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Can You Beat Grandmasters With Just a Single Protoss Unit Type?

uThermal・171 minutes read

A player undertakes a challenge using only Protoss units in Starcraft II, showcasing strategies with Stalkers, Adepts, Sentries, Oracles, Phoenixes, Dark Templars, Carriers, Disruptors, Colossi, Templars, and Zealots against various opponents. Despite challenges, the player strategically uses different unit compositions to secure victories, focusing on unique tactics and adaptability to overcome opponents with varying playstyles and strategies.

Insights

  • The player successfully navigated a challenge using only a single Protoss unit type against a high MMR Terran opponent, requiring around 130 games to succeed.
  • Stalkers and adepts were highlighted as the easiest units for the challenge, with adepts being particularly versatile and effective in the player's strategy.
  • The player strategically employed mass stalker with early aggression and limited observer use, balancing economy and aggression due to the cost of stalkers.
  • Utilizing Protoss tools like recall and adept harassment effectively, the player showcased adept scouting, base trades, and adept walls against Terran opponents.
  • Transitioning to Sentries, the player faced challenges but strategically used force fields and economic disruption to overcome opponents, focusing on maintaining a strong economy and efficient engagements.

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Recent questions

  • How did the player succeed in using only Stalkers against a Terran opponent?

    By employing a strategy of mass Stalker with early aggression, limited observers, and balancing economy, the player navigated the challenge. Stalkers were used for scouting, defense, and base trade scenarios, chipping away at the opponent's army. The player strategically utilized Protoss tools like recall and detection to secure victory.

  • What was the player's approach when transitioning to using only Sentries in a different game scenario?

    The player faced challenges against Liberators and tanks but maintained a strong Sentry-based army. By applying pressure, efficient attacks, and strategic recalls, the player disrupted the opponent's economy and units. Despite difficulties, the player focused on unit efficiency and economic superiority to outlast the opponent.

  • How did the player strategize using only Oracles against a Grandmaster Terran opponent?

    To counter Terran's early pushes, the player opted for mass Oracles and extra gases. By focusing on a substantial number of Oracles early on, the player aimed to counter attacks effectively. The strategy involved saving Oracles for potential later attacks, managing energy, and creating chaos to secure victory.

  • What tactics did the player employ when using only Phoenixes against a high-ranked Protoss opponent?

    The player strategically boosted Phoenix production, neutralized opponent's stalkers, and managed energy for abilities. By focusing on maintaining a high number of Phoenixes, the player aimed to snowball the game and secure victory. The use of Blink, cannons, and mind games played a crucial role in defeating the opponent.

  • How did the player execute a successful Zealot-only Rush against a Zerg opponent?

    By showcasing the hit-or-miss nature of the build, the player successfully defeated a 5.2k MMR Zerg player with the Zealot-only Rush. The strategic use of Zealots, proxy Immortals, and fake structures misled the opponent, leading to overwhelming Immortals and batteries securing victory.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Protoss Stalker Challenge: Mastering Terran Opponents"

  • The challenge involves using only a single Protoss unit type against a high MMR Terran opponent.
  • The player faced difficulties in completing the challenge, requiring around 130 games to succeed.
  • The player's Protoss gameplay initially lacked finesse but improved significantly over the course of the challenge.
  • Stalkers and adepts were considered the easiest units for the challenge, with adepts being particularly versatile and effective.
  • The player employed a strategy of mass stalker with early aggression and limited use of observers for detection only.
  • Balancing early aggression with economy was crucial due to the cost of stalkers.
  • Stalkers were used for active scouting and defense against Terran harassment like Widow Mine drops.
  • The player utilized the Protoss tool of recall for strategic positioning and defense.
  • The player engaged in a base trade scenario, leveraging the strength of Protoss units in such situations.
  • The player successfully navigated the base trade, utilizing stalkers to chip away at the opponent's army and production structures.

11:03

"Player's innovative strategies triumph over opponents"

  • The player decides not to build a forge or defend with a cannon, opting for detection to end the game.
  • A battery is showcased for its power against an opponent lacking detection.
  • The player discusses the energy depletion of a cloaked Banshee.
  • The player successfully defends against a Grandmaster Terran using only stalkers.
  • The player attempts a reaper wall but is unsure of its success.
  • A strategy involving early probe harassment against Terran is mentioned.
  • The player prioritizes building a core before a Nexus against Terran.
  • The player successfully executes a wall with adepts against Terran.
  • The player uses adept harassment effectively against Terran.
  • The player employs a strategy of void rays only against a high MMR Protoss opponent.

