This month’s “Warcraft 3: Reforged” patch (v1.32.6) has been released and a good portion of its release notes details map-related changes. Aside from adding new features on certain maps, Blizzard Entertainment has also employed map pool rotations for each game mode of the RTS.
‘Warcraft 3: Reforged’ map updates arrive with patch 1.32.6
Imposing map pool rotations is a common practice to video games under different genres. It is often done to fix or update a map, so it is temporarily removed from the game. What’s unique in this change in “Warcraft 3: Reforged” patch 1.32.6 is that the developers are including maps created by players into the rotation.
For the 1v1 mode, “Warcraft 3: Reforged” developers are removing the Dalaran map and add Brightwater Oasis. The latter is the only map being added in this patch that contains new features. A Goblin Merchant and a Goblin Laboratory are added in every side of the map, however, they will not spawn simultaneously. “This adds an interesting wrinkle to adjusting one’s creeping and attack routes based on map conditions,” Blizzard explained.
Maps being added to other “Warcraft 3: Reforged” game modes in patch 1.32.6 will arrive with its original features. Circe of Fallen Heroes will replace Phantom Gore LV in 2v2 while Blizzard is removing Rolling Hills to add Guardians in 3v3.
Banewood Bog LV will not be available in 4v4 for some time, but Northern Felwood will be playable in this mode. Lastly, Mur'gul Oasis LV is removed from FFA and replaced by Greenville Woods. Some “Warcraft 3: Reforged” maps not affected by the rotations have also received updates in patch 1.32.6.
‘Warcraft 3: Reforged’ patch 1.32.6 delivers with huge balance updates
The “Warcraft 3: Reforged” developer update from last month promised that balance updates are going to be a primary feature of upcoming patches. The long list of balance changes for units, items, and mercenary camp is a good reflection of the said plan.
Some of the changes are very minimal and it might take a while before “Warcraft 3: Reforged” players can feel how its effects in the overall gaming experience. For example, the Rifleman unit’s attack delay has been increased from 1.35 to 1.4. Players can read the complete patch notes to see every balance update that has been applied this month and see Blizzard’s explanations.