2015 Season 2 Ladder Maps Announced

To replace these four removals, we’ll be adding in four new maps, most of which are from the community, but also we're including a map from the GSL. As always, we’re looking for a good mix of balanced maps, maps that slightly favor a certain side in a given matchup, as well as maps that play differently compared to what we’re used to seeing. Here are the new maps for the next season. Please check them out not only in this blog post, but also when they become available in game!

In choosing maps from the TeamLiquid map contest winners, we wanted to include some maps that were more unique. Coda looked like a very interesting option for our 2 player map slot. We liked how the 4th and 5th bases were less difficult to secure than most maps, and how the collapsible towers and destructible debris added both defensive and offensive options to gameplay on the map. Decisions with these elements should depend on how the game has been progressing into the later stages of the game, which could make for truly dynamic late-game play on Coda.

This was another Teamliquid map contest winner. This map features a very standard expansion layout, but the center area is very unique and different from maps we’ve seen in the past. We’re excited about the diversity in terms of with attack paths to take in various situations, as well as setting up mid map defensive lines on this map would be interesting as well.

Cactus Valley was another Teamliquid map contest winner. This map was our favorite out of the winners this season due to what it accomplished. In mapmaking, a unique 4-player map is much more difficult to create than a unique 2-player map. It is also much more common to see 2-player maps win in contests. However, we do want a good mix of map-types represented in our map pool. Cactus Valley has some truly unique characteristics, and we’re excited to see how the various 3rd and 4th base locations play out. In addition, we really like the attack path options on this map. The short attack route through the center may be faster, but it’s also clearly visible from the Xel’ Naga Tower. Attacks that venture to the sides however, are much easier to hide, yet they will arrive slightly later. This map feels very different from 4 player maps we’ve seen recently, and in a way that we’re quite excited about.

The last map on the 1v1 side is from the GSL. When we looked at the full list of maps for next season, we noticed that there wasn’t a strong macro map represented in the pool. We also didn’t see an ideal option for this slot in the map contest, but Iron Fortress fit this slot quite well. We really like that this map is macro-oriented, with the unique characteristic of having rather exposed 3rd/4th bases that come with strong defensive options. The collapsible rocks and high-grounds should make for some exciting battles at extraneous bases.