After being announced back in 2009, Blizzard is finally introducing custom StarCraft II paid maps alongside the game’s next big patch.
Once available, the custom maps can be accessed by using the drop-down filter menu in the Custom menu in Arcade Mode. “With the launch of StarCraft II patch 4.3.0, we’ll be introducing two new Arcade maps made by prominent community creators with whom we’ve been working over the last year”, Blizzard writes on its blog. “These two high-quality premium Arcade maps each offer different kinds of experiences—and when you purchase them, a share of the sales will go directly to the developers who made them.”
As said, two custom maps are now being made available in the game’s Arcade mode, including ‘ARK Star’ from map-maker Daniel “Pirate” Altman, and ‘Direct Strike’ from longtime community creator “Tya”.
ARK Star
This interstellar adventure follows the Sol Seekers, an elite team of templar on a mission to find and destroy a mysterious weapon known as the ARK Star. Discover and craft new equipment to strengthen your squad, level up and unlock new talents and abilities to customize your play style, and bring the wrath of the templar onto your foes!
The full ARK Star experience will be available soon for $4.99, and a share of the sales will go to its creator, Pirate.
Direct Strike
From longtime community creator “Tya” comes Direct Strike, the next evolution of Desert Strike HotS, one of StarCraft II’s most popular Arcade maps ever. Direct Strike will remain free, but players can also upgrade to an optional premium version that enhances the experience with cosmetics and new modes that anyone can enjoy—whether they’re free or premium players.
For those unfamiliar with the original, Direct Strike pits players against each other in a tactical “tug of war.” Build units to spawn into your staging area, and send them out in waves to assault the enemy base.
Direct Strike will replace Desert Strike HotS in the Arcade, but everything you know and love will still be available in the free version—on top of additional commander modes. Upgrade to the premium version to play four all-new game modes, including Sabotage, which conceals players’ staging areas and allows for unit bans, and Switch mode, where players can change their race mid-game. You’ll also get access to cosmetics to customize your staging area and add some flair to your workers. And if you host a lobby with your favorite premium game mode, anyone playing the free standard edition of Direct Strike can join in on the fun.
The premium upgrade to Direct Strike will be available soon for $4.99, and a share of the sales will go to its creator, Tya.
A release date for the upcoming 4.3 update hasn’t been provided, but we’ll update as soon as we learn more.
Once available, the custom maps can be accessed by using the drop-down filter menu in the Custom menu in Arcade Mode. “With the launch of StarCraft II patch 4.3.0, we’ll be introducing two new Arcade maps made by prominent community creators with whom we’ve been working over the last year”, Blizzard writes on its blog. “These two high-quality premium Arcade maps each offer different kinds of experiences—and when you purchase them, a share of the sales will go directly to the developers who made them.”
As said, two custom maps are now being made available in the game’s Arcade mode, including ‘ARK Star’ from map-maker Daniel “Pirate” Altman, and ‘Direct Strike’ from longtime community creator “Tya”.
ARK Star
This interstellar adventure follows the Sol Seekers, an elite team of templar on a mission to find and destroy a mysterious weapon known as the ARK Star. Discover and craft new equipment to strengthen your squad, level up and unlock new talents and abilities to customize your play style, and bring the wrath of the templar onto your foes!
The full ARK Star experience will be available soon for $4.99, and a share of the sales will go to its creator, Pirate.
Direct Strike
From longtime community creator “Tya” comes Direct Strike, the next evolution of Desert Strike HotS, one of StarCraft II’s most popular Arcade maps ever. Direct Strike will remain free, but players can also upgrade to an optional premium version that enhances the experience with cosmetics and new modes that anyone can enjoy—whether they’re free or premium players.
For those unfamiliar with the original, Direct Strike pits players against each other in a tactical “tug of war.” Build units to spawn into your staging area, and send them out in waves to assault the enemy base.
Direct Strike will replace Desert Strike HotS in the Arcade, but everything you know and love will still be available in the free version—on top of additional commander modes. Upgrade to the premium version to play four all-new game modes, including Sabotage, which conceals players’ staging areas and allows for unit bans, and Switch mode, where players can change their race mid-game. You’ll also get access to cosmetics to customize your staging area and add some flair to your workers. And if you host a lobby with your favorite premium game mode, anyone playing the free standard edition of Direct Strike can join in on the fun.
The premium upgrade to Direct Strike will be available soon for $4.99, and a share of the sales will go to its creator, Tya.
A release date for the upcoming 4.3 update hasn’t been provided, but we’ll update as soon as we learn more.
