[TidaL]

I recently got HotS and after several matches I'm very unsure how the "standard" openings that are being used are done.
It seems that pros have been going gateway expand, I was wondering what the build order was for this that is used for HotS.

Also what other opening do you guys use???

[yuu]

stargate into fast 3rd into pure colo void ht production

[SLCNPezz]

gate expand like so (kr version not naniwas)
9pylon
chrono nexus (x4)
13 gate
15 double gas
2guys on each gas
16 or 17 pylon
18 cybernetics
20 mothership core
22 nexus
22 warpgate research and sentry (will have to wait for gas a bit on sentry)
probe after mcore
25 pylon at natural
keep making probes transfer 1 more to each gas
gateway wall off at natural (3gates, 4 in total)
from there you can do a large variety of things, 4 warpgate pressure, fast tech builds like stargate robo or twilight.

Some players are putting tech down before gateways, keep in mind that this is a strong way to play, but will suffer greatly in defending earlier speedling all ins, in fact its almost a build order loss.

The safest way to play macro at the moment are stargate openings into collosus with third.

Good luck have fun

[TidaL]

Originally Posted by Pezz

gate expand like so (kr version not naniwas)
...Good luck have fun

Thanks a lot pezz, very helpful
Now to get this build learned and refined for my weakest matchup!

[Adrobiel]

Originally Posted by jhee

stargate into fast 3rd into pure colo void ht production

I recently learnt this build and though it takes a bit of time getting used to, you get great map control with 3-5 phoenix, can harass workers and you generally force them into Hydras which you are already building the counter to.

If you would like a replay of this build in action shoot me a message. I'm still working out the timings proper timings so I won't post it incorrectly.

Good luck!

[TidaL]

Originally Posted by Adrobiel

I recently learnt this build and though it takes a bit of time getting used to, you get great map control with 3-5 phoenix, can harass workers and you generally force them into Hydras which you are already building the counter to.

If you would like a replay of this build in action shoot me a message. I'm still working out the timings proper timings so I won't post it incorrectly.

Good luck!

What's the opener you use and its build order?

[Adrobiel]

I don't really have it written down as a build order and more so with certain timings. I'll do the first bit as a build order though.

Here is what I have:

This assumes constant probe production and pylons as necessary

9 Pylon
(13 forge here if you prefer forge first or if you suspect early aggression)
16 Nexus
16 Forge - Begin walling off your natural
16 Gate
16 Canon
16 Pylon
4 mins - Double Gas
@100% Gateway - Cyber Core
@100 minerals zealot
@100% Cyber Core Gatway research, Build Stalker
@100 Gas Mothership Core

Harass and/or threaten to attack with your MSC, Zealot and Stalker to force ling production over drones. Try to return with them before they die.

6:10 double gas at natural
6:15 Stargate and 3 Gates as you can afford them

@100% Stargate, build 5 phoenix ONLY - You don't want to over commit, just enough to prevent them going mutas and have them transition into hydras. Use these to snipe queens, kill drones/rogue overlords and for scouting.

From here, once you confirm the transition into hydras, begin to tech up into Colossus and HTs.

9:30 Expand to your third

-----

Some things to consider:

When you harass with your MSC/Zealot/Stalker be ready for a possibly retaliation. I suggest getting 4 sentries ASAP and then a round of stalkers.
I've found it's open to a baneling bust or a 2 base roach timing. If you suspect early aggression get a couple of extra canons behind your wall.
Be active with your phoenix, scouting, harassing etc as this build excels at gaining map control.
Zerg will often transition into Ultralisks, so be prepared to switch it up with some immortals. Void Rays don't go astray either as they may also get some corruptors and void rays with Prismatic alignment are great at taking them out.

Keep in mind I am viewing this from gold league and I haven't quite got the build perfect but in the right hands I've seen it work really well.

I do hope this is clear enough, let me know if you have any questions or if anyone else has any input, please share

-Adrobiel