Daman Games

Welcome to Maharaja Marauder

India’s biggest strategy-action multiplayer game that blends ancient desi lore, royal heritage, and fast-paced gameplay. Choose your kingdom, master your warrior class, and conquer realms with friends – all in your mother tongue!

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🎮 Game Overview

Maharaja Marauder stands as a groundbreaking title in the Indian gaming industry, crafted by a Hyderabad-based studio in collaboration with Daman Games to deliver an authentic desi gaming experience that resonates with the cultural ethos of India. Unlike many international titles that dominate the Indian market with generic themes, this game draws deep inspiration from India’s rich historical tapestry – combining elements of Rajput valor, Mughal grandeur, Maratha warfare, South Indian kingdom politics, and even hints of Bollywood-style drama – to create a world that feels truly homegrown for Indian players.

At its core, Maharaja Marauder is a multiplayer strategy-action game that strikes a perfect balance between tactical decision-making and real-time combat. Players step into the shoes of warriors, mages, scouts, and nobles, each hailing from distinct Indian-inspired kingdoms, and compete in various game modes ranging from 5v5 team deathmatches to large-scale 15v15 kingdom sieges. What makes this game truly stand out in the Indian market is its unwavering focus on accessibility – it runs seamlessly on low-end mobile devices (even those with 2GB RAM) and budget PCs, addressing a long-standing pain point for millions of desi gamers who don’t have access to high-end hardware.

25M+
Downloads (India)
9
Indian Languages
4.7/5
Play Store Rating
65%
30-Day Retention

Localization is where Maharaja Marauder truly shines. The game supports nine major Indian languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, and English – with voice acting, in-game text, and UI elements fully translated and adapted to each language’s cultural nuances. For example, in Tamil Nadu, the game uses region-specific idioms and references to Chola-Pandya history, while in Punjab, the dialogue includes colloquial terms like "yaar" and "sardar" that resonate with local players. Additionally, the game features in-game events aligned with major Indian festivals – Diwali, Holi, Pongal, Navratri, Eid, and Christmas – complete with themed skins, rewards, and gameplay modes that celebrate these cultural occasions.

Regional servers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai ensure minimal latency (under 50ms for most players) across the country, a critical factor in a market where internet connectivity can be spotty in rural areas. The game’s free-to-play model with optional cosmetic in-game purchases (no pay-to-win mechanics whatsoever) has also contributed to its widespread adoption, making it accessible to a broad audience across urban and rural India – from college students in Mumbai to farmers in Uttar Pradesh who play during their leisure time.

🎯 Core Concept

The central premise of Maharaja Marauder revolves around the fictional continent of Hindustan Pradesh, a land torn apart by conflict between seven powerful kingdoms. Centuries after the fall of the Great Bharat Empire, each kingdom – Rajputana Rajya, Maratha Swaraj, Mughal Sultanate, Tamilakam Nadu, Bengali Samrajya, Gujarati Sangh, and Punjabi Khalsa – fights to reclaim lost glory and expand their territories through warfare, diplomacy, and strategic alliances.

However, a greater threat looms on the horizon: the Asura Sena, a mysterious army of dark warriors led by the enigmatic Rakshasa Maharaja, who seeks to harness the power of the ancient "Shakti Gem" to conquer all of Hindustan Pradesh. Players must choose a kingdom, customize their character (known as a "Rajkumar" or "Rajkumari"), and engage in battles to defend their homeland, unlock powerful abilities, and ultimately unite the warring kingdoms to defeat the Asura Sena.

The game’s core loop combines character progression, kingdom loyalty, and strategic teamwork. As players win matches, they earn Desi Rupiya (the in-game currency named after India’s historical currency) and kingdom reputation, which can be used to unlock new skins, weapons, and skill upgrades. The kingdom system also encourages long-term engagement, with monthly "Rajya Yudh" (Kingdom Wars) that reward top-performing players with exclusive rewards like golden armor sets and royal titles such as "Maharathi" and "Rajveer."

