Race Match-Ups in Starcraft 2

Starcraft 2 Strategy Guide --> Race Match-Ups (you are here)

Naturally, Starcraft 2 strategies will differ based on your enemy's and your current race. Additionally, your strategies will and should vary from game to game as your opponent's strategies also differ.

With that said, there are some recurrent themes among games the same race match-ups in Starcraft 2. By understanding these general strategies, you can more effectively pick a strategy to use against your opponent.

Note: For specific Race vs Race strategies, see the individual articles on the left-hand side bar for each race.

Zerg vs Terran

For the Zerg player, Zerg vs Terran is all about getting a big economy. Zerg units simply are not as strong as Terran units, end of discussion. You will need more units if you want to win.

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With that said, it is also up to the Zerg player to build units which counter the Terran's selection. Banelings and Infestors should be in your army when playing against Infantry/Bio, and you will need advanced tech (like Ultralisks or Brood Lords) if the enemy gets a lot of Mech units.

For the Terran player, this match-up is all about pressure. You cannot sit in your base and tech up against a good Zerg player. You need to constantly apply pressure, whether that is through Reapers, Hellions, or a simple push. This will slow down the Zerg's economy and prevent him from teching up. Do this and you will win every game.

Terran vs Protoss

In this match-up, Terran do very well versus Protoss units by opting for a bio push (Marines, Marauders, and Ghosts). Early pressure is expecting out of Terrans in this match-up, so if you are a Protoss player you should be ready to be on the defensive.

The key to this match-up at high levels of play is the Colossus and High Templar. If allowed to run rampant, either of these units will wreck Terran bio. The appropriate Terran counter is EMP (for the Ghost) and/or Vikings (for the Colossus).

Zerg vs Protoss

As a Zerg player, your first priority is to figure out whether or not you are getting Zealot rushed. If you see a Cybernetics Core, you can feel free to fast expand. A typical Zerg army well suited to the Protoss consists of Hydralisks and Roaches (more than the enemy has supply for supply) along with a handful of Corruptors (if the Protoss player gets Colossi).

On the other hand, Protoss players simply have to get Colossi when playing against Zerg ground masses in any late game. Your job as a Protoss player is to get some Colossi and protect them as you push forward. Having 3 Colossi on your side is decimating for Zerg ground forces.

Protoss Mirrors

When facing a Protoss vs Protoss match-up, a 2-4 Gate / Robotics Facility build is almost always the most effective. Almost all Protoss players will opt for this build and you can win a majority of your mirrors simply by adding Immortals if the enemy gets a lot of Stalkers or Colossi if he gets a lot of Zealots and Sentries.

Terran Mirrors

Terran mirrors are almost entirely decided in the air. Terran are a very slow race, so air harassment via Viking hit and runs, Banshee tank sniping, and Raven drone harassment should be used often.

In this match-up, constantly busting the enemy's mineral line is key to winning games, because if the enemy can keep pumping out Siege Tanks and Vikings, this match will be a stalemate.

Zerg Mirrors

When faced with a Zerg mirror match, you can expect to be rushed the majority of the time, especially at a small map. A simple 8-Pool Zergling rush is highly effective and easy to execute in Zerg vs Zerg match-ups, so come prepared.

An easy way to pick up a win here is to mass Roaches early and move in versus the enemy. If they went for a fast expansion, you should clean up. If they went for Zerglings, you will also do very well.

Conclusion

Going into a game, you should already have an idea of what to expect from your opponent. If you are ever uncertain about what to do versus a certain match-up or "hate to play" against a certain race, odds are you will lose this match-up often. Pick up some strategies and watch some replays in order to get more comfortable with the match you understand the least and your record will improve accordingly.

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