In case you missed it, Storm Point is coming to the ALGS. Apex Legends esports has dabbled in alternative maps before, but always returned to World’s Edge. It may feel stale at this point, but it’s the map with the most competitive integrity and that teams are most used to. That shouldn’t be a huge factor in deciding which maps to play in Apex Legends esports, but dropping a new map into rotation with two weeks notice offers little time to practise – especially when Storm Point isn’t even featuring at all in Season 12.
Pro teams got their first chance to scrim Storm Point proper last night, and things didn’t really go to plan. I predicted that high ground could be problematic when the announcement was made, and the esports’ best girl Valkyrie was predictably in-demand, but it was even more chaotic than I imagined.
While Twitter isn’t usually (read: ever) the best place for nuanced discussions, Bowen ‘Monsoon’ Fuller was able to provide a relatively in-depth take on the NA scrims. “Stormpoint is the worst comp map and it's not even fuckin close lmao this map isn't even remotely competitively balanced or fun,” he says on Twitter. “Just open fields, high grounds, planes that don't get you to POIs, unholdable buildings OR god tier god spot compounds. idk, it's fun cause it's new not cause it’s good [sic]”
However, he acknowledges that Storm Point is good for the viewers, from a visual standpoint at least. “The map is beautiful, the colors are amazing, the lighting and aesthetic is great and it’s extremely fun to play when players arent utilizing every minor map ‘flaw’ (competitively) for an advantage. It’s my favorite map to just walk around on and play with friends. [sic]”
EMEA scrims had the same problem. Despite Alliance winning the scrim, IGL John ‘Hakis’ Håkansson had serious issues with the map too. “Zones are ass and there's way too little cover,” he writes on Twitter. “Fights are not organic and super one sided overall.” He explains that the team in the better position – usually the higher ground – will pretty much always win, leaving no room to outplay opponents if you’re at a disadvantage. The endzones of the scrims were also not up to par with World’s Edge’s varied terrain; here’s a clip of one final circle that had no cover at all and took place entirely in the water that surrounds the map.
https://clips.twitch.tv/RelievedPiercingGoosePeteZarollTie-YyYBivkS6GBEI2u9
ALGS producers usually listen to players’ appeals when it comes to the competitive scene, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the change reversed. However, I’d expect to see it at least once in Split 2 before any decisions are made, as that’s when feedback will be the loudest as there’s more at stake. With prize pools and qualification points on the line, teams will want the fairest chance at bringing home the chicken dinner. Wait, wrong battle royale.
Despite the complaints – which I’ve highlighted just two of – this isn’t the end for Storm Point in competitive play. Kings Canyon will likely never return as it’s just too small for 20 teams, but with a few changes Storm Point could be a future staple. Think about it, World’s Edge’s endzones have been tweaked on occasion to improve competitive integrity, and updates have improved the map for everyone, pros and regular Joes alike. The high ground will be a difficult change to navigate seeing as it makes up the core of Storm Point’s design, but if the ring pulls are changed then that already improves things significantly.
Storm Point has the makings of a good competitive map for the ALGS, and one that can break up the monotony of World’s Edge in every tournament. But it seems that it was introduced a little too early, and the resulting teething issues are plain for all to see.
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