👥 Target Audience

Maharaja Marauder’s design caters to three primary player segments in India, reflecting the diverse gaming landscape of the country:

Additionally, the game’s inclusive design makes it accessible to players across age groups – from teenagers (14+) to middle-aged adults (up to 45). The absence of excessive violence, vulgar language, or mature themes ensures that it is suitable for younger players, while its strategic depth and competitive elements keep experienced gamers challenged. This broad appeal has helped Maharaja Marauder achieve over 25 million downloads within nine months of its launch, with a monthly active user (MAU) count of 8 million – a remarkable feat for an Indian-developed game.

🌟 Daman Games Recommended

Maharaja Marauder is more than just a game – it’s a celebration of Indian culture, history, and gaming talent. Developed by a team of passionate Indian developers who understand the needs and preferences of desi gamers, this title has set a new benchmark for localization and accessibility in the Indian gaming industry. Whether you’re a casual player looking for fun with friends or a competitive gamer aiming to climb the ranks, Maharaja Marauder offers something for everyone. Download now and join the millions of Indian players who have already embarked on this epic royal adventure!

🛠️ Development History

The journey of Maharaja Marauder began in 2021, when four Indian gaming enthusiasts – Arjun Reddy, Priya Menon, Ravi Patel, and Suresh Kumar – founded a studio called Desi Games Studios in Hyderabad. All four had previously worked at international gaming companies like Ubisoft and Tencent but felt that Indian gamers were being underserved by titles that failed to reflect their culture, language, and gaming preferences. Their vision was to create a game that would make Indian players proud – one that celebrated their history, language, and way of life, while also competing with international titles in terms of quality and gameplay.

Initial development was funded through personal savings, a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter (which raised ₹50 lakh from over 10,000 backers), and a grant from the Government of Telangana’s Digital Telangana Gaming Initiative, which supports local game developers. The team of 20 developers, designers, and writers spent 24 months researching Indian history and mythology, consulting with historians, archaeologists, and cultural experts to ensure accuracy in kingdom designs, character attire, weaponry, and lore. They also conducted extensive surveys with over 10,000 Indian gamers across 25 states to understand their pain points – latency issues, lack of regional language support, pay-to-win mechanics, and irrelevant themes were identified as the top concerns.

In 2022, Desi Games Studios entered into a strategic partnership with Daman Games, one of India’s leading gaming publishers, to secure additional funding (₹5 crore) and leverage their distribution network, marketing expertise, and server infrastructure. This partnership proved to be a game-changer – Daman Games brought valuable experience in user acquisition, customer support, and monetization strategies tailored to the Indian market, while allowing Desi Games Studios to retain full creative control over the game’s development, including lore, gameplay, and design.

🔬 Beta Testing

Beta testing for Maharaja Marauder began in June 2023, with a closed beta release limited to 100,000 players across six major Indian cities: Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. The goal was to gather feedback on gameplay, performance, localization, and server stability, with a particular focus on how the game ran on low-end devices (like budget smartphones under ₹10,000). The closed beta included three game modes (Team Deathmatch, Kingdom Siege, and Free Roam) and four character classes (Rajput Warrior, Mughal Archer, Tamil Mage, and Maratha Scout).

The closed beta response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 95% of testers rating the game 4/5 or higher on the Play Store. Key feedback included requests for more character classes, additional regional languages (especially Punjabi and Gujarati), improved in-game chat support for regional languages, and more festival-themed content. The team also identified and fixed several performance issues, including frame rate drops on budget smartphones and latency problems in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

A public beta followed in October 2023, with over 1 million players participating across India. This phase introduced two new character classes (Gujarati Trader and Punjabi Warrior), three additional languages (Punjabi, Gujarati, and Kannada), and the highly anticipated "Rajya Yudh" (Kingdom Wars) game mode. The public beta also included a Diwali-themed event called "Deepavali Mahotsav," which featured Diwali-themed skins, firework effects, and a special "Lakshmi Pooja" in-game ceremony that rewarded players with Desi Rupiya and rare items. The success of the public beta solidified the game’s launch date of March 22, 2024 – coinciding with the festival of Holi to capitalize on holiday gaming traffic and cultural relevance.

🚀 Official Launch

Maharaja Marauder launched on March 22, 2024, across PC (via the Daman Games launcher) and mobile (Google Play Store and Apple App Store). The launch was supported by one of the largest marketing campaigns ever for an Indian game, with a budget of ₹10 crore allocated to promote the title across multiple channels.

