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Out of the four units that get trained in the Barracks, the Marine, Firebat, and [the new] Medic can be used together as an effective offense. After the Barracks is built and some Marines get trained, the next big expense is usually the Academy, which allows the Firebat and Medic to be trained. (Closely following, I usually will get my Engineering Bay started to get the upgrades.)
Firebats are only good for ground battle, so don't train too many of them. The enemy will take note and destroy you from the air! (Until you get your Refinery up and producing, you can only train Marines anyway). I usually only build Marines, paired up with a smaller team of Medics. This allows full healing during battle, and total ground - air firepower. Because the Medic is so unique, and new with the BROOD WAR Expansion Set, you can read more about her HERE. |
 One of the most basic, yet effective strategies is to block your entryways with bunkers, filled with 4 Marines each. Although ALL upgrades are effective, in the beginning, the extended shooting range upgrade for the Marines (at the Academy) is really helpful. Without it, the Hydralisks or Dragoons, will destroy the Bunkers quickly - and you won't even hit them! They can shoot far enough to stay out of range without the upgrade.
Note: Obviously, there is a HUGE balance that must be maintained. You cannot buy all upgrades or units, and you can only put your minerals/gas so many places in so much time. One answer [that works] is to only buy what is needed at the time {duuu}. Yet planning is still involved! If you can determine (by scouting, ComSat, Overlord, etc.) what your opponent is going to try to attack you with, that will give you something to plan by. Send one of your SCV's/ Drones/ Probes out right in the beginning (another trade-off, but...). If you can hide it nearby and keep watch, you will know what is happening. Even knowing the opposing race - and knowing it's abilities can let you know what to build (and what NOT to build!) in defense. |
| Although the below tactic involves Siege Tanks, there are more Marines in it than Tanks, so it's in this section. Really, all units must work together in StarCraft, so it's difficult to divide them up! Below, there is shown the 'choke point' for the base in the upper-right corner of the map. (This map is all islands, which allows for some COOL gameplay, but please focus on the technique for now)... To completely protect a base from ground assult, build as many bunkers (as shown below) into a solid wall, and fill them with Marines. Place as many Siege Tanks as you can right behind them for extra firepower. Notice the SCV ready to repair anything that gets fired upon in battle. One puny SCV doing the right job, can save yourself from great losses, so learn how to use them effectively! |
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