OVERVIEW

The big focus of this map is the Rich Resources. There's a small amount available in the Top Lane, and a much larger source locked behind some walls at the bottom. If your opponent denies control of the rich areas, there's plenty of regular Resources on each side to fall back on :) The simplicity of the map allows for straightforward and open one-lane combat. This makes Boombox a great map for starting out on and getting some honest games in, with very little opportunity for cheese or trickery. Expect a typical 15-20 minute game for midgame territory victories, along with an occasional 30-40 minute game with intense lategame buildup.

STRATEGY

The goal of early game is to take control of the top resources. If you get the economy advantage there, it can quickly snowball into a large army and decisive victory! As such, I recommend sending at least 1 Builder towards the center area ASAP- if not to grab the resources yourself, then to prevent the opponent from doing so! If both players are evenly matched, a balanced Boombox game usually goes a bit longer. The bottom Rich Resources typically comes into play around Turn 8-10. The meta so far has been to take those resources and follow up with light skirmishes Bot Lane and focused combat Top Lane. A Bot Lane all-in is risky as there's simply too much pressure to leave the Fort undefended from above!

BUILDS

R) Mine 1 | Barracks 2 | Army Unit or Rich Mine Outpost 3 B) Mine 2 Scout 1 | Barracks 2 | Army Unit or Rich Mine Outpost 3 If you're feeling aggressive, an early push on center can end up very worthwhile against unaware opponents. Set up 1 Mine on regular Resources and send the other 2 Builders towards the center, then get a Barracks running ASAP. This sets up for +70/Turn income with great center pressure, and the potential for +100/Turn if the opponent is caught off guard! R) 2 Mine 1 | Builder 2 | Barracks 3 B) 2 Mine 1 | Builder Outpost 2 | Barracks 3 The key to defensive Boombox play is to take the safer regular Resources, but still deny the opponent the rich Resources. This path delays the Barracks by a Turn, temporarily ceding map control in trade for better econ and the Army Troop counterpick advantage. Send 2 Builders to build Mines on the bottom regular Resources and the third Builder to contest center for a safe +90/Turn by Turn 3! Although this feels like playing off the back foot, it branches to stronger midgame builds and sets up for a good lategame, forcing the opponent to capitalize on their early advantage if they want to keep up!

build notation

Since this is the first Map of the Week post, I'd like to briefly explain how Builds are notated. Take the following build for example: B) 2 Mine 1 | Barracks or 2 Scout Outpost 3 This means Blue opens with building 2 Mines on Turn 1, nothing on Turn 2, and either 1 Barracks or 2 Scouts and an Outpost on Turn 3. The Team is also specified (Red or Blue): Since Red goes first, Blue gets compensated by starting with 120 Gold (instead of 100), allowing for slightly modified Builds!

SUMMARY

Boombox is an excellent starter map for learning Fundamentals and Tactics! It's got interesting and varied 1 lane combat that anyone can jump right into, along with plenty of potential for new strategies and counterplay.

[ 2021-10-23 20:52:15 CET ] [ Original post ]