Terran Strategy: Hellion Into Thor: Mutalisk Defense

Build Order

(10) Supply Depot
(12) Barracks
(13) Refinery
(16) Orbital Command
(18) Factory
(20) Refinery
(21) Tech Lab – Barracks
(25) Infernal Pre-igniter
(26) Tech Lab – Barracks
(36) Command Center
(43) Armory
(43) Barracks
(43) Barracks
Note: Build orders should never stay static and are subject to change based on what your opponent is doing. Remember, this is a RTS: use your brain, be adaptable, profit.

 

General Idea

It is difficult as Terran to go with a heavy Marine Marauder build alone, due to the threat of Speedlings and Banelings. If you like to play with Marine Marauder your best bet is to supplement your army by adding in additional units. Opening up with hellions forces your opponent to get either Roaches or Spine Crawlers, and as such less Zerglings. The switch to Thors happens because many Zerg players transition into Mutalisks during the mid game.

 

Notes

• The Hellions where not as effective as we would like them to be, this was due to our Zerg opponent having a good defensive positioning on his Queen and Spine crawler, in most cases you should be able to circumvent these and at least do damage at the natural expansion.
• Getting an expansion around the same time you move out with your Hellions is playing under the assumption that you are going to do some damage and as such will be able to expand without having to worry too much about pressure from your opponent. If, like in this video, the Hellion harass doesn’t go as planned, be sure you have plenty of vision (Grab Zel Naga Towers) to see an attack coming so that you have time to prepare.
• Spread out your first two Thors to protect both your main and natural from fly by Mutalisk harrassment. Also be sure to have some Marines with your Thors as well, this helps cut back on the effectiveness of a Zerg player “Magic Boxing” against you.