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[G] Battlecruiser Rush (Or: How to Be a Boss)

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
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Bibbit
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
Canada5377 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-11-03 04:49:09
September 04 2010 05:19 GMT
#1
Edit: November 2nd, 2010 - Battlecruisers have been nerfed since I wrote this a few months ago. However, its my belief that its by no means obsolete post-nerf. I don't really play Terran anymore but I'll see if I can't get a few more replays up to show you guys this build's legitimacy, even in a post-nerf world. Enjoy. :D

Introduction

Hi, I'm Bibbit and I have recently concocted what I feel is a pretty solid Battlecruiser Rush. Obviously, it is my duty to share it with the wonderful community known as Team Liquid. One thing I should say before you go any further: It is an all-in. If that's not your cup of tea, go elsewhere. On the other hand, it's a mother flippin Battlecruiser rush.

It is quite possibly the only all-in I've come across where you don't usually get BM'd for it, I think possibly in part because its a battlecruiser rush. Rather, people will love you, as shown in these testimonials.

+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]


+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]


The build has only recently begun testing on the ladder at roughly 750~ diamond. Enough of this, lets get to the fun stuff.

Build Order

This is strictly the way I've been doing it as a pure BC rush, I will later address different ways to add your own style.

10 Depot
12 Barracks
13 Gas
15 OC
16 Depot
That's all I know for food counts.
Constant marines
Constant SCVs
Depots when needed
Factory at 100 gas
Start second gas at 50% of factory
Also at 50% of factory, bunker at choke (or you'll die)
100% of factory -> Start Starport. You can send Factory to scout.
100% of Starport -> Start Fusion Core and a second Barracks
40/65 Seconds on Fusion Core (About 2/3 done), start Tech Lab on Starport
You know what happens next
No? START THE BATTLECRUISER

- When your BC finishes, take it with all your marines and a shitload of scvs (I leave 6 on gas and 6 on minerals. Seems to be able to support 2 rax making marines + battlecruiser reinforcements if you keep muling and stop making SCVs)

- Set your scvs to auto-repair so that your battlecruiser is invincible. Edit:
On September 05 2010 11:32 PeatSchmitt wrote:
[...] Dude you might benefit from having scvs follow the BC rather then selecting them with your marines and having them fight. Just a though...


- Watch your shit. Your marines and SCVs will naturally get ahead of you Battlecruiser. Don't let them or they die and you lose.

Because this thread (and the TL community in general) turned out to be awesome, I now present an alternate build order came up by Cytokinesis. It gets the battlecruiser about 20 seconds faster than mine but could be considered a bit less safe. Note that the 20 seconds earlier it is could be very important vs 2 gate robo pushes with an immortal on shorter maps (Steppes, close positions on Delta Squadrant, LT, or Metalopolis are examples). It is less all-in than mine as it gets up an expansion as you move out, while having a bit less marines, having one less barracks, and bringing less SCVs to the attack. Without further delay, here is his build order. :D

+ Show Spoiler +
11 gas
12 rax (cut one scv for a 12--you can get 13 if you feel it's safe enough)
16 fac (or the instant your rax finishes)
2nd gas when factory is half-done
19 starport
24 fusion core
29 BC
41 CC

A replay of him doing this build can be found here: http://sc2.replayers.com/replays/view/3146


Style

What good is a BC rush without the ability to add your own style in? There's a number of things you can change.

One thing I've been experimenting with is a bunker rush vs Zerg. It forces a lot more zerglings to be made (thus delaying their anti-air) without delaying your Battlecruiser all that much.

An example is shown here: http://sc2.replayers.com/replays/view/3094

This might be the most exaggerated example possible but the point still stands imo. He actually leaves before the Battlecruiser ever gets to exist but I think its pretty clear he would be completely boned. (Note that this was a particularly bad game for me too and I botched the shit out of my build).

Another thing I've been pondering over is whether or not to proxy the Starport. Battlecruisers are incredibly slow and it's always nice to have them started like halfway down the map. However, there's a chance of this happening:

+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]


Or this:

+ Show Spoiler +
[image loading]


Perhaps this could be worked around by more thought out proxy spots (AKA not in range of a watch tower).

