Storm Drop

A Storm Drop is a harassment/combat technique used by Protoss players.

[e][h]Storm Drop

Technique Information

Matchups:

PvZ, PvT, PvP

Type:

Mid-game - Late-game Strategy

Overview

The term "Storm Drop" is a combination of two abilities from the two units involved: the High Templar's Psionic Storm spell, and the Shuttle's ability to ferry units around the map, most frequently targeting workers at mineral lines or clumps of combat units. When raiding mineral lines, the Protoss player will land his or her High Templar close to the opponent's mineral line, cast Psionic Storm, and attempt to bring the Shuttle and the High Templar(s) back safely. In case the Templar was dropped on a cliff that is otherwise unreachable by land units, players should always double-check after the drop has occurred to make sure their opponent hasn't left the unit there to do repeated storms on the mineral line.

Competitive Usage

The Storm Drop is used in all three match-ups because it is a highly effective tool to distract an opponent as well as hurt their economy. Depending on the match-up, some minor variations may be used to increase the effectiveness. When dropping several High Templar, Magic Boxes can be used to great effect to cover an entire Mineral Line with storms.

vs. Terran

The most common variation on a standard Storm Drop is to bring Zealots with the High Templars. The player executing the drop will first unload the Zealot(s) to absorb the initial Siege Tank fire, if there happens to be any. From there, the High Templar(s) are unloaded to execute Psi Storm.

vs. Zerg

Because of how fragile Zerg Drones are, most will simply elect to do a standard Storm Drop. However, a fairly popular variation is to drop 1-2 Dark Templars in one of the Zerg's bases, and drop the High Templars in another base to execute a the Storm Drop. This can cause further distress and further damage to a Zerg's economy as they now have to focus on two separate issues, and coupled with a major attack can completely overwhelm the player's senses.

vs. Protoss

The same variation for Zerg can be applied to Protoss: A Storm Drop coupled with Dark Templars. This variation is not as popular in PvP as it is in PvZ because Protoss players tend to have cannons placed well enough to stop Dark Templars from harassing their base. As such, most Protoss players will opt to do a standard Storm Drop. If the opportunity to do both at the same time presents itself, there is no reason not to do it.

Notable Games

Shine vs Violet on Destination - 17 Storm Drops, good for over 70 Drone kills.