Introduction to Dow Maps

Each map is distinct in subtle or not so subtle ways.

Economic

 * The amount of resources each side has. In other words, the number of strategic points, relics and critical locations.
 * The existence and placement of Thermoplasma Generators, which provide vastly improved power generation but introduce risk.

Strategy

 * The distance between the two bases.
 * The amount of asymmetry that you can create through contesting the map in different ways.
 * Whether certain map objectives are open or closed to the enemy.
 * Whether there is a higher or lower than average risk of loss to either a Take & Hold or Control Area win condition.
 * The number of map objectives that should be considered indefensible.

Tactics

 * The number of kill zones that emerge due to narrow corridors.
 * The distribution and placement of cover: whether it is heavy cover, light cover or negative cover, or even no cover at all.
 * The number of strategic points that should be considered 'vulnerable' to early game harassment.
 * The preferred capture order of map objectives, in order to reduce the risk of cheese tactics.
 * The vectors of an early game attack.

Playstyle

 * The kind of playstyle that the map favours, such as:
 * A hyper aggressive game where central map objectives often remain unsecured for a long time.
 * A base trading game where it is easier to counter attack the enemy than defend the base.
 * A loose aggressive game where both players try to out manoeuvre each other, with the aim of making incremental gains.
 * A timing window pin, where one player tries to entrap the other during a time period of advantage while the other tries to negate this.