3

I see players shift-click move their units back and forth all the time in replays online. Why do they do that? Wouldn't a hold position command achieve the same thing?

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
5

A unit moving back-and-forth is can be harder for enemy units to kill (especially with melee units).

A common example of this is in PvZ when Protoss sends a Probe to try and block Zerg's Hatchery. If the Probe was stationary, it would be a lot easy/quick to kill it; for this reason, Protoss players shift-click and move their Probe all around the Hatchery location to stay alive as long as possible, thereby delaying Zerg's Hatchery.

Improve this answer
4
  • 2
    Plus, a patrolling unit covers more ground with its view, making it somewhat harder to sneak by it.
    – Orc JMR
    Commented Oct 6, 2013 at 2:56
  • That's a good point. I didn't including anything about Patrolling because the OP seemed adamant that it was shift-click moving.
    – TylerAndFriends
    Commented Oct 6, 2013 at 3:20
  • Okay, then I'll elaborate that by "patrolling" I mean walking to and fro, regardless of game order it was accomplished with :)
    – Orc JMR
    Commented Oct 6, 2013 at 4:01
  • 1
    Also, in ZvZ, if you shift-click banelings, they won't explode. If you hold position, they'll detonate when your opponent tries to waste your banelings by sending in one zergling at a time.
    – midrare
    Commented Oct 11, 2013 at 1:06
2

The shift-move, or the "queue" command, can have different meanings.

Shift-move:

  • To scout different locations around the map, so the scouting unit checks out more places and dont go somewhere in a straight line.
  • To scout around your own or the enemy base.
  • To block off the enemy trying to expand or similar buildings.

Shift-attack:

  • To focus fire a group of units, by killing them one by one. Example: TvZ Shift-attacking Collosi with Vikings has a better outcome than just attack moving into them. It saves you time, and enables you to focus on the other units with your other troops.
  • To scout attack, and clean up Pylon, Overlords and such.
Improve this answer
1
  • Might want to check your grammar on paragraph 2 point 1. I can't change just one thing like that. lol
    – jacen.garriss
    Commented Oct 7, 2013 at 12:05
0

shift clicking your units around lets the unit move while you go back to your base and keep your macro up and you don't have to worry your units getting surrounded and dead

this is crucial during early game harass/scout to keep the harassing/scouting unit alive

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .