Starcraft 2 Zerg Mirror Match

Starcraft 2 Zerg Strategies --> Zerg Mirror Match (you are here)

The Starcraft 2 Zerg mirror match (Zerg vs Zerg) is by far one of the most bizarre match-ups in the entire game.

While most Zerg match-ups depend on macro, this match-up is highly favorable to those with great micro and often takes a lot of weird turns.

In particular, high-tech simply does not happen in Zerg vs Zerg match-ups.

In my experience, about 2/3 of Zerg vs Zerg matches never get units beyond Roaches, Zerglings, and Banelings.

I would say that at least 90% of matches do not see any units past the Infestor and Mutalisk. Hive tech simply just does not happen much.

Click Here for Shokz #1 Starcraft 2 Strategy Guide

Early Aggression

While Zerg players usually like to take fast expansions and go for a macro-oriented game, this is not the case in Zerg mirrors. Almost always, one of the players will go for an early Spawning Pool (even in Diamond league, 8 and 10 pools are quite common).

As a result, you must scout very early in Zerg vs Zerg matches, especially on 2-player maps where the opponent knows exactly where you are. I would recommend scouting as early as the 8th Drone to see when the enemy player throws down his Spawning Pool.

Below, I will provide some strategies based for each opening your opponent might go for and what you can do to appropriately counter it and give yourself the upper hand.

8 or 10 Pool

If your enemy does go for an 8 or 10 Pool, you really need to go for a 12-Pool so you can throw down a Spine Crawler and get a Queen out before Zerglings flood into your base. Zerglings can be very annoying if the enemy player has good micro, so do not be cheap and make sure to throw down a Spine Crawler.

Once you have 1-2 Spine Crawlers up, your Crawlers, Queen, and a handful of Zerglings can fend off even very large Zergling attacks. This allows you to grab a bunch of Drones and macro up, giving you a huge advantage over your opponent. You could then tech into Roaches and push out at around the 6:30-7 minute mark.

12 Pool

If you scout a 12 Pool, you are not safe to go for a fast expansion, and instead should opt for a 14 Pool with gas. This will allow you to get Speedlings out fairly early in the game and give you a slight economical advantage over your opponent.

14 Pool

If you scout a 14 Pool, you know that your opponent is playing it safe. Ideally, if your scouting is perfect, you can throw down a 14 Hatch as soon as you see the Pool go down.

This will give you a nice advantage over your opponent because the space between your bases will allow you to get a faster expansion without putting yourself at risk.

14 Hatch

The problem with scouting a 14 Hatch is it often happens so late you have already committed to one of the paths above. If you go for an 8-12 Pool, just pump Zerglings and push out. You will arrive at your opponents base before his Spawning Pool finishes so you can cause some major trouble.

If you went for the safe 14 Pool, you are behind in the game as soon as the enemy throws down the 14 Hatch. The only thing you can do in this situation is to get a Banelings nest and then start pumping Banelings and Zerglings.

By getting out early pressure, you force the enemy to spend resources on defense and units. This prevents him from actually using his early Hatchery since he cannot produce Drones.

In the meantime, throw down a Hatchery of your own. Whenever it finishes you know you can pull back and get Drones without falling behind.

Safest Opener

In my opinion, the safest (and most effective) way to play this match-up is to open with a 14 Pool whenever you can. Naturally, you will want to scout for cheese and rushes, and if you notice it you will have to go for a 12 Pool.

Otherwise, you can opt for a 14 Pool. This will protect you from 10-14 Pool attacks and allow you to put out some pressure if the enemy gets a fast expansion.

From here, check out the Zerg vs Zerg strategy section for more specifics. However, most long-term (more than 10 minutes is "long" for a ZvZ) ZvZs boil down big Roach armies backed up by Banelings and Zerglings.

Are you still struggling to get into the Diamond League?

If you answer the above question with a yes, then I urge you to pick up the Shokz Starcraft 2 Mastery Guide.

This routinely updated advanced guide contains strategies for ALL the races, an advanced 1v1 guide, a 2v2 guide with powerful strategies for Terran, Zerg, and Protoss players that will have your opponents begging for mercy. Click here to get it now!