Like all mirror matches, the Protoss vs Protoss matchup makes for some pretty strange games. Since both players have the exact same units available to them, it's more of a battle of strategy & tactics than unit counters. Here's some Protoss vs Protoss strategies that you can use to out-wit your opponent and win the game. Because of the early pressure that can come, it's common to avoid expanding and play on just one base for awhile.

Protoss vs Protoss Strategy – 4 Warpgate Push

In every matchup, the 4 warpgate push is extremely powerful in the hands of a skilled player. It will allow you to push your opponent relatively early with a big force of Gateway units. The basis of this build is to research the Warp Gate technology so you can put a Pylon close to the enemy base. This lets you warp in Gateway units (Stalker, Sentry, Zealot) 4 at a time right next to his base to reinforce your army & keep up the pressure.

The basis of this Protoss vs Protoss strategy is to do the usual Starcraft 2 Protoss build order (9 Pylon, 12 Gateway), then add on your Assimilator and Cybernetics Core. Start researching Warp Gate tech right when the Cybernetics Core is done and then add on Gateways as you can afford them. Keep in mind that you should always be making Probes and combat units to keep your money low.

Starcraft 2 PvP Strat – 2 Gateway Zealot + Collosus Push

Another Protoss vs Protoss strategy is to create 2 Gateways and only make Zealots out of them. Save your gas to put down a Robotics Facility, Robotics Bay, and get Colossi. Don't move out until you have the range upgrade for the Colossus done, so they can sit back and fire without being in danger of getting taken down.

As you move out to attack, throw down an expansion. If you don't win outright, you'll be in a very good position to attack with more units later on since you'll have more income. Once your expansion is up, make more Gateways and constantly produce units for your next attack.

Protoss vs Protoss Strategy – 2 Gateway Phoenix Harassment

If you're getting Warpgate pushed or your opponent is getting Colossi, a Protoss vs Protoss strategy you can use is to get a Gateway, a Stargate, then another Gateway. As soon as your Stargate is up, then start making Phoenix. Once your first Phoenix is out, send it over to your opponent's base and fly it around to get a good look at what he's up to. The speed of the Phoenix will keep them out of trouble, and you should be able to scout everything in the enemy base.

Having a few Phoenix in your army will do a couple things for you. First of all, it will pin your opponent back in his base. If he's planning a big 4 Warpgate push against you, here's what you do: As soon as he moves out you can sneak in with your Phoenix's and start picking off his workers. This will force him to retreat to try and kill your Phoenix's or make him go practically all in against you. At that point simply retreat your Phoenix back to your base to help defend against the attack.

If your opponent is going Colossus against you then your Phoenix will practically guarantee you a win since you'll be able to pick off his Colossi and overpower his smaller Gateway force.

Starcraft 2 Protoss vs Protoss Strategy Action Plan

Give these Protoss vs Protoss strategies a try and see how they work for you. I would suggest starting with one and practicing it for awhile to get a feel for how it plays and how to execute it most effectively. Depending on your playstyle you may find one easier or better suited to you, so go with it.

As well as having good strategies to beat your opponents you will also need to master your macro game. Macro is basically your ability to create a good economy and make a lot of units while you control your army.

Be sure to sign up and read this Starcraft 2 Macro Guide that will give you 3 simple steps to master your Macro game so you always have a bigger army than your opponent. Then implement these Protoss vs Protoss strategies to conquer your opponents and move up the Starcraft 2 Ladder.