The old saying of 'Learn From Your Mistakes' applies in everything we do in our lives. Learning is a never ending process since we were born till the day we die. Everyday we learn new things in every aspect from our lives. From young, we learn how to speak, how to walk, how to write and the list goes beyond our calculations. Learning is a very essential part of our lives and often considered as a connecting tissue that guide us to a better decision making process throughout our lifespan. Human perform numerous mistakes every day, however, whats most important is, we learn our lessons and swearing never to repeat the same mistake again. Often times, due to our denial and refusal of accepting the wrongdoing of our acts, we are often limiting our beliefs and expanding our minds. It is always fine to perform an unforeseeable mistake, but it is totally wrong to repeat the same mistake twice. The day, we stop learning is the day when we are in our graves.
This applies even in our Starcraft 2 game play. I can't stress enough the importance of the learning process from our mistakes in our games. Often times, we may get away with this mistake in a match or two, however in a long run, serious mistakes will come back to haunt you. Let's take a very simple example here where you are a new player. You are a Protoss player and never walls the front base with a Gate and Core when you are facing a Zerg player. You realized that you are losing most of your Protoss vs Zerg matchup due to Zergling runbys and seriously obliterating your resources. Now, you will be tinkering for ways to stop losing to early Zergling runbys. Upon watching a few of Pro Gamers replays, you noticed that majority of the time, the Protoss player walls his front base. Thus, you have figured out how to easily not die to the same strategy. This is a very simple way of describing your learning process in Starcraft 2.
Lets take another example. You are a Protoss player and have been 4 gating in every of your matchups; Zerg, Terran and Protoss. You have won countless number of games and are currently in the Diamond league. However, at some point, you realize that your best and only strategy stops working and has been perfectly held off by decent players. You have been losing most of your games lately and are wondering why. The answer is, it is undeniable that 4 gate is a very strong strategy, however, 4 gates only work in certain situations. If your opponent doesn't scout your 4 gates, you will most likely be able to crush him. What if he does? Thus, the learning process kicks in again, for you to find the best way when to use a 4 gating strategy.
The best way to learn from your mistake is by watching your own replay. You can often times identify the cause of your failure while watching the replay. At times, you may not see your own problems, thus it is best to ask for guidance from a better player. It is easier to spot the mistakes done by other players than ourselves due to our limiting knowledge or behavior.
The learning process, involves your own determination to accept your mistakes of your decision making process. Refusal to accept this fact, often times limits your improvement or normally called as 'Skill Ceiling'. This happens when a player stops to improve and only maintain at certain level of the game. Accepting your mistakes and getting out of your comfort zone is invaluable and will gain your numerous benefits in a long run.
Remember, becoming a high level Starcraft 2 player, takes a long time and probably years of countless training to have a perfect execution of every strategy and the best decision making skills. Thus, we must learn from our mistakes and never to repeat the same mistakes again.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 – Part 2 - Learning from Pro Replays and Cast
Watching replays or casts from proGamers is a very essential way to improve your starcraft 2 overall strategy and will give you a better insight of the different matchups. Pro Gamers has practiced thousands of games, practicing the same strategy over and over until they fully grasp the in and outs of every strategy. A new strategy or perfecting ones took countless of hours of afford and sweat.
I know most of you watch pro replays as well as video casts done by casters. However, I wanna ask how many of you watch the replay at a Faster Speed or at x2, or x4 or even x8 speed. I realize that most of us even including me, sometime watches replays at very high speed thus, just breezing through the game to catch some main battles and outcomes of any engagement.
I will admit that this way is totally wrong if you plan on learning from replays. What do you generally want to gain from watching the replay? If your just planning to look for the outcome of the match, feel free to speed through the replay.
The best way best way that I would recommend you will be as follow.
I) You can watch the replay at any speed you prefer if you are just looking for the outline of the whole game such as unit composition from each player as well as the flow of the game. You will learn builds and general strategy using this option.
II) Watching the replay at a faster speed (x1) from a Player's point of view. Say a game between a Terran and Protoss (PvT). If your a Terran player, watch the game from the Terran's perspective. This will give you an insight of the Terran's 'In game Decision' being made. Try to compare what you will do if your at his position.
For example, pay attention to what general strategy is being used, units trained, when does the Terran engage a battle and any haressment being done. You will learn from the mind of the individual himself and decisions made which is very important if you plan to mirror your play style to this pro Gamer.
