Everybody wants to get better at StarCraft 2 – but what are the exact steps to take?

Some, like playing a lot, are obvious – but what are the others? Continue reading, I have 7 great ways for you that will boost your skill and experience.

1. Practice, practice, practice

Yes, this is a no-brainer, the first step in becoming a better player is of course playing a lot. You need to get really accustomed to all the little things that are important when playing so you don`t have to think about them – rather execute them automatically.

2. Watch replays and videos

Learn from the best and become the best.

3. Practice what you have learned

After watching replays, play a few games and implement what you have learned – but don`t play exactly step-by-step like those players you have watched. Of course you have to know the basic build orders (when to build your first supply depot and barracks for example) but then improvise, try new strategies and experiment.

Remember that all the time during the game you must know what are you doing and why are you doing it. Playing pointlessly is a straight way to hell.

4. Ask yourself

After every game you play, ask yourself:

• Why did I win / lose?

• Did I make any mistakes? What mistakes?

• Was my overall strategy wrong? Or the unit selection? Did I miss a drop into my mineral line?

• Was there any possibility I could have won?

• What should I do better next time?

Even more effective is analyzing your own replay.

Write the key points on a piece of paper and stick them next to your monitor! And after every new game, ask yourself if you have fixed the mistakes from previous games.

5. Think about StarCraft when you have nothing to do

Are you driving in a bus and have nothing to do? Having a breakfast? Lying in bed in the morning? Use this time and think how you can improve your skill!

• Are there any gaps in theory you need to fill?

• What match-up is your weakest and why?

Or practice the knowledge you already have!

Ask yourself for example: I am playing Protoss versus Terran on Metalopolis and Terran goes for fast Reapers – what exactly should I do?

• What units to produce immediately?

• Where to position your army to minimize the risk of losing probes?

• How to counter your opponent`s strategy that you not only defend yourself but come out with an advantage?

6. Search the internet

You can find lot of free StarCraft 2 guides and strategies online.

7. Don`t spend all day playing

This might seem like a strange note. "Why? The pros do just that – they train the whole day." you might say. Yes, that`s true, if your goal is to pursue a professional career, than mass playing is the way to go for sure.

But for us, the "normal" StarCrafters I wouldnt recommend spending all your free time gaming. If nothing else, there is the law of diminishing returns – you will get tired, lose focus and further playing wont improve your skill anymore.

The main goal when playing is to have fun and when you are bored, you won`t get anywhere. Make a break, try some really weird and funny tactics, play some non 1vs1 games – do what you enjoy!

And don`t forget to do also something entirely different – go outside, do some sport, spend time with your friends or girlfriend.