With Season 2 right around the corner, we wanted to let you know the maps which you could expect to see on the Ladder! These maps are not yet published officially, but you can expect to see official ladder editions in the coming weeks. 

1v1 Removals
Overgrowth LE
Catallena LE
Deadwing LE
Secret Spring

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!

1v1 Additions

Coda LE

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 4^th and 5^th 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.

Echo LE

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 LE

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 3^rd and 4^th 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.

Iron Fortress LE

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 3^rd/4^th bases that come with strong defensive options. The collapsible rocks and high-grounds should make for some exciting battles at extraneous bases. 

Those are the four 1v1 maps we’ll be adding in for the 2015 Season 2 map pool. Below is a compiled list of the complete map pool. We'll be announcing the team maps in the coming weeks.

Complete 1v1 Map Pool for 2015 Season 2
Expedition Lost
Vaani Research Station
Inferno Pools
Coda
Echo
Cactus Valley

Iron Fortress