While no one knows for sure how the map will play when the BETA arrives on the 18th, we can get a good idea by being knowledgeable of the layout.
From the gameplay we’ve seen, and basic study of the map, it appears that most of the mid and shorter long range engagements will be taking place on the outside lane leading from each spawn to B point. There are a couple pieces of cover between the Portal and Bend and B, but they are small and spread apart, so longer range weapons like pulses and scouts will have the advantage here.
Both initial spawns seem to favor shorter to mid-range weapons like pulse rifles, but they offer plenty of cover that AR and HC users can take advantage of, to either escape or close the gaps. In Mid, short range weapons are decidedly the best best, but there are lots of egress points that players can use to disengage, should the need arise. Lower Temple favors close and short-mid range, but there is almost no cover in the center of the pit, so be careful going down there.
Based on the gamplay we’ve seen, engagements tend to be focused on and around B, looking outwards into Mid, Bend, and Portal. Good teams will be able to prevent players from from crossing through Mid and Temple, thus holding one side and B, and forcing the opposition to push outwards from an initial through predictable lanes. If a team cannot hold the Mid lanes, then players will be able to collapse on B from there, or flip the spawns and flank.
Temple is far away from the action, and thus will probably only see heavy traffic when a player is taking a long flanking route, or players are fighting over the power ammo which spawns there.
Distracting players on B with Mid pushes provides an excellent opportunity for longer ranged attacks from either Bend or Portal.
Map Highlights
- Symmetry – Although each spawn has unique geometry, the map is almost symmetrical, and the control points don’t seem to favor defenders on either side.
- Focal Points – Notable things to recognize are the giant trees – which mean you’re in Gulch, the diamond shaped piece of cover which is in Mid and near Drain, and the high spire which is on B (aka Shrine). Temple is also easily recognizable as the lowest lying point on the map, and Blocks is the spawn point without giant trees. Elbow has a more defined bend than Portal does, which has an open entrance.
- Entrances – Mid has 4 main entrances, which makes it very hard to defend if there is no one on B or in Temple. Likewise, both B and Temple have 3 entrances, and their defense is also made easier by having a teammate in Mid. Each spawn has 3 ways to get out, but thanks to the amount of cover provided there are multiple routes within each path.
- Choke Points – If you control B point and Mid, then Portal and Bend become the main choke points, depending on which side the enemy spawns. Spawn entrances to Mid will be a secondary choke points, and A or C entrance to Temple will be the third. Preventing them from pushing through any of those points will keep them trapped on one side or the other.
- Pick Ups – The only pick ups on this map are the 3 Power Ammo boxes, located in Temple, Bend, and Portal.
- Cover – High lane to B has limited cover, basically two small boxes on each side. Initial spawns have lots of cover, and Mid is basically walled in with low central cover. Temple has no cover in the center, but columns on each side.
- Verticality – Most of the map plays at the same level, with B slightly elevated, and Temple depressed. B allows the ability to shoot down on attacking players, while Temple will force you to shoot up and out.