III) This way of watching replay is a very essential one being pointed of by Day9 in one of his casts regarding how to learn from watching replays. Day9 daily cast no 231 and 232. Do search for his this cast where the game being pointed out is OgsMc against LiquidRet's matches. What is generally being pointed out here is watch the replay from an observer's point of view where you get to see what both players are doing.
Pay Attention to the timing. For example, from the OgsMc's game against LiquidRet (PvZ), MC started the game by a Forge Cannon Nexus Gateway build. Pay attention to what your opponent has when you first put down your Forge, Nexus etc and Ret doing a 14 Pool Gas first and then expansion build. What generally means here is at 5 minutes what do you have comparing to what your opponent has.
A clearer explanation is when your Forge is completed at say 4:00(all the timing here is just my estimation) at in game time. If your opponent is doing a fast Roach build, he will put down a Roach warren at 4:00. Thus, what you want generally to do here is scout with your Probe to his base and see if whether is he planting down a Roach Warren. The list goes on when your first Gateway is done, pay attention to what your Zerg opponent is building and units he has when hes using a specific strategy. This option of watching replay will gain you invaluable knowledge of each matchups and strategy opponent used. If seems that, its kinda hard to explain this option in words. Thus I recommend you to just search for day[9] OgsMc on Youtube for Cast 231 and 232.
The information gained through this way is invaluable. Scouting information is generally deemed the very most important aspect of any Real Time Strategy Game. If you can play with Maphack, you will be so far ahead using this information gained. I seriously do not encourage you to maphack as your risking your account being banned. Hacking are for losers.
Thats it for now.
I know most of you watch pro replays as well as video casts done by casters. However, I wanna ask how many of you watch the replay at a Faster Speed or at x2, or x4 or even x8 speed. I realize that most of us even including me, sometime watches replays at very high speed thus, just breezing through the game to catch some main battles and outcomes of any engagement.
I will admit that this way is totally wrong if you plan on learning from replays. What do you generally want to gain from watching the replay? If your just planning to look for the outcome of the match, feel free to speed through the replay.
The best way best way that I would recommend you will be as follow.
I) You can watch the replay at any speed you prefer if you are just looking for the outline of the whole game such as unit composition from each player as well as the flow of the game. You will learn builds and general strategy using this option.
II) Watching the replay at a faster speed (x1) from a Player's point of view. Say a game between a Terran and Protoss (PvT). If your a Terran player, watch the game from the Terran's perspective. This will give you an insight of the Terran's 'In game Decision' being made. Try to compare what you will do if your at his position.
For example, pay attention to what general strategy is being used, units trained, when does the Terran engage a battle and any haressment being done. You will learn from the mind of the individual himself and decisions made which is very important if you plan to mirror your play style to this pro Gamer.
III) This way of watching replay is a very essential one being pointed of by Day9 in one of his casts regarding how to learn from watching replays. Day9 daily cast no 231 and 232. Do search for his this cast where the game being pointed out is OgsMc against LiquidRet's matches. What is generally being pointed out here is watch the replay from an observer's point of view where you get to see what both players are doing.
Pay Attention to the timing. For example, from the OgsMc's game against LiquidRet (PvZ), MC started the game by a Forge Cannon Nexus Gateway build. Pay attention to what your opponent has when you first put down your Forge, Nexus etc and Ret doing a 14 Pool Gas first and then expansion build. What generally means here is at 5 minutes what do you have comparing to what your opponent has.
A clearer explanation is when your Forge is completed at say 4:00(all the timing here is just my estimation) at in game time. If your opponent is doing a fast Roach build, he will put down a Roach warren at 4:00. Thus, what you want generally to do here is scout with your Probe to his base and see if whether is he planting down a Roach Warren. The list goes on when your first Gateway is done, pay attention to what your Zerg opponent is building and units he has when hes using a specific strategy. This option of watching replay will gain you invaluable knowledge of each matchups and strategy opponent used. If seems that, its kinda hard to explain this option in words. Thus I recommend you to just search for day[9] OgsMc on Youtube for Cast 231 and 232.
The information gained through this way is invaluable. Scouting information is generally deemed the very most important aspect of any Real Time Strategy Game. If you can play with Maphack, you will be so far ahead using this information gained. I seriously do not encourage you to maphack as your risking your account being banned. Hacking are for losers.
