Learn Zerg! : Beginner Zerg Build Order Guide (2024)

Hey guys! Back with a beginner build order for Zerg in SC2 in 2022. This is a basic build order that can be done in all matchups and is very flexible. You can build any units you like with this style, so I think it very fun and allows you to explore Zerg playstyles. I recommend it for plat and below, but you could use it up to diamond as well. It focuses you on macro mechanics and winning with a simple macro style!
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Early Game
04:48 - Hydralisk Style
07:54 - Mutalisk Style
11:54 - Roach Style
Discord: / discord
Spawningtool link: lotv.spawningtool.com/build/1...
lotv.spawningtool.com/build/1...
If you struggle vs 12 pool I recommend watching this video by Lambo: • How to defend 12 Pools...
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[@mileshamblen9982]

You know you play too much SC2 when you click the minimap in this video thinking you can move camera.

[@RamenEmpire]

>>> Build Order Notes > Hydra variation: Zerglings @100% Lair Hydra Den Evo Chamber Hydra Speed +UNITS+ While units move out, expand Muta Variation: Zerglings @100% Lair Spire Evo Chamber 3rd Hatchery More Zerglings Build Muta's Attack Build More Muta, when out of gas, build more zerglings Roach Variation: @20% Lair Roach Warren Evo Chamber No More Zerglings! @100% Lair Roach Speed +UNITS+ Move Out Don't Forget To Morph some Ravagers! Make more stuff

[@nikhildebrandt8207]

Merry Christmas you absolute legend.

[@kgeo2686]

Ok I had to come back and say this. The aggression of this build combined with my macro only play style… GOT ME TO DIAMOND FINALLY!!!!!! I tweaked some stuff based off experience and optimized this to spend better and have macro follow up. But wow. Something clicked and broke me out of a rut with this video and these builds!!! I’m Diamond!! For the first time!!! 😂🎉💪😭😭 Thank you!!! Keep the content coming. We love it and there is a shortage!

[@ProbeSC2]

Congratulations mate, well deserved!

[@TheWhiteWolf2077]

As a new player this is beyond simple for me..do you have any text guide or walkthrough with pictures? I'm also maybe an idiot who should not play RTS' lmao@@ProbeSC2

[@RamenEmpire]

Thanks Probe! Zerg is my worst race, this is a really nice guide to make it feel like something I can actually get used to!

[@josearmandovivero408]

I'm in gold league and having a lot of success with this build. I think the main advantage is that gives me a sense of purpose, sometimes I find myslef just paralyzed thinking about what to do next.

[@ProbeSC2]

Yeah and that is a big reason why I get you to stay on 2 base. You can't really be messed with, so you can do the same style every game and get some consistency in your practice.

[@georgegeorgiev3824]

Now we need an easy terren build order Thanks Prob!

[@ProbeSC2]

Enough people have requested it that I'll have to start thinking about it...

[@tehpanda.]

This was a great video . Thanks !!!

[@luisandresmedina1902]

It just finished downloading SC2 and i'll put this into practice thx a lot mate

[@demonlucius3586]

Hey Probe! Thanks a lot for this build and the time you take to do the video! This is perfect for macro and learn good habits!!! Peace from France take care !!! ✌️❤️ "gg noob" 😂🙏

[@darchkrow]

My friend been watching your protoss videos, glad that you have some zerg too, we're trying 2v2 but I still think I'm out of sink with him regarding timed atacks, or defending him for a carrier rush. We managed to reach platinum but my terran and Zerg need a lot of improvement. Love your videos just this haha, thx

[@DESOUL3003]

Great build, I remember back when I was playing SC2 like 5-6 years ago, I was doing the same variation but with Roaches~

[@joshuachua2491]

Thanks. Imma try this

[@dunemoustayoe]

Super helpful, thank you so much. I will work on this build this Christmas season. Bioweapons 4 lyf!

[@marinauder]

Thanks man! I'm trying to learn to play zerg just to understand TvZ better since terran is my main and another thing I realized is that even though I know some terran builds I don't remember a single timing so my ZvT sucks (well ZvX actually)

[@sharkychris]

Just found this video - a great change from standard macro, macro, macro! As a middling plat zerg this build really gave me the feeling that there is an aggressive option there once 2 base saturation hits. +1 Hydras with upgrades at 6-7 minutes are surprisingly good 😃

[@ProbeSC2]

You can tell that playing against TRUE and Meomaika has left an impression on me... Glad you like it.

