The 3-base Ultralisk/Zergling build was first seen being used by Koreans during Dreamhack Stockholm. The build is characterized by relatively fast upgrades and an absolute beeline towards Ultralisks, Chitinous Platings and 3-3 with the Zergling’s Adrenal Glands upgrade off of 3 bases. Once the upgrades are done, the Zerg performs a timing attack that cripples the Protoss economy and more often than not ends the game right there.



The Build

9 – Overlord

15 – Spawning Pool

16 – Hatchery

@100% Spawning Pool – Queen, you can delay the Queen for a few Zerglings if you get hatch-blocked.

18 – Overlord

18 – Extractor

@100% Queen – 2nd Queen. Inject with first Queen then send to spread Creep

23 - Overlord

@100 Gas – Speed

@100% Natural Hatchery – Queen

@200 Gas – 2 Evolution Chambers

@100% Evolution Chambers – Start +1 Melee Attack and +1 Carapace

@next 100 Gas – Lair and Third. Also add another Extractor

@9:30ish – Macrohatchery

Once Lair finishes, add on an Infestation Pit

@100% +1/+1, start +2/+2 immediately

@100% Infestation Pit, Hive and 4 more Extractors

@100% Hive – Ultralisk Chamber, Adrenal Glands, +3/+3 after +2/+2

@100% Hive – Chitinous Plating

PROS

- The maxed-out timing attack is extremely strong especially against a standard Deathball army. It’s reminiscent of the famous Stephano Roach Max.

-The build is also versatile. If the Zerg sees that the Protoss is a bit Robo-heavy, he can opt to transition into Mutalisks instead of going for Hive.

CONS

-Since the build heavily relies on Speedlings, it is very vulnerable to timing attacks especially before the first set of upgrades finishes.

-It may be weak against a properly done Air-Toss.

Playing the Build

The general game plan of the build is to delay your opponent’s third while teching up to Ultralisks for a massive timing attack. The Ultralisks breaks Forcefields allowing the Zerglings to deal efficient damage. Queens should be used to heal Ultralisks and can be your anti-air in case of Void Rays.

The main army composition of the build are Ultralisks, Zerglings and Queens so be extremely liberal when producing Queens. In a normal game, production of Queens can begin once you have maxed out saturation on three bases. This should be around the time you start the Hive. Queens can also be produced early in case of 2-base all-ins from the Protoss.

Since the build is vulnerable to timing attacks itself, scouting is going to be important. Sacrifice an Overlord to check for the Protoss’ Gas timings and Gateway count. If you identify an all-in or if the Protoss still haven’t taken his third at 10 minutes into the game, start massing Zerglings, planting Spine Crawlers and producing Queens.

Always poke and prod beyond the initial scouting. Being active with Zerglings is a must. Look for openings to do run-bys, deny forward pylons, cancel his third, etc. Take any chance to do damage to him. If he is moving in for a timing attack and you’re not ready for it, try to delay him by doing a counter-attack. If he doesn’t bite and continues forward, do not be afraid to base-race. Don't forget to spread Creep everywhere. You will have plenty of Queens so be very vigilant with spreading Creep. If you can make it so that you can engage a Protoss on Creep, you’re almost guaranteed to win that engagement.

Your maxed out timing attack comes at around 15 minutes with +3/+5 on Ultras. When moving out, you can take a fourth and plant a Spire. When moving, make sure your Queens are behind your Ultralisks. As we all know, Queens are very slow and trapping your Ultralisks behind slow Queens is a terrible mistake to make. Try not to engage in chokes and up ramps unless you are absolutely sure that he cannot hold. Try to aim for his third before trying to do damage in his natural and main. When engaging, always use flanks and go for a surround. Remember to transfuse your Ultralisks! Do not engage with your Queens out of range for transfuse!

If you can’t kill the Protoss out right, make sure to do damage at least. Kill his third, keep denying his fourth while you recoup or while you transition into a composition that can beat his.