EPT
http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/10697051
http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/10697051
Map Pool for 2013 Ladder Season 5
Now that 2013 Ladder Season 4 is officially locked, let’s talk about maps.
We’ve previously mentioned our goal of bringing the StarCraft II 1v1 ladder map pool into alignment with the maps being used in the World Championship Series. With 2013 Ladder Season 5, we’re taking this goal to a whole new level by mirroring the WCS and Ladder map pools exactly. This season, you’ll be able to ladder with the exact same collection of maps your favorite pro players are using in the WCS. Further, we think this may help matchmaking become a more effective practice tool for both aspiring and pro WCS competitors.
The 1v1 Map Pool
We're adding three maps to the 1v1 pool in Season 5, and as always, making additions to the ladder pool means we’ll be removing a few of last season’s maps. Since we’re making an effort to mirror the WCS pool, Ladder Season 5 will feature seven 1v1 maps in total. Here are the maps we’ll be removing, followed by the new additions:
Now that we’ve unveiled the new maps you’ll be playing on this season, we’re pleased to show you the complete 1v1 map pool for 2013 Ladder Season 5 and WCS Season 3:
In addition to the changes being made to the 1v1 map pool, we are also making changes to the 2v2 map pool. Below are the maps that we’ll be removing, along with descriptions of two new 2v2 maps that we’re adding.
All five of these maps are already published to the custom games list in order to give you a chance to check them out before the season roll. Feel free to fire up a few games on the new maps and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Once Ladder Season 5 begins at Monday, Aug 26 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00), they will then appear in matchmaking queues for competitive play.
Good luck and have fun in the 2013 Season 5 ladder!
Now that 2013 Ladder Season 4 is officially locked, let’s talk about maps.
We’ve previously mentioned our goal of bringing the StarCraft II 1v1 ladder map pool into alignment with the maps being used in the World Championship Series. With 2013 Ladder Season 5, we’re taking this goal to a whole new level by mirroring the WCS and Ladder map pools exactly. This season, you’ll be able to ladder with the exact same collection of maps your favorite pro players are using in the WCS. Further, we think this may help matchmaking become a more effective practice tool for both aspiring and pro WCS competitors.
The 1v1 Map Pool
We're adding three maps to the 1v1 pool in Season 5, and as always, making additions to the ladder pool means we’ll be removing a few of last season’s maps. Since we’re making an effort to mirror the WCS pool, Ladder Season 5 will feature seven 1v1 maps in total. Here are the maps we’ll be removing, followed by the new additions:
1v1 Removals
Korhal Sky Island LE
Neo Planet S LE
Newkirk Precinct TE
Red City LE
Star Station
1v1 Additions
+ Show Spoiler [Frost LE] +
+ Show Spoiler [Polar Night LE] +
+ Show Spoiler [Yeonsu LE] +
Korhal Sky Island LE
Neo Planet S LE
Newkirk Precinct TE
Red City LE
Star Station
1v1 Additions
+ Show Spoiler [Frost LE] +
Frost placed first in the Team Liquid Map Contest for both the pro player and public votes.
We were looking for a four player map to add this season that was not only solid overall, but different as well. We wanted to try Frost LE because of the variety in play styles it will provide depending on each player’s start location.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Klu6veg.jpg)
We were looking for a four player map to add this season that was not only solid overall, but different as well. We wanted to try Frost LE because of the variety in play styles it will provide depending on each player’s start location.
+ Show Spoiler [Polar Night LE] +
This is a new map created by EastWindy for WCS Korea GSL. We believe Polar Night LE will create some interesting choices for players when deciding how to best take advantage of Destructible Rock and Line of Sight Blocker positioning. We think these map features will help make for some exciting games.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/LCpjwAP.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler [Yeonsu LE] +
Yeonsu placed second in the Team Liquid Map Contest public vote, and third in the pro player vote.
