Assimilators

Assimilators are Protoss gas-extracting buildings in the StarCraft video game series. They are used to harvest Vespene Gas from Vespene geysers on the map, providing the resource required for advanced technologies and units.

Construction and operation: Assimilators are constructed by a Probe on a Vespene geyser. The structure is placed directly on the geyser and, once complete, begins collecting Vespene Gas. The amount of gas produced depends on the geyser’s yield and the duration of production; gas continues to be produced as long as the geyser contains gas and the Assimilator remains intact. If the geyser is depleted or the Assimilator is destroyed, gas production stops.

Economic role: Gas is essential for Protoss tech trees, advanced units, and upgrades. The amount of gas income influences unit composition and strategy, enabling access to robotics, air units, and higher-tier technologies. Efficient gas management requires balancing mineral income with gas production to support tech choices and army diversification.

Limitations and map considerations: Assimilators are built on individual geysers; typically one Assimilator is placed per geyser, with additional geysers providing more gas income. The pace of gas collection can be affected by map layout and opposition pressure. Loss of an Assimilator reduces or halts gas income from its geyser, impacting future tech decisions.

StarCraft II note: In StarCraft II, Assimilators function similarly, drawing gas from geysers for higher-tier units and upgrades, with costs and production rates subject to patch adjustments over time.