Tips for an aspiring StarCraft 2 player

[UnkeptBiscuit]

So I went out and pre-ordered StarCraft 2 at Gamestop for the beta key. I, a mostly FPS player, was completely owned every match I play. I'm a smart guy, I'm just not used to the type of game. Anyway, this was weeks ago. Now, with only 2 weeks left in the beta, I'd like to be able to not fail every game I play before it ends. So, I'm throwing this out to you guys. Do you guys have any tips for me? I play Terran, but I'm open to changing races.

 

[Baconmonster723]

Recommend Terran Build Order
SCVx5
Supply Depot at entrances to help block
Barracks next to the depot(with 2nd SCV)
SCV (upon completion of Supply Depot)
Supply Depot next to the barracks being built

Then it's kinda up to you. I would recommend blocking off your entrance quickly. Build a few marines to counter a rush, so they can just spray from behind your wall unless you move ur barracks and place a bunker. Then place them in the bunker with excess behind that wall.

I would recommend Vikings as a unit you should use heavily as Terran. They are excellent in the air because of their range, and also they can land and do decent damage. They are excellent hit and run units with both air and ground capabilities. Siege Tanks and Missle Turrets are also a must for defense. A group of Siege tanks defending your entrances can prevent a ground incursion or at least heavily damage it for you to swoop in and finish it off.

Most of all I would just say practice. You lose a lot before you start to win. It's all about learning from mistakes, replays are your best friend. If another Terran beats you handily watch the replay and learn from what they do.

I'll stop before I begin to ramble here. Just a few tips to work with.

 

[xHipaboo420x]

Spend resources as soon as you get them. If you have 100 or more, you're doing it wrong.

 

[Mr.Black]

You should always be doing something. If you ever feel like you're in a lull and are just browsing the fog of war and noticing the nice terrain then get back to your Command Center (hotkey it!) and pump out some SCVs, even if you think you don't need them!

 

[UnkeptBiscuit]

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That's pretty much what I do. I do need to work on defense, so that does help. About how many Siege Tanks should I have?

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I'm not that fast, though. I need to start learning hotkeys. If I'm left-handed, does the Lefty setting really make that much of a difference?

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I prefer pumping out more combat units during that time. I've gotten better, I'm always building now.

 

[UnusualStranger]

Howdy. Thought I would toss ya a few basic tips...

1. Decide what you feel like doing. Want a huge ground force? Then plan on a bunch of Gateways/Webgates. Feeling void rays and carriers? Build enough of your stargates to crank those things out fast.

2. Usually, with the Protoss and Terran, you will want to Wall off the Front of your base. Barracks, gateways, forges, Supply depots, all that stuff. Can really keep annoying things out of your base.

3. Everyone has said so already, but it bears repeating. Be constantly spending money. If you find yourself trying to make more than 2 guys at each gateway or stargate, build another one, cause you are not pumping guys fast enough.

4. Scouting Worker. Find out what they are trying to do. Looks like Roaches? Then you will want immortals/Marauders/Roaches of your own. Look like an air build, or quick expansion? Perhaps you should rush, or prepare air defenses.


Here, thought that might help you out.

 

[UnkeptBiscuit]

I'd just like to let you all know that I won my first legit game with your help. Thanks!

 

[Rauten]

My advice is: find a friend that plays at least semi-decently, or perhaps a fellow escapist, and have him/her teach you a bit in custom games.

 

[Enigmers]

You should be constantly doing these two things:
A: Aqcuiring lots of money.
b: Spending it all on more workers, buildings, units, whatever. Keep spending. Constantly. Got money? Spend it. The biggest mistake I make is dying when I could easily ahve spent all my resources on a huge whopping army.

I suppose this is what's known as "macromanagement" or "macro" for short.

 

[wasalp]

-snip-

I'm willing to help you out add me wasalp.wasalpa

 

[Internet Kraken]

Use the watchtowers.

This is something I see gold level players fail to do. Apparently, people don't realize the benefits having your visibility greatly increased. I always take control of the watchtowers. Not doing so puts you at a huge disadvantage, especially if your opponent is using them. They let you spot the movements of the enemy across the map. You can prepare for attacks that would have otherwise been ambushes. On some maps, the towers even let you monitor potential expansions sites, letting you know when your opponent is expanding. I'm not exaggerating when I say that use of the towers has won me games.

Just position a cheap unit next to them. For Terran marines would probably work best. Zerglings for Zerg and probes for Protoss. It doesn't matter if you lose the unit operating the tower. What's important is that you were able to see the opponent before they were at your doorstep.

 

[Flying-Emu]

Use the watchtowers.

This is something I see gold level players fail to do. Apparently, people don't realize the benefits having your visibility greatly increased. I always take control of the watchtowers. Not doing so puts you at a huge disadvantage, especially if your opponent is using them. They let you spot the movements of the enemy across the map. You can prepare for attacks that would have otherwise been ambushes. On some maps, the towers even let you monitor potential expansions sites, letting you know when your opponent is expanding. I'm not exaggerating when I say that use of the towers has won me games.

Just position a cheap unit next to them. For Terran marines would probably work best. Zerglings for Zerg and probes for Protoss. It doesn't matter if you lose the unit operating the tower. What's important is that you were able to see the opponent before they were at your doorstep.

This is the best advice you can get, brother-man. Scouting is vital to any successful SC player; knowing where the enemy is at all times is how you will survive for longer than fifteen minutes.

 

[UnkeptBiscuit]

-snip-

I'm willing to help you out add me wasalp.wasalpa

Will do. Invite from Wintastic.mangler coming your way.

 

[UnkeptBiscuit]

Just letting everyone know I've started playing Protoss and am actually doing pretty well. I've won two out of the three games I've played as Protoss so far, and the one loss was mainly because of me blocking off the entrance to my base with Pylons like I do with Supply Depots. I forgot that you can't lower Pylons. I build a massive land army to finish off my slacker opponent, realized that I was an idiot, and hastily switched to Void Rays, but by then it was too late. I learned my lesson. So thanks for all the help!