I guess the biggest thing to remember is: Do whatever the hell you want. You rushed a battlecruiser. Even if you lose horribly, you're still awesome. The BO I have given seems to be pretty optimal for getting a BC out but anything after that is really up to you. Maybe you can try getting a Raven for PDD vs stalkers?

I tried bringing only 6 SCVs and taking an expo when I moved out (only tried it once and failed horribly, I guess there's no harm in posting the replay, will be in replay section).

It seems you can start it with a bunker rush with a reaper.

+ Show Spoiler +
On September 05 2010 09:29 Solaris.playgu wrote:
After fooling around in qxcs build order tester I have found a way to go about a bunker reaper rush --> bc rush. My build order is as follows:

9 gas
10 rax (the building scv then goes to gas)
11 supply
When the depot and rax finishes (same time) add on a tech lab and continue building scvs.
When tech lab finishes, start building a reaper and send an scv to build a bunker. After the reaper finishes, build a marine. The 15th scv will finish perfectly in time with 250 minerals, therefore:
15 orbital (and bunker)
While orbital finishes, build a second supply to complete your walloff. The building scv will go to gas after. Build another marine, and when orbital finishes, build an scv, call down a mule and then:
17 factory
The scv building the fact will then go on and build the starport and later the fusion core. In the meantime, continue pumping scvs and marines. At half factory, build the second gas (as in the original build, ~21 supply). Add a depot around 23 supply. At roughly 33 supply, stop making scvs. While leaving 6 behind you should then have 10 of them to follow in the glorious attack that is soon to commence. When you have started the first battlecruiser build a second rax.

As soon as the first battlecruiser finishes, move out. And kick some alien butt in the most glorious fashion that can ever be considered possible!

This attack should come around the 9minute mark. (OP's clarification: leaves your base at 9 minutes, so it will be about a minute slower than mine. /OP)

Including a replay against a very easy computer just to show the timings. I am very tired and don´t give a rats ass anyway, so there is no reaper micro shown whatsoever. Just trying to build the right thing at the right time, which I also kinda screw up at times xD Anyhow:

http://sc2.replayers.com/replays/view/3143



Another nice thing about this build is that its essentially a 1/1/1 build (unless you scout with factory and lose it) so there's almost limitless possibilities!

Other Thoughts

It seems to be absolutely terrible in TvT. The Siege Tank/ Viking play that is so prevalent in that match up seems to hard counter the shit out of this BC Rush. However, a similar thing can be done with a thor.

I think its strongest match up is TvP. A 2/3 warpgate + a robo should likely get mauled pretty good. Phoenixes should get rolled. An expansion play can likely be walked over. Void Rays could be a problem and 4 warp gate builds can also pose a threat. My BC gets to their base (non-proxied) at about 9 minutes or so. I checked a replay of myself 4 gating (I'm random) and I had 7 sentries, 7 stalkers, and 5 zealots. BC Rush sounds kinda dead.

Unfortunately, I have not yet played enough games to concretely confirm or deny any of this.

Replays

TvP on Steppes: http://sc2.replayers.com/replays/view/3095
TvZ on Blistering Sands: http://sc2.replayers.com/replays/view/3096
TvT (Embarassing loss with Expansion Follow-up): http://sc2.replayers.com/replays/view/3097

Conclusion

I definitely wouldn't suggest adopting this as your safe, sturdy build (because it is neither of those things). However, it could be something cute to have in your back pocket for whatever purpose (for fun, to feel like a boss, playing real life friends, etc). So guys, go out and try it. Also, sorry for bad picture quality but you should get the idea.

I will be adding to this as I learn more myself and feel more than free to throw any replays of yourselves trying this in hear and we can try to flesh out this build even more.

Thanks for reading! :D

Bonus: Possible Ideas from the Thread

Of course our friendly, expert Team Liquid members have some ideas of their own for things you can try. You can look through these and see if there's anything you like. Because like I said, the battlecruiser rush is all about style. :D

+ Show Spoiler +
On September 05 2010 03:37 Telcontar wrote:
do you have enough resources to squeeze out a medivac/viking before adding the tech lab on the starport? i guess i'll just give it a shot myself.


