Forge First (PvZ)
From Liquipedia Starcraft 2 Wiki
|
This strategy has been validated to work for patch 1.4.3. |
Forge Fast Expansion
"Forge First or die trying!" [Naniwa]
| Matchups: | PvZ |
|---|---|
| Type: | Opening |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
This opening relies on an early Photon Cannon(s) to hold off any early Zergling pokes, and completes the wall-off as fast as possible to buy time for a quick tech. The strength of this build is the sheer number of transitions; namely Stargate and Forge-upgraded Gateway pushes and pressure. The number of different possible attacks makes it hard for Zerg to correctly react.
You will have to rely on Probe scouting until either an Observer or Phoenix is complete.
[edit] Goal
This build is designed to delay army production for a stronger economy, and to allow a strong tech early, giving you diverse choice of units in the mid-game, while remaining safe against Zergling pressure/harass with enough Gateways to either hold or pressure.
|
|
[edit] Notes
- Work out the placements to complete the natural wall-in in three buildings; BEFOREHAND.
- The Photon Cannon is always built once Forge (1) finishes.
- Forge builds can go up to three Photon Cannons before it starts biting too hard into Gateway unit production.
[edit] Scouting
- 9 - Scout: Block a Hatchery First with a Pylon, leave it to keep the Zerglings distracted. Can go for a 12 - Forge if you wish to Cannon Rush a Hatchery First build.
- Midgame:
- A four to seven gateway timing attack or Stargate after the 2nd Nexus are both useful for pressuring the Zerg.
- A common response from Zerg is to double early expand. Scout this 3rd Hatchery early to know whether it is safe to pressure with Stargate units or if a large Gateway army is needed instead.
[edit] Execution
- The key to FFE is scouting. As this is a passive build, you need to pay special attention and respond to what your opponent is doing.
[edit] Transition
Gateway Timing attack:
- Make a proxy pylon near the zerg's third or natural and start attacking, this attack can be anywhere from 4-8 Gateways. Anymore than 6 is considered an all-in.
Phoenix/Void Ray:
- Make Void Rays before Phoenix if this attack is to take the opponent by surpise. This is usually done off of Stargate (2) with Void Ray (3) with Phoenix to beam-up Queens.
[edit] Maps
[edit] 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 of the currently used maps in competitive play.
- This strategy is very strong on maps such as Shakuras Plateau, as the natural is quite narrow and even 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.
[edit] Con features
FFE is more difficult on maps with a wide natural expansion, such as Metalopolis, 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.
[edit] Popular Maps Wall-in Examples
[edit] Antiga Shipyard (Wall in at the Nexus)
[edit] Metalopolis
[edit] Shakuras Plateau
[edit] Tal'darim Altar
[edit] References
- [1] Strategy guide on a gateway-heavy followup to a Forge Fast Expand opening.
- [2] Strategy guide on a Robotics Facility all-in followup to a Forge Fast Expand opening.
- [3] Strategy guide on a Stargate followup to a Forge Fast Expand opening.
[edit] VODs
- Cecilsunkure FFE on Xel'Naga Caverns A must see for anyone who is trying this build for the first time. Lots of info about proper reactions and transitions. July 2011
- HDStarcraft Youtube Video - A video of someone starting with a forge fast expansion.
- GSL Pre-Season 3 Ro64 - GuineaPig vs. Junwi. GuineaPig shows us the viability of chronoboosting out probes until you scout what the Zerg is doing. After scouting Hatch first, he throws down his Nexus first and then Forge. In game 1, GuineaPig's patrolling probe spots the Nydus Worm attempt and GuineaPig shows that probes can indeed kill a Nydus Worm before it finishes emerging. A second Nydus Worm is also stopped by probes. Game 2 shows the Zerg attempting a more economical approach to the game, rather than attempting to break the fast expansion with a Nydus Worm, but good scouting and Void Ray/Phoenix harassment deal too much damage to the greedy Zerg.
- GSTL February 2011 IM vs. ZeNEX - YongHwa vs. KyrixZenith. YongHwa demonstrates the power of 2 base Void Ray + Colossi by maxing out on two bases before finally taking a 3rd base and pushing out. The shear power of Void Rays and Colossi in a maxed army overwhelms Kyrix, despite Kyrix' large economic lead.
- GSL March 2011 Group E - San vs. NesTea. San opens with FFE and follows up with 6 warpgates, which catches NesTea off-guard, destroying NesTea's 3rd base. San shows some excellent decision making by pulling back, happy with the damage that he did, and transitioning into HTs and DTs, and having great timing on taking extra bases.
- GSL January 2011 Ro8 - Choya vs. NesTea, game 2 on Lost Temple. NesTea shows us why 2 Stargates is not a good transition out of FFE.
- Dreamhack Summer 2011 - HuK vs. Moon, game 5 on Tal'Darim Altar . HuK vs a 6 pool from Moon in the finals.
- Dimaga looses his Hatch (Opening: Hatchery First) to a Cannon Rush on Shakuras Plateau. YouTube: Dimaga (Z) vs Mana (P) on Shakuras Plateau
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
