We’ve just published a new Balance test map titled Ruins of Seras (3.1.1 Balance v1.0), which was created to explore a number of balance changes. These include the following:

• Photon Overcharge:
  • Energy cost increased from 25 to 50
  • Duration increased from 15 to 20 sec
  • Weapon period decreased from 1.25 to 1
• Adept
  • Damage decreased from 10 (+13 light) to 10 (+12 light)
• Viper
  • Parasitic Bomb damage decreased from 90 to 60
• Spore Crawler
  • Damage decreased from 15 (+15 bio) to 15 (+5 bio)

We encourage you to test these changes—to do so, just go to Multiplayer and navigate to Custom. The test map will be at the top of the list under ‘Top Played.’ You can use this link if you have StarCraft II installed.

We’ve also updated the Extension Mod for balance testing, so that you can play around with these changes on a variety of maps. Those of you who are interested in trying out the Extension Mod can do the following to get started:

1. Navigate to Browse Maps on the Custom Games menu
2. Select a map and click the Create with Mod button in the lower right corner
3. Choose to sort by Blizzard Mods from the dropdown list at the top of the screen
4. Select the “Balance Test Mod” Extension from the list and then hit Create Game

We’d like to remind you that feedback based on playtesting is the most helpful information you can share with us at this time. We kindly ask that you spend some time playing games on the test map before offering your thoughts on the changes listed above. We look forward to hearing your feedback and please remember that none of these changes are final.