Although the base and expansion layouts on Yeonsu LE are quite standard, we believe this map’s cool factor lies within the flow of its ground paths. The ways in which the various ramps by the natural and third bases interact feel unique, and seem to be a standout feature on this map.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/E2G9v2o.jpg)
Although the base and expansion layouts on Yeonsu LE are quite standard, we believe this map’s cool factor lies within the flow of its ground paths. The ways in which the various ramps by the natural and third bases interact feel unique, and seem to be a standout feature on this map.
Now that we’ve unveiled the new maps you’ll be playing on this season, we’re pleased to show you the complete 1v1 map pool for 2013 Ladder Season 5 and WCS Season 3:
Complete Ladder & WCS Season 3 Map Pool
Akilon Wastes
Bel’Shir Vestige LE
Derelict Watcher TE
Frost LE
Polar Night LE
Whirlwind LE
Yeonsu LE
Akilon Wastes
Bel’Shir Vestige LE
Derelict Watcher TE
Frost LE
Polar Night LE
Whirlwind LE
Yeonsu LE
In addition to the changes being made to the 1v1 map pool, we are also making changes to the 2v2 map pool. Below are the maps that we’ll be removing, along with descriptions of two new 2v2 maps that we’re adding.
2v2 Removals
Molten Crater
Overwatch
2v2 Additions
+ Show Spoiler [Isle of Slaughter] +
+ Show Spoiler [Resupply Tanker] +
Molten Crater
Overwatch
2v2 Additions
+ Show Spoiler [Isle of Slaughter] +
This fortress map is easy to macro on and has a very long rush distance. However, once the Destructible Rocks toward the center of the map are destroyed, the attack path between teams will become much shorter. The goal on Isle of Slaughter should be to macro up while keeping a close watch on when the combat starts, since reaction times will need to be much quicker during the mid to late game.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ZRxVLZ4.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler [Resupply Tanker] +
Resupply Tanker has an easy to take fast expansion, but allies can’t easily assist each other on this map, so be careful not to grab this expansion too soon. The two attack paths along the sides of the map are good for focusing attacks on one opponent, but taking some time to clear out the center Xel’Naga Watchtower area before initiating an attack will often be a much safer way to engage on this map.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/VntXN0P.jpg)
All five of these maps are already published to the custom games list in order to give you a chance to check them out before the season roll. Feel free to fire up a few games on the new maps and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Once Ladder Season 5 begins at Monday, Aug 26 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00), they will then appear in matchmaking queues for competitive play.
Good luck and have fun in the 2013 Season 5 ladder!
August 19th
http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/10628119
http://eu.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/10628119
Attention, StarCraft II ladder competitors! 2013 Season 4 is now locked.
At the end of each ladder season, leagues are “locked,” which means players can no longer be promoted or demoted out of their current league or division, and bonus pools will stop growing. That’s no reason to quit playing: even after leagues are locked, players will still be able to play out their remaining bonus pool and compete for standing within their divisions until the season ends one week later. The matchmaking skill ratings which determine league promotion and demotion will also continue to update during the lock, so games played during the lock still count toward 2013 Season 5 league placement.
Now that the lock is in effect, 2013 Season 4 will soon come to an end. We’ll be turning over to 2013 Season 5 on (US) Monday, Aug 26 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00) / (EU) Sunday, Aug 25 11:01pm GMT (GMT+00:00), right after the WCS 2013 Season 2 Finals at gamescom, and the Grandmaster League will start one week following the season roll. Season milestone rewards will be awarded and bonus pools will reset with the beginning of the new season. Hidden skill ratings used for matchmaking and league placement will carry over from the previous season, though, so players who have completed placement matches in a previous season will only need to play one new placement match after 2013 Season 5 starts.
We will have an updated map pool for Season 5, and we’re happy to announce that the 1v1 portion of the map pool will mirror the map pool used in all regions for WCS Season 3. We’ll have more specifics on map pool changes for you soon.
With the beginning of Season 5, we will be applying a free character name change to all accounts that do not have one available at that time. Character name changes do not stack (you can only have one free name change at a time), so if you’ve been thinking about changing your name in StarCraft II, you have until August 26 to make that decision.
To learn more about this year’s ladder season and related subjects, check out our League, Ladders, and Seasons FAQ.
