Mass Hellion into Double Armory Thor

Mass Hellion into Double Armory Thor

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Matchups:	TvZ
Type:	Opening
Popularized By:	IM.MvP

Overview

Using a standard Reactor Hellion Expand (vs. Zerg) but adding a second Factory for more Hellions to pressure the Zerg, with Infernal Pre-Igniter and +1 Vehicle Weapons return to the pre-Patch two shot of workers; and then working quickly to Factory (3) with two Tech Labs on Factory (2) (3) for Thors to counter Mutalisk.

This makes for a strong Mech opening vs. Zerg that continues to man-handle Zergling, Baneling and even Roach openings that make easier Drone murder and make Hellions until Command Center (2) has landed for enough access to Refinery (3) (4) for a strong Mech mid-game. Though Marauders may be needed to stop Roach-Rushes.

Goal

Mass produce Hellions off of two Factories to pressure Hatchery-Tech units and make for more opportunities to attack Zerg's mineral lines. Making for a more secure low-ground expansion and time for Thor production to counter Mutalisks, probably into a Siege Tank push but more likely for double Armory upgrades to make for a stronger push timing while having the Hellions to push into the Zerg's base, and make the usual ability to mass large Zergling/Baneling forces null.

Basic Build Order

Basic Build

10 - Supply Depot 12 - Barracks 13 - Refinery 15 - Orbital Command Upgrade 15 - Marine (1 Only]] 16 - Supply Depot 17 - Factory 19 - Reactor on Barracks > Switch to the Factory (1) 20 - Command Center (2) 22 - Supply Depot + Hellions 27 - Factory (2) + Reactor (2) on Barracks > Switch to Factory (2) 37 - Orbital Command (2) Upgrade + Armory (1)

Scouting

• Pressure is scouting.
• Roach Warren? > Marauders + Bunkers
• Spire? > Switch Factory (2) (3) to Tech Labs > Thors

Execution

• Use Hellions to pressure Zerg into more Spine Crawlers and switch to Medivac-drop once they finish walling off the natural.
• When the Third mining base shows up, push out with Siege Tanks and take your third base, keeping in mind Hellions need to patrol for Zergling Back-Stabs. And keep the watch towers.
• Or on macro-focused maps, push out out 2-1 Armory upgrades for a stronger push, but the Zerg will have a stronger economy so the push needs to be more methodical.

Adaptation

• Hellion + Banshee Opening. To force even more Queens and Spore Crawlers, using a quicker Siege Tank push with Marines (for speed) to then Siege break the Spore Crawlers and Banshees with cloak are part of a stronger game plan for abusing pre-Lair/Overseer tech.