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Not only do the developers add new maps to World of Warplanes in almost every update, they also take the time to revamp old maps in order to bring them in line with our newest production standards. To keep track of the evolution of old and new maps in the game, today we’re launching this new ‘Mapping the Progress’ series. Each new article will review a new map, so be sure to let us know in the forums if you have a particular favourite that you would like to see in a future episode.
Description: National Park offers a battle amid picturesque granite plateaus and deep canyons. The advancement of the frontlines has been halted by complex terrain. Air superiority is the key to seizing the high ground and advancing along the riverbed in the centre of the valley.
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“Old” National Park (pre Version 1.5) |
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National Park 2.0 (Version 1.5) |
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(click to enlarge) |
Size 7.2 x 7.2 km Tiers I-V Type Summer Elevation 0-1300m |
(click to enlarge) |
New Entry Points
The first thing you’ll notice when entering a battle on the revamped version of this classic map is the new spawning positions for either team. Instead of spawning in the lower right and top left corner, now the teams spawn on top right and lower left. Overall there are three spawning positions per team: the main one at C8 and H2, and two flanks at B3/D2 and G9/J7. Incidentally this also means that, unlike on the old version, now all planes spawn directly over (or in close vicinity) of a protective base.
Old Bases Out…
Speaking of bases: When you look at the layout of the map, you’ll see that the old bases as such have “disappeared”. To be 100% precise, in fact, both “old” bases still exist on the new map, however, while their positions have remained the same, their appearance and role have changed completely.
The evolution of the bases before…
…and after Version 1.5 on National Park 2.0.
One base (meaning group of houses with an airfield, AA-guns and the main hangar) survived and now makes up the embattled fortification at J9. The other one has perished, with only a few remnants such as burned-out houses and tracks at B4 reminding pilots of its existence there in prior versions. What’s important to know is that, since the introduction of complex ground targets in the latest version of the game, both these bases have no strategic value for you as players anymore. Although you can visually find them on the map, these structures no longer house an HQ and also don’t contain any other attackable ground targets.
New Bases In!
Instead, what you now find on National Park 2.0, are a collection of grouped up convoys and tanks that act as the new “bases”. You can find these ground targets sporadically-placed along the central riverbed or grouped up at B3/D2 and G9/J7 respectively. The two south-eastern groups are made up of 10 ground targets each that consist of multiple immobile convoys and tanks.
On the north-eastern side of the map (D2/B4), the entrance to the central valley is guarded by five ground targets for each team, consisting likewise of a couple of convoys and tank squads. These five units feature medium- to heavy-armoured tanks that can damage and destroy your plane at up to 1.5km of distance. Be sure to stay far away from them if you’re flying a light fighter!
The Valley
The main valley that was already present in prior versions of the game has also remained after the 1.5 update. However, its look and layout have been modified to reflect the new role that complex ground targets play.
This is how National Park looked pre-1.5...
…and this is what the valley looks like now!
The riverbed has been enlarged while the surrounding mountain walls have been heightened. The new design creates more of an enclosed corridor that planes will have to descent into – if they dare! Previous to National Park 2.0, the valley was free of ground targets and presented the main fighting ground for fighters on the map. Now, the river is laced with ground targets along its entire length, which will make it a dangerous place to fly over for light-armoured hunters.
Both teams’ valley-side is capped by another dense collection of six convoys and tanks at H2 and C8. While the South-West group is in rather open terrain (which makes them an attractive target for Attack Aircraft), the North-East targets are located in a natural cul-de-sac, being surrounded by high mountain walls from all but the river-side. Taking out these targets, which are the closest you’ll come to an actual fortification on National Park 2.0, may prove more challenging because of the limited room that pilots have to operate here.
The Rest
Last but not least we must also say a word about the visual highlight of this map. It comes in the form of a gigantic waterfall in the middle of the valley at F3. While it’s true that there was more than just one waterfall in the original version of National Park, what always seemed strange about those falls was the fact that it was never quite clear where they originated from. This has been corrected for National Park 2.0 where the majestic cataract now springs from an elevated mountain lake at G1 that is neatly tucked away a few metres below a formation of all-engulfing clouds.
Fly on the new National Park, pilots!