+ Show Spoiler +
On September 05 2010 03:42 Darthturtle wrote:
How about gas before barracks for faster factory? Also, earlier second gas maybe? You'll get a marauder from the barracks if you get the tech lab there and just switch with starport.





nihoh
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Australia978 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-09-04 05:25:47
September 04 2010 05:25 GMT
#2
Ignore post
Dont look at the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.
Shootemup.
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
United States1044 Posts
September 04 2010 05:34 GMT
#3
I am definitely gonna try this out, should be an awesome build to try on my friends
"Dirty Timber Picker" Mity Teem Larquad. "I am a baddie and tango is a smartiepants." -KwarK "When you said you didn't play Invoker I thought you were just being modest"
ThE.SparkZ
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States381 Posts
September 04 2010 05:41 GMT
#4
TLO is the only one who can do this without being a fag
A battle between gods is just so damn beautiful
dudeman001
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
United States2412 Posts
September 04 2010 06:01 GMT
#5
On September 04 2010 14:19 Bibbit wrote:
I guess the biggest thing to remember is: Do whatever the hell you want. You rushed a battlecruiser. Even if you lose horribly, you're still awesome.


This line made your post awesome. For that, I will definitely try my hand at this
Sup.
ZomgTossRush
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States1041 Posts
September 04 2010 06:40 GMT
#6
When your BC finishes, take it with all your marines and a shitload of scvs (I leave 6 on gas and 6 on minerals. Seems to be able to support 2 rax making marines + battlecruiser reinforcements if you keep muling and stop making SCVs)

If this is true, it is the most important part of your post. Will give it a shot.
Coaching for 1v1 and Team games at Gosucoaching.com
Bibbit
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
Canada5377 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-09-04 18:20:55
September 04 2010 18:18 GMT
#7
On September 04 2010 15:40 zomgtossrush wrote:
When your BC finishes, take it with all your marines and a shitload of scvs (I leave 6 on gas and 6 on minerals. Seems to be able to support 2 rax making marines + battlecruiser reinforcements if you keep muling and stop making SCVs)

If this is true, it is the most important part of your post. Will give it a shot.


Yeah, I tried it vs the computer so I can macro perfectly and it works out. I ended up with like 3-5 second pauses between Battlecruisers but that could be because I had to keep making supply depots. In a real game, your shit should be dying so you shouldnt need as many depots. But even still, 3 second breaks between BCs isn't the hugest deal in the world.
Bibdy
Profile Joined March 2010
United States3481 Posts
September 04 2010 18:22 GMT
#8
Mass Marines being as effective as they are against ground and air targets, it doesn't surprise me that you can hold off purely with them while you tech up to your favourite unit. If only Zealots or Zerglings were so good we'd see some Carrier or Broodlord rushes
Telcontar
Profile Joined May 2010
United Kingdom16710 Posts
September 04 2010 18:37 GMT
#9
do you have enough resources to squeeze out a medivac/viking before adding the tech lab on the starport? i guess i'll just give it a shot myself.
Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.
Darthturtle
Profile Joined May 2009
United States718 Posts
September 04 2010 18:42 GMT
#10
How about gas before barracks for faster factory? Also, earlier second gas maybe? You'll get a marauder from the barracks if you get the tech lab there and just switch with starport.
Drfluffy
Profile Joined August 2010
United States96 Posts
September 04 2010 19:15 GMT
#11
I got to diamond using pure carrier rush before I started doing standard macro play.
Bibbit
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
Canada5377 Posts
September 04 2010 19:29 GMT
#12
Started a new section. People of course will think of other things they can do either leading up to the battlecruiser are following up from it so I'll put any ideas people come up with in the OP.
Dudemeister
Profile Joined July 2010
Sweden314 Posts
September 04 2010 19:30 GMT
#13
I love these kind of tech rushes. Will try it out!

I had amazing success with carrier rushing in PvT (~800 Dia).
Basicly the strategy is to rush a voidray to keep the terran in his base so you can expand and cannon up your natural expansion. Meanwhile you add on the fleet beacon and a second stargate.
The normal response for almost every terran who face a wall of cannons is to get a few tanks/marauders to break it. And when they siege up against the cannons you reveal your awesomeness and scream TADAAA!

