Description[]
Salt is an official Carbon map that is currently in the 1v1 and 2v2 matchmaking map pools. You may also select and play Duel in custom lobbies.
"The valuable output of this long-running salt mine creates a hotspot for conflict. Close quarters and the caustic nature of the minerals make holding this territory a tricky proposition."
Each side starts with a fortress that has 5 sockets. The closest outpost is occupied by 4 Level 3 Creeps, it is also defended by a T45 on a socket. The next outpost afterwards is occupied by 4 Brutes, it is defended by a Stinger on a socket. At the top of the map, the center outpost is occupied by 2 Brutes and 2 SAMs, it is defended by 2 Longhorns, 2 Jackals, and 2 T99's on sockets. On the low ground below the center outpost there are 2 Longhorns and 2 Seekers. On the high ground in the middle of the map there is 2 Jackals, 2 T99s, 2 Gattys, and 2 Honeypots. On the low ground below the center of the map there is 2 Longhorns and a Jackal. From top to bottom and in the center of the map there is: a high ground path which goes through the center outpost, a low ground path, a high ground path through the middle with 2 bridges, a low ground path between opposing outposts, and a high ground path along the bottom of the map.
Every 2 minutes a special Lockbox spawns from the elevator in the center high ground of Salt. This Lockbox can be recycled for 6,000 credits plus however much interest generated from inactivity. It is a nice boost to have earlier in the game as a couple extra tanks will offer a slight edge in battle. Alternatively, it can be killed by a mech, which grants XP that totals to almost 2 AirMech kills.
Strategy[]
Both sides should be able to capture 2 outposts in about a minute. The closest can be handled with just a mech, which gives enough time to build 2-4 tanks in order to use them to help capture the next outpost. Afterwards, the tanks can be moved to gain control of one side of the center outpost while making sure none of the backline outposts gets neutralized.
When both sides control 2 outposts, a modified midfight is done for control of the center outpost, however conflict between opposing forward outposts is common. Players should build a few tanks to prevent losing their forward outpost, however focus may shift towards the center outpost to keep it neutral and prevent the opposing side from getting an outpost count advantage. An eventual center outpost capture often leads to winning the match, however it is possible to win through capturing the opposing forward outpost. The backline outpost is often the target for harassment and cheesing in this state of the game.
Gallery[]
