The signs are unmistakable. The bassy hum of Acceleration Zone Generators… the crackle of deep-nebula electricity… the crunch of unexplored ice beneath Siege Tank treads… the fecund scent of a distant planet’s boiling primordial sea…

That’s right: It’s new map season in StarCraft II. The 14th TLnet Map Contest is underway, with 16 finalists across four categories awaiting your consideration. (Explore the full list here.) Public voting between February 24 and March 1 will determine an ultimate ranking. Though each of these mapmakers will receive $100 for reaching the top 16, additional prizing will be awarded to those whose creations finish in the top 5. Plus, as in previous years, the community’s favorite maps will have a chance to be selected for the official StarCraft II ladder!

WardiTV Team Liquid Map Contest Tournament #6

If you ask us, this crop of creations is especially gorgeous. It would be difficult to pick favorites without seeing them in action. Luckily, from February 11 through February 17, top StarCraft II players will be throwing down on the 16 finalist maps in the $4,000 WardiTV Team Liquid Map Contest Tournament #6. Full details on the tournament may be found here.

We can’t wait to see the strategies that these incredible players will concoct to survive on these devious new maps. Tune in this week, watch some scintillating StarCraft II, then make sure to visit TL.net between February 24 and March 1 to vote for the maps that looked most fun to play. In the future, you might be exploring them on the ladder!