• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 02:38
CEST 08:38
KST 15:38
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt1: New Chaos0Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy8ByuL: The Forgotten Master of ZvT30Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book20Clem wins HomeStory Cup 289
Community News
Weekly Cups (March 16-22): herO doubles, Cure surprises3Blizzard Classic Cup @ BlizzCon 2026 - $100k prize pool48Weekly Cups (March 9-15): herO, Clem, ByuN win42026 KungFu Cup Announcement6BGE Stara Zagora 2026 cancelled12
StarCraft 2
General
Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy What mix of new & old maps do you want in the next ladder pool? (SC2) Potential Updates Coming to the SC2 CN Server Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book herO wins SC2 All-Star Invitational
Tourneys
RSL Season 4 announced for March-April Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament StarCraft Evolution League (SC Evo Biweekly) WardiTV Mondays World University TeamLeague (500$+) | Signups Open
Strategy
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Frigid Storage Publishing has been re-enabled! [Feb 24th 2026]
External Content
The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 518 Radiation Zone Mutation # 517 Distant Threat Mutation # 516 Specter of Death
Brood War
General
Pros React To: SoulKey vs Ample ASL21 General Discussion RepMastered™: replay sharing and analyzer site KK Platform will provide 1 million CNY Recent recommended BW games
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL21] Ro24 Group C [ASL21] Ro24 Group B [ASL21] Ro24 Group A
Strategy
What's the deal with APM & what's its true value Fighting Spirit mining rates Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
General RTS Discussion Thread Nintendo Switch Thread Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Darkest Dungeon Path of Exile
Dota 2
The Story of Wings Gaming Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
G2 just beat GenG in First stand
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Five o'clock TL Mafia Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread The Games Industry And ATVI European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread Canadian Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books Movie Discussion!
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2026 Football Thread Cricket [SPORT] Tokyo Olympics 2021 Thread General nutrition recommendations
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
[G] How to Block Livestream Ads
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Funny Nicknames
LUCKY_NOOB
Money Laundering In Video Ga…
TrAiDoS
Iranian anarchists: organize…
XenOsky
FS++
Kraekkling
Shocked by a laser…
Spydermine0240
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 5256 users

[G] Improving as A low-level Macro Zerg - Page 4

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next All
Twaxter
Profile Joined April 2010
Canada190 Posts
February 26 2011 01:14 GMT
#61
Good Read
If you want my advice, just play brood war for a good month, and try to get to D playing standard zerg, when you come back, you will be Masters.

The skills in Sc2 that are optional in lower leagues were mandatory in any league in Brood War.
You will be forced to play better and when you hit Sc2, you will be able to have control of the mechanics very easily.

This is golden for zergs just starting out. <3

Lose and Learn
Snoyarc
Profile Joined January 2011
United States101 Posts
February 26 2011 01:55 GMT
#62
Great post, I have been playing SC2 for about a week, but have been watching pro games since MLG DC, I know i'm Better than alot of the players im playing against but 1 base timing attacks almost always kill me, hopefully I can get back up to gold and keep getting better(i got demoted to silver last night)
Daveoo2
Profile Joined September 2010
Australia19 Posts
February 26 2011 08:20 GMT
#63
Long but I forced myself to read it! Thanks a lot!
Good Gaming!
Arisen
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States2382 Posts
February 26 2011 09:17 GMT
#64
On February 26 2011 10:14 Twaxter wrote:
Good Read
If you want my advice, just play brood war for a good month, and try to get to D playing standard zerg, when you come back, you will be Masters.

The skills in Sc2 that are optional in lower leagues were mandatory in any league in Brood War.
You will be forced to play better and when you hit Sc2, you will be able to have control of the mechanics very easily.

