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In strategy computer games, of both the turn-based and real-time varieties, a build order is a specific, optimized order of structures to build and technologies to research.
Strategy computer games typically offer a player many choices in which structures to build and which technologies to research. Each technology that a player researches will open up more options, but may or may not, depending on the computer game the player is playing, close off the paths to other options. A tech tree is the representation of all possible paths of research a player can take. Analysis of the tech tree leads to specific paths that a player can take to optimally advance specific strategic or tactical goals. These optimized paths are build orders.
For example, a player who plans to launch an attack by air may only build the structures necessary to construct air units and may research only the technologies which enhance the capabilities of air units. The order in which to build those structures and research those technologies is known as a build order.
Build orders can involve significant timing issues. This applies to both turn-based and real-time strategy games. In turn-based games, specific buildings and technologies will take a specific number of turns to complete. A build order may involve waiting until specific turns to begin building the next building or researching the next technology. In real-time strategy games, timing may be even more crucial. To execute an optimal rush, a player will not only have to know exactly what to build or research but also when to do so.
An example of a build order is the one necessary to execute a "Six-Pool Rush" in the real-time strategy game StarCraft. The build order is:
- 2 Drones
- 1 Spawning Pool
- 2 Overlords
- 3 pairs of Zerglings
If the above order is altered in any way, the build order will be thrown off, and the units may not be produced as quickly. The delay may mean the difference between a game win and a game loss.
Experienced players of strategy games will memorize build orders, as it gives them a significant advantage over players who are not familiar with build orders.
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