Thats it for now.
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 – Part 1- Introduction
How to Improve in Starcraft 2 – Part 1- Introduction
This is the beginning of a new series focusing mainly on how you improve yourself as either a casual gamer or planning to be a serious competitor. Gamers always wonder how to improve themselves whether in the macro sense of fully optimized build where perfectly execution of strategies in their games or microing units during engagement without losing any macro. A truly grandmaster of Starcraft 2 or every other game will understand the matchup perfectly.
Starcraft 2 is still considered an infant as the game has only been officially released for less than six months. SC2 will take years before being fully figured out or never will be. New hidden strategies and tactics are being discovered everyday by innovative players through countless thoughts, imagination and tinkering. During the early phase release of Starcraft 2, a one basing strategy from Protoss and Terran are very often seen and the most utilized strategy. The four gates and three Barracks from Terran are the common norm for the matchups whether they are facing a Protoss, Terran or Zerg.
After nearly six months, players are seen heavily towards macroing and getting expansions. In generally people has gained more insight of different matches and understand the need to gain advantage on macro. For instance, no Protoss player dare to do a fast expansion Nexus at 18 food against a 15 hatch Zerg before. This is followed by a full wall at the front of his expansion and throwing down two Stargates for Void Rays. Do take note this is before the patch. He even took into consideration upon the advice of Fruitdealer our GSL 1 champion of the danger facing Nydus Wurms. Thus, with this knowledge equipped during his GSL match, he countered the Nydus Wurm rush from his opponent perfectly by ‘Patrolling his Probes around the edge of his base’. For your information if you scout the Nydus Wurm when it’s just starting to build at your base, the best counter is to pull your Probes to kill it. After seeing GeniuPig’s impressive performance from the GSL, Protoss players around the world are starting to apply the same build against the Zerg swarm. Zerg players start to fall one by one until; they fully understand how to counter the same strategy through practice and learning process.
Starcraft 1 has always been a very special place for a lot of us. If you are a Starcraft 1 player, you will be very familiar with the name Slayers Boxer, or often known as the ‘Emperor’ himself, the most famous proGamer of all time. He has has won countless pro matches himself and shown Starcraft 2 fans around the world how to play a perfect games. During his era, his games are near perfect and make his race ‘Terran’ being seen as the best and often called imbalance race. The ‘Emperor’ is still a very humble and down to earth man. He gains his recognition from his genius calculations and pulling off never been seen before perfect strategies which always been turn into the mostly used tactics. This man himself has gained fame and nearly a million of fans around the world.
I personally feel that Boxer has in the most indepth knowledge in his matchups for Starcraft 1 during his time. Take for example, his Terran vs Terran which is his best matchup. He could tell how many units his Terran opponent will generally has at certain stage of the game by observing his strategy. This type of knowledge doesn’t come to you or me and required countless practice and testing against the same strategy over and over again to truly understand against ‘ONE’ strategy. This is deemed near impossible for even a lot of ProGamers, but SlayersBoxer shows us how. He is the man that makes eSports possible. Without him, there will not be any GSL or MSL, Korean Starcraft 1 and 2 tournaments or even ESports tournament. Fans around the world cheered when the Emperor returns to the Starcraft 2 scene.
Starcraft 1 takes around ten years to be fully balanced. This is a long and tedious process to fully balance a game. The Blizzard team is currently doing a very good job in balancing the game so far by tweaking small aspects of the game one at a time and keeping an eye of the outcome.
I will try my best to give you as much guide as possible to being a truly good gamer as I am not qualified enough to even write this series of ‘How to improve in SC2’ which will serve as a good Starcraft 2 strategy guide. I hope that you guys will like this series and thus being a better gamer of yourself and not being ever called a ‘NOOB’ again.
Cheers.
This is the beginning of a new series focusing mainly on how you improve yourself as either a casual gamer or planning to be a serious competitor. Gamers always wonder how to improve themselves whether in the macro sense of fully optimized build where perfectly execution of strategies in their games or microing units during engagement without losing any macro. A truly grandmaster of Starcraft 2 or every other game will understand the matchup perfectly.
