subject: Zerg Scouting Strategies For Starcraft 2 [print this page] Scouting is extremely important to being able to win in SC2. When you determine what your enemy is strategizing, you can modify your plan and alter your build based on that information. If you want to acquire Diamond League game play in Starcraft 2, you will have to become highly skilled at scouting. As an illustration, if you set up your scouting properly, you'll be able to discover when your enemy is attacking before to them getting to your base, which will allow you to keep yourself secure and to prepare yourself to retaliate. For a look at the finest and most complete videos and guides available for sale, check out my reviews of the best Starcraft 2 Guides.
For members of the Zerg race, scouting is crucial because their units generally focus on one area. Harassing your enemy as you are scouting him out is very helpful game plan to employ. This tactic allows you to see the enemy army while slowing them down, and also lets you plan which units you must build so you can defend against him. Zergs are able to use Zerglings and Mutalisks to constantly harassing an opponent while you are scouting him at the same time.Take a look at the Zerg macro manual to read about how to use the information your spies have found out most effectively.
Spying early in the war will generally not tell you much about your enemy's technology progress, but will let you know if you are going to get rushed or not. For example, if you're scouting Terrans and they have a working Refinery up before they've finished their Barracks, you'll probably be infiltrated by Reapers. If you are scouting Protoss and they've finished 2 Gateways prior to their Cyber Core is built, and there is no gas, then you must get set up for a Zealot rush.
For the most part, you can have your Overlord carry out scouting early in the game to make sure you are not attacked early. This means you don't have to utilize Drone scouts. In 4 player maps with close air positions, it is a good plan to dispatch a Drone scout if your Overlord can't find the enemy base. One of the most effective strategies that works against all races is to use a couple of drones to scout out an opponent's base early in the game and investigate. As soon as they discovered, spawn an extractor in your enemy's headquarters. Whenever your opponent is about to kill it, just abort it and create another one. This tactic can really tie up your opponent's vespine gas income and reduce his tech upgrades. Make sure to abort your extractors soon though - if you are late you will lose both the Extractor and the Drone (75 minerals total). To learn more Zerg tactics take a look at the full Zerg Guide here.