Double Carrier Rush (vs. Zerg)

[e][h]Double Carrier Rush

Strategy Information

Creator(s):

sOs

Matchups:

PvZ

Type:

Opening, Macro

Overview

This build opens with a standard 1 Gate FE into Stargate opening.

After an initial Void Ray is produced, the build takes advantage of scouting denial using that Void Ray to quickly produce two Carriers. These Carriers are then used to harass the opponent before they're able to amass sufficient anti-air defence, whilst also giving breathing room for a third base to be safely obtained.

Although Queens are capable of fending off the Carriers, their immobility makes it difficult for them to shut down the harassment alone, and having to pull Queens too far away from their Hatcheries makes it difficult for the Zerg to maintain proper inject macro. Therefore, the timing-window for this harassment only truly ends when the Zerg player is able to produce sufficient Corruptors or Hydralisks, at which point the Carriers should be recalled home and used defensively.

Basic Build Order

Double Carrier Rush (vs. Zerg)
14 Pylon 16 Gateway 17 Assimilator 20 Nexus 20 Cybernetics Core 21 Assimilator 22 Pylon @100% Cybernetics Core: Stargate, Adept, Warpgate Research @100% Adept: Adept @100% Stargate: Void Ray ~40 2x Assimilator ASAP: Stargate, Fleet Beacon ASAP: Forge or Gateway @100% Stargate and Fleet Beacon: 2x Carrier Produce two more Carriers after the first two finish, and then look to take a third base using your Adepts and Void Ray to defend it. Alternatively, the third base can be taken whilst the first two Carriers are in production if you believe it is safe to do so.

Notes

• Carrier micro is very important for the success of this opening. You want to ensure that your Interceptors remain out of the Carriers as much as possible to maximise damage output by using appropriate target-fire. See the attack mechanics section of the Carrier page for more information.
• In the sOs example in the VOD section, he uses an Assimilator first opening. This isn't safe against Zerg cheese as it delays your scouting, so it may not be suitable for ladder play. He also opts for a Phoenix for scouting denial because a Phoenix is cheaper than a Void Ray, which allows for faster Carrier production.
• In the KingCobra example in the VOD section, he uses a double Assimilator opening. This isn't optimal because it delays your natural expansion, but faster gas harvesting does mean that your tech comes online faster. He also opts to skip both the Void Ray and Warpgate Research, which allows for faster Carrier production.
• In the ButAlways example in the VOD section, he opts to complete his wall before getting his third and fourth assimilator. This is safer, but if it isn't required then all it does is slow down your Carrier production, and so isn't recommended assuming proper scouting information can be obtained.

Replays & VODs

	sOs	sOs using the build against Rogue in the 2020 GSL Super Tournament 1. He takes a delayed third base in order to follow up with a Gladept timing that tries to demolish Rogue's economy.
	Rogue
	Date: 2020-03-18
	Patch: 4.11.4	VOD

	PartinG	PartinG using the build against Dark in the 2021 GSL Season 1: Code A. He uses a variant of the build that quickly transitions into Gladepts having only produced two Carriers.
	Dark
	Date: 2021-03-29
	Patch: 5.0.6	VOD

	ButAlways	ButAlways using the build against GogojOey in the 2021 DreamHack Summer Masters: Asia main event. Unfortunately, he is unable to properly deny the opponent's Overlord scouting and so they're amply prepared to defend the Carrier harassment.
	GogojOey
	Date: 2021-05-20
	Patch: 5.0.7	VOD

	KingCobra	KingCobra using this opening against Bee in a ladder game. The Carrier harassment does so much damage that Bee never truly recovers.
	Bee
	Date: 2021-09-08
	Patch: 5.0.7	VOD