Minecart Madness is an official map for the Gem Grab event. It is the first map to feature interactive minecarts.
Layout[ | ]
The map consists of multiple layers of interchanging cover and minecart tracks. There are five minecart track layers and four layers of cover. The minecart tracks connect at the sides. Depending on which side you are, a minecart will spawn at the left side and go up, or the right side and go down. The gem mine is located in the middle of the map and lays on one of the tracks. The outer layers of the cover, consist of interchanging layers of walls and bushes, while the inner layers of cover have an open gap, where a three-tile thick wall would be. There are crates and barrels located at the corners of the wall. Apart from the carts, the map is perfectly symmetrical.
One of the minecart spawn points heads towards the true red team from the true left, while the other towards the true blue team from the true right.
Tips[ | ]
- Avoid the minecarts! They deal 2000 damage per hit and if you get trapped in its way, the minecarts can repeatedly damage any unlucky Brawler that is hit, usually only allowing El Primo, Frank, and other high-health Brawlers to survive. There are two spawning points for the minecarts, which are the two ends on the horizontal line of the Gem Spawn Point. They spawn in lines of four carts, and a yellow warning light will flash on the side that the minecart comes in. Make sure to not stay on the track too long, as the minecart will also cause knockback and stun. This will almost guarantee defeat for any Brawler. Dynamike with their Dyna-Jump Star Power and Brock's Gadget Rocket Laces can be used it to get over the minecarts, but can be risky as you might take tons damage if you misaim, and you do not have much health to begin with.
- Another thing to note is that after lots of repetitive hits the minecarts will do no damage and you can walk through them. Also, Brawlers with invincibility shields can walk through minecarts.
- Additionally, the minecarts block all shots that hit them including all Super attacks, further complicating any battles for both teams. All players on the map have the chance of being hit and having their shots be hit, which can be bothersome when in a hurry to stop the enemy's countdown.
- Always be aware of the minecarts' positions. If players are not careful, Brawlers might get sandwiched between enemy Brawlers and carts with reinforcing friendly Brawlers unable to attack through the carts. You can also use this to your advantage, particularly if you are playing as Tara or Gene and use your Super to pull them to your side leaving the enemy Brawler cornered and helpless.
- The first line of carts comes from the left if players are the blue team or right if players are the red team. Whenever a team fight is going on and if a minecart is approaching, it is advised to retreat as it might not end in your favor.
- As Gene, a great strategy is to pull enemies when a minecart is passing - they'll be pulled into the minecart and receive the 2000 damage. After being hit they'll easily be finished off by Gene's main attack. Keep in mind that the minecarts will cancel Gene's Super hand if they hit when Gene's hand is going to grab someone which ends in a lost Super, so planning and timing are crucial. This strategy also works well with his Gadget, as you can push the opponent into the minecart as it is passing by. Tara's Super can work in a similar fashion to Gene's Super as well and is comparatively easier to use.
- If timed correctly, any effect that moves enemies can be used to knock enemies into incoming minecarts. This is rather niche and is only recommended as a last resort as most of these abilities require foe target to be in close range beforehand.
- Throwers can take advantage of the players will get stuck in the bushes to the side while a minecart is passing by. Thanks to their lack of movement, bursting them with constant damage should be a breeze.
- Sprout's hedges will be destroyed by minecarts, so it is best to avoid placing Sprout's Super on minecart tracks.
- The minecarts can be used as a barrier when the 15-second countdown is going on. Defending Brawlers can hide in bushes during this time, while the enemy movement is hindered.
- There is one tile in the corner of the tracks where the cart can't reach you. You can use this to help escape or maintain control of an area.
- When pushing up as Tara, you can time the minecart movement to your advantage and super them when they're stuck behind the cart to turn the tide of the game.
- When the minecart spawns on the left side, it's going to the opponent's side. When the minecart spawns on the right side, it's going to your side. You can use this information to push up and gain control of the center, or to fall back and use the cart defensively.
History[ | ]
- On 15/4/19, Minecart Madness was added to the game.
- On 11/6/19, the train in Minecart Madness now moves slower and spawns less frequently in online matches only.
- On 26/6/19, the train in Minecart Madness now moves slower and spawns less frequently in friendly games.
- On 15/11/19, Minecart Madness was featured in the Brawl Stars World Finals 2019 as a Quarterfinals map.
- On 8/2/20, Minecart Madness was featured in the February Brawl Stars Championship Challenge as a Stage I map.
- On 13/6/20, Minecart Madness was featured in the June Brawl Stars Championship Challenge as a Stage I map.
- On 21/11/20, Minecart Madness was featured in the Brawl Stars World Finals 2020.