"New [PvP] builds are coming out during every tournament that are looking forward to diversify the match-up and make it more interesting for watching and playing. And here comes Artosis, bringing us a neat defensive build, centred around Chargelots and, later, +1 attack and Archon, amalgamated in a deadly push."

In the process of writing this feature I kinda grew to loath it. For several reasons. First of all, it made me miss the new episode of Game of Thrones, which, as you may guess, is not regarded as a positive start of the day. Second, I will be helping Protosses improve this week and this turns my Zerg heart upside down. But hey, after all it is Protosses defeating other Protosses, so I guess it is OK up to some extent. Not to mention that we are paying focus to one of my most favourite community figures - former BW competitive gamer, GSL caster and captain of team Sixjax Dan "Artosis" Stemkoski.

Despite his contradictory performances as StarCraft 2 pro-gamer, Artosis is one of the most knowledgeable commentators and analysts and his words of wisdom can be heard every week at the GSL. The half of the casting archon started his SC2 career as a Zerg player switched to Protoss at the beginning of 2011. Now this is not the place to discuss this decision, we are here to see what the ingenious player has come up with while playing with the children of Aiur in the volatile, unforgiving PvP.

PvP has indeed evolved a lot more from its "4-gate-all-the-way-till-someone-eventually-dies" pattern. New builds are coming out during every tournament that are looking forward to diversify the match-up and make it more interesting for watching and playing. And here comes Artosis, bringing us a neat defensive build, centred around Chargelots and, later, +1 attack and Archon, amalgamated in a deadly push.

The stream excerpts are taken from games on the Korean master ladder and I want to put attention on two different build orders that lead to the same end. The first game is here, starting at 1:32:00 and is on Typhon Peaks. This build version features more aggressive teching, rushing to charge by putting Twilight Council immediately after Cyber Core is finished. To defend any possible pressure, Artosis throws down a Forge and a few Cannons to be even more safe. After Charge and +1 are started and 200 gas are collected, a Templar Archives is put down, that will be used to get the Archon on the field. Three more Gateways are build to complete the composition.

In the second game on Shattered Temple, Artosis is being denied any scouting and not knowing if there will be aggression from his opponent, and thus goes for four gates first so there is no high chance of premature death. He then follows it up with the finishing touches of the build order: Council, Charge, +1 attack, Templar Archives.

So, bottom line, it all ends up to having:
4 Gateways
1-2 Cannons for defence
1 Charge upgrade
1 +1 Attack upgrade
1 Archon
2 Stalkers
Lots of Zealots

So there are some things you need to notice about the build and the reasons behind it. Massing Zealots frees you up gas so you can tech more efficiently. Secondly, it is wise to get two Stalkers out for several reasons: you can kill scouting probes AND it doesn't give out your tech intentions. With two Stalkers and a Zealot it would look like a standard 4-gate opening. Thirdly, don't rush, be patient and defend. You need thise +1 attack, the charge and the Archon to have maximum efficiency. Lastly, you should know about the largest flaws of the build. Most importantly, you will be playing in the dark, as this is a turtle build with no robo, so all the information you will get will be from you scouting probes, which most of the time won't see anything, because stalkers will shoot them down. Also, this opening might be hugely susceptible to Stalker pressure, backed up with good micro. This might be solvable, though, and I haven't seen a thousand games with this opening to be adamant, but it is what it looks like from bystander's point of view.

I know it is probably not the most refined build in the universe. I don't even know if it will become viable at a competitive level. What I know is that I like it. It's interesting, different, it's not a 4-gate (well, technically, there are four gates but you catch what I mean) and it is pleasant to watch. So go, watch the games, learn the style, improve it and pwn noobs if you can!


Feature spotlight: Artosis and his PvP


Watch live video from artosis on Justin.tv

I hope this issue of Streamspotting was useful to you and you will enjoy the games in it, as they are, as a bonus, commentated by Artosis himself, so at least you will get a good entertainment out of them. Have fun!

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Additional Links:
Artosis's stream on Justin.tv

Streamspotting #1: IdrA's Q&A
Streamspotting #2: SeleCT's 2v2 Marathon

"Streamspotting" is a weekly GosuGamers.net feature by Radoslav "Nydra" Kolev that is published every Monday.