Build Orders
A build order is a scripted opening sequence that tells you exactly what to build, in what order, at what supply count. Consistent execution of a build order is the fastest way to climb at any skill level.
What Is a Build Order?
A build order is a sequence of construction actions (workers, buildings, units, upgrades) annotated by supply count at each step. For example: "14 Supply Depot, 16 Barracks, 19 Refinery" means you build a Depot at 14 workers, a Rax at 16, and a Refinery at 19.
Supply counts are used instead of timestamps because game speed settings and actual build decisions compress or expand the timeline. Following supply counts is reproducible regardless of game speed.
Most builds are designed to achieve a specific timing window — a point in time where your army composition, upgrade level, or tech structure lands slightly before your opponent's defences are ready to receive it.
Reading a Build Order
| Supply | Action |
|---|---|
| 14 | Supply Depot |
| 16 | Barracks |
| 16 | Refinery |
| 19 | Orbital Command |
| 19 | Factory (when Barracks finishes) |
| 20 | Supply Depot |
| 21 | Reactor on Barracks |
| 22 | Starport (when Factory finishes) |
| 22 | Tech Lab on Factory |
| 24 | Supply Depot + Marine x2 |
The numbers on the left are supply counts at the time you should begin the construction. When you hit 14 supply, immediately queue a Depot. When it finishes and you're at 16 supply, queue a Barracks — and so on.
Execution Tips
Practice in vs AI
Run the build against an Easy AI with no pressure. Focus entirely on hitting supply counts. Repeat until it's muscle memory before taking it into ranked.
Don't Improvise Early
Deviating during the opening costs timing. If you swap step 3 for something else because you got scouted, your timing will slip. Stick to the build through the first 4 minutes.
Set Reminders
On Terran/Protoss, set up hotkey camera bookmarks at your main production buildings. Glance at supply count every 20 seconds and match it to the next step in the build.
Use SC2 AI Coach
After a game, check the Build Orders tab in your replay analysis. You can see where your actual supply timings diverged from the intended sequence.
See Your Build Order From a Real Replay
Upload any replay and check the Build Orders tab to see your exact supply timings side by side with your opponent's.
Upload a Replay