22:05

"Strategic Sentry Tactics Defeat Opponents in Game"

  • Cannons and batteries are used to defend against stalkers in a game scenario.
  • The player strategizes to repower buildings and take down the opponent's Nexus.
  • Void Rays are utilized in the battle, along with probes and overcharge abilities.
  • The player successfully defeats the opponent's army with Void Rays and strategic moves.
  • The player transitions to using only Sentries in a different game scenario.
  • Sentries prove surprisingly effective in combat against various units.
  • The player scouts efficiently with Sentries, gaining a strategic advantage.
  • Pressure is applied on the opponent with Sentries, leading to successful engagements.
  • The player faces challenges against Liberators and tanks with the Sentry-only strategy.
  • Despite facing difficulties, the player maintains a strong Sentry-based army and continues to strategize against the opponent.

33:17

Strategic player disrupts opponent's economy with sentries

  • The player sends forces across the map for economic damage, baiting the opponent's units to the third base.
  • Utilizing sentries for an efficient attack, the player force-fields the opponent's main base, trapping units and production.
  • Setting up bases around the map to avoid direct confrontation with tanks, the player recalls probes to establish new bases.
  • Building cybernetics core and facing liberators, the player strategizes to target the opponent's command center with sentries.
  • Recalling probes to establish bases, the player maintains a thriving economy despite the opponent's superior army.
  • Expanding bases and using sentries for force fields, the player focuses on disrupting the opponent's economy and units.
  • Facing a massive opponent army, the player struggles with limited units but continues expanding and disrupting the opponent's economy.
  • Employing sentries to force field and disrupt the opponent's mining, the player maintains a strong economic position.
  • Despite facing a formidable opponent army, the player focuses on disrupting the opponent's economy and units with sentries and cannons.
  • Utilizing hallucinated Phoenixes for scouting and disrupting the opponent's mining, the player strategically manages bases and resources to outlast the opponent.

44:05

Player dominates opponent with strategic gameplay

  • The player is utilizing hallucinated phoenixes effectively to monitor the opponent's army movements.
  • The player suspects their cannons may have eliminated the opponent's ghost unit and Ghost Academy.
  • The player strategically engages the opponent's army, focusing on economic advantage.
  • The player faces challenges from the opponent's tanks but maintains economic superiority.
  • The player employs Sentry splits and flanks to counter the opponent's tanks and army.
  • The player secures additional bases and fortifies defenses with batteries.
  • The player continues to engage the opponent's army, gradually diminishing their forces.
  • The player sustains their economy and production despite losses, focusing on unit efficiency.
  • The player successfully eliminates the opponent's economy and structures, securing victory.
  • The player transitions to a tech challenge, focusing on using only Oracles against a Grandmaster Terran opponent.

55:04

"Oracle Strategy Counters Terran Early Pushes"

  • To counter Terran's strong early pushes, the player opts for mass oracles and extra gases.
  • Against Terran, the player focuses on having a substantial number of oracles early on to counter attacks.
  • The player considers saving up a large number of oracles for a potential later attack.
  • Not faking warp gate in PvT is unusual but not a significant concern.
  • The player spots a viking, indicating potential aggression from the Terran.
  • Anticipating pressure from Terran, the player starts building batteries before expanding.
  • Saving three oracles to target Marines and SCVs, the player aims to surprise the opponent.
  • Building more than three oracles is considered suspicious, hinting at a potential mass oracle strategy.
  • The player strategically positions stalkers to monitor enemy movements without revealing oracles.
  • With a surprising display of strength, the player's oracles, cannons, and probes decimate the opponent's army.

01:06:16

"DT Chaos: Blink, Recall, Nexus Domination"

  • The player uses Blink to escape the Overseer and cut the opponent's economy in half with Dark Templars (DTs).
  • The strategy involves counterattacking constantly to create efficient trades, akin to playing Zerglings against Terran.
  • The player focuses on creating chaos by attacking the opponent's bases rather than engaging in head-on fights.
  • A fifth Nexus is established to further disrupt the opponent's gameplay.
  • The player utilizes Recall to save DTs and emphasizes the importance of detection against Zerg Lurkers.
  • The opponent's economy is severely damaged, but the player lacks a substantial army, relying mainly on DTs.
  • The player strategically uses DTs to create chaos, targeting key structures and units.
  • Despite the opponent's remaining forces, the player continues to expand and maintain pressure with DTs.
  • The player's mass DT strategy proves effective, overwhelming the opponent's remaining units and structures.
  • The player successfully defeats a high-ranked Protoss opponent using only Phoenixes, showcasing a unique and challenging strategy.

