New Overlord Speed Openings ZvT

Intro

Below is the WCS Fall Replay pack which contains all of the replays that I reference throughout the article. Overlord speed openings were popular at this event after their recent cost reduction buff and new map pool. The upgrade is often even researched before Zergling speed. This can make you somewhat vulnerable in different situations so there are a few varying openings that you can choose to do in each match up. The trade off for each variation balanced how much gas is mined and how quickly which results in faster Zergling speed vs more economy and queens (more minerals).

Reynor vs SpeCial

In the semi-final series between Reynor and SpeCial, Reynor played a very similar overlord speed opening in every game.

16 – Hatch
18 – Extractor
17 – Spawning Pool
Rally Drones 17-19 into gas
20 – Overlord
@60 Gas – Take 2 drones out of gas send 1 to the third base //Optional you can send both drones if the Terran is scv blocking your third base and use them to attack the scv to take the third base.
20 – 2x Queens + 4x Zerglings
28 – Hatchery
@100% Queens – Overlord Speed + Make 1 drone @main base and rally it into the Extractor
31 – Queen
33 – Overlord
41 – Overlord
@100 Gas – Zergling Speed //Take 1 drone out of gas to go back down to 1
@3:30 to 4:00 – 2 Drones back in gas //depending on what you scout you can go back into gas at different times. For example, vs cloak banshee or hellbat you want more gas sooner to afford banelings or a faster lair and vs a third cc before starport you will be able to stay off gas for longer to afford more drones.

Lambo vs HeRoMaRinE

In group stage 3, Lambo showed his ZvT overlord speed opening which starts Zergling speed before overlord speed so that it is finished in time for the 4 hellion timing.

16 – Hatch
18 – Extractor
17 – Spawning Pool
Rally Drones 17-19 into gas
20 – Overlord
20 – 2x Queens + 4x Zerlings
Send 1 drone to hide at the third base
30 – Third Hatchery
@175 Gas – Take 2 drones off of gas
30 – Zergling Speed + Overlord Speed
31 – Overlord
@First Inject completed – Make 2 drones and rally back into gas

Note: with this opening you can afford to start Zergling speed on 28 supply before taking the third hatchery. If you have the ability to, it is a good idea to start it and cancel it to take the hatchery, this way you can keep your faster Zergling speed against builds like 3 Rax reaper, or if the Terran successfully blocks your third base (with scv or reaper).

Trade off and Comparison

The main difference between these two overlord speed openings is how early the required gas (175) is mined. Since Lambo mines more gas earlier, his variation of the build can afford to get Zergling speed in time for the 4 hellion timing. However, mining this gas earlier impacts your mineral count and cuts into your drone count.

Lambo’s build also has the advantage in that, you can start ling speed earlier and cancel it to take your third base or keep it depending on what you are playing against / if the Terran successfully blocks your third base.

Note: I don’t have the time or enough replays to get an exact benchmark difference between the two builds, these benchmarks are taken from replays and do not account for player variance.

Reynor Benchmark @4:05 (4 hellion timing) 62 supply total

Lambo Benchmark @4:05 (4 hellion timing) 57 supply total

Notes on the benchmark comparison

1 of Lambo’s queens in production was only 3 seconds away from completing. The main difference is ~5 larva worth of units (some combination of drones/zerglings) vs Zergling speed finishing in time for the 4:05 hellion timing.

Vods

If you prefer to watch vods rather than replays, or in addition to replays you can watch vods for the games referenced in this article below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS7IRWnbuE4