Starcraft 2 is still considered an infant as the game has only been officially released for less than six months. SC2 will take years before being fully figured out or never will be. New hidden strategies and tactics are being discovered everyday by innovative players through countless thoughts, imagination and tinkering. During the early phase release of Starcraft 2, a one basing strategy from Protoss and Terran are very often seen and the most utilized strategy. The four gates and three Barracks from Terran are the common norm for the matchups whether they are facing a Protoss, Terran or Zerg.
After nearly six months, players are seen heavily towards macroing and getting expansions. In generally people has gained more insight of different matches and understand the need to gain advantage on macro. For instance, no Protoss player dare to do a fast expansion Nexus at 18 food against a 15 hatch Zerg before. This is followed by a full wall at the front of his expansion and throwing down two Stargates for Void Rays. Do take note this is before the patch. He even took into consideration upon the advice of Fruitdealer our GSL 1 champion of the danger facing Nydus Wurms. Thus, with this knowledge equipped during his GSL match, he countered the Nydus Wurm rush from his opponent perfectly by ‘Patrolling his Probes around the edge of his base’. For your information if you scout the Nydus Wurm when it’s just starting to build at your base, the best counter is to pull your Probes to kill it. After seeing GeniuPig’s impressive performance from the GSL, Protoss players around the world are starting to apply the same build against the Zerg swarm. Zerg players start to fall one by one until; they fully understand how to counter the same strategy through practice and learning process.
Starcraft 1 has always been a very special place for a lot of us. If you are a Starcraft 1 player, you will be very familiar with the name Slayers Boxer, or often known as the ‘Emperor’ himself, the most famous proGamer of all time. He has has won countless pro matches himself and shown Starcraft 2 fans around the world how to play a perfect games. During his era, his games are near perfect and make his race ‘Terran’ being seen as the best and often called imbalance race. The ‘Emperor’ is still a very humble and down to earth man. He gains his recognition from his genius calculations and pulling off never been seen before perfect strategies which always been turn into the mostly used tactics. This man himself has gained fame and nearly a million of fans around the world.
I personally feel that Boxer has in the most indepth knowledge in his matchups for Starcraft 1 during his time. Take for example, his Terran vs Terran which is his best matchup. He could tell how many units his Terran opponent will generally has at certain stage of the game by observing his strategy. This type of knowledge doesn’t come to you or me and required countless practice and testing against the same strategy over and over again to truly understand against ‘ONE’ strategy. This is deemed near impossible for even a lot of ProGamers, but SlayersBoxer shows us how. He is the man that makes eSports possible. Without him, there will not be any GSL or MSL, Korean Starcraft 1 and 2 tournaments or even ESports tournament. Fans around the world cheered when the Emperor returns to the Starcraft 2 scene.
Starcraft 1 takes around ten years to be fully balanced. This is a long and tedious process to fully balance a game. The Blizzard team is currently doing a very good job in balancing the game so far by tweaking small aspects of the game one at a time and keeping an eye of the outcome.
I will try my best to give you as much guide as possible to being a truly good gamer as I am not qualified enough to even write this series of ‘How to improve in SC2’ which will serve as a good Starcraft 2 strategy guide. I hope that you guys will like this series and thus being a better gamer of yourself and not being ever called a ‘NOOB’ again.
Cheers.
4v4 Team Game Strategy - Part 7- Conclusion and Replays
4v4 Team Game Strategy - Part 7 - Conclusion and Replays
This will be the final part of the series on my 4v4 Team Game Strategy Guide. I hope you guys enjoy the whole series. I would recommend you guys to go through the whole series listed below.
4v4 Team Game Strategy
Part 1 - Overview
Part 2 - Strategy
Part 3 - Maps
Part 4 - Protoss
Part 5 - Terran
Part 6 - Zerg
Part 7 - Conclusion and Replays
If you have read and followed the whole series, you basically will gain the necessary insight for 4v4 team games. Throughout the seven part articles, you will have the broad overview on the overall general 4v4 game sense. Equipped with this insight, you and your buddies can start playing together with your preferred races and utilizing the specific strategies outline in Part 4 till Part 7 on specific race strategies. Whether your team prefer the aggressive strategy by inflicting as much damage early in the game through rushes such as Zerglings, Marines and 4 gates or through defensive measures using tactics to hold of opponent pushes. The final decision is totally up to yours and for you to explore the whole world of 4v4 team games.
