2 Gate Reaver (vs. Protoss)
From Liquipedia Starcraft Wiki
2 Gate Reaver| Matchups: | PvP |
|---|---|
| Type: | Opening |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
2 Gate Reaver is one of the most common "standard" builds in PvP.
The aim of this build is not to surprise the opponent with early Reaver harass but to provide a relatively strong early-mid game army with high Dragoon numbers and Reavers while maintaining a healthy economy.
It also produces a quick Observer, which allows the player to defend against fast Dts and scout the opponent.
A 2 Gate Reaver build will usually damage significantly or even kill a Dt build as well as any kind of 1 Gate expo and 1 Gate tech to expo build. Its vulnerability lies against mass Goon builds that hit before the Reaver is out like the 4 Gate Goon.
[edit] Build Order
There is a huge number of variations on how to perform this build. You can choose to get faster obs, a faster Shuttle, Goon Range before or after the Robo etc. The decision depends on many factors like the player's play-style, the scouting info gathered, map layout and more.
[edit] Variations
This Article will not cover all possible variations as this would be impossible. The player can adapt his build to fit each game's circumstances:
- Openings
- Almost all of the builds in this Article open with zcorez, since its a very standard tech opening in the current PvP metagame. Different situations however will force you to change your initial build order so the rest must be adjusted.
- Depending on the map, opponent etc, you can choose to go for any opening, ranging from Core after Gate (no Zealots - like a PvT opening) for a faster Robo, to second Gate before Core.
Other possible openings include ZcoreGate or multiple Zeals before Core.
- Range first vs. Robo first
- Obviously, Range first provides stronger Goons while Robo first allows faster obs and Reavers. Generally, if you think your opponent is going for a tech build, Robo before Range is preferred since you may need faster Observers and since Dragoon Range will be ready by the time you attack even if you get it after the Robo there is no reason to delay your tech. If you decide to research Range before Robo, try to make good use of it, especially if it comes before your opponent's.
- Observer first
- Safest build, Shuttle and Reaver are slightly slower.
- Shuttle first
- More efficient overall since the Robo is constantly active but Observers are slightly delayed.
- Reaver before Shuttle
- Skipping the Shuttle and going straight to Reaver is always aimed at defending a faster-than-normal Nexus. It provides with faster defensive ability and more minerals for a quicker Nexus. This Build however forfeits the ability to be aggressive.
- This is a good choice against a similar build with shuttle first if the player chooses to try and get an economic advantage through the faster nexus but he will have to defend during the timing window when the opponent has Shuttle & Reavers. Therefore, it should only be used when a player has trust in his ability to defend. The Robotics Facility should be built near the choke so that the Reavers can quickly reach the entrance of the natural; also, a Shield Battery is recommended to prolong the Reaver's life.
- Such a build is strong on maps with easy to defend natural expansions like Destination.
[edit] Robo Before Range
This build delays Dragoon Range to get a faster Robo. Obs & Reaver Timings are pretty similar to Range before Robo builds but unit count is slightly higher.
- 8 - Pylon
- 10 - Gate
- 12 - Assimilator
- 13 - Zealot
- 16 - Pylon
- 18 - Core
- 19 - Zealot
- 22 - Pylon
- 23 - Dragoon
- 26 - Gate
- 27 - Dragoon
- 30 - Pylon
- 32 - 2 x Dragoon
-Constant Dragoons and Pylons when needed-
- 37 - Robotics Facility
- 42 - Dragoon Range
- 47 - Observatory
- 49 - Observer
- 54 - Shuttle
- 60 - Robotics Support Bay
- Reaver(s)
Observer out: ~ 6:20
Range finished: ~ 7:00
Shuttle & 1 Reaver: ~ 8:00
Shuttle & 2 Reavers: ~ 9:00
[edit] Range Before Robo
This build cuts/delays a very small number of probes, especially after Range is started to get a constant unit flow without delaying Robo tech.
While the range is finished rather soon, observers are delayed so the player needs to be careful of fast Dark Templars. To compensate for the later Robotics Facility in comparison to a Range-after-Robo build, Shuttle before Observer is recommended if the chances of the opponent going DTs are low.
Basic Opening
-Constant Dragoons and Pylons when needed-
|
Shuttle first
Range finished: ~ 5:40 |
Obs First
Range finished: ~ 5:40 |
[edit] Timings and Goals
A Fast DT build can have Dark Templars at your entrance up to 30 seconds (depending on Rush Distance) before obs is out. In this case you will have to block the Ramp and minimize damage as much as possible (then proceed to hit him hard).
Fast Range means you will have no problem fighting against any 1 or 2 Gate Tech Build.
Generally, however, leaving Dragoon Range for after Robo is preferred unless you can make good use of it.
Attack timing is around 9:00 when you can move out with ~19 Goons and a 2 Reaver Shuttle.
[edit] Countered By
[edit] Hard Counters
[edit] Soft Counters
DT Rush (if the player gets delayed Observers in favor of faster Shuttle & Reavers)
[edit] Counter To
Fast expand builds
1 Gate Robo builds
[edit] Hard Counters
[edit] Soft Counters
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