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GameSpot's Guide to Starcraft

Offensive Strategy
Of the three races, the Zerg are the most versatile when it comes to mounting an attack. Their Hydralisks and Mutalisks are inexpensive and quick to build, and deadly against all manner of enemy when deployed in masses. Nevertheless, the Zerg stand an even better chance of winning if they incorporate other, more specialized units into their attack. Zerglings, for instance, can deal damage even faster than Hydralisks once they are fully upgraded, and make for excellent ground support next to their larger cousins. Though primarily fit for defense, Lurkers are hardy enough to be useful in an attack if you can protect them with Hydralisks.

Unlike the Terrans and the Protoss, the Zerg's best defensive units are perfectly suited toward offensive situations as well, and complement one another in battle for devastating results.

Ultimately, though, the Zerg's military has not changed very much. It is true that the previously ineffectual Zerglings and Ultralisks have both been improved thanks to their enhanced upgrades, while the Defiler is more expensive than before. Nevertheless, as in the past, you will find that Hydralisks and Mutalisks will be the key to victory.

Versus Protoss
The Protoss will have the most trouble countering your new Lurkers, because Protoss commanders tend to use their Robotics Facilities to build Reavers rather than Observers, which are the Protoss' only means of detecting your burrowed attackers. Use Sunken Colonies to defend your position before Lurkers are available, then use these new units to protect your forces as you expand your territory, or better yet, to prevent the enemy from expanding his own domain. Lurkers are also a great means of thwarting the Protoss High Templar, whose Psionic Storm remains the Zerg's worst enemy. The Queen's Spawn Broodlings, with their enhanced range, can also be used to kill High Templars, often before they have a chance to unleash their attack. The newly enhanced Dragoons will pose more of a threat to your Hydralisks but are still at a disadvantage thanks to their poor rate of fire. You still have much to fear from Reavers, and especially the newly enhanced Protoss air force, which must be fought with your new Devourers. The Defiler's Dark Swarm is perfect for dealing with Dragoons and flying units alike, although there remains no obvious solution to a Reaver attack. Your speedy Zerglings, if deployed in small clusters, prove rather effective against these hulking robots. Try to have Overlords watching over every point of your bases in case the Protoss send Dark Templars, and try and have Hydralisks or Mutalisks nearby to deal with them. Do not clutter all your Overlords in some corner, because Protoss Scouts and Corsairs would be able to kill them all very quickly.

Next: The Zerg Offensive Strategy, continued
 

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