Welcome to another StarCraft II Arcade Highlight. Today we’re taking a look at Hive Keeper.

In Hive Keeper, you defend your hive from invading forces by raising an army of minions. The controls of the game may take some getting used to, as you do not directly control every action of your creature, and many of their behaviors will happen automatically. Your creatures will create a nest, feed themselves, sleep when they are exhausted, and perform other similar functions. Your role is to provide the resources they need to thrive. This is done primarily by constructing the different types of rooms for your minions.

There are various types of units you’ll raise, and each has their own function. Drones are your main tool — you’ll command them to dig out rooms, harvest minerals, spread creep, and rescue your warriors when they fall in battle – while Queens spend their time in the Psionic Nest researching new spells for your use. Aberrations toil in the Furnace and construct deadly traps to use in your hive’s defense.

Hive Keeper boasts a well-rounded tutorial as well as several modes, all of which you should try out. The tutorial is a good place to start before moving into single player. Once you’ve mastered the basics, grab a friend and try out co-op mode, and if you’re feeling confident, you can give two versus two a shot and try your skills against other hive masters.

When you’re ready to create your army, dive into the depths of Hive Keeper. As with all of our featured games in the StarCraft II Arcade, Hive Keeper is free to play to anyone using the StarCraft II Starter Edition.

Stay tuned for our interview with the game creator himself (coming soon).