When Setting Up Contains Is Essential In StarCraft 2

For players intent on maximizing success in StarCraft 2 setting up contains is absolutely essential. How a contain is managed can mean the difference between a player successfully grabbing momentum in the game or allowing themselves to be placed in an early disadvantage.

Players who succeed in containing their opponents are then free to grab control over more of the map, as well as the resources that come with that control. This can quickly create a huge economic advantage for the player who has control, since they will have access to more resources than their opponent. They can then use those resources to rapidly develop their economy and forces, without fearing that their own main base will be attacked.



Before creating a contain, however, players need to understand what the technique involves, and which forces are best equipped to execute it. Each race has its own way of utilizing this tactic. Here are some basic details that can help any new player learn to utilize this strategy.

A contain is generally set up early in the game, at an opponent's main base or expansion. It is accomplished by closing off choke points outside the enemy's base ramp. Players should think of this in terms of a blockade, where the blockaded party is effectively trapped within its own territory. Not only does this blockade have dire economic consequences for the trapped player, but it can also have a severe psychological impact on a player's morale.

Protoss players generally execute a contain using one of two basic methods. They will either rely on Photon Cannons to implement the blockade since these buildings are very hard to beat in early game play, or will opt for Sentries. The Sentry's Force Field ability makes it an ideal unit for blocking movement on the enemy's ramp. Zerg players tend to utilize proxy Hatcheries in order to create creep for a Spine Crawler contain, though some choose Creep Tumors to accomplish their goal.

Terrans often utilize Bunker contain techniques, and will sometimes construct strong buildings to effectively create a wall to trap the opponent in their base. Other times, they utilize Siege Tanks to accomplish the same goal. When using the latter technique, it is important to ensure that anti-air defenses are in place, as well as stealth detection capabilities. Without them, the enemy can often escape the trap earlier than expected.

It is vitally important to realize that most contains will be broken at some point in the game. It may take time for the blockaded opponent to develop the tech necessary to escape the trap, but once they do the blockading player should anti[censored] te a retaliatory strike against their own base. When the contain is broken, it is sometimes best to abandon the contain and focus on other strategies. Games can be lost by trying to maintain a contain for too long.

Players who master the intricacies of the contain tactic can provide themselves with an early advantage in most of their games. For any player who seeks to dominate their matches in StarCraft 2, setting up contains is one gaming technique that can always pay lasting dividends.