Gateway FE (vs. Zerg)

[e][h]Protoss Fast Expand

Strategy Information

Creator(s):

Unknown

Matchups:

PvZ

Type:

Opening

Popularized by:

??

Overview

The fast expand is a macro-oriented opening build designed to give Protoss an economic edge so as to establish and retain map control in the mid game by sacrificing it in the early game. Most of the transitions from this opening requires heavy gas usage, so it is mainly feasible on maps with a Gas Natural Expansion.

Build Order

Basic Build
8 Pylon at natural + mine minerals with the probe 10 Gate + scout 12 Pylon 13 Zealot 17 Zealot 21 Nexus
How To: Read Build Orders

Execution

Fast Expansion can be performed without an early Forge, if the map allows it. On outdated maps like Gods Garden the backdoor expansion can be secured with Zealots blocking the ramp. Zealot/Gateway first openings rely on good micromanagement and are in general riskier and harder to perform. The strength of these kind of openings lie in their ability to launch earlier attacks on Zerg, thus making it more difficult for the opponent to counter by building up a strong economy himself.

Transition

This opening frequently transitions into a Stargate Build. The first Corsair fulfills the role of the scouting unit, since it should finish around the time the Probe will be killed by Zerg; in the meantime one or two Overlords might be killed.

However, Protoss can follow different strategies based on his overall game plan. A great variety of timed attacks can be prepared.

• +1 Corsair Speedzealots
• +1 Speed Zealots
• +1 Zealot Timing Rush
• +1 Zealot / Archon Timing Attack
• 4 Gateway 2 Archon Timing Attack
• 5 Gateway Ranged Dragoon Timing Attack
• Bisu Build
• Corsair and Carrier Mix
• Corsair and Dark Templar Mix
• Corsair and Dragoon Mix
• Corsair and Reaver Mix

Counters

In general several all-in rushes can destroy a Fast Expansion. Examples would be Speedling rushes, Hydralisk busts or two Hatch Mutalisk builds. These can be defended by adapting the Build Order and need good scouting information.

The Fast Expansions can be soft countered by two Hatchery before Spawning Pool openings. These exploit the lack of Zealots in the first minutes of the game. Protoss can counter with an even faster Tech or a massive attack in between the early game and the mid game.

Notable Maps

The Fast Expansion Build Orders can be used on almost any maps. However, some outdated maps have relatively wide choke points, making a good wall-in nearly impossible, thus offering more options to Zerg to successfully perform a strong early-on attack. Prime examples would be Luna's 11 o'clock Position, or the 12 o'clock spawning points on Lost Temple and Python.

Notable Games

	Oya	BSL 9, Ro16, Group C. Oya goes for a Gateway FE and uses early Zealot pressure to force Zerglings out of DragOn.
	DragOn
	Date: May 5, 2020
Escalade	Patch:	VOD