[@YokeRoel]

That's super cool! I appreciate this and the protoss guide a lot!! Could you make one for terran as well? Also it would be super cool to have a series where you play these to get up to diamond or master :) Would totally watch it!

[@ProbeSC2]

Yeah I actually have a bunch of videos (100 games) recorded from when I was learning zerg. But it is like 40GB and hard to edit haha. And I'll think about Terran, but I think TvT makes it hard.

[@YokeRoel]

@@ProbeSC2 Wow, that actually sounds like a lot of work. Alternatively, you could stream new games and upload them from the stream recordings - might be less work and pay of twice. I don't think they need a bunch of editing. Thanks a lot for the great guides, I actually got into diamond 3 so far with 24-12 thanks to your protoss guide. Works super great! :)

[@dusfim3140]

Thanks Probe!

[@twinfrost9730]

I went from Plat 3 to Plat 1 within 2 day. Thank You!!

[@Arexsis]

Just letting you know, I have not played for 10 years. I was maybe gold when I left. Coming back, with this build, I am now in Diamond 3. I practiced just the hydra variant 10+ times on vs AI, and then hit the placements. I had to adapt it several times due to a bunch of protos cheeses, but the outright agression of this slammed through. This is an excellent build order

[@ProbeSC2]

Appreciate it mate

[@aden5k]

Let’s go!

[@imaginyou4]

I've played off an on since release and peaked at low master. Just rebooted it and within 3 games I realized this is a SOLID low level build. TY! time to crawl my average ass back to master!

[@ProbeSC2]

Welcome back

[@kalujny]

Good stuff, sensible for lower leagues.

[@Saint_SateleShan]

Thank you! It really helped me. Just won my first 1v1 ever!

[@travisseamons1851]

Same here!! It feels so good

[@oni9861]

Hit diamond with your protoss build but struggling with zerg hope this will help me there!

[@ProbeSC2]

Might not get you to diamond, but I think it provides some generally good foundations and skills that will help you in the long run. Good luck!

[@danilodelucio]

"noob #3" lol Thanks for the video man, this helped me a lot!

[@ProbeSC2]

Glad it helped!

[@yeeyo11]

Just downloaded this game and zerg looks fun, need to memorize this build order looks super strong and optimal!!

[@ProbeSC2]

Welcome and good luck

[@jamesrockybullin5250]

Brilliant guide! I'm a protoss but coincidently, I just started messing about with Zerg! Thanks. PS: Still waiting on that updated PvZ guide... :p

[@RamenEmpire]

HerO style pvz guide? 😎

[@Ldderfan01]

Hello mate, such an amazing tutorial for rookie players, could you please create similar video on how to transistion into middle - late game? I find this build really useful,however if my attack fails later on I don't really know what I should be doing as a zerg. Big shout-out again man !

[@ProbeSC2]

Yeah there isn't really a transition (because if you are in a league where you could transition, you should really just win with the push anyway). But yes I will be revisiting a zerg build order as this one can be a bit limiting.

[@benismann]

Love the absence of insane pro level shit infobloat (i saw some other video start off with REGISTRY editing... Im sorry guys i go outside sometimes and play other games, bruh). Sounds like good, and more importantly understandable, stuff for newbies like me.

[@azzdahaTech]

Thanks for telling me that injects are queable omg it makes life so much easier

[@Excess-qn7qh]

thank you for this video :) is it possible to automate things ? like the queen autmaticly inject with larvas ?

[@ProbeSC2]

Nope. SC2 does help you out, but you can't really automate anything.

[@Excess-qn7qh]

@@ProbeSC2 ok, thank you for answer !

[@aden5k]

If anyone want to learn the build order, I uploaded the Hydra and Roach style in Spawning tool!

[@WisperedShouts]

Why is it 20 overlord? You can push to 22/22 with drones then as soon as the nat finishes you get supply to make the queens and links then OL at 28. I am asking as a noob with zerg, what am I sacrificing or risking by not getting the OL at 20?

