Starcraft 2 Zerg Builds
In Starcraft 2, Zerg have the least diverse amount of builds. Since all your units are produced at your hatcheries, you can either open with a fast hatchery (fast expand) or a Spawning Pool.
Below, I will discuss both of these Starcraft 2 Zerg builds as well as the pros and cons of each approach. These two builds are the cornerstone of everything mentioned in this Starcraft 2 Zerg guide.
Starcraft 2 Zerg Builds
As mentioned, there are two common builds which are used at high level play. They are the 15 Hatch 15 Pool (or 15/14, or 14/15 – all are fine) and the 13 Pool / Fast Gas. Both of these have their advantages.
15 Hatch 14 Pool or Variants
This is the common build order for Zerg players that are playing on large maps or 4-player maps. It is a bit risky, and vulnerable to the rush. However, because of this, if the map is big enough, it is not reliable for an opponent to rush simply because they either cannot get to your base in time or they cannot scout your location in time.
The build would look like this:
- 9/10 Overlord
- 15/18 Hatchery
- 14/18 Spawning Pool
You could then start getting gas, or do nothing but Drone up an grab Queens depending on your opponent’s race and what they are up to. For example, if you are playing against a Protoss player and they are sending out a few exploratory Stalkers, you will want to get Zergling speed, but if the Protoss player takes a fast expansion you can usually afford to skip early gas and just macro up on drones.
As mentioned, this works best on really big maps such as Shakuras Plateau, but is extremely risky on small maps like Blistering Sands.
13 Pool / Fast Gas
This is the standard Zerg opener if you are on a smaller map. With this build, you get a Spawning Pool at 13 supplies, and build an extractor as soon as the Spawning Pool goes down.
When the extractor goes up, put 3 Drones on it. By doing this, by the time the Spawning Pool finishes, you can start the Zergling speed upgrade. Many players will pull the drones off of gas once they start this upgrade as this helps get the minerals they need to take an expansion.
While this article is a good starting point, if you are serious about getting better at Starcraft 2, we recommend HotKeyIt, the only guide created by pros. You can get it by clicking here.Having early Zergling speed lets you take out any Pylons or buildings that might be blocking your natural expansion and protects you from rushes. Speedlings are excellent for gaining map control, as if the opponent tries to move out, a Zergling run-by is a very real threat that can often keep the other player at home.
As mentioned, you will want to open with this build when playing on small maps, particularly when going against Protoss players. Protoss players love to throw down Pylons at your natural expansion, blocking the Hatchery. The early Speedlings can take out this Pylon easily, as well as prevent any other harassment from happening.
Starcraft 2 Zerg Builds Conclusion
For 99% of your games, remember these Starcraft 2 Zerg builds. They are more effective than the cheese builds and Starcraft 2 tips you might find mentioned elsewhere. Good Zerg play is based around these 2 openers.
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