Warcraft 3 will feature a wide range of neutral creatures to make it's maps seem more like a world, rather than a gaming board. This will create an immersive atmosphere as well as create unique strategies and tactics.

Neutral units will have a wide range of roles. There are those that are openly hostile, which will act as a blockade which must be fought through for one player to reach the other. It is Blizzard's intention that this will discourage early rushes. Secondly, some races, such as the undead rely on corpses to raise their armies. Critters are provided to ensure that the scourge will have enough bodies to begin with so that they can erect a small force without need to engage the enemy.

Neutrals also provide variety to each player's armies in the way of Mercenaries. These units are available to almost every race (see below), which give players a much wider range of options. In additions, neutrals may drop items such as potions upon their death, which could they be carried by hero units. Finally traders also sell such items, which could bestow a hero with a new ability or two. These add to give that 'unknown factor' which adds to the flavor of the game.

Creeps:
Creeps are wondering citizens of Azeroth, littered across the map. Upon encountered by players, they have different reactions depending on the players race and power of their army. Some may be hostile, while other may offer their services for money, while others will give specific quests. Creeps are always armed, and hence are sometimes a threat, especially to fledgling forces.

Unlike neutral attackers such as lions in Age of Empires, creeps will have a much large a role in the game. In fact, playing a map without creeps will be equivalent to playing a may without Gas Geysers in Starcraft. Creeps are the only way for players to gain 'mana stones', the essential resource for training heroes and researching spells. As there are only a finite amount of creeps on any map, players will need to actively search out and kill creeps in order to advance. Blizzard hopes that this will reduce to otherwise repetitive start game where everyone waits for their forces to build. In addition, creeps also serve as deterrent for early rushes, and their corpses offer the Scourge with bodies in the start game.

Some Creeps are also mercenaries, which can be trained from one of the neutral structures that a scattered around Warcraft 3 maps. To train such a unit, the player must first control the structure by capturing it with one of his heroes. These mercenaries act to compensate for any weaknesses in player's army. For instance, the Night Elves may wish to hire a sturdy fighter while the humans may wish to hire an aerial attacker. Currently it is unclear whether the Scourge will be able to hire mercenaries

Blizzard states that they already have around 25 independent models for creeps, and at least 130 variations. Like Diablo and Diablo II, each model have numerous variants, each of varying strength. In fact, one could say that the whole ideas of Diablo II monsters have been reincarnated as creeps in Warcraft 3. For instance, there will be spell casting creeps that resurrect their fallen comrades. Blizzard also plans for creep heroes, who could lead large groups of creeps and be hired on certain maps.

Goblin Sapper:

Weapons: Explosives Trained at: Goblin Alchemist Reincarnations: Goblin Sapper (war2) These mischievous Goblin Sappers are known throughout Azeroth for their incredible aptitude for destruction. These diabolical Goblins are invariably armed with extreme volatile explosives; which enable them to level structures and weapon emplacements. Since the second war, the sappers have grown weary of the Orcs's newfound honor. They now work as freelance fighters, fighting for and against every race. Although they are highly unpredictable, Sappers have become a necessary for any long term war. Special Abilities: Demolish: The sapper can demolish any structure or unit, which will deal grievous damage to everything around them. The sapper is sacrificed in the process.

Goblin Zeppelin:

Weapons: None Trained at: Goblin Tradepost Reincarnations: Goblin Zeppelin (war2) Now that the Goblins have left the Horde, they're have become willing to offer their services to any side. Since the second war, these mischievous creatures have done much upgrading to their Zeppelins, increasing their size and stability. Consequently, Zeppelins have now become a stable and relatively safe transport across the high seas and other impassible terrain. As Warcraft 3 will not feature any water units, Zepplins will be the only way for land units to traverse large areas of water, rocks, or trees. Passsive Abilities: Transportation: The Zeppelin will be able to transport units. Detector: The Zeppelin can detect cloaked units.

Kobold:

Weapons: Picks Trained at: Mercenary Camp Related Images: [1] Reincarnations: None Armed with picks, kobold encampments are littered across Azeroth. These dog-men do not possess much intelligence, but are quite aggressive and cunning. They often plan ambushes for an unwary band of men. In one's or twos, Kobolds possess little threat to a seasoned Grunt or Footman, but they often attack in numbers. Kobolds associate well with Gnolls, and are often seen in their company.