[@GelleSzebasztian]

using the hydra or muta version - how do you defend against hellions going to your mineral line? I usually defend with roach warren evo queen blocking the path

[@ProbeSC2]

Just keep the 2 queens at the front and use the zerg lings you build to stop them from diving the mineral line. The queens should tank the hellions damage and lings only engage when the commit on creep.

[@stoneheart7482]

Nice!!! Terran next?

[@ProbeSC2]

Yeah got a good idea for terran, TvT just makes it tough.

[@sneakysheep2135]

Thank's for the build ! Does this early attack works against a terran base with a tank ? I'm starting, thank's !

[@sneakysheep2135]

I'm traumatized by tanks lol

[@ProbeSC2]

You might not trade well against a perfectly placed tank, but if you do ravager or muta version then you have ways to kill it.

[@jrsmithunited]

Is the old legend Probe of mGG fame?!? My Children, they grow up so fast.

[@ProbeSC2]

It is :)

[@zyzy125]

Just picked up the game yesterday and I'm really winning this is my first real tips vid after watching a pro play zerg. His name is rouge

[@ProbeSC2]

Glad it's working for you. It's a great starting point.

[@zyzy125]

@@ProbeSC2 thanks I'll be sure to watch more of your vids your the man

[@neverwhere101]

were you in clan fade?

[@soundsparkasmrsoundscapes7208]

There is something that im struggling to understand : when mines are exhausted , what should i do with the drones working there ? rally them somewhere else?

[@ProbeSC2]

With this build hopefully you have won by then, but yes as soon as the minerals at one base finish, transfer the drones to a new base (and build a hatch there)

[@Jaguar-lr7jq]

Can you make a serral breakdown?

[@griffithdavey2]

i just realized: I think it has been a long since the launch of sc2 as there was since sc1 when sc2 was launched

[@ProbeSC2]

Stormgate time :)

[@oshuudesu1226]

At 2min time mark there could be a reaper rushing towards your base, how can i defend that?

[@ProbeSC2]

When your queen finishes the reaper pressure should be held. Before your queen finishes, first 4 zerg lings buy time. If it's a short rush distance map, you may have to learn some drone micro (where you build a gas or spore crawler when the drone is attacked). But this is why having a tight build order is most important. Gets the queens and lings out on time.

[@oshuudesu1226]

@@ProbeSC2 i see, thanks for that ^^

[@beckyb558]

got shredded by x2 air units against terran at 4:30 doing this

[@ImpPoster]

Had no idea you could Q injects.

[@WholeCarrots_]

Great vid. Crazy how you talk about diamond/platnum like thats noob level fr Sadly im stuck on silver 1 cuz i forgot simple things like evos or drones or other stuff. Ling/bane is way too addictive and is terrible if you cant bust through.

[@ProbeSC2]

Diamond definitely isn't noob level. It shows a great mastery over the game. But the simple things you need to do to get there (which still takes a lot of practice) I think are achievable for all.

[@Iori421]

Feels very meomaika

[@ProbeSC2]

You're not wrong. When I created this general style for me back in 2018 I actually got the idea off TRUE. He did a weird 2 base hydra bane attack I would constantly die to haha.

[@leonlele7983]

what do these numbers mean,f.e 13 Overlord?

[@ProbeSC2]

What supply to build it on. Can check in the top right hand corner.

[@protossimba5017]

Terran next? :D

[@ProbeSC2]

Maybe it is time for me to play some Terran. Unfortunately they aren't as easy as the zerg ;)

[@kiraxalex2736]

is this build order good against protoss?

[@ProbeSC2]

It's very good at making sure you don't die to oracles or harass. It's decently good otherwise but I would recommend the hydra style the most!

[@shepherdlavellen3301]

I'm not sure if I missed something but this build order doesn't seem work on rushes

[@ProbeSC2]

What kind of rushes. I think you might run into issues vs proxy 3 rax and 12 pool. But if you are losing to them just look up a reaction to them online. That way you know what you are learning is relevant to your own play.

[@shepherdlavellen3301]

@@ProbeSC2 marine rush, I don't have enough zerglings to deal with them. And the other time I got zergling rushed. I think I got proxyed (since they just keep coming), didn't use roaches or maybe it's just me not being used to the zerg build order

[@finsanity3058]

How do you queue injects?

