The Art of Multitasking

It may not look like it, but aside from out-thinking your opponents, competitive games demand a high amount of mechanical skill. Specific games demand a specific skill set, from the perfect aim and coordination of Counter-Strike to the impeccable micro-management and decision making of Dota 2 and LoL. The same is especially true for Starcraft 2 in which mechanics can be so important that some players have found success in purely being better at mechanics than their opponents. However, if one were to describe what mechanical skill separates Starcraft 2 as a competitive game, it will definitely be multitasking.

Shifting Focus

Multitasking is defined as the apparent ability to do two things at the same time. True multitasking is impossible for humans since we cannot focus on two things at once. What we call multitasking is actually a series of swift shifts in focus so that it appears that we’re doing two things at once. This applies to Starcraft 2 as well. Good players have the ability to cycle through multiple things, attacking different fronts at once, harassing multiple bases all the while macroing, keeping their money low and their income high. They achieve all these by constantly and systematically shifting their focus.

Even at the very basic level, at least some ability to multitask is almost a necessity in playing Starcraft 2. While seemingly daunting for outsiders and beginners alike, multitasking in Starcraft 2 is arguably, often the product of habit. A documentary by National Geographic once compared the brain activity of Xellos, a professional player with that of a newbie. The professional’s brain is more active with his memory/instinct function compared to the newbie’s brain activity which was more focused on the visual processes.

Apparently, professionals practice so much that most of the basic mechanics that worry a newbie is almost second nature to them. It becomes automatic in the same way that playing a musical instrument becomes second nature. This mental phenomenon is called muscle memory. Muscle memory frees up a player’s thoughts so that they don’t have to think about basics, they just do it. This allows them to do more things within the context of the game, including attacking while defending, multi-pronged harass, multi-drops etc.

Muscle Memory Synthesis

So how do we incorporate muscle memory to our play in order to improve? Fortunately, multitasking is a skill and as with all skills, it can be trained. The goal is to practice the basics enough that it becomes muscle memory allowing us to be able to do more things at once. While deliberate practice of multitasking through multitasking trainers and custom maps can be beneficial, focused practice of multitasking through real game situations could be better. Here are a few useful methods of practicing multitasking:-

1. Drilling a build. Specifically practicing without an opponent or with an AI set on Very Easy. Our aim is to practice our build repeatedly so that we don’t have to think what we’ll do next. This means practicing the build and macroing to perfection. When drilling, focus on the flow of the build. Remember what goes after what until you don’t need to think about it at all. Keep Supply timings and Upgrades in mind as well. When you feel confident that you know the build, bring it to ladder. This is where the real stress of multitasking comes in.

2. All-ins and Timing Attacks. It may not seem like it, but I find it extremely useful in practicing multitasking. All-ins put the weight of your focus in the front with your troops since you need to do damage in order to get ahead or to win. You still need to be able to macro well while your main attention is with your troops, taxing your multitasking to the fullest. This method also comes with the benefit of improving your micro. When practicing, prepare an all-in/timing attack to use for each match up. As you move in to attack, take extreme care to not let your macro slip. Personally, I set a mental resource limit (e.g., 500 minerals, 100 gas) and then I make it my goal for the game not to exceed that limit.

3. Multi-pronged attacks. Multi-pronged attacks are a great way to practice your multitasking during a standard macro-game. Try to attack multiple fronts at the same time. Zergling run-bys on a base and attack another. Drop his main while you kill his third. You can make it a point to not attack unless it’s from two fronts. Remember to keep your macro intact.

When practicing, you must be deliberate. Do not focus on winning as much as you must focus on your specific goal for the game. Remember, macro is still king. When executing your timing attacks or multi-pronged harass, do not let your macro slip.

The mark of the best multitaskers of Starcraft 2 is that they know where to focus at the right place and time during the game. There is no way to practice this except for playing a lot. As you move up the ladder and in skill, your decision making will also improve and you’ll be able to know how to divide your attention. Good luck and have fun.