GSL Season 5 New Map Pool

For those of you who may or may not know, GSL season 5 will be utilizing a new map pool. Maps such as Jungle Basin, Steppes of war and Delta Quadrant has been removed. Nothing too surprising here, as these maps are considered and favored towards a specific race. Steppes of War is just too small.

On the other hand maps such as Lost Temple, Xelnaga Caverns and Metapolis has been modified slightly mainly to prevent a dual bunker block at the bottom of ramp. This change is mainly aimed for Zerg players, as Zerg is having a seriously hard time against their Terran opponent on a close spawn position where the Terran will most likely open with a double Barracks Marines into double bunker at the bottom of the Zergs ramp thus, forcing the Zerg to go one base strategy. We can see this clearly during LiquidJinro against EgIdras quarterfinals match on GSL. Jinro managed to build double bunkers below the ramp and surprisingly Idra GG and leave immediately. With this change for the maps above, it is predicted to increase the lifespan of Zerg players from stress of getting cheesed.

Lets look at the new maps.

Crevasse

Crevasse has a lot of expansions that can very easily be taken during the early stages of the game. Thus, do expect to look forward for more fast expansion openings by all races in the coming GSL. Do take note the four expansions around the center map only has 6 mineral patches and only 1 gas. Thus, a very unlikely expansion target during the late game.

Crossfire SE

A map with lots of bridges and ramps. Players should be constantly paying attention to opponent's main army on this map. We would see a lot more of air plays such as Phoenix and Mutalisk to exploit their mobility. Do pay attention to the tight paths and ramps all around the map. The Protoss 200 army Death Ball will become even stronger against Zerg as Zerg will prefer to engage on a wide and open area.

Terminus Re

Another huge maps with two free expansions for every player. Fast expansion builds will be the top priority on this map. This seems to be the replacement map for Delta Quadrant.

Tal'Darim Altar

Last and final new map being introduced. Another crazily large map compared to the original Blizzard maps. A easy to defend second expansion. Pay attention to the third expansion on the top left where there are two entrances.

The introduction of these 4 new maps seems to indicate us the Gom (officials of GSL) and GSL seems to take a stance towards larger maps. Removal of maps such as Steppes of War will definitely eliminate short cheesy games. All the new maps are favoring an expo oriented builds, which may be beneficial to all races especially Zerg. However, larger maps may or may not means longer games. For example, two to three fully saturated bases for Protoss can lead to the fearsome Protoss Death Ball early in the game. If you wish to try out these new maps, you can download them from the 'Custom Games' and search for 'GSL'.

So the final map pool will be;
1. Crevasse
2. Crossfire SE
3. Terminus RE
4. Tal'Darim Altar
5. Lost Temple
6. Metapolis
7. Xelnaga Caverns
8. Scrap Station (I'm not too sure on this)

Cheers.