Season 8, which begins the week of June 11, will bring with it some changes to the 1v1 and 2v2 map pools. In season 7, we experimented with a larger 1v1 map pool. After reviewing player feedback, we’ll be returning to a pool of 8 maps. We will continue to maintain a heavy focus on tournament viable 1v1 maps, and that thought process has influenced our decisions regarding which maps will be removed from the ladder for Season 8.
The new maps are playable now! You can experience them via the custom game interface now, and they’ll join the ladder when the new season starts next week.
1v1 map pool
Map being added:
(4) Condemned Ridge
We’ve received feedback from our higher levels players that rotationally symmetric macro maps can be difficult to deal with for certain races when they spawn at certain points. On the other hand, non-rotationally symmetric maps are not common on the tournament circuits. To add variety, we’re introducing a new symmetric, potentially tournament viable map, suitable for macro style play.
The map hasn’t been finalized yet, and we would like to hear your opinions about how it plays before the Season 8 begins. Your feedback is appreciated!
Maps being removed:
This season, tournament viability was our primary criteria regarding whether a map remained on the ladder or not, though map balance is also always a consideration.
(4) Metalopolis
Metalopolis simply isn’t being used in tournaments anymore, and this map has some balance issues as well. (4)Metropolis LE is an improved version of this map that will see use in a future ladder season.
(4) Korhal Compound LE
This map was one of the winners of the Team Liquid Map Contest. While we were pleased to make this addition to the ladder, unfortunately, Korhal Compound hasn’t gained traction in the tournament scene. In addition, this version of Korhal Compound also has some balance issues.
We'll continue to watch Korhal Compound Tournament Edition, and if it gains traction in tournaments then that version of the map may come back to the ladder in the future.
2v2 map pool
The 2v2 map pool will continue to feature maps with close spawn positions. Main difference in this format is we’re not aiming for a 100% fortress style maps only, and including a semi fortress map also. In team games, we try to make the gameplay and layout of maps relatively simple to ease coordination between teammates. The maps should mostly be self-explanatory using the screenshots. Like Condemned Ridge these maps aren’t final, and we welcome your feedback.
Maps being added:
(4) Molten Crater
This map is a semi fortress style map.
(4) Desolate Stronghold
This map is a fortress style map lacking easy expansion within the fortress area.
Maps being removed:
(4) Discord IV
(4) High Orbit
While we did not feel that the feel that the existing 2v2 map pool suffered from any significant issues, we wanted to breathe some new life into the ladder pool. Since we wanted to stay with an 8 map pool in this bracket, it became necessary to remove a pair of the older maps.
We plan to both introduce new maps to the 2v2 pool on occasion as well as potentially cycle old map back into rotation, so even though these two maps are gone for now, they could return in future seasons.
wow... talk about a 2v2 map that can be exploited by terran... look at that tunnel in molten crater. Geeze tanks are going to suck on that.
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If we're Terran, let's fly our CC's away! If we're Zerg, let's MASS QUEENS! If we're protoss, let's MASS SENTRIES! EPIC MINDGAMES!
Some Ling-Roach-All-in-Fake-Expo-10-pooling from Jerry there - Dox's bauss casting
does blizzard not know what symmetric means? they are gonna have to disable spawns on this map, which is just SHIT map design to have to dsiable spawns to make it balanced.
Well actually blzizard wont disable close spawns, but any tournament to pick up this map will.
It seems quite hard to take a fast third on Condemned Ridge, as there are rocks on the third closest to the natural and the other one is further away. There are two paths leading to the third not covered by rocks, so maybe the base there will be more easily sniped. However, once the rocks are taken out, one area guards three bases which is good.
Rocks at third making ZvP impossible, ridge behind 3rd for Terran's to jizz over zerglings in runbys, I'm thinking I'm vetoing this one pretty damn quick.
tank exploit again. welcome back the ridiculous terran defense on some maps. Tanks can cover 3 bases by being placed on that ridge. easy 3 base terran = easy win. I should swap race -.-
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If we're Terran, let's fly our CC's away! If we're Zerg, let's MASS QUEENS! If we're protoss, let's MASS SENTRIES! EPIC MINDGAMES!
Some Ling-Roach-All-in-Fake-Expo-10-pooling from Jerry there - Dox's bauss casting
Korhal Compound is quite a bad map imo.
but it got promoted
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= Units that are usually controlled once and closed to efficiency.
= Units that are overpowered by repeat and precise controls.
= Units that are capable for early, mid and late games
It's obvious all blizzard staff plays Terran. Look right above third. That was made for terran siege tank drops. You could say for festors terran drops , but they would not have anywhere to run after that.
also exploitable by colossus and sentry drops.... one ff to block any defense up that ridge, and put a colossus down. bye bye third
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If we're Terran, let's fly our CC's away! If we're Zerg, let's MASS QUEENS! If we're protoss, let's MASS SENTRIES! EPIC MINDGAMES!
Some Ling-Roach-All-in-Fake-Expo-10-pooling from Jerry there - Dox's bauss casting
It's obvious all blizzard staff plays Terran. Look right above third. That was made for terran siege tank drops. You could say for festors terran drops , but they would not have anywhere to run after that.
theres a ramp to it, dont think siege tank drops will be viable at all :P dont worry.
its simple . . .you get a map like that as Z you allin that map. . good practice 10pool. roach timing, fast sling. this is what i do when i get taldarim cos getting the 3rd with the block is a right pain in the ass if ur being traded the whole game like whats currently happening
Blizzard: "OMG WE HAVENT PUT ROCKS IN ANYWHERE, ZOMG WHAT DO WE DO???"
Dustin Browder: "Just put them at the third, zergs only do 2 base all ins anyway."
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That guy who always has a base trade with Yang....BASE TRAAADEEEE
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