Great job, everyone!
There were 339 entries into our Mod.io Update 7-themed map contest! We held multiple rounds of voting, and some judges needed more time to cast their votes (yes, we're talking about you, Miami). It was definitely not an easy job. Each map was unique, there were beautiful landscapes, detailed dioramas, ingenious recreations of real-life stuff, and even in-game challenges. Verticality of many maps went through the roof! Or, in some cases, through the floor - this time, the underground areas were a recurring theme.
How do you even choose just one winner in each category? Fortunately, on top of the winners, we also have three honorable mentions in each category.
The winner of each category will receive 750 euros, a spot in the in-game credits, and a special rank on our Discord server. Participants who receive honorable mentions will receive 100 euros each. Expect to hear from Mod.io soon!
Congratulations to everyone from all of us at Mechanistry - and thank you to all the participants!
Small maps (128x128 and below)
Winner - Ant Farm V3 (16x64) by Moose150
This close-quarters map is split into multiple layers like the titular ant farms, all while water flows and weaves through multiple levels. Building on this map, you will have to watch out for where you build and how you direct the water through, so that you can maximise the available space - just like the author of the map did, exploring the new in-game possibilities. If you're a Diorama enjoyer, check it out!
Honorable mention - Fliegende Inseln (128x128) by rue_02
A very closer runner-up, Fliegende Inseln are one of the best representations of what Update 7 enables, with multiple branching columns scattered across the map. With the amount of badwater at the bottom and the extra challenge of "how to survive up here on such scattered terrain", it's not for the faint of heart!
Honorable mention - Strata (60x250) by JS-modio
This gorgeous, long and narrow map features tons of secrets hidden across its layers, with multiple detailed areas adding to the sense of discovery - there's even a volcano! Be sure to beat it at least one, because it's a trek to remember.
Honorable mention - Strange Geometry (64x64) by BARMalley
Somewhat resembling an abandoned castle, this map is split into several distinct parts, making the already small overall footprint even more of a challenge. Thankfully, with the added benefit of 3D terrain, there's plenty of extra space available above your beavers' heads - if you can figure out how to turn it green again.
Medium maps (129x129 through 255x255)
Winner - Badwater Burrows (256x128) by Boompiee
It may seem chaotic at first glance, but moving the camera around, you will quickly find many tunnels, caves, and underground remnants of civilization dotted around the landscape. This map made great use of the 3D terrain, especially with its blend of natural landscapes and recreations of hooman settlements invading the area, splitting it open, and polluting it.
Honorable mention - Caldera Lake (200x200) by Astrala
Our community sure does like the idea of putting a huge volcano - or what used to be one - in the middle of their maps! Sitting in the middle of the lake is the starting location, with a distinct smell of badwater reaching your beavers' nostrils - so perhaps escaping to a safer area is in order. Or not?
Honorable mention - The Hidden Mystery of Beavers Canyon (255x255) by OursGardien
There's actually more than one mystery to be found here, although there's one that's bound to make whoever finds it quite... satisfied! Almost hitting the large map size, OursGardien's creation offers many areas to expand from its starting point - which walled area will you conquer next, and will it be the one with the treasure?
Honorable mention - BAM5 - Cliffs and Caves (200x85) by Yrp360
This map strikes a similar chord to the one above, with beautiful winding streams and ledges overlooking them. At the same time, the watered, healthy areas are mostly located up high - while the starting location is nested against the "bad" side of the map, with dry tops and badwater threatening all life. Can you climb up, or will you push back against the badtides?
Large maps (256x256 and above)
Winner - The Pristine Lake (256x256) by Thunderbloom
Large category always proves to be challenging when it comes to filling in the spaces with interesting elements, rather than relying on pure scale. This map has a significant amount of little nooks and secrets to uncover. At the same time, it maintains a high level of visual quality as well as vision, with the map being split into differently themed areas that interconnect naturally. The author makes great use of Timberborn's new features, offering interesting opportunities for beavers to interact with the water flow.
Honorable mention - Timberpeak & Deeproot Divide (256x256) by Kitzage
With two or three layers everywhere, there's a lot to do on this map without getting bored, with clever surprises such as ruins placed on elevated columns. Prepare to spend tons of time on this great map, building a kingdom worthy not just of beavers, but also underground-dwelling creatures. Please note that the author has created a few map versions, with different start locations, ranging in difficulty.
Honorable mention - Tiers of the Kingdom (256x256) by azuredragon113
Be prepared to make heavy use of the layer tool right from the start, as you explore the map's roots and delve further. The wavy topography makes you choose between staying below or digging up and enjoying the sun - despite the large map size, your beavers will have something to do no matter where they go.
Honorable mention - Sewers (Dungeon) (256x256) by Bandit_lord
We imagine the author spending their time playing RPGs and thinking about translating the dungeon-crawling experience into a Timberborn map. You'll find some old undercity bridges over the toxic sludge, some cellars that are bound to hold a skeleton or two, and even a mysterious temple hidden in a collapsed cave.
Where do I find other entries?
Once again, congratulations to all winners and those honorably mentioned! You can find all entries to the contest on Mod.io, with many of them also live in Steam Workshop. There's a ton of custom content on both repositories, so be sure to give it a look ahead of the next session!