Forge Fast Expansion (vs. Zerg)

This strategy has been validated to work for patch 1.5.3.

Forge Fast Expansion

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"Forge fast expand or die trying!" - NaNiwa

Matchups:	PvZ
Type:	Opening

Overview

This opening relies on Photon Cannon(s) and a wall-in to hold off any Zergling pokes that the Zerg opponent might attempt. This prevents the Zerg from being able to pressure the early expansion timing, allowing the Protoss player to Tech up and boost their economy at the same time. The strength of this build is the sheer number of transitions that are possible. As Stargate transitions, Robotics Facility transitions and fast Forge/Twilight Council upgraded Gateway pushes are all possibilities, it can be very hard for Zerg to correctly respond.

Goal

This build is designed to delay army production for a stronger economy and faster Tech. This gives you diverse choice of units in the mid-game, whilst remaining safe against Zergling pressure/harassment.

Build Order

Forge Nexus

9 Pylon (scout) 14 Forge 17 Nexus 17 Pylon 18 Gateway 18 Photon Cannon 18 Assimilator x2

Nexus First

9 Pylon, (scout) 16 Nexus 16 Forge 17 Gateway 17 Pylon 17 Photon Cannon 18 Assimilator x2

Notes

• Work out the placements to complete the natural wall-in in three buildings beforehand. Some examples on common maps are shown at the bottom of this article.
• The Photon Cannon is either built immediately once the Forge finishes or delayed after the Gateway.
• Forge builds can go up to three Photon Cannons before it starts biting too hard into Gateway unit production, however the standard is to build only one Cannon as long as you haven't scouted any signs of aggression.

Scouting

• Scout with the Probe that builds your first Pylon.
  • If you're going for a Forge first build, you can block a Hatchery First opening from your opponent with a Pylon. If you let the Pylon finish then you'll either force the Zerg player to expand at another location (which will be less safe), force them to wait until Zerglings are out to expand, or force them to pull Drones to kill the Pylon. All of these things slow the Zerg down, which is what you need to do if they are planning to go Hatchery first. It is also possible to Cannon Rush a Hatchery First build if you went for the Forge first opening.
  • Do not block a Hatchery first opening if you're trying to go Nexus first. You have no need to delay their economy since your Nexus will be going down early, and you also have no option to Cannon Rush the opponent.
• If the Zerg opponent takes gas before expanding then this can be indicative of an all-in. However, it could also indicate a Speedling Expand. If the Zerg mines more than 100 gas from their geyser (the amount of gas required for Metabolic Boost) or if the Zerg does not take a third base by the 5 minute mark, they might be trying to all-in you.
• If a Zerg opponent takes their third Hatchery by around 4:20 then they are probably playing gasless. Any later and they might be going for a gas opening. Against gas openings, it is generally a good idea to build a second Photon Cannon.

Transitions

Gateway Timing-Attacks

• One option is to go for a 4 Gate +1 timing-attack that hits as soon as Warpgate Research is completed. A guide for this type of pressure can be found here.
• Another option is to go for a Gateway all-in. This may or may not include Forge upgrades dependent on the timing you're trying to hit, and can have anywhere from 6-8 Gateways involved. One example would be MC's 7 Gate 1 Gas All-In.
• A third option is to involve Twilight Council upgrades, with Blink being the favoured option. Examples of this include the 7 Gate +2 Blink Stalker All-In.

Stargate Transitions

• You can use either one or two Stargates depending on the transition you want to make later in the game.
• It is possible to play a "Sky Protoss" style from a FFE. A guide to this style can be found here.

Robotics Facility Transitions

• Make Immortals to help fend off against the 11 to 12 minute Roach max popularized by Stephano when planning to take a third base. A guide on this type of style can be found here.
• Use Immortals and 1/1 upgrades to go for a strong 7 Gate Immortal All-In.
• Use Colossi along with upgrades to go for a 2 Base Colossus All-In

Maps

Pro Features

• This build is best on maps with a single, narrow choke that can be restricted to limit access to both the natural expansion and the main. However, this build is a viable opening on any map currently used maps in competitive play.
• This strategy is very strong on maps such as Shakuras Plateau as the natural ramp is quite narrow and also has its own high ground. A wall consisting of Forge, Gateway and Cybernetics Core will leave one hex open, allowing a Zealot to block the entrance.

Con Features

• FFE is more difficult on maps with a wide natural expansion, such as Metalopolis and Daybreak, but it is still doable. Use your buildings to wall towards your Nexus and use your Nexus as part of your wall. In addition to the Cannon placed near your Forge, a second Cannon should be placed in your mineral line below your Nexus. Pylons should be built behind the minerals to prevent Zerglings from being able to run-by. Be sure to scout carefully for information that shows the Zerg is not going all-in. If you do scout an all-in, build extra Cannons as necessary.

Wall-In Examples On Popular Maps

Antiga Shipyard (Wall In At The Nexus)

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Cloud Kingdom

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Condemned Ridge

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Daybreak

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Ohana LE

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Metropolis

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Shakuras Plateau

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Tal'darim Altar

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Replays & VODs

	MaNa	MaNa going for a standard FFE followed up by a passive 3 Gate Robo transition into an early third vs heavy Roach/Ling pressure
	Sheth
	Date: 2012-06-20
	Patch: 1.4.3	Replay

	MaNa	MaNa going for a standard FFE followed up by light 4 Gate +1 pressure.
	Stephano
	Date: 2012-06-18
	Patch: 1.4.3	Replay

	HuK	HuK doing a Nexus (on 16) first variation followed up by a 6 Gate Zealot +1 all-in
	DarKFoRcE
	Date: 2012-06-20
	Patch: 1.4.3	Replay

References

• Strategy guide detailing HerO's +1 4 Gate follow-up to a FFE opening. TeamLiquid.net. November 22, 2011.
• Strategy guide detailing a 7 Gate Immortal all-in after opening with a FFE. TeamLiquid.net. March 31, 2012.
• Strategy guide detailing a Stargate follow-up to a FFE opening. TeamLiquid.net. March 8, 2012.