Badlands

Badlands
Basic Information
Developer(s):	Unknown
Map Photos
Map Overview

Badlands has multiple variations, including Arena

Badlands is a remake of the classic CTF_Badlands from Team Fortress Classic and was released in the February 14, 2008 Patch. Much of the map has been changed and the map type has been changed from capture the flag to control point. The map consists of a base for each team, an open second point for each team located on the top of a hill, and a center point on the bridge.

The objective of Badlands is to control all five capture points. Each team starts with their second and final control points locked, leaving only the middle point available.

Locations

Control Point 3

Badlands middle capture point

The middle capture point is located on the bridge that separates the map in half.

• Entrances: Each team has 3 paths to the bridge. One from either of the two buildings, and a third from the dirt ramps on the ends of the bridge.
• Under the bridge: Each team also has a path that goes under the bridge.
• Rail Cars: There are rail cars located on either side of the capture point. Not only do these cars serve as cover, they also divide the bridge in half. The boxes on top of the cars are slightly smaller than the cars themselves, which allows for any class to jump over them by first jumping onto the car.
• Window: There is a window and balcony on either side of the bridge. This spot is typically used as a Sniper nest.
• Pillars: Each side also has a pair of rock pillars that allow access from the bridge onto the balcony next to the window.

Control Points 2 & 4

File:Badlands cp2.jpg

Badlands second capture point

The second capture points are located at the end of either dirt path leading off of the bridge. Both of these points are located on the top of a large rock spire.

• Entrances from the middle point: The second control point can be reached either by the dirt road at the end of the bridge, or by passing under the bridge.
• Deck: There is a small deck along the back side of either point. This is the only place on the top of the spire that Engineer's can build on.
• Ledge: When approaching from the dirt path, there is a small ledge against the edge of the map. This ledge allows jumping classes such as the Scout and the Soldier easy access to the top of the spire.

Control Points 1 & 5

File:Badlands cp1.jpg

Badlands final capture point

The final control points are located inside the complexes at either end of the map.

• Entrances from the second point: There are four paths to the final control point from the second one. There is the main entrance, which is in front of a low concrete bridge. There is the side entrance, which is to the right of the main entrance if you're facing the final point from the second one. Lastly, there is also the upper entrances, which are above the main and side entrances. The upper entrance shielded by metal plates can be reached by most classes by jumping off the control point. The upper entrance shielded by boxes can only be reached by Scouts and rocket/sticky jumping.
• Atrium: The main and side entrances both lead to a small atrium that looks directly at the final control point. There are stairs to the left that lead up to the battlements, and a small bit of cover in the form of metal barrels on the right.
• Battlements: Both upper entrances lead onto the battlements, as well as the side entrance via a set of stairs. The battlements allow access to the final point via stairs down to the lower level (from both the sides and the atrium), as well as a pair of ledges that surround the point from either side.
• Battlements exit: There is also an open vent that acts as a one way exit from the battlements onto the path that leads under the bridge. It is also possible to rocket/sticky/double jump into it.

Strategy

• The central bridge can be controlled by erecting a defensive block on the opponent's side. The open nature of the map, however, means this defense has to be mobile and reactive to avoid being destroyed in a retaliating attack. Turtling therefore is a harder strategy than attacking on this map.
• Demomen and Heavys are extremely effective on this map due to the various twists and turns from one area to another.
• Despite the map's open nature, Snipers may find it hard to find a secure vantage point for sniping. Areas like the second control point, however, are excellent places for a Sniper to dig in and stop advancing teams.
• Scouts can be extremely effective on this map. A team of coordinated Scouts can easily storm the central control point before meeting any resistance. Once they hit the tighter corridors and ambush points further on, however, they become less successful.
• The final control point for either team can be captured very quickly. Defenders should always make sure it is secured by a tough class, or covered by a Sentry Gun. For attackers, the best strategy is to attempt to get to this point as soon as the fourth control point is captured. Spys may be able to Spycap this point, although this depends on whether the enemy has had time to build a defense.
• There is no source of water in this map, although a location does exist in the Arena version.

Trivia

• Badlands is one of the maps designed after existing Team Fortress Classic maps, the others being 2Fort, Dustbowl, and Well.
• According to the Map of Mann's Land, this map is just one area of a large mass of Badlands that contains Pipeline, 2Fort, Badwater Basin, Thunder Mountain, Gravel Pit, and Well.
• The term 'Badlands' refers to an area of dry terrain where rock has been eroded by wind and water, or caused by extensive mining. Both could apply to this map.

See also

• Category:Badlands images