At the end of each ladder season, leagues are “locked,” which means players can no longer be promoted or demoted out of their current league or division, and bonus pools will stop growing. That’s no reason to quit playing: even after leagues are locked, players will still be able to play out their remaining bonus pool and compete for standing within their divisions until the season ends one week later. The matchmaking skill ratings which determine league promotion and demotion will also continue to update during the lock, so games played during the lock still count toward 2013 Season 5 league placement.
Now that the lock is in effect, 2013 Season 4 will soon come to an end. We’ll be turning over to 2013 Season 5 on (US) Monday, Aug 26 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00) / (EU) Sunday, Aug 25 11:01pm GMT (GMT+00:00), right after the WCS 2013 Season 2 Finals at gamescom, and the Grandmaster League will start one week following the season roll. Season milestone rewards will be awarded and bonus pools will reset with the beginning of the new season. Hidden skill ratings used for matchmaking and league placement will carry over from the previous season, though, so players who have completed placement matches in a previous season will only need to play one new placement match after 2013 Season 5 starts.
We will have an updated map pool for Season 5, and we’re happy to announce that the 1v1 portion of the map pool will mirror the map pool used in all regions for WCS Season 3. We’ll have more specifics on map pool changes for you soon.
With the beginning of Season 5, we will be applying a free character name change to all accounts that do not have one available at that time. Character name changes do not stack (you can only have one free name change at a time), so if you’ve been thinking about changing your name in StarCraft II, you have until August 26 to make that decision.
To learn more about this year’s ladder season and related subjects, check out our League, Ladders, and Seasons FAQ.
August 14th
http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/10628112/
http://eu.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/10628112
Season 4 Lock Incoming
2013 Ladder Season 4 is drawing to a close, and all ladders will be locked soon.
Here’s what this means for you:
Season 5 will begin at Monday, Aug 26 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00), right after the conclusion of the WCS 2013 Season 2 Finals at gamescom. Season milestone rewards will be locked in at this time, and bonus pools will reset. The game will continue doing matchmaking and league placement using results from the previous season.
We will have an updated map pool for Season 5, and we’re happy to announce that the 1v1 portion of the map pool will mirror the map pool used in all regions for WCS Season 3. We’ll have more specifics on map pool changes for you soon. (Preliminary Season 5 map pool.)
With the beginning of Season 5, we will be applying a free character name change to all accounts that do not have one available at that time. Character name changes do not stack (you can only have one free name change at a time), so if you’ve been thinking about changing your name in StarCraft II, you have until August 26 to make that decision.
To learn more about this year’s ladder season and related subjects, check out our League, Ladders, and Seasons FAQ.
2013 Ladder Season 4 is drawing to a close, and all ladders will be locked soon.
Here’s what this means for you:
- During the 2013 Season 4 lock, you can’t be promoted or demoted from your current league or division, and your bonus pool stops growing.
- Though you’ll be locked to a league and division, you'll still be able to play out your remaining bonus pool and compete for standing within your division until the end of the season.
- If you're pursuing a league promotion, then you still have a chance to get there. The 2013 Season 4 lock will go into effect on Monday, Aug 19 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00).
Season 5 will begin at Monday, Aug 26 7:01am GMT (GMT+00:00), right after the conclusion of the WCS 2013 Season 2 Finals at gamescom. Season milestone rewards will be locked in at this time, and bonus pools will reset. The game will continue doing matchmaking and league placement using results from the previous season.
We will have an updated map pool for Season 5, and we’re happy to announce that the 1v1 portion of the map pool will mirror the map pool used in all regions for WCS Season 3. We’ll have more specifics on map pool changes for you soon. (Preliminary Season 5 map pool.)
With the beginning of Season 5, we will be applying a free character name change to all accounts that do not have one available at that time. Character name changes do not stack (you can only have one free name change at a time), so if you’ve been thinking about changing your name in StarCraft II, you have until August 26 to make that decision.
To learn more about this year’s ladder season and related subjects, check out our League, Ladders, and Seasons FAQ.
Newkirk had to go
