Intro:

Dimaga made a huge splash (sorry) at Dreamhack 2012 where he fought his way through a gauntlet of Protoss players to make it to the finals. His banerain shook up the current roach-heavy meta game, and reintroduced us to a very refreshing, effective and fun way to deal with the matchup.

Strategy and build order:

The primary objective is to take an early 3rd, early speed, quick upgrades, and loads of lings. BatesC deserves credit for transcribing the build below. He splits it into two sections: opening build order, and timings after 60 supply.

Opening Build Order:

9 Overlord

14 Pool

15 Overlord

16 Hatch

15 Ling

16 Queen

21 Hatch (4:00)

20 Queen

24 Overlord

25 Gas (4:30)

32 Overlord

36 Queen

43 Speed (5:55)

44 Overlord x2

46 Gas (6:30)

62 Evolution Chamber x2 (7:15)

60 Overlord x3

60+ Ling production

Timings after 60 supply:

8:00 +1 Melee/+1 Carapace

8:00 Gas x2

8:10 Lair

8:25 Baneling Nest

8:45 Macro Hatch w/Queen

9:35 Gas x2

10:00 Overlord Drops

10:18 Overlord Speed

10:50 Baneling Speed

10:50 +2 Melee/+2 Carapace

Like most zerg builds, gas timing plays an important role in optimizing production and upgrades. Notice his early gas at 4:30 for speed (at 5:55). He then continues to take gas as he progresses through his upgrades and tech.

Execution:

Expect some pressure from Protoss (typically soon after warp gate finishes around 9:00), and use your lings and queens to defend, using spines when necessary.

Choose your engagements carefully. Where possible, try to set up a flank to surround the Protoss army as this will greatly improve the effectiveness of the drops. Drop micro takes focus, don’t forget to keep up on reinforcements!

Because you already have the tech, load up a few overlords and send them to his mineral line to harass. Doing this will both damage his economy and help control army position.

Transitioning:

Dimaga takes a Spire around 12:30-13:00. He doesn’t use it for awhile, but having the tech available allows for greater flexibility in dealing with airtoss or large colossus numbers. Brood lords are a natural transition for this build as melee upgrades are already complete. Dimaga almost always builds a roach warren to help support the banerain, moving in to soak up damage and clean up or push back the remaining army.

From there, build an infestation pit and research pathogen glands. Upgrade to hive and finish your melee/carapace upgrades as well as adrenal glands. Blot out the sun with your overlords, striking fear and despair into your opponent’s heart.

Summary Video (13:45):

mTwDIMAGA vs. Quantic.Nani at DHS12 - replay with analysis

Links: