Season 1 is approaching its end, which means Season 2 is just around the corner! In Season 2, we are introducing several new maps and map features (Rich Vespene Geysers, Inhibitor Zone Generators, and Reduced Mineral Fields.) Due to the experimental nature of these new map features, we will be introducing three new maps instead of four to the 1v1 map pool in the upcoming season. This should help players more easily get acquainted with all the new items coming in next season.

Once the new season commences on May 21, PDT, Port Aleksander LE, Automaton LE, and Year Zero LE will be removed from the 1v1 ladder. Furthermore, Ulzaan, Black Site 2E, and Last Impact will also be removed from the Team ladder. In their place, we’re adding the following new maps to the 1v1 ladder, as well as a new selection of Team maps.

Acropolis is a relatively small map for macro plays. Vertical third base expansions are easier to acquire and protect on this map. The area in the middle encourages direct conflict in the early game, and destroying rocks creates more open passages.

This map features reduced minerals fields at certain locations that yield 5 minerals, allowing workers to clear them with one trip. Reduced minerals fields can be mined to unlock additional expansions or attack paths.

Turbo Cruise ’84 LE features Inhibitor Zone Generators that slow all units in its area of effect. In this small map, rows of these Inhibitor Zone Generators make the initial rush distance longer.

This map features a short rush distance, but the most direct path through the center is difficult to navigate. With the pocket gold expansions and a straightforward expansion layout, macro games are likely to take place.

You can easily secure natural expansions on Bone Temple LE, but establishing third bases will require team coordination in order to hold successfully. Players can move through the middle to get to the enemy's base or take the alternate routes along the sides of the map.

Natural expansions in Sunset Valley LE are quite separated compared to the connected main bases, so teammates will have to split into two groups to defend their forward expansion areas. The blocked-off gold bases serve as a backup tool for finding income.

The final map pool for 2019 Season 2 will be:

• Kairos Junction LE
• New Repugnancy LE
• Cyber Forest LE
• King's Cove LE
• Acropolis LE
• Turbo Cruise ’84 LE
• Thunderbird LE

• Divergence LE
• Efflorescence LE
• Dusty Gorge
• Traitor's Exile
• Shrines of Lizul
• Overgrown Facility
• Emerald City LE

• Bone Temple LE
• Rosebud LE
• Snowbound Colony
• Buried Caverns
• Whitewater Line LE
• Stranded Isles
• Canyon of Tribulation

• Sunset Valley LE
• Shipwrecked LE
• Troizinia LE
• Old Estate
• Last Remnant
• Multiprocessor LE
• Sacred Grounds

These maps are currently available for testing under the Custom tab, so feel free to jump in and start practicing strategies before the new season begins!

Along with the new map pool, the new season also brings everyone a free name change! Simply follow the steps below to change your character name:

• Log in to the game
• Left click on your character portrait in the upper right corner
• Click the gear icon next to your current name
• Click Change Name
• Enter a new name

Also, check out a new trophy top that’s being introduced this season!

Colossus