This is golden for zergs just starting out. <3


Well, if you create an iCCup account, to be fair, you're already at D

I think this is helpful, in a way, as it will punish you for having poor mechanics around the D-C range, and really punish you above that. Yes, you'll learn allot of the economic focused RTS basics by playing BW. However, BW and Starcraft 2 should be viewed, IMO, totally different games from a player perspective. I use BW references allot to pound my points home, I realize, but the sheer difference in BW zerg and SC2 zerg makes it something like a totally different race. In my opinion, you'll get more out of playing SC2 for practice than BW. BW has nothing to simulate queen's larvae inject which is probably one of the main problems facing new zergs. Also, you're learning a whole other system of hatchery management where you only had 1 larvae per (?) seconds per hatchery, and (theoretically) you'd never have more than one larvae per hatch after the first few minutes of the game, so resources flowed completely differently.

While I completely support anyone playing BW because it's a great game, practicing BW zerg to get good at SC2 zerg doesn't make the most sense to me, as, in my mind, they're apples and oranges.

Thanks for the suggestion, and if anyone wants to try this, more power to you, I just feel you'll get more out of your practice time by playing SC2 than BW
"If you're not angry, you're not paying attention"
ReNhoSoft
Profile Joined November 2010
Mexico69 Posts
March 12 2011 00:01 GMT
#65
Awesome guide, a really nice read. I got a question though, what are the main differences between the mentality of a zerg player and a protoss/terran player?
Communism
Profile Joined November 2010
United States176 Posts
March 12 2011 03:38 GMT
#66
Great thread, im coming in kind of late but i did want to give my 2 cents on one thing.

Hotkey setup is largely preference but the undisputable most effecient way to hot key your queens is by having all of the queens on one hotkey, and then changing the base camera function from the backspace key to something more accessible... i like to use shift + space as mine.

So basically when i inject this is all that happens: (for 3 bases lets say)
I hit my queen hotkey button once ( 6 ) - 1 key press total
I hold shift and press V - 2 key presses total
I press space once and click on my hatch, while continuing to hold shift - 4 key presses total
I repeat this for the other 2 hatches - 8 key presses total

With the OP's method, this happens:
hit each queen hotkey twice, then press v and click ( 4 key presses per hatch )
repeated for 3 hatches, this is 12 key presses.

Another point is that with my method, I can inject 3 bases in under 2 seconds once my queens are selected and i press v i just have to alternate space and click for each base.

Also this way you can support an unlimited number of bases without having to have 4+ different hotkeys for your queens.

Sorry if this is slightly off topic, but I really feel like this way is undeniably more efficient than using any other method so if you are just building habits it may be a good one to use

DocSeverinsen
Profile Joined March 2011
Germany86 Posts
March 12 2011 03:43 GMT
#67
Really nice thread! So much work... i will send my friends in here for some awesome zerg knowledge!
No one leaves alive... hero stalker
dogcore
Profile Joined January 2011
Albania128 Posts
March 19 2011 03:00 GMT
#68
More zergs need to see this
Andwhy
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
United States91 Posts
March 19 2011 03:11 GMT
#69
Way to bolster our race, Arisen! Thanks for such an insightful, well thought-out, organized post. I'm also glad you gave up on the "Zerg is underpowered" concept, I think it's just harder/ more fun. You present wonderful commentaries on the powerful aspects of the zerg meta-game!
archdevilz
Profile Joined February 2011
91 Posts
March 25 2011 13:49 GMT
#70
i'm sure alot of the stuff mentioned here are things that high zergs r struggling or striving to improve or perfect. definitely not just meant for low level zergs.

awesome post =)
MrJargon
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United Kingdom158 Posts
March 25 2011 15:45 GMT
#71
I bookmarked this page since I don't have time to read it all right now, but I am definitely going to.
Questo
Profile Joined March 2011
Sweden19 Posts
April 09 2011 22:28 GMT
#72
That's a very intresting read Arisen, I agreed with alot of your opening arguments and I also struggle alot with playing as Zerg on the ladder.

