StarCraft 2 custom maps just make the game even more exciting. Before StarCraft 2 was even officially released, Blizzard was already 'on the ball' by releasing the StarCraft 2 Map Editor. This meant that when StarCraft 2 came online, there was already a ton of custom maps to choose from and play, for both single players and also mutliplay.
The StarCraft 2 Map Editor is extremely comprehensive. Not only are you able to create customized game modes, you can even basically create a totally new game that has a foundation in StarCraft 2. Interested in a game of Terran Tetris?
Right now you can download over one thousand StarCraft 2 custom maps from the popular SC2 resource website Nibbits. This number is set to increase at a fast rate with the number of active, dedicated and creative SC2 players.
Some of the better custom Starcraft 2 maps available right now are:
Top Down Fighters
This is a superb example of what can be achieved with StarCraft 2 custom maps. It is designed as a four player coop top down shooter and includes action and class RPGs.
Crush Company - The Last Hope
The game play of this map resembles the vintage arcade firing games like Space Invaders.
Hell TD
The Hell TD map is based on a ever-popular WarCraft 3 mod. Great for multiplayer, this tower defense game features a big variety of upgrades and towers.
Defence of the Universe
Another awesome replica of a WarCraft 3 mod, this map is extremely popular. So much so that it already has fostered a set of spin-off games.
Other great custom SC2 maps that deserve a mention are:
Kart Racer - it's as funny to watch as you would imagine!
Tetris - a classic game just got a modern facelift.
Nexus Wars - the aim of the game is simple; destroy your opponent's base before they destroy yours.
BattleCraft - once again, the aim of the game is simply; destroy your opponent's base before they destroy yours.
How Do I Access These StarCraft 2 Custom Maps?
Great question. Just log into your Battle.net account and go to the multi player section and select 'Join Game'. You'll then be presented with a large list of the maps currently being played. Each game will also be labeled as either 'Standard' or 'Custom'. The one labeled 'Custom' are using custom maps.
Simply pick the map you would like to play and you'll be given the file and assigned a host.
A common question is, "Can custom SC2 maps be played offline?" The answer to that question is a definite, "Yes!" You're not restricted to playing these maps just on Battle.net.
To load your custom map locally, do the following:
1. Download to your computer the desired custom map.
2. Run the StarCraft 2 Map Editor and select 'Open' from the File menu.
3. Browse to the map you want to download and select it.
4. Lastly, pick 'Test Document' from the Options toolbar.
Your custom map should load up and allow you to play it offline.
Because of the massive variety that StarCraft 2 custom maps provide, many SC2 fans project that you will never need to purchase another game ever again.