The marketing campaign included collaborations with top Indian gaming influencers like Desi Gamer Bhai (15 million subscribers), Marauder Queen (8 million subscribers), and TechGamer India (12 million subscribers), who streamed gameplay, hosted launch events, and organized giveaways on YouTube and Twitch. The campaign also featured billboard ads in 15 major Indian cities (including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad), TV commercials during popular shows on Star Sports and Sony Entertainment Television, and social media contests on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X) that offered prizes like smartphones, gaming consoles, and exclusive in-game rewards.

Daman Games also partnered with major Indian telecom companies like Jio, Airtel, and Vi to offer free in-game data packs and exclusive rewards to their subscribers. For example, Jio users received 10GB of free data and a "Rajput Warrior" skin, while Airtel users got a free battle pass and 5GB of data. These partnerships helped the game reach a massive audience in rural areas, where telecom companies have a strong presence.

The launch event in Hyderabad, attended by over 2,000 fans, media personnel, and celebrities (including Tollywood actor Allu Arjun and cricketer KL Rahul), featured live esports matches, meet-and-greets with developers, and performances by Indian musicians who contributed to the game’s soundtrack. The event was live-streamed on YouTube and garnered over 5 million views within 24 hours.

The launch was a resounding success, with the game crossing 2 million downloads within 24 hours and 10 million downloads within a week. It quickly climbed to the top of the Google Play Store’s "Top Free Games" chart in India, overtaking international titles like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, and remained there for 12 consecutive weeks. Critical acclaim followed, with Indian gaming publications like GamingBolt and IndianGameReviews praising the game’s localization, gameplay balance, and commitment to desi culture.

"Maharaja Marauder is a game that Indians have been waiting for – one that respects our culture, speaks our languages, and understands our gaming needs. It’s not just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that showcases the talent of Indian game developers to the world." – Ravi Sharma, Editor-in-Chief, IndianGameReviews

🤝 Studio & Publisher Collaboration

The partnership between Desi Games Studios and Daman Games has been a key factor in Maharaja Marauder’s success, serving as a model for collaboration between Indian game developers and publishers. Desi Games Studios retains full creative control over the game’s development, including lore, gameplay, and design, while Daman Games handles marketing, distribution, server management, and customer support.

Desi Games Studios’ team of 45 developers, designers, and writers works out of their Hyderabad office, with a focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with Indian players. The studio has a dedicated "Cultural Advisory Board" consisting of historians, linguists, and cultural experts who ensure that the game’s content is accurate and respectful of Indian culture. For example, the board advised on the design of the Tamilakam Nadu kingdom’s architecture (which is based on Chola temples) and the Rajputana Rajya’s battle tactics (inspired by historical Rajput warfare).

Daman Games, on the other hand, has invested heavily in scaling the game’s server infrastructure to handle the massive player base. The publisher has set up six regional data centers across India (in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai) and two backup data centers in Singapore and Dubai to ensure minimal latency and maximum uptime. Daman Games’ customer support team, which operates 24/7 in all nine supported languages, has been instrumental in addressing player concerns quickly – a critical factor in maintaining high user retention.

The two companies also work closely on monetization strategies, with a focus on keeping the game fair and accessible to all players. All gameplay-affecting items are unlockable with Desi Rupiya (earned through gameplay), while premium items (like skins and emotes) are available for purchase with Gemstones (the premium currency). The battle pass, priced at ₹99 for the standard version and ₹299 for the premium version, offers additional rewards but does not provide any competitive advantage.

Looking ahead, Desi Games Studios and Daman Games plan to expand Maharaja Marauder to international markets, starting with South Asia (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan) in late 2024, followed by Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam) in 2025. The game will be localized for these markets with region-specific content, language support, and cultural adaptations, while retaining its core Indian-inspired theme.

