Over 80 hours of work in this update.

Download (4)Clay Fields from this page

There is also a "no fog" version available here:
(4)Clay Fields1p1(o)no fog.scm click here to download

Overview

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Buildable
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Walkable
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High Ground
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Changelog
Version 1.1 Clay Fields
-Added centre expo (6 patches @2000 minerals)
-Walling the path to 3rd; the thin low ground path closest to the natural entrance can be blocked with 1 rax, 1 ebay.
-Moved the 2 bottom start locations down, allowing different building layout options. 3 factories with machine shops and space left over for turrets against recall for example.
-Buildable space added behind natural mineral lines; space for 2 turrets or spores etc. Can also be used for offensive cannons in PvZ for example.
-Tiny bit more buildable space on edge of mains.
-Various decoration tweaks.

Download (4)Clay Fields from this page

There is also a "no fog" version available here:
(4)Clay Fields1p1(o)no fog.scm click here to download

This map was originally released as a pair alongside another map called Redheart Bridge which is for 3v3.
Check it out here:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/brood-war/521790-map-6redheart-bridge-3v3

Outdated Clay Fields threads:
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http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/brood-war/528268-map-4clay-fields-halloween-update
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/brood-war/521789-map-4clay-fields-1v1

Thankyou to everyone who helped get the map to this stage.

Also, its almost the 12th day of the month so expect another Star Tale blog.
EDIT: Its released. Check it out here Star Tale Infantry Weapons Primer

Jukado

805 Posts

May 09 2018 16:58 GMT

There are 4 primary changes in this update.

1. The centre hill is now one large space with some buildable ground and some minerals.

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The cannons in the picture above show the extent of the buildable space.

2. Walling out goons with 1 rax, 1 ebay or equivalent.
3. Extra buildable space behind the natural mineral lines.

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Be sure to take into consideration the increased threat of cannons behind the natural mineral lines.

4. Building layout options in the Bottom Mains.

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Jukado

805 Posts

May 12 2018 00:00 GMT

In the last thread, FlashFTW wrote a comment about the centre hill...

On November 14 2017 07:40 FlaShFTW wrote:
I think that you should make the center high ground whole and buildable.

My reply back then was:

Those are certainly two options to keep on the table, maybe for a potential version 1.1 in the future or something if we felt they were needed.

It turns out these things came true. It took a lot of work, the pathfinding was a bit of a nightmare, but I hope you like the results.

(the next Star Tale blog is out in a few hours, keep your eyes peeled)
EDIT: Its released. Check it out here Star Tale Infantry Weapons Primer

Gorgonoth

United States468 Posts

May 12 2018 02:25 GMT

Wow looks good

FlaShFTW

United States10253 Posts

May 12 2018 04:38 GMT

On May 12 2018 09:00 Jukado wrote:
In the last thread, FlashFTW wrote a comment about the centre hill...

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My reply back then was:

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I do. The center looks much smoother and better with the changes. Glad you took them into consideration.

Jukado

805 Posts

May 12 2018 12:46 GMT

Yeah I really love the centre now. Having some minerals there makes map splits more interesting. Note the patches are 2000 minerals each so even if one player manages to take the centre base, the other player might be able to dislodge them and then take the centre base for themselves and it is still worth it as there will more likely be enough minerals left over.

The centre hill has an amount of buildable space, which does weaken wraiths in tvt a bit, but I think they are certainly still a viable style.
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I just think the middle in general is so much more exciting than for example Circuit Breaker. Five large hills to battle around, multiple lanes, small areas of buildable ground etc.
And another big improvement over Circuit Breaker is the 3 and 9 o clock bases. Here they are high ground and have 2 entrances that are somewhat separated. Whereas on Circuit Breaker they are low ground and far too easy to snipe with tanks, and all the workers get killed too.

Also, on Circuit Breaker, often times it goes to 4 base with no distinction for a player to choose between either a 3 base or a 4 base style. And the 3rd being mineral only is less interesting to me. And the high ground is a bit too small on CB for me, a bit too tight. And the double bridges dont really achieve as much as they could, they are very close to each so in a way it doesnt really matter which one you use, they are just a bit too thin and irritating.

Compare with Clay Fields and the "thin bridge" path is a little bit wider so units dont bug out but its still tight so you have to be careful of splash damage and concaves. And the highground on Clay Fields is actually large enough to use comfortably and is close enough to these thin paths so you can actually cover them with units on the high ground.

The 3rds on Clay Fields give more resources and a gas so it leads to more interesting and balanced unit compositions as a result (eg you can actually get high templar in PvZ).
Or for example you can take the close 3rd as zerg in ZvT which is a massive deal.

To get a 4th on Clay Fields is more of a choice rather than a given like on CB if you see what I mean, but is still totally a reasonable option. When we see Terrans going up to 4 base on Circuit Breaker on just 2 factories, that for me is an indicator that it might have swung a little too far.

A huge problem on Circuit Breaker is armies moving through 12 or 6 o clock, you cant flank them. Well you can on Clay Fields.

TLDR: This map is the best map ever, perfect gameplay, perfect balance. Yay

To the players:
Ive got some really cool ideas for a potential tournament. One idea will need 9 players (3 of each race). Its a format where there will only be non mirror matches and everyone will play everyone else once (well everyone who is not their own race that is).
eg If you are a Zerg player, you will play 3 TvZs and 3 PvZs and each will be against a different opponent. Anyone up for that maybe?

Jukado

805 Posts

May 16 2018 02:10 GMT

Card Cup #2 Signups are live:
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/bw-tournaments/533618-card-cup-2

Looking for 9 players (3 of each race). Signup in the tournament thread if you would like to join in!