Protoss Fast Expo Guide in PvZ

This article will be focusing on Protoss Fast expo guide in the Protoss vs Zerg matchup. I have been using a lot of fast expo build in my online game Starcraft 2 ladder matches with a good success rate. Generally, a fast expo build involves the build of a Pylon, Forge and the Nexus build.

Often times you hear the term FFE build. I am not too sure what does FFE exactly means but I think it refers to (EDIT: Forge Fast Expand). What this build is you get your Nexus at 16 after Pylon delaying the Forge after the Nexus.

You may have seen a lot of professional gamers games involves the build of a fast expansion either before or after Forge. AnyProPrime.we definitely comes to mind as this is probably his favourite build in his PvZ matchups. Fast expo is definitely a very common strategy now.

Fast expo is very map dependent. On maps like Tel'darim Altar and Shakuras Plateau, these are the perfect maps for this build. On maps like Shattered Temple and other other maps with a huge wide ramp, fast expo build is kind of risky. Basically you need a map where you can wall from your ramp to your expansion Nexus.

Why is a fast expansion so strong against a Zerg opponent. With this build, you can match the Zerg's Drone production. Generally, you are aiming for a more macro oriented game using this strategy. This strategy forgoes the early timing push from 3 Gate expansion or even 4 gate. You will be basically skipping the early phase of the game for a stronger economy for the middle and late phase of the match.You need to SIM CITY your base well. Try to create a nice wall connecting form your ramp to your expansion Nexus.

Here's a general build order of a Forge Fast Expo that works magnificently against a Zerg opponent.

• 9th Pylon (Probe Scout)
• 14 Forge (The timing of this Forge depends on when does the Zerg builds his Spawning Pool. If the Zerg skips the pool for a 14/15 Hatchery go ahead and put down a 16 Nexus of your own. Generally you put down a Forge when the Zerg builds a Spawning Pool.)
• 17 Nexus
• 17 Gateway
• 17 Cannon
• 17 Build a Probe
• 18 Pylon
• At this point Chorno boost out some Probes.
• Get Cybernetics Core when Gateway is done.
• The most important factor at this stage is to scout with your Scouting Drone at 5 minutes mark.You should be keeping your scouting Probe alive by hiding it at some hidden spot. Why is the 5 minutes mark important? This is the timing where you can scout a Roach Warren or Baneling Nest. Pay attention if the Zerg is getting an expansion of his own. If you scouted a 1 base all in, go ahead and spam more cannons. Normally you should be having 2-3 Cannons at your expansion to hold any rushes.
• Get 2 Assimilators. 
• When Cybernetics Core is done, train a Sentry, Warpgate
• From this point onwards, you can opt for a Stargate (Voidray+Phoenixes) or 5/6 Gate or Robo builds. 
• Often times Stargate is the preferred strategy here as the Voidray works wonderfully at denying the Zerg's second expansion or defending pushes.
• Remember to switch to Colossus after 1 Voidray + 4/5 Phoenixs as the Zerg will normally switch to Hydras to counter your air play.
• Get another expansion.
• Your general aim for this strategy is getting to 3 bases and maxing on a Protoss Death Ball (Colossus, Void Rays, Gateway units). You can add another Stargate to mass Void Rays against the Corruptors. 
• When you are at 3 bases, you should be having 1 Robo Facility, 1/2 Stargates, around 8 Gateways

Doing a Forge expo requires some training and experience. If this is your first time trying it, you should be expecting some loses first. The most important key in doing a fast expansion is to determine whats the Zerg's reaction to your play. Zerg has two options here. To go offensive or getting a fast 3rd. If he is going offensive go ahead and put down more Cannons and when your Void Ray is out, you will be fine. If he is going a fast 3rd hatchery, your void ray should take care of it.

Good luck in trying the Protoss fast expo.