⚔️ Gameplay Mechanics

Maharaja Marauder’s gameplay is designed to be easy to learn but difficult to master, striking a perfect balance between accessibility and depth that appeals to both casual and competitive players. The game combines elements of third-person action, real-time strategy, and team-based multiplayer, creating a unique experience that is both familiar and fresh for Indian gamers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the game’s core mechanics:

🔄 Core Gameplay Loop

The core gameplay loop of Maharaja Marauder revolves around three key phases: Preparation, Combat, and Progression – a structure that is intuitive for Indian players who are familiar with similar loops in popular mobile games but with unique desi twists.

In the Preparation Phase, players select their kingdom, character class, and loadout (weapons, abilities, and skins). They can also join a party with up to four friends (known as a "Sena") or be matched with random players via the game’s skill-based matchmaking system. The game’s matchmaking algorithm takes into account factors like player rank, skill level, and ping to ensure balanced matches, even in regions with lower internet connectivity.

The Combat Phase varies depending on the game mode but generally involves team-based objectives – such as capturing flags, defending forts, or eliminating enemy players. Players use a combination of basic attacks, special abilities (known as "Shakti Powers"), and tactical items (like healing potions, smoke bombs, and firecrackers – a nod to Indian festivals) to outmaneuver and defeat opponents. The game’s controls are highly optimized for mobile devices: players use a virtual joystick for movement and on-screen buttons for attacks and abilities, with customizable button layouts to suit different playstyles. PC players can use a keyboard and mouse or controller, with full cross-platform play supported between mobile, PC, and console.

After each match, players enter the Progression Phase, where they earn rewards based on their performance – including Desi Rupiya, kingdom reputation, and experience points (XP). XP is used to level up the player’s account, unlocking new game modes, customization options (like titles and frames), and access to ranked matches. Kingdom reputation increases the player’s standing within their chosen kingdom, unlocking exclusive kingdom-specific rewards like skins, weapons, and emotes. This loop encourages repeated play, as players work to improve their skills, unlock new content, and climb the ranks of their kingdom.

👤 Character Classes

Maharaja Marauder features seven distinct character classes, each with unique abilities, playstyles, and roles in combat. All classes are inspired by Indian history, mythology, and cultural archetypes, with designs that reflect the attire and weaponry of different regions and eras. Each class also has region-specific voice acting and dialogue that adds to the authenticity of the game.

Class Role Inspiration Key Strengths Recommended For
Rajput Warrior Tank/Frontline Rajput Warriors of North India High Health, Damage Resistance, Area Control Beginners, Team Leaders
Mughal Archer Ranged/DPS Mughal Archers of North-Central India Long Range, High Damage, Precision Shots Players with Good Aim
Tamil Mage Healer/Mage Tamil Scholars & Mystics of South India Healing, Elemental Magic, Area Buffs Support-Oriented Players
Maratha Scout Assassin/Stealth Maratha Guerrilla Fighters of Western India Stealth, Speed, High Burst Damage Experienced, Tactical Players
Gujarati Trader Support/Utility Gujarati Merchants of Western India Resource Boosts, Crowd Control, Loot Generation Team Players, Casual Gamers
Punjabi Warrior Hybrid/Assault Sikh Warriors of Punjab Balanced Offense/Defense, Mobility Versatile Players
Bengali Naval Commander Ranged/Control Bengali Sailors of East India Water-Based Abilities, Crowd Control, Area Damage Strategic Players

🛡️ Rajput Warrior (Tank/Frontline)

The Rajput Warrior is a heavy tank class designed to lead the charge and absorb damage for their team. Inspired by the legendary Rajput warriors of North India, this class wears heavy armor with intricate patterns, turbans, and wields a massive sword and shield. The Rajput Warrior’s design pays homage to historical figures like Prithviraj Chauhan, with armor details based on Rajput fort architecture.

Key abilities include:

The Rajput Warrior is ideal for beginners, as its high health pool and simple abilities make it forgiving for new players. It excels in frontline combat, holding objectives and protecting teammates from enemy attacks. In kingdom wars, Rajput Warriors often lead the charge against enemy fortifications, using their shield bash to break through gates and their charge ability to disrupt enemy formations.

🏹 Mughal Archer (Ranged/DPS)

The Mughal Archer is a ranged damage class that deals high damage from a distance. Inspired by the Mughal archers of North-Central India, this class wears lightweight, elaborately decorated armor and wields a composite bow with gold and silver inlays. The Mughal Archer’s design is based on historical Mughal artwork, with references to the archery traditions of the Mughal Empire.