[@ProbeSC2]

Hold shift when injecting with a queen. It needs to have more than 2 injects worth of energy.

[@finsanity3058]

@@ProbeSC2 Thx mah dude, appreciate the speedy response. That'll help a lot. I actually just got back into the game after several year hiatus.

[@ProbeSC2]

@@finsanity3058 yeah they only added in lotv, so a lot of people missed it!

[@jakedavies2796]

what do the numbers mean? like 17 hatchery?? why 17?

[@ProbeSC2]

What supply to build on. You can see your supply in the top right corner.

[@jakedavies2796]

@@ProbeSC2 thanks!

[@SCMasterMind]

HOw do u Q de injects?

[@ProbeSC2]

Hold shift

[@SCMasterMind]

@@ProbeSC2 So If I Q injects with a queen with no energy, it will inject once gets energy? Or a queen with a lot of energy will inject twice?

[@ProbeSC2]

Yeah the queen needs excess energy

[@Jaguar-lr7jq]

With this build against protoss you’re dead with their 3 or 4 gate blink timing attack with warp prisim

[@ProbeSC2]

Hmmm that doesn't sound right. If you aren't masters then it will be your macro. And regardless in GM you could do this against a 2 base all in and you'll be better off than being on 3 bases.

[@Jaguar-lr7jq]

@@ProbeSC2 i see parting do that all the time, sometimes hero do it to it’s so effective against terran and zerg

[@ProbeSC2]

Okay... are they playing against 2 base zergs? :D Look I don't doubt that parting and hero can beat this build. It's a beginner build.

[@Jaguar-lr7jq]

@@ProbeSC2 parting specially when he find out that the zerg is droning hard on 3rd base he can smell blood and try to finish the game with blink stalkers

[@ProbeSC2]

But this build doesn't have a third base...

[@redhiney6666]

i feel like zerg is extremely under powered like the other races can send a fair amount of stuff before three minutes, my 20 apm buddy didnt even cheese just sent in a few marines and i was done before i can push anything out

[@ProbeSC2]

A pretty common opinion in the community is that zerg is definitely the strongest race, or has been for large portions of the games history. My opinion? I wish I played zerg from the start 😂

[@darren5591]

you build first hatch at 16 .............

[@ProbeSC2]

As in should you build it at 16?

[@darren5591]

@@ProbeSC2 when the unit count says 16 after it is built you will have unit count of 15 that is the correct opener u were looking for i believe.

[@darren5591]

then you go 18 gas 17 pool, also you should send the first drone(16 hatch drone ) out that is going to natural expansion at about 180 minerals, so the worker gets there jus in time to build

[@ProbeSC2]

@@darren5591 well there is a reason why I'm a protoss player. I think I did know this, right after I made the video xD

[@darren5591]

@@ProbeSC2 rest of it is so spot on great video :)

[@Jaysnipes]

Lings come 2 mins & start harassing you if you're vs me.

[@matthewrevell2706]

This build order does not work past silver tbh, dies to every cheese.

[@ProbeSC2]

Can you give some examples. It's extremely standard play (and doesn't even take a third base)

[@MoldovaStandsWithUkraine]

gg noob sounds toxic

[@ProbeSC2]

When AI rises up I hope it will forgive me

[@zacharyhusk4649]

Roach hydra is far more powerful than ling hydra. I prefer hydra anything over ling bane. Everyone plays ling bane. I strive to be different. Instead of just the attack upgrade grab the defense one too. +1 +1 roaches destroy at 6:30. It's not an all in. You are wrong. Send the attack and transition build your 3rd add hyrdas go for +2 +2 timing attack with roach hyrda. Add your 4th add the hive. Go to late game army. Any build can be an all in. At any point in time of a game.

[@_Microbiology_]

this is not a beginner guide wtf. you're expecting that we know all the terms and you're going waaaaaay to fast

[@ProbeSC2]

Yeah I agree with that, in the sense that it is for beginners, but not for total newbies to the game. Nothing in this guide should be that confusing, you can take it slow, rewatch it as much as you need, and ask any questions that have stumped you.