A few weeks ago, Blizzard released the Starcraft II map editor, allowing beta testers to create custom maps for the company’s upcoming RTS. The map editor is extremely versatile considering the platform, and already there are hundreds, if not thousands, of custom maps available online. These include not only standard RTS multiplayer maps, but also a range of games from overhead shooters and platformers to tower defense and puzzle games.
If you’re lucky enough to have installed the Starcraft II beta, you can play these maps with just a couple of easy steps.
First, you need to get your hands on a map, which will be a .sc2map file. There are a few good resources where you can download maps from the internet, such as SC2Mapster.com and Curse.com.
Once you’ve got the map you want to play, the easiest way to start it up is to drag the .sc2map file onto your Starcraft II Beta shortcut. You also can double click the .sc2map file and choose to specify a program to open it with. Click browse, find your Starcraft II Beta install location, and choose Starcraft II.exe. Whichever method you choose, the game should launch and you’ll be on your way.
Now you can get out there and check out some of the great maps the SC2 community has already come up with. If you aren’t lucky enough to be in the beta, we have videos and map recommendations coming soon on Lore Hound!
This is really going to shine when you can play custom maps on Battle.net with the map distribution service. The ability to potentially charge for maps will lure in some really premium developers and I think we are going to see a lot of custom maps spawn whole new mini-franchises as the SC1 and WC3 map editors did, like Tower Defenses, DotA, etc.