01:17:05

"Phoenixes Counter Stalkers in Strategic Victory"

  • Opponent has a significant number of stalkers, and the player is concerned about defending against them.
  • Player focuses on boosting phoenix production to counter the stalkers.
  • Player strategically uses phoenixes to lift and neutralize opponent's stalkers.
  • Player acknowledges the importance of energy management for phoenix abilities.
  • Player plans to snowball the game by maintaining a high number of phoenixes.
  • Player considers upgrading to +1 but is currently supply blocked.
  • Player contemplates the risk of opponent's potential blink attack into their base.
  • Player strategizes to build cannons to counter archons and protect against potential all-ins.
  • Player relies on mind games and opponent's mistakes to secure victory.
  • Player successfully defends against opponent's archons with phoenixes and cannons, ultimately winning the game.

01:27:48

"Strategic Tempest Drop Creates Chaos in Game"

  • Strategy involves a Helen drop with a fleet Beacon, leading to potential chaos in the game.
  • Reactor Factory hints at a Widow mine drop, with invisible mines placed in the mineral line.
  • Opponent's distraction due to lack of a natural expansion, leading to a unique strategy response.
  • Utilizing batteries outside opponent's base as a key part of the strategy.
  • Tempest production and gold base economy advantage highlighted.
  • Tempest's long anti-air range and high damage output showcased in combat.
  • Opponent's attempts to counter with Widow mines and turrets discussed.
  • Continuous Tempest production and economic advantage emphasized.
  • Transition to a carrier build against a Protoss opponent in a PvP match.
  • Importance of map choice with a ramp in the natural for carrier strategy explained.

01:38:39

"Strategic Use of Carriers and Disruptors"

  • Phoenixes are a snowball unit, with the opponent losing three to the player's carriers.
  • Carriers are countered by Tempests, but the opponent opts for a mix of Phoenixes and Blink Stalkers.
  • The player surprises with five carriers, overwhelming the opponent's mixed unit composition.
  • The player strategically targets with carriers, maintaining interceptor numbers and focusing on DPS.
  • The opponent's strategy of Phoenixes and Blink Stalkers is countered by the player's carriers.
  • Disruptors are a challenging unit, with the player facing difficulties against various opponents.
  • The player anticipates specific matchups for disruptors to succeed, focusing on Terran or Protoss.
  • Stalkers are crucial for anti-air against Terran, with the player opting for a stalker-heavy composition.
  • The player strategically defends against a Terran one-base all-in with disruptors and stalkers.
  • Disruptors prove effective in delaying attacks and eliminating enemy units, showcasing their strength in battles.

01:49:32

Strategic player counters opponent with Colossi

  • The player had a strategic plan in the game, not just random actions.
  • A full wall was unexpected, leading to the player killing the adept.
  • The player opted for a robo bay quickly against Protoss to counter potential threats.
  • Making units quickly is crucial against Protoss to avoid being overwhelmed.
  • The opponent's strategy of walling off the natural base created uncertainty for the player.
  • The player scouted the opponent's Twilight Council but noted it could have been placed better.
  • Observers were used to anticipate potential threats like Dark Templars.
  • Colossi are effective against certain units but vulnerable to stalkers due to their attributes.
  • A defense was challenging due to a stalker-heavy opponent, leading to a probe pull for support.
  • The player's Colossi strategy paid off, leading to a successful defense and victory against the opponent.

02:00:27

"Templar Strategy: Survive and Storm"

  • The player starts the game with a good start, moving across the map with one stalker and two Templars as their army.
  • Setting up cannons is crucial for survival in the game.
  • High Templar's auto attack seems weak, dealing only two damage.
  • Strategic use of Templars, like landing big storms on enemy units, is essential.
  • Late-game success with Templars requires a setup with cannons and gas for continuous storming.
  • Archons are tough to kill without Widow mines or ghosts, making them effective against bio units.
  • Splitting units to avoid EMP attacks from ghosts is necessary.
  • Dealing with Widow mines using Templars can be challenging.
  • The player's strategy involves using Templars for storm drops, which are effective in causing chaos for the opponent.
  • The player successfully executes a Zealot-only strategy against a Zerg opponent, showcasing the hit-or-miss nature of the build.

02:11:04

"Proxy Immortal Strategy Overwhelms Opponent"

  • The 5.2k MMR Zerg player falls to the Zealot-only Rush.
  • The 14th unit in the challenge is the proxy Immortal against a 5,000 MMR Protoss player.
  • Proxy Immortal cheese is typically done against Terran due to the strength of the warp prism.
  • Building a robotics facility in front of the opponent's base is a strategic move to catch them off guard.
  • The opponent's one-gate expanding strategy plays into the proxy Immortal tactic.
  • Fake structures like pylons and adepts are used to mislead the opponent and divert their attention.
  • The proxy Immortal strategy successfully overwhelms the opponent with Immortals and batteries, leading to victory.
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