Often time, it is near impossible to pin point the in depth overall of 4v4 team games as it is too random to be predicted. I had only given you guys the overall general idea on this topic. Everyone has their own preference on timing, offensive, micro or macro games, thus this makes the job impossible. Thus, it is advisable for your team to explore in depth and experience for yourself by playing team games. In general, if you are a good solo 1v1 sc2 player, you can basically deal with team games as team games are not much different from solo games. Every basic knowledge you obtained through your 1v1 matches can be used here.
Finally, you guys may realize the whole series are mainly aimed and more suitable for lower league players as high league players can explore the multiplayer games themselves. I hope you enjoy the series from the first part till this very end. Together I have attached a replay pack of my previous 4v4 Arrange Team games. Included are 21 replays of me and my buddies. Do take note, mostly these games are done through placement matches, as I have too many team mates thus, always start with a new group and doing the placement matches. Enjoy!!
Cheers.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WR6JLR3O
This will be the final part of the series on my 4v4 Team Game Strategy Guide. I hope you guys enjoy the whole series. I would recommend you guys to go through the whole series listed below.
4v4 Team Game Strategy
Part 1 - Overview
Part 2 - Strategy
Part 3 - Maps
Part 4 - Protoss
Part 5 - Terran
Part 6 - Zerg
Part 7 - Conclusion and Replays
If you have read and followed the whole series, you basically will gain the necessary insight for 4v4 team games. Throughout the seven part articles, you will have the broad overview on the overall general 4v4 game sense. Equipped with this insight, you and your buddies can start playing together with your preferred races and utilizing the specific strategies outline in Part 4 till Part 7 on specific race strategies. Whether your team prefer the aggressive strategy by inflicting as much damage early in the game through rushes such as Zerglings, Marines and 4 gates or through defensive measures using tactics to hold of opponent pushes. The final decision is totally up to yours and for you to explore the whole world of 4v4 team games.
Often time, it is near impossible to pin point the in depth overall of 4v4 team games as it is too random to be predicted. I had only given you guys the overall general idea on this topic. Everyone has their own preference on timing, offensive, micro or macro games, thus this makes the job impossible. Thus, it is advisable for your team to explore in depth and experience for yourself by playing team games. In general, if you are a good solo 1v1 sc2 player, you can basically deal with team games as team games are not much different from solo games. Every basic knowledge you obtained through your 1v1 matches can be used here.
Finally, you guys may realize the whole series are mainly aimed and more suitable for lower league players as high league players can explore the multiplayer games themselves. I hope you enjoy the series from the first part till this very end. Together I have attached a replay pack of my previous 4v4 Arrange Team games. Included are 21 replays of me and my buddies. Do take note, mostly these games are done through placement matches, as I have too many team mates thus, always start with a new group and doing the placement matches. Enjoy!!
Cheers.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WR6JLR3O
4v4 Team Game Strategy - Part 6 - Zerg
Part 6 - Zerg -
This part will be designated from the Zerg's perspective in Starcraft 2 4v4 team games. The Zerg is often considered as the Macro variant mechanics type of gameplay. If you are starting to explore the world of Starcraft 2, it is more advisable to learn races such as the Terran or Protoss. Both Terran and Protoss has easier and more simple mechanics as compared to the Zerg swarm. A new introduction to Starcraft 2 as compared to its older predecessor Starcraft 1, is the implementation of the Mule, Chrono Boost and Larva Inject mechanics. It is often deem more acceptable if you're not at the top of Chrono Boost and dropping Mules mechanics. However, as a Zerg you always have to Inject your Larvas at perfect timing if your aiming to be a high tier level Starcraft 2 player as missing one or two Larva Injects can cost you the game due to the nature of Zerg's limited Larva supply which are required to build both Drones and workers.
In 4v4 team games, Zerg's strength lies in its ability to mass up units very very early in the game. Early game rushes such as 6/7/8/10 Pool Zergling rushes or 5/7 Roach rushes are very famous can common seen strategy being used. This can cause severe damage to opposing players if unprepared due to lack of scouting.
Building the first Overlord. A majority of Zerg players has always wonder when is the best time to build their first Overlord, whether is it 9 food or 10 food with or without any Drone Extractor trick. I would advice you to get an Overlord at 9 which seems to be the most effective solution.
