Crypt Fiends are large, mummified creatures who appear to be a genetic cross between humans and spiders. Their lower bodies are supported by six spindly arachnid limbs and their heavily bandaged torsos are human in form. The cunning Crypt Fiends were once the lords of the ancient spider kingdom of Azjol-Nerub that spanned the entirety of Northrend in ancient times. However, the Crypt Fiends' power base was destroyed by the Lich King, Ner'zhul, when he and his undead Scourge took control of the frozen continent. Now the Crypt Fiends command their spider underlings in the name of their master, Ner'zhul. These aberrant creatures are capable of summoning swarms of vile insects and projecting web-like strands to incapacitate and harm their enemies.
Crypt Fiends are great additions to a melee force. You should use Crypt Fiends when facing air units, as they are the main defense against air units besides Gargoyles because of their Web Ability, which allows Crypt Fiends to bring air units down to earth. Crypt Fiends do not have an air attack but their Web ability allows them and other melee units to attack a webbed air unit.
Players sometimes focus entirely on Crypt Fiends in team games. This can be an effective strategy. Be reminded that Vampiric Aura does not work with Crypt Fiends. Proper Crypt Fiend usage involves a lot of running.
Spells and abilities
Web (Autocast)
Binds a target enemy air unit in webbing, forcing it to the ground. Webbed units can be hit as though they were land units.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
150 150
Crypt
Graveyard, Halls of the Dead
30 sec.
Duration (Hero)
Cooldown
Range
Allowed Targets
Effect
12 (7) sec.
12 sec.
40
Air, Enemy
Traps unit in a web
If you're building Crypt Fiends be sure to research Web. It's a cheap upgrade and it's good to have it available on the fly rather than having to wait for it if you get in trouble against air units.
Webbed air units cannot move, and count as ground units. This means that units with ground attacks can now attack them, and also that units with no ground attacks cannot. Webbed units only count as ground units for attack targeting purposes. You cannot, for example, Possess or Impale a webbed air unit. Units with a good air attack but a poor ground attack, such as Gargoyles, do not mix well with Web.
Burrow
The Crypt Fiend digs into the ground, becomes invisible, and gains a regeneration rate of 5 hit points per second. The Crypt Fiend cannot attack while burrowed.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
75 75
Crypt
Graveyard, Halls of the Dead
45 sec.
Upgrades
Creature Attack
Increases the attack damage of Crypt Fiends, Gargoyles, Destroyers, and Frost Wyrms.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
Effect
150 50
Graveyard
60 sec.
Damage Dice Bonus: 1
Improved Creature Attack
Further increases the attack damage of Crypt Fiends, Gargoyles, Destroyers, and Frost Wyrms.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
200 125
Graveyard
Halls of the Dead
75 sec.
Damage Dice Bonus: 2
Advanced Creature Attack
Further increases the attack damage of Crypt Fiends, Gargoyles, Destroyers, and Frost Wyrms.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
250 200
Graveyard
Black Citadel
90 sec.
Damage Dice Bonus: 3
Creature Carapace
Increases the armor of Crypt Fiends, Gargoyles, Destroyers, and Frost Wyrms.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
Effect
150 75
Graveyard
60 sec.
Armor Bonus: 2
Improved Creature Carapace
Further increases the armor of Crypt Fiends, Gargoyles, Destroyers, and Frost Wyrms.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
200 200
Graveyard
Halls of the Dead
75 sec.
Armor Bonus: 4
Advanced Creature Carapace
Further increases the armor of Crypt Fiends, Gargoyles, Destroyers, and Frost Wyrms.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
250 325
Graveyard
Black Citadel
90 sec.
Armor Bonus: 6
Backpack
Gives the ability to carry up to two items. Items carried by the unit will be dropped upon death.
Units can not use or gain benefits of items that they carry.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requires
Upgrade Time
50 25
Townhall-type Structure
Player-built Shop
20 sec.
Patch changes
Template:Warcraft PatchTemplate:Warcraft Patch
Patch 1.06 (2003-06-03): Web lasts 12 seconds, down from 20 seconds, and has a cooldown of 12 seconds, down from 20 seconds.
Patch 1.04 (2002-11-04): Web duration decreased on Hero units to 7 from 20.
Patch 1.03 (2002-10-09): Crypt Fiends' attack was slightly improved.
Classic.Battle.net Warcraft III - Undead -> Units -> Crypt Fiend
