Starcraft 2 Build orders are the basic initial building block to your game and when you’re watching the loading screen you should be thinking the following:

1. What race am I playing
2. What build orders could I be facing
3. What build orders could I use

What Starcraft 2 build orders might I face?

When thinking about the race you are playing for example if you were against Zerg, it is extremely important you wall in to prevent game winning Zergling rushes. Think about what you might expect from them. In a Protoss vs Protoss matchup you might expect a 4-gate all in rush. Prepare your mind to go for a build order which would counter this such as a mix up of Zealots sentries and immortals, and take advantage for a timing attack when he is weak from his rush. Make sure you get these thoughts rolling during the loading screen so you are ready to implement your plan when the game is ready.

So, what Starcraft 2 build orders could I use?

When the loading screen is complete you should immediately be focusing on implementing a basic build order perfectly. I have covered some basic build orders later in this article. As well as this you should be focusing on gathering intelligence by scouting so you know what build order your enemy might be using in time for completing your basic build order. Some things to think about while scouting are; has he taken his second gas, how many unit producing buildings does he have, how many workers does he have. These give hints to what build order your enemy is using.

How to choose the build order based on intel

Now, if you feel you are ahead of your enemy, you should select a build which will take advantage of the enemy’s build order. Remember your enemy is made of three components: Economy, Technology and Army. He will be better in one or 2 than the other three and you must take advantage of his lowest attribute. For example:

• If your enemy has decided to expand early and increase his economy, his technology and army will suffer! Attack now to take advantage of this timing window.
• If your enemy has decided to rush you, build an army of good counter composition to withhold his attack and take more units than you lose. Take advantage of choke points. If your economy stays better, you will outlast him and push him back to his base leaving him defenceless.

Make sure you know the basic Starcraft 2 build orders for each race so you are aware how every race will start their games and the timings, Scouting to gain good intelligence on your enemy's eco/tech and army is essential in keeping your plan in line with the flow of the game. Knowing how to deal with the strategies pros use will allow you to turn a loss into a win with a forceful counter attack. The best way to learn how to play Starcraft 2 is by learning from professionals, watching their videos and reading their guides.