A very critical situation that always linger around Zergs players are when to get Units, Workers or Upgrade. Leaning too heavily towards either one of this goal can often be self defeating. Through amassing a large amount of games, this will come to you naturally and often is dictated by the flow of each individual game itself. There is no right or wrong.
Remember to creep spread if your using the Roach/Hydra combination and get the +1 Range upgrade.
BUILDS
I) 2 Hatchery Mass Speedlings
I'll start of with the very common strategy used by the Zerg swarm in general team games. You would normally start with a 12 Gas and 14 Spawning Pool with this build. 12 gas means when your food count is at 12. Send 3 Drones to your Extractor when its up. If timed right, you would have 100 gas stock up when your Spawning Pool is done. When your Spawning Pool is up, immediately upgrade the Zergling Speed UPgrade and build a Queen. I always pull 2 Drones from my Extractor and get them to mine minerals. From here on, try to build a Second Hatchery next to your first, Second Queen and drones in between. Finally, When both of your Hatcheries are up together with both Queen, you can easily train a critical mass of Zerglings and swarming your opponents.
You can always put Drones back to your Extractors followed by upgrading your Hatchery into Lair and starting an Expansion when appropriate.
II) Fast Roach Build
I always prefer to start with 13 Spawning Pool 13 Gas build. When your Pool is done, get a Queen and throw down your Roach Warren and build a few more Drones. You can easily have five 5 Roaches during the 5 minute mark. This is your perfect time to knock at your opponents front door. In general Roach will triumph Marines build, 4 gates Build before Warpgate Research technology is done at 5:30 or 5:45 mark. This is best followed by an Expansion and teching into Hydras
III) 6/7/8/10 Pool Rushes
You generally build a Spawning pool at either 6, 7, 8 or 10 Food count. If your aiming for a super early Zerglings agression, I always prefer the 7 or 8 Food build. Take for 8 Pool build as an example, the build order will be in this flow. 8 Spawning Pool, 2 more extra Drones and an Overlord. This is the best way to fully utilize your larva and not falling behind on Macro. These type of rushes are very strong against unprepared opponents or having your allies pushing with you.
IV) Mutalisk Build
I prefer to just stay at one base first and upgrade Lair asap and then only gets an expansion. You will be rushing for Mutalisk as soon as possible. This build mirrors the Protoss fast Dark Templar and the Terran's fast banshee build. A huge amount of Gas are required to mass up a Muta ball. Do not be afraid to Request for gas from your allies and throwing down as mana Expansions as possible mainly for Gas mining. Constant haress with Mutas taking advantage of their speed can cripple any opponents.
V) Fast expansion build
I generally do not use this build often. With this build, you throw down an expansion at 14 or 15 food. This is a very macro build which often slows down your tech and units Production. This build often rewards you greatly if you are able to hold on to your expansion thus gaining double the income compared to other players.
SCOUTING
Zerg is the very best race to act as the Scout in 4v4 team games. As a general rule of thumb, send and place your Overlords somewhere in between your Bases and Opponents behind Cliff or Rocks where they are not able to kill your Overlord. You can easily tell when are your opponents going to push and unit composition. Scouting information is invaluable in the game of Starcraft 2.
Always use a Zergling to hold each Zel Naga Towers. Zergling is the cheapest unit in the game costing a measly 25 Minerals. This helps out your allies saving them from using a worker to hold the tower.
This is what I always personally do and most often done by other 1v1 players and not much seen by team Zergs. Patrolling Zerglings outside their bases and constant poking at the front of Opponent bases can gain your valuable information.
Stay tuned for next part where I'll most likely post a replay pack of my 4v4 games. These will give you a general sense on how to play 4v4 and becoming a better team player.
Cheers
This part will be designated from the Zerg's perspective in Starcraft 2 4v4 team games. The Zerg is often considered as the Macro variant mechanics type of gameplay. If you are starting to explore the world of Starcraft 2, it is more advisable to learn races such as the Terran or Protoss. Both Terran and Protoss has easier and more simple mechanics as compared to the Zerg swarm. A new introduction to Starcraft 2 as compared to its older predecessor Starcraft 1, is the implementation of the Mule, Chrono Boost and Larva Inject mechanics. It is often deem more acceptable if you're not at the top of Chrono Boost and dropping Mules mechanics. However, as a Zerg you always have to Inject your Larvas at perfect timing if your aiming to be a high tier level Starcraft 2 player as missing one or two Larva Injects can cost you the game due to the nature of Zerg's limited Larva supply which are required to build both Drones and workers.