Recently I've seen white-ra do similar things vs zerg, although he opens phoenixes(But he doesnt scream TADAA! which is a key part of the strategy).
Yaotzin
Profile Joined August 2010
South Africa4280 Posts
September 04 2010 19:38 GMT
#14
On September 05 2010 03:22 Bibdy wrote:
Mass Marines being as effective as they are against ground and air targets, it doesn't surprise me that you can hold off purely with them while you tech up to your favourite unit. If only Zealots or Zerglings were so good we'd see some Carrier or Broodlord rushes

I carrier rush against Z :D
JohnRee
Profile Joined July 2010
United States19 Posts
September 04 2010 19:45 GMT
#15
Someone tried to do this to me on ladder, but the build I was using included plenty of marines, tanks, and vikings.
Bibbit
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
Canada5377 Posts
September 04 2010 19:47 GMT
#16
On September 05 2010 04:45 JohnRee wrote:
Someone tried to do this to me on ladder, but the build I was using included plenty of marines, tanks, and vikings.


Check if my embarrassing loss in the replay section is you.

Like I said, TvT is hard for this build because everyone includes plenty of marines, tanks, and vikings.
ZomgTossRush
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States1041 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-09-04 21:23:29
September 04 2010 21:20 GMT
#17
~1000 Diamond Random

Just tried the build out a few times TvP, here are my thoughts.

In regards to the "get a 2nd gas before fact for a faster fact." You actually get a slower factory because you are down 75 minerals+ mining time, you still need more minerals for a factory. I think a faster 2nd gas would actually slow the timing down.

Timings work our pretty solid, I find i sometimes have to slow down on the marine production to make sure my tech gets out asap. However, this probably should be cut in the scv production since you are playing for one big push anyways.

I think vs any robo play build this is autowin. 4 warpgate could be a different issue depending on the stalker commitment, but through ladder experiment, most p's back away from pure stalker builds due to the aggressive marauder builds.

Holds well/decently off vr play since you have that consistent marine pump.

I think the proxy is unnecessary. The risk reward is way too off, plus the bc timing might help with some hero spawns if for whatever reason your wall breaks down.

Seems like a rare build where scouting isn't too necessary, since you are basically relying on just one solid attack. And if you were too scout something, unless it was extreme(2 gate proxy) you are already committed to the build. Plus since its pretty new, its hard to know smooth transitions. I think its best to just keep trying the same build no matter what, until you run into a wall(a build) that stops it consistently. Then tweak the build around that opposing wall.

I am also considering throwing in 1-2 hellions if i see heavy zealot compositions. But mass rines with BC fire seems to hold up pretty good in general.


Conclusion:
Seems kind of solid, at least in the TvP world. Again my thoughts are gut reactions with about 5-6 games played, so its all open. But definitely worth investigating, and possible tweaking.
Coaching for 1v1 and Team games at Gosucoaching.com
Bibbit
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
Canada5377 Posts
September 04 2010 21:23 GMT
#18
Holy shit^

That's what I'm talking about. More people like you and we'll have this going strong in no time. Thank you very much, :D
Solaris.playgu
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
Sweden480 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-09-04 22:01:20
September 04 2010 21:44 GMT
#19
Hmm, have you thought about faking a bunker reaper rush against z to force a shitload of lings? Kinda like the bunker rush you did, only making one reaper for harass. Just to make him think he has to build a lot of speedlings / roaches.

Definately gonna try this out! And by the way, you´re awesome! :D

Oh, and after watching the replays, you can rightclick your scvs on your bc for follow. That way they won´t go in front and die.
Acritter
Profile Joined August 2010
Syria7637 Posts
September 04 2010 21:47 GMT
#20
On the topic of squeezing more into the build: would it be possible to lift your Starport onto an existing Tech Lab, or would that cut into your earlier production timings? Swapping a Lab on just as the Core finishes would allow you to build a single Viking or Medivac (funds allowing), and swapping one on just after the Starport finishes would allow you to build a Banshee or Raven. A Banshee would be nice for a little more power on the push, and a Raven would allow you to deal with Vikings, Stalkers, Phoenixes, and Hydras. If you don't mind waiting 2 ingame seconds, you can build a Viking or Medivac before starting your Tech Lab on the Starport. I haven't personally tested this out, so I don't know what your money levels are like, but the timings for this work out nicely.
dont let your memes be dreams - konydora, motivational speaker | not actually living in syria
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