SC2 Online Game New Ladder Maps- Season 3

Blizzard has finally revealed the upcoming new map pools for SC2 online game. The new map pool will only be expected to be released together during the SC2 season 3 update. As usual, Blizzard has divided the SC2 maps into 3 major categories namely 1: rush map 2: normal map and 3: macro maps. Basically the name says it all. This time around Blizzard has introduced a couple of new maps for 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 games. However before any new maps are released to the online gaming map pool, Blizzard has to first ensures that the new maps are perfectly balanced. This is always understandable to prevent any race from being overpowered in any specific map or race favouring maps. New maps always has to be tested by the majority before the official launches. 

Its been ages since the last time Blizzard has updated the SC2 online game map pool and the current map pool has started to become very boring and stale. Blizzard has a weird policy of very unlikely to use maps from GSLs such as the impressive Crevasse, Terminus, Crossfire etc and even ICCUP maps. These are actually great maps and majority of the players wishes that these maps are added into the current map pool.

Lets take a look at the new maps. These maps are currently labelled as Test maps so there is no actual confirmation that these maps will be the final version and as well as the map names.

1v1 Maps
Our goal for the 1v1 ladder map pool is to have the most competitive, balanced maps across three main categories. We want to have a good mix of maps that give a lot of variety which, in combination with our veto system, should empower each player to customize their map list to best fit their individual playstyle.


1. (4)1v1Test1 -- Normal

This map features close rush distances in most start locations, and the natural expansion is fairly easy to access, due to the rock guarding a part of the choke point. This means that the map won’t be strictly about the rush.

2. (4)1v1Test2 -- Rush

(4)1v1Test2 is a symmetric map with no spawn point that is favored over the others. Without breaking the two rocks, this map is very straightforward to play, but when the paths blocked by rocks are opened up, you'd better take notice!

3. (4)1v1Test3 -- Normal

Unlike (4)1v1Test2, (4)1v1Test3 will have varying gameplay depending on where you and your opponent spawn. You’ll want to bring multiple strategies to this map, and adjust your game depending on your and your opponent’s start locations. This map also features an extremely large number of different attack paths, some of which can be opened up by breaking rocks.

4.  (4)1v1test4 -- Macro

This is the macro map for Season 3. Early on, it will be possible to easily take two expansions. This, along with the long rush distances in all start locations, will most likely encourage players to go for a mid- or late-game strategy, rather than a quick, rush-based strategy.

2v2 Maps


1. (6)2v2Test2

2. (8)2v2Test1

In 2v2, we’re trying to go with mostly maps where you and your ally have a shared choke point to defend. At higher levels of 2v2, there are clearly team compositions that are stronger than others on open maps. We’re hoping to address this balance issue through map layout, since this is only a 2v2-specific issue.

3v3 Maps


1. (6)3v3Test1

2. (6)3v3Test2

4v4 Maps

1. (8)4v4Test2

2. (8)4v4Test1

Looking at the statistics, we’re seeing that the higher level players rarely play these formats. Therefore, we’ve decided to go with a bit more of a casual-player-friendly selection of formats. We want to provide a good mix of fortress style maps, as well as rush maps, to cater to the broad player base here. Our goal for these two formats is for players to be able to enjoy variety in the gameplay, rather than trying to provide an eSports level of game balance.