Gnoll:

Weapons: Ball and Chain, Crossbow, Staff Trained at: Mercenary Camp Related Images: [1] Reincarnations: None A cross between a hyena and a man, Gnolls are fearsome warriors who chose to fight for non-one but themselves. After the destruction of their lands by the invading demons, Gnolls have wondered throughout Azeroth, preying on the weak and working for the strong.. They often associate with their lesser cousins, the kobolds, giving them protection in return for extra men at arms. Variations: Gnoll Warrior: Wielding a Ball and chain with extraordinary precision, Gnoll Warriors have being known to bring down men in one swoop. Gnoll Archer: Instead of wielding a Bow and Chain, Gnoll Archers wield the crossbow. While they are slow to fire, they offer ranged support for Gnoll Troops Gnoll Shaman: Gnoll Shamans are able to resurrect and heal fellow Gnolls and Kobolds

Satyre:

Weapons: Blade Trained at: Unknown Reincarnations: None Satyres are a pleasure loving race of half-human, half-goat creatures. They symbolize nature's carefree wars. Satyrs have the torso, head, and arms of a man and the hind legs of a goat. While Satyrs are not inherently, they resent intrusions and distrust outsiders. Variations: Satyr Warrior: The majority of Satyrs are warriors, and will engage the enemy via their blades and their horns. Satyre Hellcaster: Large groups of Satyres may host a Satyre mage, who will not only have a range of spells at his command, but also the ability to resurrect other Satyres.

Centaur Marauder:

Weapons: Pole Axe, Crossbow Trained at: Mercenary Camp Related Images: [1] Reincarnations: None A cross between horse and man, Centaurs have take the strength of both. Fast on their hooves and cunning in mind, Centaur Marauders prey upon the common traveler and lightly armed bands of men. With greed their primary drive, Centaur Marauders are likely join forces with the player if paid enough. Variations Centaur Warrior Most Centaurs prefer the Pole Axe, which allows them to strike at their opponents first and deal massive damage at the same time. Centaur Archers: Some Centaurs opt of the Crossbow, so that they can set up ambushes or use guerilla tactics if necessary.

Junk Golem:

Weapons: Fists Trained at: Unknown Reincarnations: None The Junk Golem is a creature constructed from rusted and twisted metal that are available near any foundry by a sect of mages that do not own alliance to any race. Enchanted with a semblance of life, Junk Golems resemble 'mechs' of the fantasy world, able to deliver crushing force with their massive irons fists. This unit with was mentioned in IGN Insider, and currently not much else is known about it.

Ogres:

Weapons: Fists, Spells Trained at: Ogre Mound Reincarnations: Ogre Mage (War2) Blizzard has also confirmed that Ogres are now neutrals, who fight only for their own interests. These tough but stupid behemoth have now become the foot soldiers of fellow Ogre-Mage, and have become another danger for the unsuspecting traveler.

Trog

Weapons: Short Sword Reincarnations: None Trogs (short for troglodytes) are a race of amphibious humanoids who've had little contact with their land dwelling cousins. However the recent arrival of legion have disturbed their underwater homes, causing them to send scouts to see what is transpiring on the surface world. Distrustful of all land dwellers alike, Trogs are easily agitated into attacking. While they are small in stature and size, they are fast and nimble. Never one to press on a loosing battle, they retreat back into the ocean whenever overwhelmed. Trogs are typically found along the beaches, and never venture far into land. Passive Abilities: Amphibious: Trogs can move on both land and water.

Frost Troll:

Weapons: Ice Pick Reincarnations: None Distantly related to the Forest Trolls of Azeroth, the Frost Trolls were remained undisturbed by previous wars. However things have changed, and the coming the Scourge to Northrend has forced the Frost Trolls to flee from their homeland. Living in tribes, they trust no outsiders. Frost Trolls will stop at nothing to regain their land.

Giant Spider:

Weapons: Mandibles Reincarnations: Summoned Spider (War1) Special Abilities: Secret Poison, Web These huge monstrosities resemble large overgrown spiders. Although unintelligent, they are fast and their poison is deadly. Many an unwary warrior has fallen to this terrible beast. While these spiders are too dumb to be trained, powerful warlocks in the past have been known to be able to bend its will their bidding. Giant spiders are usually found to roam the forests at night time, and lurk with the darkness of subterranean passageways. In Warcraft 3, Giant Spiders can be summoned by the Crypt Lord. Special Abilities: Poisonous Bite: The bite of a Giant Spider will weaken the target unit. Web: Webbed units cannot move or attack anything outside the web. However they may attack the web to free themselves.

Wendigo:

Weapons: Unknown Reincarnations: None Very little is known about these creatures, except that they were mentioned as ferocious melee fighters in a Gamespot Preview. The Wendigo it thought to be related to the Yeti, and will attack when provoked or when hungry. They inhabit colder regions of Azeroth as well as the polar continent of Northrend.

Water Elemental:

Weapons: Water Bolt Reincarnations: Water Elemental (War1) The Water Elemental appears as a high crested wave. The elemental's arms appear as smaller waves, one thrust out on each of its main body. The arms ebb and flow , growing longer or shorter as the elemental moves. Two orbs of deep green peer out of the front of the wave and serve the elemental as eyes. While water elemental is rare on Azeroth, and can be summoned and controlled by the Sorceress. They attack by launching deadly bolts of water at their enemies, each with enough force to break bones. Passive Abilities: Amphibious: The Water Elemental can move through both land and water.

