Back in November, we launched Castle Catastrophe, Witch It's 4th map contest! Following the release of 200+ new creative mode structures and material overrides, participants now had more creative options than ever while building their contest entries. ????
"Castle Catastrophe" was the contest theme - participants were tasked with creating a castle-themed map that has been struck by a disaster. Map creators had the freedom to interpret this theme however they like, while remaining true to it's core intent. As a result, we had received arguably our most unique, diverse, and incredible selection of entries we've ever had the privilege of judging! ????
Each winning map will be implemented into Witch It in our next content update in the following weeks. Each winner will shortly receive the Grand Architect's Helmet, a Witch It Steam Key, two DLC sets of their choice, their name added to the description of a Creative Mode structure (revealed soon), and the outstanding "Grand Architect" title within our community! ????
We decided these winners based on a range of different factors. For us, it was important each winning map was visually pleasing and unique from other entries, but a primary factor for us was ensuring each map was suitable to be played on for potentially thousands upon thousands of rounds! Map size was a paramount factor in judging, and while many entrants made beautiful maps, only a select few creators really got the balance between aesthetics and gameplay just right. In addition, we had introduced a rule that meant an individual person could not take multiple winning spots in Castle Catastrophe - which we felt gave new creators an opportunity to shine through... and that they did! ????
Castle Catastrophe Winners!
In no particular order...
???? Spellbound Town
Created by Pinoue Banana
"You need to cut the tree" [Full Story]
Spellbound Town is Pinoue Banana's first ever map contest entry, as well as their first ever published map on the Witch It workshop - but don't let that fool you! The map is undeniably impressive, featuring a beautiful town transformed by the evil tree at it's centre. Explore and hide within a mix of decorated interiors and vast open areas, but beware of the mysterious corruption slowly reclaiming the town brick by brick... ????
???? Ingeborg's Wandering Retreat
Created by Obscura
"The icy north wind came and captured Ingeborgs Wandering Retreat" [Full Story]
Obscura secures her first ever map contest win with Ingeborg's Wandering Retreat - a familiar, yet outstanding map packed full of intricate detail! The map features a huge living castle that has been frozen in place by an enraged witch. Use this opportunity to climb inside the castle, and explore it's vast hallways and elaborate rooms before the hunters catch you - or hide within the surrounding icy landscape! ????
???? Otsiro Crest Castle
Created by fri.
"Otsiro Crest Castle was built on a mountain peak where a magical witch anomaly is spreading extremely fast." [Full Story]
Otsiro Crest Castle is fri's second winning map following Niemeyer Legacy's memorable win back almost 5 years ago. A mystical witch anomaly has found it's way through the walls of Otsiro, causing devastating roots to tear through it's grand towers and dramatic environment in and around the castle. This map is the largest of the winners, but some well-placed chickens paired with a mobility skill will cover ground a lot quicker than you think! ????
???? Woodcastle Cat-astrophe
Created by Anghely
"Sometimes the calamities came from the hand of the brave" [Full Story]
Woodcastle Cat-astrophe is Anghely's debut map to the Witch It workshop, and a light-hearted yet skilfully executed take on the contest theme! Explore a giant cat tower home to the witches' beasts and pets, and carefully climb it to locate the best hiding positions. Hide among the unfortunate troll-cats that have been turned into stone by the sun, and beware the hunters who have laid siege on this spectacular castle! Shout-out to CyaniStella, Freya and Haderman! ????
Honourable Mentions
With the recent introduction of hundreds of new structures and material overrides, it came as no surprise to us that the quality of submissions would grow even further than previous contests. The effort and attention to detail put into every submission has been absolutely outstanding, and we are so grateful for each and every one of our map creators! ????
Each entry deserved a win in their own ways - however, we wanted to showcase a few of our favourites that really stood out to us! Every author in the honourable mentions will receive a 10x Crystallized Moonlight bonus, and all entrants who aren't mentioned will receive 5x Crystallized Moonlight, too!
???? The Lab by Obscura
????️ The Kingdom of Darkstone by distortion
???? The Globe by Obscura
???? Ebonwhite Halls by Venena
???? Hunting Grounds by Reekyu
✨ Luna-Divisio by CandyBober
All Castle Catastrophe entries can be found here!
Additional Awards Winners
In addition to the main prize, we've offered 3 additional awards categories: presentation, lore, and catastrophe. The winner of each award will receive a DLC set of their choice, as well as their name added to the description of a Creative Mode structure (to be revealed)! ????️
????️ Presentation Award
Ruins of Atlantis by kas
Awarded for its sleek banners and well-made screenshots!
???? Lore Award
The Lab by Obscura
Recognised for its wacky humour and engaging storytelling!
???? Catastrophe Award
Woodcastle Cat-astrophe by Anghely
A genius take on the catastrophe theme, and absolutely blew us away!
We hope you enjoyed Castle Catastrophe! ????
Please consider playing all the entries from the contest, and check out the winning maps in-game in a few weeks time!