Key abilities include:

The Mughal Archer is a high-damage class that excels at picking off enemies from afar. It requires good aim and positioning, as it is vulnerable to melee attacks if enemies get too close. In team-based game modes, Mughal Archers often take up positions on high ground (like fort walls or hilltops) to rain arrows down on enemy teams, while using their Eagle Eye ability to spot enemies from a distance.

🧙 Tamil Mage (Healer/Mage)

The Tamil Mage is a support class that uses elemental magic to heal allies and damage enemies. Inspired by the Tamil scholars and mystics of South India, this class wears traditional silk robes with intricate patterns, carries a staff adorned with gemstones, and has accessories based on Tamil temple jewelry. The Tamil Mage’s abilities are inspired by South Indian mythology, with references to gods like Shiva and Vishnu.

Key abilities include:

The Tamil Mage is a crucial support class in team-based game modes, as its healing abilities can turn the tide of battle. It requires strategic positioning, as it has low health and is vulnerable to melee attacks. In kingdom wars, Tamil Mages often stay behind the front lines, healing allies and using their Fireball Barrage to damage enemy fortifications.

🥷 Maratha Scout (Assassin/Stealth)

The Maratha Scout is a stealth class designed for hit-and-run attacks and flanking enemies. Inspired by the Maratha guerrilla fighters of Western India, this class wears light armor made of leather and cloth, wields dual daggers, and has a design that reflects the Maratha tradition of guerrilla warfare. The Maratha Scout’s abilities are inspired by the tactics used by Shivaji’s army during the Maratha Empire.

Key abilities include:

The Maratha Scout is ideal for experienced players who prefer a tactical playstyle. It excels at eliminating enemy supports and mages, but its low health makes it risky to engage in direct combat. In team-based game modes, Maratha Scouts often flank enemy teams, taking out healers and ranged attackers before disappearing back into stealth.

💰 Gujarati Trader (Support/Utility)

The Gujarati Trader is a unique support class that provides utility and resource boosts to their team. Inspired by the Gujarati merchants of Western India, this class wears colorful robes, carries a satchel of coins and goods, and wields a staff that doubles as a walking stick. The Gujarati Trader’s abilities are inspired by the trading traditions of Gujarat, with references to the state’s history of commerce and entrepreneurship.

Key abilities include:

The Gujarati Trader is a versatile support class that excels at keeping teams alive and well-funded. It is ideal for casual players and team players who enjoy helping their teammates succeed. In kingdom wars, Gujarati Traders often stay near their team’s fortifications, using their Coin Shower to heal allies and their Merchant’s Bargain to boost their damage output.

🗡️ Punjabi Warrior (Hybrid/Assault)

The Punjabi Warrior is a hybrid class that combines offensive and defensive abilities. Inspired by the Sikh warriors of Punjab, this class wears traditional Sikh armor (including a turban and kara), wields a sword and shield, and has a design that reflects the Sikh tradition of warriorhood and spirituality. The Punjabi Warrior’s abilities are inspired by the teachings of Sikh gurus and the martial arts traditions of Punjab.

Key abilities include:

The Punjabi Warrior is a versatile class that can adapt to different roles, making it ideal for players who like to switch between offense and defense. It excels in both frontline combat and flanking attacks, and its balanced stats make it suitable for both beginners and experienced players. In team-based game modes, Punjabi Warriors often act as a bridge between tanks and damage dealers, absorbing damage while dealing significant damage to enemies.

🌊 Bengali Naval Commander (Ranged/Control)

The Bengali Naval Commander is a ranged control class that uses water-based abilities to manipulate the battlefield. Inspired by the Bengali sailors of East India, this class wears lightweight naval armor, carries a trident, and has a design that reflects the maritime traditions of Bengal. The Bengali Naval Commander’s abilities are inspired by the rivers and oceans of Bengal, with references to the Hindu god Varuna (the god of water).

