So I've been looking through forums about how to micro Phoenixes against different units perfectly. Since I did not find any satisfactory answer on the topic, I decided to do the math myself and calculate how exactly Phoenixes should be microed theoratically. Here is what I found.
The fact that Phoenixes can infinitely kite certain other units due to their high speed and their ability to attack while moving has been known for a long time. The question is, which course should the Phoenixes follow so as to take no damage.
Let's take the speed of the Phoenix as v, the speed of the chasing unit as u. The Phoenix wants to keep a distance of d from the pursuing unit. Without detailed mathematical demonstration, the result is that the Phoenix should move along a circle of the radius
v*d/sqrt(v^2-u^2).
This will cause the chasing unit to move along a circle concentric to the Phoenix's, but with the radius
u*d/sqrt(v^2-u^2).
Furthermore, the chasing unit's phase must be delayed by
alpha = acos(u/v)
(where acos is the arcus cosine function), which also means that the direction in which the Phoenix is facing and the direction in which the chasing unit is facing should always form an angle of alpha. In case of range-upgraded Phoenixes vs. Corruptors, the values for radii and angle are as in the figure: + Show Spoiler +
For those who don't believe me, here are two things. First, here is a short document with the exact mathematical derivation of the above formulae. I tried to be as clear as possible, but it contains some more serious maths (well, no rocket science, but still not the most basic things). However, I suggest you DO read it, even if you skip the maths, because it is a very thorough document; this post here is merely an extract from it. You may say, OK, this is theory, but real game is another thing. The two, however, actually coincide perfectly in this case. To prove this, I made a tiny test map and tested it, and, hey presto!, the test results were perfectly as predicted. Here is a video demonstration:
As you can see, the Corruptor exactly follows the circle it is supposed to, and never ever damages the Phoenix. I concede, this micro cannot be used in real game to kill enemy units, because the opponent will not let that happen and at least pulls away his unit, but if you start your microing in the right direction, and you can maintain it for two-three volleys, you can actually gain a significant lead.
Anyway, I have some other topics related to of math in SC2; if you find this one interesting, I will upload more.
This is pretty awesome, but nobody will be able to make their Phoenixes take that path in the heat of battle, let alone in a game where their opponent lets the Corruptor chase it around like that!
On July 25 2014 06:39 DinoMight wrote: This is pretty awesome, but nobody will be able to make their Phoenixes take that path in the heat of battle, let alone in a game where their opponent lets the Corruptor chase it around like that!
But sick nonetheless.
what ? why not its pretty easy, just kite in a circle ..
Having a bunch of Phoenixes instead of a singel one, really makes a big difference, as you need to click kind of beneath the Phoenix'. Should be doable though, rly nice.
On July 25 2014 06:39 DinoMight wrote: This is pretty awesome, but nobody will be able to make their Phoenixes take that path in the heat of battle, let alone in a game where their opponent lets the Corruptor chase it around like that!
But sick nonetheless.
what ? why not its pretty easy, just kite in a circle ..
You have to click loads to keep your Phoenixes stacked, and they'll be moving their Corruptors/Mutas back and forth and try to flank you while you have to manage with loads of other stuff in the game. And then you get hit by a fungal and lose every Phoenix .
This is super impressive. I haven't seen anyone else in this community who has such deep knowledge both in math and game editor. Also, so much passion for SC2 I'm looking forward to reading your researches!!
Wow, great post, really interesting. If a pro can just get the feeling for the right radius he should be able to use that micro for some extra volleys.
On July 25 2014 06:39 DinoMight wrote: This is pretty awesome, but nobody will be able to make their Phoenixes take that path in the heat of battle, let alone in a game where their opponent lets the Corruptor chase it around like that!
But sick nonetheless.
what ? why not its pretty easy, just kite in a circle ..
The zerg can just right click through the middle of the circle though.
On July 25 2014 07:34 Dingodile wrote: what if opponent (corrupter in that case) microes too?
Then you have to adjust accordingly to another circle. It shouldn't cause you to lose Phoenixes because the Corruptor can only attack your Phoenixes if your opponent recognizes the pattern in your movement and intecepts the Phoenixes at another point of the circle. Worst thing to happen is that you can't kill the Corruptor.
EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/YV825rw.png)
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