EPTWhen I first started xVixen’s Epic Adventure to climb the SC2 ladder I did a casual interview with two high masters players about their game play and their favorite builds. Directly after that I’ve had people message me asking “So what is your favorite build for Terran as a beginner?” To be honest, I didn’t really have an answer at the time. I would bounce back and forth between different builds and not really have a set order for things (talk about lack of organization).
![[image loading]](http://www.team-dignitas.net/uploads/tinymce/images/untitled.png)
(Yes yes, laugh at my crappy effort to photo edit)
However, after doing a few more ladder games and the help of some friends and viewers, I believe I have come across an answer to your question! I experienced my first eight game win stream using this build. Now keep in mind that this is a build/strategy that I use as a Silver Terran player so I’m not quite sure if it will benefit or work for those of a higher league. So what is it that the oh so amazing xVixen do to gain an eight game win streak?
Aside from the never ending consciousness of harvester count and production I’ve been advised to develop timing for everything. At first I would say that the build is pretty standard, and I’m sure others has done this already, it’s quite like the 111 build (But others are not xVixen >.< so read on!). As usual I have my SCV count at 9 going on 10 when I produce my first supply depot as well as pull an additional SCV off the mineral line for scouting. Directly after the first supply depot is completed I throw down my first Barrack all while continuing to produce harvesters. During Barrack production I reach my 12 SCV count and begin my reactor. It is important to make a reactor as soon as possible for the build I am explaining and you will see why.
![[image loading]](http://www.team-dignitas.net/uploads/tinymce/images/untitled4.png)
I do stop SCV production during the last few seconds until Barrack completion so that I am able to obtain 150 minerals for the highly important Orbital on my command center. Besides keeping up with supply depots once I have enough minerals and gas I produce a factory so that I may pump out tanks asap. In a TvT game I find that it really is a battle between tanks (most the time). At this point I already have my second reactor up, Stimpack being researched, siege being researched and my economy can support another barrack or Starport.
It is beneficial to implement some harassment of some sort into your game play, whether it be banshees, drops, Mutalisks for Zerg or what not. In this one particular game I believe I went for my Starport first, however I did not put any attachment to it solely because I wanted to be able to produce a medevac as soon as possible.
My second barrack is usually produced here. During the time of my Medevac production I already had some marines and two tanks out when my opponent attempted to make his/her first move. Lucky for me siege mode completed just in time and I was able to hold them off dealing a significant amount of damage to his army.
![[image loading]](http://www.team-dignitas.net/uploads/tinymce/images/untitled5.png)
Once my medevac came out I loaded it up with my units and went in for the drop behind their mineral line on their main base. I did not have Stim in time for my first drop but it is better to be able to Stim once on to enemy base to deal more damage. Taking down several of his/her harvesters my opponent quickly sent his units in to deal with the harassment. However I quickly reloaded my units into my ship and flew them off only losing one or so marines.
What my opponent did not know was that instead of returning back into my base my drop ship hovered right outside the site of my first drop. I scanned his front line and was able to see that he/she has pulled his units back to the front. I saw this as an opportunity to go back in with yet another drop which did yet again some damage which pushed him/her to GG.
![[image loading]](http://www.team-dignitas.net/uploads/tinymce/images/untitled6.png)
Now what happens if my drop had failed? Well you needn’t worry since during all this activity you should have continued unit production from your two barracks, Starport, and factory. This allows you to have a replenished army at home. Also by now you should have expanded to bring in extra income. Since you were in your opponent’s base for the drop hopefully you were able to see some what they were producing so that you can successfully produce counter units. It is also helpful to put constant pressure on your opponent and attempt to prevent them from building up a mass army or to take over the map!
Now you have a little sneak peek into xVixens beginner game play! Watching professionals play is a great idea for tips and strategies but remember, it takes a lot of practice to perfect it. So in the mean time you can try this simple build and practice harassing and applying pressure and I believe that you will see some improvement in your game!
Just remember, In order to have a smooth game with constant production; always have a well saturated mineral line, expand when possible, prevent yourself from becoming supply blocked, use any floating minerals (building production structures, supplies, more expansions, or units). Being aware of all the little details can make a huge difference in your game play!
I hope you found this article helpful! It takes trial and error to find a build and strategy that really works for you.
GL HF xVixen