Fire Elemental:

Weapons: Heat Wave Reincarnations: Fire Elemental (War1) The Fire Elemental appears as an incarnation of living flame. In battle, it is a formidable opponent, able to deal out massive damage without moving a single flicker. Fire Elementals wonder around certain subterranean tilesets, and can also be summoned and controlled by the Burning Legion Passive Abilities: Flame Shield: Any unit within melee range of the fire elemental automatically takes damage.

Harpy:

Weapons: Talons. Related Images: [1] Reincarnations: None Harpies are wicked avian beasts that prey upon nearly all creatures, but prefer the flesh of humans and demihumans. Harpies have the bodies of a vulture but the upper torsos and heads of women. Their human features are youthful, but hideous, with frayed unkempt hair and decaying teeth. There dress, if anything is limited to tattered rag. Currently the only thing we know about these creatures is that they will be feature din the human campaign, where players must save a caravan from a harpy attack. Passive Abilities: Flight: Harpies can fly.

Chimera:

Weapons: Bite. Related Images: [1] Reincarnations: None How the chimera were created is a dark mystery better left unexplored. The chimera has the hindquarters of a large, the body of a lion. Its body has the black wings of a Dragon. The monster has multiple heads, each the cross between that of a goat and serpent. Chaotic evil in nature, the Chimera enjoys preying upon men, elves and orcs alike. Special Abilities: Fire Breath: Each of the Chimera's dragon like heads can launch cones of fire. Passive Abilities: Flight: The Chimera can fly.

Bone Dragon:

Weapons: Bite, Claws, Breadth Reincarnations: None Ancient Dragons have been known to trap their own spirits, so that they may live after death. However not all can be preserved and soon the flesh rots from these unholy creatures, causing them to become apparitions of animated bone. Just one of these Dragons are a fearsome sight, as both its Breath Weapon and it's Physical attack can wreak havoc upon the living. Special Abilities: Ice Breath: Launches a cone of cold at the enemy, freezing everyone within range into icy statues. Passive Abilities: Flight: The Bone Dragon can fly.

Creep Heroes:
In addition to normal units, there will also be creep heroes. These operate much like hero units for each individual race, except that they'll be available for hire by all races. To hire a creep, a player will need to visit the Tavern, a neutral building that will be scattered across the map. Creep heroes can also be resurrected normally, and will typically grant bonuses to other creeps of similar types under the player's control. Unlike player heroes, neutral heroes vary greatly in power, and the more expensive ones could be considered as 'super heroes'.

Ogres-Mage:

Weapons: Fists, Spells Reincarnations: Ogre Mage (War2) Disgusted at the changed within the Horde, Ogre Mages have now become freelancers, is their combination of strength and cunning to single out the wealthy merchant who's stupid enough to travel far from civilization. Ogre Mage rarely like work together, and much prefer the company of Ogres, who's stupidity make them easy to command. Ogre Mages will be quite powerful in Warcraft 3, and just as in Warcraft 2, will have powerful spells as well as a hefty attack. Special Abilities: Runes: The Warcraft 2 Spell of the same name returns. The Ogre Mage is able to plant invisible 'mines' on the battlefield, that'll explode when anyone (including allies) who stumbles upon them. Naturally, the spell does not effect flying or hovering units.. Blood Lust: Target unit is induced into insatiable frenzy by artificially induced adrenaline, he then deals extra damage at the cost of a reduced defense. Passive Abilities: Ogre Command: All ogres will gain a bonus to damage when near an Ogre Mage.

Traders:
Traders are peaceful folks who live in the wilderness of Azeroth, bringing their wares and skills to whichever army that's willing to pay. Many times, a victory may depend entirely on the quality of one's weapons, the availability of potions, and the traders are there to ensure the richest army gets these benefits.

Goblin Trader:

Wares: Potions Price: Mediocre As Thrall took command of the Orcish Horde and Nur'zhul disappeared into twisting nether, the Goblins disliked to direction the Horde was heading. No longer was greed their primary drive, but instead they spoke of 'honor'. With little grasp on such a non-materialistic ideal, the Goblins Alchemists left the horde and now sell their creations to anyone willing to the price. A Goblin Trader can be easily found next to their straw huts, raised above the ground using strands of bamboo..

Critters:
Critters are mindless animals that roam around Azeroth, carefree of the war that is raging across their very habitats. They will function much the same way as critters in previous 'craft' games, and they will not retaliate when attacked. Critters however does serve one function in a game, as they provide corpses for the undead.

Pigs:

Reincarnations: Boars (War3) Provides: Corpse Pigs roam across the wild lands of Azeroth, their flesh enticing many Orcs. Indeed these creatures are often tamed by the Horde for food. Wild pigs are often slaughtered for meat, as well as provide corpses for the Undead to raise their armies.

Sheep:

Reincarnations: Sheep (War2) Provides: Corpse It was also mentioned that sheep will make a return in Warcraft 3. These critters will function like anything, to provide corpses.

Seals:

Reincarnations: Seal (War2) Provides: Corpse Seals will also be in Warcraft 3, you can expect to find these critters near the coastline on winter tilesets.

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