<P> The game revolves around three species: the Terrans, human exiles from Earth; the Zerg, a super-species of assimilated life forms; and the Protoss, a technologically advanced species with vast mental powers . Wings of Liberty focuses on the Terrans, while the expansions Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void focus on the Zerg and Protoss, respectively . The game is set four years after the events of 1998's StarCraft: Brood War, and follows the exploits of Jim Raynor as he leads an insurgent group against the autocratic Terran Dominion . The game includes both new and returning characters and locations from the original game . </P> <P> The game was met with very positive reviews from critics, receiving an aggregated score of 93% from Metacritic . Similar to its predecessor, StarCraft II was praised for its engaging gameplay, as well as its introduction of new features and improved storytelling . The game was criticized for lacking features that existed in the original StarCraft game including LAN play and the ability to switch between multiplayer regions . At the time of its release, StarCraft II became the fastest - selling real - time strategy game, with over three million copies sold worldwide in the first month . </P> <P> During BlizzCon 2017, it was announced that StarCraft II would be re-branded as a free - to - play game going forward . This unlocked the Wings of Liberty campaign, multiplayer and other modes of the game for everyone . The change was in line with Blizzard's vision going forward, that is, supporting the game with micro-transactions such as Skins, Co-op Commanders, Voice Packs and War Chests which the sales already proved to be successful . </P> <P> StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty features the return of the three species from the original game: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg . In the Terran campaign, the original StarCraft briefing room is replaced with an interactive version of the battlecruiser Hyperion, with Jim Raynor, now a bitter and hard - drinking mercenary captain, as the central character . In a departure from previous Blizzard games, the campaign is non-linear, with Raynor taking jobs for money and using that money to buy additional units and upgrades . Although each play through will vary, the end result remains consistent, keeping the storyline linear . Blizzard's Vice President Rob Pardo stressed that each campaign will function very differently . The Terran campaign, Wings of Liberty, places players in a mercenary - style campaign, as Terran rebel group Raynor's Raiders raise funds by taking assignments from outside groups . The second release, Heart of the Swarm, is Zerg - focused and has role - playing elements . Kerrigan is the focus of the campaign, and the story revolves around the possibility of her redemption . The Protoss - themed Legacy of the Void is the final expansion, with the Protoss Artanis attempting to reunite the Protoss tribes in order to stop Amon, a fallen Xel'Naga . </P>

When did starcraft 2 become free to play