3 Hatch Muta

The standard mid-game ZvP strategy. Open with three hatcheries for economy, then tech to lair and spire for mutalisk production. Mutalisks are the backbone of ZvP — their speed lets them harass probe lines, snipe high templar, and force Protoss to invest in static defense at every base.

The key timing is your first mutalisk group of 5-6 arriving at Protoss's base. Target probes first, then corsairs if they have them. Never engage large numbers of corsairs head-on — retreat and harass undefended bases instead. While mutalisks draw attention, take your fourth base and drone up aggressively.

This build works on any ZvP map and is the most played Zerg strategy in the matchup. It is strongest against ground-focused Protoss builds that lack corsairs. Transition into hive tech for defilers with dark swarm, or mass hydra/lurker as your ground army. Weak against fast corsair openings that directly counter mutalisks in the air, and against aggressive Protoss timing attacks that hit before the spire finishes.