I will take your rules and pointers in mind next time I practice!
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing."
Dachef16
Profile Joined December 2010
United States2 Posts
April 09 2011 22:39 GMT
#73
Wow this is a great guide for a player like me. I'm personally very stubborn about always trying to play a macro game, and I usually lose because. There just seems to be so many players at the lower levels who just want to rush or all-in their way to the top.
MrTortoise
Profile Joined January 2011
1388 Posts
April 13 2011 09:58 GMT
#74
I have just switched to zerg, great post. I like your point about overlords ... very true. I'd forgotten the corruption day 9 episode .. that was pretty damn funny.

One thing you didn't mention is creep spread from tumors and queens.

One thing that i hadn't noticed whilst playing random 4v4 (I was P 1v1) is that you can use an active tumor to spread creep. I have read a lot about sc2 but have never seen that stated - I noticed by watching streams of people. I was using 2-3 queens to spread creep when really you just need a queen to start the spread. Given that creep gives vision (and slows down armies who want to kill it) its hugely important imo.


Maybe worth an include?
MrHavix
Profile Joined June 2010
United States53 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-05-06 21:30:54
May 06 2011 21:27 GMT
#75
This is a great post. Respectfully, Arisen, I don't see a note specifically saying it is adapted from Day[9]'s VOD? I know you include it as a link at the bottom of the mechanics section, but my memory leads me to think at least the Mechanics section is a word for word transcript of his VOD. If it is, I'm sure Day[9] doesn't mind but perhaps you could preface your post with the VOD link and giving more direct credit?

Not trying to downplay your thread -- there is plenty of added value in transcribing his VODs as well as your own analysis.

Edit: Apologies if this starts a flame war, but...I've found a significant amount of content that seems like a direct transcript from Day[9]'s VOD(s). Why didn't you mention this in your intro? I specifically remember him saying this section:

One mistake I see allot of players make is looking at battles, even if they can't do shit about it. Watch a player like IdrA play from a first person perspective and see how much he's actually watching battles. Not very often.
Jayrod
Profile Joined August 2010
1820 Posts
May 06 2011 22:22 GMT
#76
On May 07 2011 06:27 MrHavix wrote:
This is a great post. Respectfully, Arisen, I don't see a note specifically saying it is adapted from Day[9]'s VOD? I know you include it as a link at the bottom of the mechanics section, but my memory leads me to think at least the Mechanics section is a word for word transcript of his VOD. If it is, I'm sure Day[9] doesn't mind but perhaps you could preface your post with the VOD link and giving more direct credit?

Not trying to downplay your thread -- there is plenty of added value in transcribing his VODs as well as your own analysis.

Edit: Apologies if this starts a flame war, but...I've found a significant amount of content that seems like a direct transcript from Day[9]'s VOD(s). Why didn't you mention this in your intro? I specifically remember him saying this section:

Show nested quote +
One mistake I see allot of players make is looking at battles, even if they can't do shit about it. Watch a player like IdrA play from a first person perspective and see how much he's actually watching battles. Not very often.

It won't start a flame war, but that's pretty much common knowledge. That statement is definitely not day9's intellectual property. He just relays the same information in a way that makes sense to a beginner. All good players know to look away from the battle when the micro is done and I think it would be a shame to deprive the readers of this thread who may not have seen every day9 video of that information.

While I think the OP is fundamentally wrong on alot of the suggestions that its harder to play macro zerg than macro toss or terran or that zergs are allowed fewer mistakes (I find this to be exactly backwards to be honest), you have to give him credit for at least trying to help people and providing correct information on a forum where little "zerglings" (my word for sub-masters zerg players) are looking for help.