In 4v4 team games, Zerg's strength lies in its ability to mass up units very very early in the game. Early game rushes such as 6/7/8/10 Pool Zergling rushes or 5/7 Roach rushes are very famous can common seen strategy being used. This can cause severe damage to opposing players if unprepared due to lack of scouting.
Building the first Overlord. A majority of Zerg players has always wonder when is the best time to build their first Overlord, whether is it 9 food or 10 food with or without any Drone Extractor trick. I would advice you to get an Overlord at 9 which seems to be the most effective solution.
A very critical situation that always linger around Zergs players are when to get Units, Workers or Upgrade. Leaning too heavily towards either one of this goal can often be self defeating. Through amassing a large amount of games, this will come to you naturally and often is dictated by the flow of each individual game itself. There is no right or wrong.
Remember to creep spread if your using the Roach/Hydra combination and get the +1 Range upgrade.
BUILDS
I) 2 Hatchery Mass Speedlings
I'll start of with the very common strategy used by the Zerg swarm in general team games. You would normally start with a 12 Gas and 14 Spawning Pool with this build. 12 gas means when your food count is at 12. Send 3 Drones to your Extractor when its up. If timed right, you would have 100 gas stock up when your Spawning Pool is done. When your Spawning Pool is up, immediately upgrade the Zergling Speed UPgrade and build a Queen. I always pull 2 Drones from my Extractor and get them to mine minerals. From here on, try to build a Second Hatchery next to your first, Second Queen and drones in between. Finally, When both of your Hatcheries are up together with both Queen, you can easily train a critical mass of Zerglings and swarming your opponents.
You can always put Drones back to your Extractors followed by upgrading your Hatchery into Lair and starting an Expansion when appropriate.
II) Fast Roach Build
I always prefer to start with 13 Spawning Pool 13 Gas build. When your Pool is done, get a Queen and throw down your Roach Warren and build a few more Drones. You can easily have five 5 Roaches during the 5 minute mark. This is your perfect time to knock at your opponents front door. In general Roach will triumph Marines build, 4 gates Build before Warpgate Research technology is done at 5:30 or 5:45 mark. This is best followed by an Expansion and teching into Hydras
III) 6/7/8/10 Pool Rushes
You generally build a Spawning pool at either 6, 7, 8 or 10 Food count. If your aiming for a super early Zerglings agression, I always prefer the 7 or 8 Food build. Take for 8 Pool build as an example, the build order will be in this flow. 8 Spawning Pool, 2 more extra Drones and an Overlord. This is the best way to fully utilize your larva and not falling behind on Macro. These type of rushes are very strong against unprepared opponents or having your allies pushing with you.
IV) Mutalisk Build
I prefer to just stay at one base first and upgrade Lair asap and then only gets an expansion. You will be rushing for Mutalisk as soon as possible. This build mirrors the Protoss fast Dark Templar and the Terran's fast banshee build. A huge amount of Gas are required to mass up a Muta ball. Do not be afraid to Request for gas from your allies and throwing down as mana Expansions as possible mainly for Gas mining. Constant haress with Mutas taking advantage of their speed can cripple any opponents.
V) Fast expansion build
I generally do not use this build often. With this build, you throw down an expansion at 14 or 15 food. This is a very macro build which often slows down your tech and units Production. This build often rewards you greatly if you are able to hold on to your expansion thus gaining double the income compared to other players.
SCOUTING
Zerg is the very best race to act as the Scout in 4v4 team games. As a general rule of thumb, send and place your Overlords somewhere in between your Bases and Opponents behind Cliff or Rocks where they are not able to kill your Overlord. You can easily tell when are your opponents going to push and unit composition. Scouting information is invaluable in the game of Starcraft 2.
Always use a Zergling to hold each Zel Naga Towers. Zergling is the cheapest unit in the game costing a measly 25 Minerals. This helps out your allies saving them from using a worker to hold the tower.
This is what I always personally do and most often done by other 1v1 players and not much seen by team Zergs. Patrolling Zerglings outside their bases and constant poking at the front of Opponent bases can gain your valuable information.
Stay tuned for next part where I'll most likely post a replay pack of my 4v4 games. These will give you a general sense on how to play 4v4 and becoming a better team player.
Cheers
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