Build Synopsis

With the advent of the buffs to Burrow, I’ve been looking for a few ways to incorporate Burrow to my play. Please note that I am not professional and I’m not even barely as good as the pros so this build may not be optimized. Nevertheless, I believe that with a few tweaks, the build has potential to be good.

The build is a timing attack that aims to hit with +1 Missile Attack, Roach Speed and Roach Burrow. The build starts with a standard 3 base Stephano style with 6 minute double gas. Lair and Burrow is researched concurrently as will be Roach Speed and Roach Burrow Movement. We will be skipping Zergling speed until well into the attack since the timing depends on taking the Protoss by surprise with Burrow Move Roaches.

The Build

15 Spawning Pool

16 Hatchery at Natural, make queens as necessary

23 Hatchery at Third

@6 minutes Double Extractor

@7 minutes Evolution Chamber

@100 Gas Lair, take 3rd and 4th Extractors and 2 Roach Warrens

@next 100 Gas, Burrow

@next 100 Gas, +1 Missile Attack

@100% Lair, Roach Speed and Burrow Movement

Once you have at least 55 to 60 Drones, start Roach Production

Hit when +1 Missile, Roach Speed and Burrow Move is completed

Once you have extra gas, research Zergling Speed for reinforcement

Playing the Build

The build is pretty straightforward. If you enjoyed playing the old Stephano Style back in WoL, you’re going to love this. The build plays similarly although the addition of Burrow and Burrow Move make the Roaches that much more potent. If the Protoss has no detection, the timing attack will outright win you the game although this situation is a bit uncommon. With Burrow Move and good control, defensive Forcefields are all but null. Again, concaves are a must but it’s not as important as you can simply burrow and un-burrow right underneath his forces.

Try and burrow wounded Roaches even when the Toss has detection. The HP regeneration boost is not to be underestimated and is extremely useful. While we are skipping Zergling speed with this build, it’s still a good idea to research it well into the attack once you have extra gas. Reinforcing with some Speedlings can sometimes be better in longer rush distances.

The build can also be used defensively against a 2 base all-in although it’s weak against early Zealot timings due to skipping the Zergling Speed. The most problem I have when playing this build is from heavy Immortal openings and Void Rays. When facing Immortals, it’s a good idea to pick your fights very carefully. Get the Zergling speed immediately and try picking off a few Immortals here and there but be careful not to lose your entire army. Heavy Voids are a different matter. 4 to 5 Voidrays as well as Nexus Cannon and a few ground troops can shut the attack down, surprisingly. Generally, I try to just play standard when I scout Double Stargate Voidrays.

I consider the build to be an all-in as investing that much into the attack is very costly. If you fail to kill or at least cripple a Protoss heavily, you are going to be very far behind.

Improving the Build

As I’ve stated, I’m not a professional and I think the build is very poorly optimized but it’s a fun experiment nonetheless. Please do try it out in the ladder and share your experiences with it. Maybe we can all help each other improve the build, and in turn, improve our game. Good luck and have fun!