All the races are very unforgiving. This GAME is very unforgiving. Zerg doesn't have a monopoly on difficulty, they are just another race, where if you put enough time in, you will understand them and play well in your matchups. Its really no different. I play at masters level at all 3 races, but main protoss. Player matters more than race.
Malpractice.248
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United States734 Posts
May 06 2011 22:29 GMT
#77
How do u feel about the pros/cons of
1-3 army, 4+ macro
vs
1-4 army, 5+ macro

I see ~1/2 the pros doing each :/ always thought MORE control groups would give u better control...?
Arisen
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States2382 Posts
May 07 2011 02:50 GMT
#78
On May 07 2011 07:29 Malpractice.248 wrote:
How do u feel about the pros/cons of
1-3 army, 4+ macro
vs
1-4 army, 5+ macro

I see ~1/2 the pros doing each :/ always thought MORE control groups would give u better control...?


If you see a need for an extra army tab go for it. The point of a hotkey setup is something personal to you, that you can use to it's full potential. If you're the kind of player who loves army control and gaining advantages in that way, and could see a way to better his army control with an extra hotkey, you should absolutely try it out. Tyler talks about this in a recent SotG where he binds his buildings to some outlandish shit (robotics to z, etc), but it works for him, and that's all that should matter; what works for you.

Cheers.
"If you're not angry, you're not paying attention"
nicke10
Profile Joined August 2010
Sweden114 Posts
May 07 2011 05:43 GMT
#79
Does anyone have good build orders for each matchup that yo ucould practice over and over and preferbly flowcharts as well so you hav ea good gameplan?

I've looked around but most are outdated unfortunately, the flowcharts.
"It's not that I'm dumb, I'm just Neural Parasited by a retarded Infestor." - Sean "Day[9]" Plott
Legat0
Profile Joined October 2010
United States318 Posts
May 07 2011 05:50 GMT
#80
On March 26 2011 00:45 MrJargon wrote:
I bookmarked this page since I don't have time to read it all right now, but I am definitely going to.


Likewise. I will reference this later. Thanks for the post!
Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 3h 22m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
Livibee 132
ProTech127
StarCraft: Brood War
Sea 3995
Zeus 2633
Shuttle 670
ToSsGirL 130
Dewaltoss 129
sSak 46
Noble 27
Bale 22
Dota 2
NeuroSwarm182
League of Legends
JimRising 624
Counter-Strike
summit1g10471
Super Smash Bros
C9.Mang0438
Mew2King93
Other Games
WinterStarcraft613
crisheroes307
ArmadaUGS107
amsayoshi56
Organizations
StarCraft: Brood War
UltimateBattle 33
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 10 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Upcoming Events
RSL Revival
3h 22m
ByuN vs Maru
MaxPax vs TriGGeR
WardiTV Team League
5h 22m
BSL
12h 22m
Replay Cast
17h 22m
Replay Cast
1d 2h
Afreeca Starleague
1d 3h
Light vs Calm
Royal vs Mind
Wardi Open
1d 4h
Monday Night Weeklies
1d 9h
OSC
1d 17h
Sparkling Tuna Cup
2 days
[ Show More ]
Afreeca Starleague
2 days
Rush vs PianO
Flash vs Speed
Replay Cast
3 days
Afreeca Starleague
3 days
BeSt vs Leta
Queen vs Jaedong
Replay Cast
3 days
The PondCast
4 days
Replay Cast
4 days
RSL Revival
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
RSL Revival
6 days
BSL
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2026-03-27
WardiTV Winter 2026
Underdog Cup #3

Ongoing

BSL Season 22
CSL Elite League 2026
CSL Season 20: Qualifier 1
ASL Season 21
Acropolis #4 - TS6
2026 Changsha Offline CUP
StarCraft2 Community Team League 2026 Spring
RSL Revival: Season 4
Nations Cup 2026
NationLESS Cup
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Finals
ESL Pro League S23 Stage 1&2
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter Qual

Upcoming

CSL Season 20: Qualifier 2
Escore Tournament S2: W1
CSL 2026 SPRING (S20)
Acropolis #4
IPSL Spring 2026
BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.