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Creating your own Starcraft Maps is simple. However most people make slipshod, unbalanced and unfair maps, which makes them unplayable most of the time. But here are some helpful tips that would make your map much better, and how to create your own maps. I will do my best to explain, and if you dont get it, just load up one of my maps and you will see. Preferably open up a map like "Chaotic Grasslands", or "Double Team". (NOTE: These helpful tips will only apply to maps that aren't Use Map Settings maps since most Use Map Settings map layouts were designed to be unfair.)
Visualize the Map:
The start to creating a good map is to visualize the map in your head. Decide where the players should start and how their bases would look like.
Placing Start Locations:
Then place Start Locations you want the players to start at. However make sure that each Start Location is perfectly balanced. To ensure that, make sure they are at an even distance compared to the start locations of other players. Just check the Map Position coordinates at the bottom left corner to check if they are evenly distanced. You can also turn on the Map Grid if you need to. Its best to work backwards as well. Whatever you place in the North, place the same in the South so that it would look the same and each base would have no real advantage against another. If the map was a 64x64 for example, if you placed something at the coordinates 20,19 then place the same thing at 44,19. Why 44? Because 44 is 20 points apart from the maximum(64). Why does it have to be 20 points? Because its 20 points apart from the north of the map!
Adding Resources:
After you place the Start Locations, add resources! A standard map made by Blizzard has 6 to 9 Mineral patches and a gas mine. Place a certain number of resources in each base, but make sure that the other players have an even amount of resources as well. Also, DO NOT place minerals in a straight line. It is significantly harder to mine when the minerals are in a straight line.
Placing High Ground:
The next thing you should do is add High Ground, if you want any, and you should. Again, make sure that you place High Ground at an even distance compared to that of other players.
Base Space:
You should also make sure that each starting base has enough room to establish a base. Again you must make sure that the length and height of each base is even compared to those of other players. Expansions should fit at least one Command Center/Hatchery/Nexus and enough room to create just a few defensive structures.
Placing Ramps:
To place a ramp, click on the Layer menu and select Doodads. Then click on "Cliffs". Ramps can only be placed in the southeast or southwest angled cliffs/walls, but only where the wall is flat and the ground is appropriate to place it.
The addition of Doodads:
Lastly, make doodads, that is if you want any. Some doodads are flat and can be walked across, but some cannot and units must walk around them. Doodads can also be placed for strategic purposes. A unit behind a tree only has a 70% likelyness of getting hit.
That is how my maps are made. Although I didnt explain it well, you should load up one of my maps if you still do not understand. Then try to pay attention to the coordinates from which the High Ground and other stuff are placed.
