Harstem's 2 Oracle into 8 gate sentry/stalker push (PvZ All-In)

Description

Unfortunately for us, PvZ is the one match up that seems like it will cause a bit of difficulties. Late game Zerg has some incredible strength with the new infestors, so to combat this it seems most reliable to end the game early before this happens. So, to get you all started on the right foot, this build by Harstem is a very fun and fresh type of aggressive opening to keep Zergs from getting to their end game.

VOD

Replay - Harstem v Stephano: Game 3 - Catalyst LE

Build Order

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Analysis

Build Explanation

Since most optimized PvZ builds pre-patch cut out the MSCore early to afford faster tech anyway, the general order for these builds doesn’t really change too much. So this build starts with a pretty normal 19 Nexus into Stargate opening for two fast Oracles to harass and scout the Zerg. Harstem chronoboosts out a Stalker first to deny overlord scouts, but if you feel safer going for an adept first to scout then that’s totally fine. The new overlord speed buff makes it tough to deny scouting so that’s why he is getting the stalker first. After the Stargate, you then get two more gateways and slightly later a Robo to set yourself up for a 3rd expansion. This looks very normal to a scouting Zerg player and seems to be very macro oriented. However, as you’re expanding to the 3rd, you’re also throwing down five extra gateways and getting a warp prism out of your robo. You’ll be warping in nonstop sentry/stalker production and hitting around 6:10 with a good amount of units that the Zerg shouldn’t be well prepared for after they see you trying to take a 3rd base. This is a very simple and clear build that should hopefully make your PvZs a little less chaotic, however the early game might still be a bit troublesome for some of you so I’ll talk a little bit about early game defense as well.

Early Game Defense Without the MSCore

Three things have been added to help with early game Protoss defense of Zerg cheeses. First is the adept shade vision being buffed to four up from two. Second is the increased damage of Stalkers. And finally, is the shield battery. Do not underestimate how strong these additions are. The added vision range will help count drones and see what units are on the map while being out of harm’s way. Shield batteries heal extremely quickly, and putting just one per mineral line can easily help vs modest ling drop openers. Probes can stay alive longer while drilling vs lings, an adept will basically be untouchable. Ravager all ins hitting your front door? Stalkers kill them much quicker now, and since shield batteries cost only 75 minerals, you can easily make enough so that they cannot all be corrosive biled out of existence. Opening with a fast stargate also gives you protection from the air to help clean up anything that is left over from the attack.

I’m not saying it will be easy or that you won’t still face some all ins that require more intense reactions, but the tools to defend are there and it’ll just take some time to get used to using them and adapting to the new changes.

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Details

• Created by: Gemini_19    
• Published on: Nov 16, 2017
• Modified on: Nov 17, 2017
• Patch: 4.0.0

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