Yeah just the basics really, I don't want to do a ling rush as I don't like the tactic, but other then that...you have the bog standard 1/1/1, 3 rax, builds for terran, or 4gate protoss, what are the basic zerg builds?
In short... there isn't really one. Zerg are much more complicated than Protoss or Terran.. however, we do have a fairly safe and standard build order.. which is as follows
- Drones up until 9 population and save 100 minerals for Overlord
- While your Overlord is building pop up another drone. that takes you to 10/10
- Your Drone and Overlord should pop out at the same time and you should have 2-3 Larva ready. Turn them into Drones. This should take you to 13/18.
(At some point in the above. its best to send out a scout)
- Currently at 13/18. What i normally do is pump out another Drone, taking me to 14/18, at the same time, Lay down my first Gas Extractor. Get another Drone at the same time to keep you at 14/18.
- Save 200 minerals and lay down your Spawning Pool. Start 3 Drones Harvesting gas.
- Drone up untill you are 15/18. Then pop out an Overlord when you have 100 minerals. Then save minerals untill Spawning Pool is done.
If all goes to plan, When your Spawning Pool is complete, you will have 100gas and around 300ish minerals. That gives you enough to start your Zergling Speed upgrade (hence early gas)*, and 3 sets of Zerglings.
- Save your next 150 Minerals for your Queen. its very important to get her out ASAP, no brainer, more Larva is more units.
Now, the idea behind this build is that its quite easy to adapt to daft cheese strategies** and also gives you early map control so you can get your expansion*** up quicker (against Terran & Protoss) or early pressure (Zerg). So.. its safe, AND it gives you the opportunity to be aggressive at the same time with your lings. The very presence of them being there can force players to turtle more than they should, or force them into silly mistakes.
It also gives you the option of teching into anything, so you have a much easier method of adapting to whatever their doing. for example, if they fast banshee, pop down a hydra den ASAP, get an Overseer and Spore or 2 at your main and natural expansion.
*Early Zergling speed is vital to gaining map control.
- Against Zerg, its a no brainer, faster lings are more effective.
- Protoss, If you can run qicker than Zealots, then you can harass very very effectivly, he can lose probes/pylons while you Drone up your expo.
- Terran, will generally either go for fast reapers, in which Speedlings rape.. Or Hellions, which, again with decent micro, Zerglings can over-run
** Your scout should spot this. I normally send mine just after my first Overlord pops out. You will need to adapt if they cheese, get your pool down ASAP, and get another Overlord so you can make us all of your available Larvae for lings. If needed, Spine Crawlers help, and can later be transferred to guard your expansion.
*** If im going for a fast expansion, Once i've mined the 100 gas for my Lings Speed upgrade, i pull the 3 drones from the gas and back to mienrals. I'll then expand at around 22-24 Population. Pulling the 3 drones obviously so i can get more minerals for the extra Hatchery, more Lings, and/or Spine Crawlers. Again, you will need to adapt to what the enemy is doing. More Spine Crawlers & Zerglings if they look offensive, more Drones if they look like their turtling or teching.... don't forget to put your drones on the gas once your expo has started building, you'll need your Lair soon!
NOTE: Keep your scout alive in their base as long as you can, even if it means capping one of their gases and cancelling it if your being attacked. The more you know what their doing, the better you can adapt and prepare.
Though if you're on tonight I would be grateful for a few pointers - I don't have a huge amount of time though. Macgyver/619.
I'll be on late tonight, like 11pmish. If not then i'll be on most of the week. late afternoon/evening.