Nydus Worm Tactics
The Nydus Worm is created from the Nydus Network structure. In order for the Nydus Worm to be created it must always be created from the existing Nydus Network structure itself. The Nydus Worm is a rather unique Zerg structure in that it can be created anywhere on the map provided that the Zerg player has vision of the area. Usually an Overlord or similar unit would be used to provide vision.
The Nydus Worm does not require Creep or a Drone in order to be created. This allows it to be created behind an enemy base, behind the front lines or around your base for example. Nydus Worms take some time to setup. Once setup they emit a sound that can be heard by all players including your opponent. They also spread Creep around once created.
Nydus Worms can actually be used to make your opponent fearful of pushes into their base by their mere presence alone. Sometimes it’s merely enough to create a Nydus Worm near their mineral lines in order to get the opponent to retreat to their base. This is especially useful if you are being attacked and do not have the resources to push back your opponent.
Nydus Worms are also effective at getting around containments that may be setup by your opponent near your base. If your opponent for example is a Protoss who builds cannons around your base’s entry point then you could use the Nydus Worm to funnel forces straight into the enemy’s base as they would normally have little defenses setup back home.
Nydus Worms can also be used to sandwich your opponents attacking forces. This is especially useful against Terran and Zerg opponents. Burrowed Zerglings can provide vision just like any other unit and given their cheap cost they could be sprinkled around the map in critical spots in order to create a Nydus Worm behind enemy forces. Nydus Worms in general assist with transporting your units around the battlefield.
If the original Nydus Network is destroyed your units will still remain alive until the remaining Nydus Worms have been destroyed as well. Both the Nydus Network and Nydus Worm cost resources so they should not be thrown away though. Nydus Worms and networks can effectively hold an unlimited amount of Zerg units in a 1v1 though they do have some actual limits.
An interesting tactic is to send burrowed Infestors through a Nydus Worm along with other forces. Once your opponent has retreated, driven off your forces and killed the Nydus Worm they may think that their base is now safe. Once they push out again you could then use your Infestors to kill enemy workers and structures with Infested Terrans. Getting your Infestors out of the enemy’s base will become an issue however.
