{"id":16785,"date":"2023-01-24T14:05:19","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T19:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/67272bb316.nxcli.io\/heroclix\/?p=16785"},"modified":"2023-01-24T14:00:51","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T19:00:51","slug":"mapping-it-out-heroclix-2023-rules-update-2-impact-to-maps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/2023\/01\/24\/mapping-it-out-heroclix-2023-rules-update-2-impact-to-maps\/","title":{"rendered":"Mapping It Out! HeroClix 2023 Rules Update 2: Impact to Maps"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1206.4px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Greetings HeroClix Masterminds!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"fui-Link ___1qmgydl f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f2hkw1w fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1h8hb77 f1x7u7e9 f10aw75t fsle3fq\" title=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/2023\/01\/20\/ramping-up-the-fun-heroclix-2023-rules-update-1-terrain-markers\/\" href=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/2023\/01\/20\/ramping-up-the-fun-heroclix-2023-rules-update-1-terrain-markers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link As previously discussed\">As previously discussed<\/a>, starting with the upcoming <strong>Marvel HeroClix: Spider-Man Beyond Amazing <\/strong>set we\u2019ll be implementing a number of rules changes mostly focused on making terrain a more dynamic aspect of the game. In today\u2019s article, we will communicate how this will affect map design going forward. In broad strokes, the changes to map design are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Less Symmetrical Maps<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Less Terrain Clutter<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>A More Action-Focused Map Size<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Big News, Small Maps<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Starting with the biggest news, the size of the standard HeroClix map is changing, from the current 2\u2019x3\u2019 to 2\u2019x2\u2019 \u2013 the same size as a Battle Royale map. Before we go further, to be clear, <strong>existing 2\u2019x3\u2019 maps will remain legal in Modern for as long as their sets are legal. <\/strong>For a time, maps of both sizes will be legal to play, and the new rules we\u2019re about to discuss for starting areas will <strong>not<\/strong> apply to the larger maps. Condensed maps will get games into the action faster and will allow for terrain markers to have a greater impact, since they\u2019ll make up a larger fraction of the map\u2019s area. To make room for terrain markers, we\u2019re also slightly scaling back the amount of printed terrain on maps.<\/p>\n<p>This may seem a shocking change, but there\u2019s a number of tweaks we\u2019re making on the design end to help the transition. Average speed and range values will update accordingly with this change, and the minimum range for any standard power or team ability that has one is being changed from 6 to 4.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-16789 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"624\" height=\"227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC-150x55.png 150w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC-200x73.png 200w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC-400x145.png 400w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC-600x218.png 600w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-70-741197-fp2X2RjC.png 743w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For new figures with values above those averages, you may see their point values increased more than in previous sets to account for those higher numbers. Alpha strike strategies were a concern we had to keep in mind with this change, but between the speed and range reductions, larger maps remaining an option, and the changes to starting area rules, we found that alpha strikes did not become an overpowering strategy during playtesting. We will continue to monitor alpha strike strategies moving forward.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where To Start?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Having a perfectly square map has enabled us to tweak starting areas; purple starting areas are being partially retired and will only be used for Battle Royale maps. For one-on-one games using a 2\u2019x2\u2019 map, players will not start in purple starting areas (if the map even has them). Rather, players will use an edge of the map as their starting area, and all characters on their force begin on that edge. For any effects that reference a starting area, squares along the chosen edges will count as a starting area. Combined with the push to make maps less symmetrical, being able to choose different orientations for the same map can lead to wildly different play experiences. We\u2019re saving the real nitty-gritty of rules for next week\u2019s articles, but we can summarize map choice and setup here:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>After rolling for First Player, whoever wins the roll chooses between being the First or Second Player.<\/li>\n<li>Second Player chooses the map.<\/li>\n<li>First Player chooses which edge they\u2019ll use as their starting area and places their force and terrain markers; Second Player uses the opposite edge as their starting area, and places their force and terrain markers.<\/li>\n<li>Once setup is complete, First Player begins their first turn and the game begins!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-16791 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"605\" height=\"220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-150x55.png 150w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-200x73.png 200w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-400x145.png 400w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-600x218.png 600w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-768x279.png 768w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG-800x291.png 800w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-69-455287-CZEA7MXG.png 803w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Strategic Impact<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>While this change to the maps is very light on rules tweaks, it has some significantly positive changes for the game\u2019s strategy. Both first and second player have a hand in map choice now, with second player choosing map, but first player getting to pick the orientation and having the first opportunity to modify it with terrain markers. Likewise, second player can respond with terrain of their own, to make sure the map is balanced between the players. With a smaller map size, players can get to the action faster, terrain choices matter more, and maps are more customizable.<\/p>\n<p>We mentioned alpha strike strategies being a concern in testing. Less distance between the starting positions is a pretty substantial buff to those strategies; this was something we kept in mind as we tested on smaller maps. In practice, however, placing large sections of terrain during setup can make maps disadvantageous for alpha strikes. Additionally, many alpha strike teams rely on carrying large groups of characters or having the lines of fire necessary for multiple uses of Perplex or Telekinesis. By starting all characters single-file along the edge of the map, this becomes difficult to achieve and slows their initial strike down.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t fret! <\/strong>There are several other rules tweaks we\u2019ll discuss in upcoming articles that soften the more super-fast, super aggressive playstyles, to keep them competitive without being dominating. Ultimately, the more dynamic setup these rules promote allow more kinds of teams to flourish than ever before. The Design team approached the topic of maps with the serious goal of making HeroClix more interactive, fun, and dynamic. HeroClix by its nature is a competitive, tactical, and combat-oriented game. We want to elevate the excitement of gameplay and \u201cget right to the good stuff!\u201d We\u2019re excited to see how this refreshes metagames and allows an even greater depth of strategies.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to try playing on a 2\u2019x2\u2019 map but worry you don\u2019t have one, we may have a surprise for you. The tile maps used in the <strong>DC Comics HeroClix: Batman Team-Up Miniatures Game<\/strong> were designed with this update in mind. By removing the middle tiles (rows I-P), they can be run as a 2\u2019x2\u2019 map! Both maps in that miniatures game will be modern legal in both their 2\u2019x3\u2019 and 2\u2019x2\u2019 forms, though for official events you will have to declare which arrangement you\u2019re using on your build sheet.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-16790 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"629\" height=\"229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE-150x55.png 150w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE-200x73.png 200w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE-400x146.png 400w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE-600x218.png 600w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE-768x280.png 768w, https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/01\/microsoftteams-image-68-279134-k48QlpWE.png 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s it for this update. As a reminder, next time we\u2019ll be discussing the updates to PAC Powers, and after that changes to the Comprehensive Rules.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sincerely,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The HeroClix Design Team\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":16788,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-announcements","category-heroclix-rules"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16785"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16785\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}