[Reere]

Improving Your Mindset - A Return to StarCraft
by sawedust

Dear self,

Good to see you again in StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm!

You haven't played StarCraft II in months for various reasons. What was the reason for your absence? Were you bored with the game, lacked motivation, or was it unforeseen circumstances that may have forced you to temporarily quit? A combination of all three, perhaps? Regardless of your answer, it is nice to see you back in action!

A lot of things have changed since you last played Wings of Liberty's multiplayer. All three races received new units and changes as part of the expansion. Terran players now have access to Hellbats and those pesky Widow Mines. Zerg has gained Vipers and Swarm Hosts for lots of exciting gameplay mechanics. Protoss players, like yourself, have the Mothership Core and Oracle for some early to mid-game shenanigans.

With the new units, a different metagame is starting to evolve. High-level strategies and tactics are being developed by the best players in the game. Medivac boosts have given drops a higher threat level than before. Endless amounts of Locusts give the Swarm a relentless damage option to pressure and contain opponents. Protoss players appreciate the fact that a more versatile mid-game exists, now that the infamous Four-Gate has been neutralized.

Let's not forget the new map pool, bringing new life and environments for battle. Long gone are the days of Xel'Naga Caverns and Shakuras Plateau. Hello to Bel'Shir Vestige and Whirlwind. And it's good to see you too, Daybreak. Adding rocks at the bottom of the ramp is a nice touch for those afraid of being walled-in by pesky Pylons and Photon Cannons.

Isn't it great to be back?

I understand that it might have been a tough decision to return. Perhaps you felt like it wasn't worth coming back to StarCraft after months away from the game, and that trying to make a "comeback" would be a complete waste of time. After a few games on the unranked ladder, it's easy to think, "Why did I waste my time and money on this game again?" Your macro has slipped terribly, your micro is non-existent, and the user interface and hotkeys are forcing you to re-learn the game you once loved.

But there must have been a reason why you returned. Following the Campaign's storyline, maybe? Wanting to play with the new units? Looking to rekindle that competitive edge you once held dear?

Whatever the reason, your main focus should first and foremost be HAVING FUN. For the vast majority of StarCraft II players, enjoying StarCraft is the initial step to having a proper mindset. With enough gameplay, patience and perseverance the macro, micro and mechanics will one day return. But until that day, remember to enjoy playing the RTS game you love. Everything else will eventually fall into place.

Soon enough, not only will your gameplay improve bit-by-bit (no 2-Rax Marine/SCV all-in pun intended), but you'll be doing so with a smile on your face and contentment in your heart.

See you in Masters league soon!

Signed,
Me


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[Flamga]

Agreed man great write up! Although I must admit my obsessiveness has been towards this custom UI haha it's the same feeling all around . Also seems like a great opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved

[Plottel]

Great post man, actually enjoying the game is something a lot of players (Myself included) forget about and they focus too heavily on improvement and the joy fades from the game. I look forward to reading more burrowed ramblings in the future =)