Key abilities include:

The Bengali Naval Commander is a strategic class that excels at controlling the battlefield and disrupting enemy formations. It requires good positioning and timing, as its abilities have longer cooldowns than other classes. In team-based game modes, Bengali Naval Commanders often use their Tidal Wave to separate enemy teams, making it easier for their allies to pick them off one by one.

📈 Progression System

Maharaja Marauder features a deep and rewarding progression system that encourages long-term play and keeps players engaged. The system has three main components: Account Level, Class Level, and Kingdom Reputation – each with its own unique rewards and benefits.

Account Level: Players earn XP by completing matches, daily quests, weekly challenges, and festival events. The account level ranges from Level 1 (Recruit) to Level 200 (Maharaja), with each level unlocking new rewards and features. For example:

Class Level: Each class has its own level (from Level 1 to Level 100), which is increased by playing that class in matches. Leveling up a class unlocks new abilities, skill upgrades, and class-specific skins. For example:

Kingdom Reputation: Players earn kingdom reputation by winning matches, completing kingdom-specific quests, and participating in Kingdom Wars. Reputation is divided into six tiers, each with its own exclusive rewards:

  1. Recruit (0-1,000): Basic skin, 1,000 Desi Rupiya
  2. Warrior (1,001-5,000): Class-specific weapon, 5,000 Desi Rupiya
  3. Champion (5,001-10,000): Rare skin, 10,000 Desi Rupiya, emote
  4. Legend (10,001-25,000): Epic skin, 25,000 Desi Rupiya, title
  5. Emperor (25,001-50,000): Legendary skin, 50,000 Desi Rupiya, mount
  6. Divine Ruler (50,001+): Exclusive skin, 100,000 Desi Rupiya, unique weapon, access to special kingdom events

Reaching the Divine Ruler tier with a kingdom also grants players the ability to vote on kingdom-specific updates, such as new skins, weapons, and events. This gives dedicated players a sense of ownership and influence over the game’s development.

💰 In-Game Currency

Maharaja Marauder uses two types of in-game currency: Desi Rupiya (free) and Gemstones (premium). Both currencies are used to purchase customization items, with no impact on gameplay balance – a key selling point for Indian players who are often frustrated by pay-to-win mechanics in other free-to-play games.

Desi Rupiya are earned through gameplay – winning matches, completing daily/weekly quests, participating in events, and leveling up. They can be used to purchase common, uncommon, and rare skins, weapons, emotes, and skill upgrades. Desi Rupiya are also used to enter certain events and tournaments, and to repair weapons and armor (a minor mechanic that adds realism without being a burden).

Gemstones are purchased with real money (INR) through the game’s store, with various packages available to suit different budgets (ranging from ₹49 for 500 Gemstones to ₹4,999 for 60,000 Gemstones). They can be used to purchase epic and legendary skins, exclusive emotes, mounts, and battle passes. The battle pass (priced at ₹99 for the standard version and ₹299 for the premium version) offers additional rewards, including exclusive skins, emotes, and a faster progression rate. Gemstones can also be earned for free by completing certain achievements, participating in promotional events, and referring friends to the game.

The game’s monetization model has been praised for its fairness and transparency. All gameplay-affecting items are unlockable with Desi Rupiya, and premium items are purely cosmetic – allowing players to customize their characters without gaining an advantage in combat. This approach has resonated with Indian players, who are often wary of pay-to-win mechanics in free-to-play games. According to Daman Games, over 70% of the game’s revenue comes from battle pass sales, with the remaining 30% coming from cosmetic item purchases – a healthy balance that indicates strong player trust and engagement.

🎮 Game Modes

Maharaja Marauder offers eight distinct game modes, each catering to different playstyles and preferences. All game modes support cross-platform play, allowing mobile, PC, and console players to compete against each other – a feature that is rare in Indian-developed games but highly valued by players.

👥 Team Deathmatch (5v5)

The most popular game mode, Team Deathmatch is a fast-paced 5v5 battle where the goal is to eliminate as many enemy players as possible within 10 minutes. The team with the most kills at the end of the match wins. This mode is ideal for casual players looking for quick matches, as it requires minimal strategy and focuses on action.

Team Deathmatch maps are small to medium-sized, with plenty of cover and vantage points. Popular maps include: