’t-miss story.
StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga - First Born (Book One)
My life for Aiur
The Dark Templar Saga is an unspeakably moving trilogy that brings a deeper understanding to the Protoss.The first in the series, aptly named First Born, helps set the stage for what many consider to be the best set of novels in the franchise.
The Protoss are one of the most enigmatic races in the galaxy, rivaled only by the ancient Xel’Naga. If you’re a Protoss fan looking for more information on their society, this is a great place to start. Best of all, this is the first book in the Dark Templar trilogy, all of which we wholeheartedly recommend. We’ve stuck to just the first book for this list, but you should pick up all three while you’re at it.
This story focuses on Jake Ramsey, an archeologist working with his team to explore a recently uncovered Xel’Naga temple. Through several events, Ramsey ends up with a Protoss’s consciousness sharing his mind. It’s a deep exploration on how Protoss live and pass down their memories while also blending in some Terran lore.
StarCraft: I, Mengsk
How Arcturus became Arcturus
I, Mengsk follows the origins of one of the most heinous and vicious dictators the Koprulu Sector has ever seen. This novel helps to humanize and flesh out Arcturus Mengsk, from his “humble” beginnings to his journey of taking down the Terran Confederacy.
Everyone loves a villain, and the fascist dictator Arcturus Mengsk is no exception. He’s had his hands in every event you’ve seen in StarCraft’s modern generation, from leaving Kerrigan to her fate against the Zerg to deploying psi emitters to level Confederate planets. But where’s he come from?
I, Mengsk focuses on the titular villain’s origins. It does a great deal to humanize him and better explain his original motivations, as well as highlighting his eventual fall from “grace” and shift toward a dictatorial autocrat.
StarCraft II: Flashpoint
High-octane space-faring battle
Flashpoint is a no-holds, all-hands action fest that starts up right at the end of Wings of Liberty. Leading into the Heart of the Swarm expansion, it’s a great novel for bridging the gap and fleshing out some of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
Flashpoint is a great novel for someone looking for a StarCraft novel with non-stop action. Taking place shortly after the Wings of Liberty campaign, the story transitions into the Heart of the Swarm expansion.
We’ll keep this one exceptionally short to ensure there are no spoilers, as anything that spoils the story also spoils the game. We’d suggest playing through the StarCraft campaign before you pick up this story just so you can more easily equate the events.
FAQ
Are StarCraft Novels Important To The Lore?
Yes! Most of the novels highlight things that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see in the game. If you’re a fan of the universe and lore of StarCraft, the books are a wonderful addition.
Can I Play StarCraft Without Reading The Novels?
Certainly! Much of the most important lore is explained in the games. The novels mostly flesh out things that otherwise are foggy, but they aren’t integral to themain storylines.
Where Can I Find StarCraft Novels?
We tend to use Amazon and Walmart for novels due to their low prices and high availability. Some of these books are older and may not have active printing, which can make it difficult to find them in stores otherwise.
