When discussing Zerg micro, we are focusing on controlling individual soldiers during combat. If you are starting out, it is more important to master Zerg macro abilities before attempting to use micro skills. The Zerg have lots of cheap troops and are really good at creating additional ones, so occupying yourself with specific soldiers is not a good tactic unless you’re able to do so while adequately handling your economy, mineral and gas collection, and unit generation simultaneously. Nonetheless, once you are proficient at macro there are some very effective Zerg micro tactics that can assist you tremendously in combat.
Zerg Micro Skill – Basic Micro Skills
As a Zerg player, it’s especially important to know what your enemy is doing and never get surprised by them. Make sure to pursue enemy units in smaller groups and overwhelm them with large quantities of troops. Since Zerg units are so specialized, make sure to align your troops in battle so you will win each time.
Zerg Micro Skill – Burrowed Roaches
This strategy is designed for the middle of the battle, once you’ve researched Burrow. It also works best when your opposition doesn’t posses too many Detectors. At a cost of 100 Vespine gas and 100 Minerals, Burrowing is one of the best technologies to get. Early battle Burrowed Roaches are very difficult for your enemy to find, and will give you a big advantage in combat.
Quickly and sneakily use your Roaches to eliminate enemy units one at a time. Make sure to burrow your Roaches when enemy units attack, so they can go undercover, and then emerge once the attack is done. Roaches can also recover ten hit points per second when burrowed, so when you pop up to attack they will be at full health. This tactic will do major damage with almost no cost to you if done well.
Zerg Micro Strategy – Decoy with Mutalisks
Have the Mutalisks you spawn moving around frequently to confuse your enemy. By moving them around, your enemy will not figure out how many you have and will be cautious before attempting to attack you. If you don’t have a lot of Mutalisks, this decoy strategy will get you time to tech up and create additional troops. Utilizing this tactic quickly in the game will allow you to reach the late game with a thriving economy. If you can reach the 12 minute mark with good mineral generation and a minimum of 3 Hatcheries, it should be no difficulty overcoming your enemy.
Eric Bator has been playing SC2 since its early beta release in February 2010. He is ranked Diamond League player thanks to his use of the Diamond Gamer In Game Addon and Shokz Guide for Starcraft 2.. Free reprint available from: Starcraft 2 Zerg Micro Tactics.