subject: The Winning Protoss Vs Zerg Starcraft Strategy [print this page] In the new Starcraft Protoss vs Zerg matchup, your most effective way to winning is in the micromanagement of your Protoss forces. Realistically, it will likely be difficult to match your Zerg opponent's unit production, at least in the rush phase. So, you will have to resist the "out-numbering" strategy and use your units more sparingly. You must remember, intelligence is the key to dominating your opponent. If you notice a lull in the consistency of small skirmishes on the battlefield, then you may want to switch over to building mass units. But only look to do this if you can give your buildings enough time to produce successfully.
As the Protoss, your strongest advantage over a Zerg enemy is in the cunning use of your technology. It goes without saying, Protoss fighters offer more bang for their buck. If winning is your only objective, then in order to take down your Zerg enemy, you will need to make smart build order decisions. Period. You will want to quickly expand your reach over the map, and extend the life of all your forces till their very last breaths. Your timing and selection of builds for each phase of battle will allow you to exploit your Zerg opponent's weak spots.
Stage 1: Responding To A Zergling Rush
After your Zerg opponent has launched his first wave of attack, (which always come before yours), the first kink in his armor will be exposed and you will have the opportunity to counter. Zerg require the most time to produce their buildings and forces, so you must quickly respond with a small army of Zealots and Stalkers. If your Zerg opponent is given the chance to expand his reach without you taking advantage of this weak spot, the match is destined to go longer than you suspected.
Another way for you to capitalize is by formulating an air raid while your Zerg opponent's Lair is still in the process of being built. Or, you may want to just send off a mass army of Zealots to invade the Zerg base. But, be careful if you choose to take up this counter strategy, it may backfire on you if he's built Spine Crawlers to defend his base.
Stage 2: How to Pull Off The Defensive Win
As the initial rush and counter fade, start planning your long-term build strategy and execute quickly. The objective in this strategy is to diminish your opponent's units and resources by killing off any consistent Zerg rushes and then countering when he's left vulnerable at his base.
In order for you to do this you must first build a choke that funnels your Zerg opponent's forces down a single path towards your base's ramp. Next, produce ground units to anticipate their arrival, and station them next to your Pylon and Gateway at the entrance of your base. This will help you shut down any Zerg attack on your mineral or gas production. Most importantly, you must not overlook the speed of Zerglings, if given the opportunity, they will readily become a nuisance to any build production you try to execute.
Finally, make sure you're constantly scouting the territory on the map and planning your next move. If you lose sight of your opponent's production decisions, it may put you at a serious risk. If he chooses to amass a swarm of Zerg units that you're not aware of, it could mean death. So, if he has managed to do this, you must match in quantity what he has produced or bulk up your base's defense. The last thing you want is to be outnumbered so late in the game.
