Hello, everyone!
You've asked us time and time again: "When is the next map contest coming"? How about... now?
🗺️ What is this about?
To participate in our Build-a-Map contest, you need to create a new, original, pretty, playable Timberborn map that makes the best of what the built-in map editor allows. That's it (*).
(*) Well, there are some formalities, so be sure to read the FAQ (below) and the Terms & Conditions. The only map-building restriction is that the map should feature some number of Succulents, the new desert plant added in 1.1, somewhere on it. This is not the contest's theme - it's just to ensure the map was made on 1.1.
💰 What can I win?
There are three map categories, based on their size:
Small - 128x128 and Below
Medium - Between 129x129 and 255x255
Large - 256x256 and Up
In each category, the winner receives 750 EUR, a place in the in-game credits, and a special rank on our Discord.
Each category also has three honorable mentions. The author of every honorable mention receives 100 EUR.
📤 How do I enter?
Create a new (= not published anywhere before October 8, 2026) map using Timberborn's built-in map editor. The map needs to have some number of Succulents on it to be eligible.
Upload it onto Steam Workshop, including \ in its name, by November 8, 23:59 CET.
Add a minimum of three screenshots (including one that shows the entire map).
Add a description that explains what is cool about your map.
Submit THIS FORM once for each map you’re entering into the competition. The deadline is the same: November 8, 23:59 CET.
⚠️ Anything else?
Before entering the contest, please carefully read:
Terms & Conditions. Among other things, this includes information about the personal information the winners need to provide to receive the prize money.
Frequently Asked Questions - see below.
❓ What do I need to do?
Read the contest's Terms & Conditions and make sure you understand and accept them.
Create a new (= not published anywhere before October 8, 2026) map using Timberborn's built-in map editor. The map needs to have some number of Succulents on it to be eligible.
Upload it onto Steam Workshop, including \ in its name.
Add a minimum of three screenshots (including one that shows the entire map).
Add a description that explains what is cool about your map.
Submit THIS FORM once for each map you’re entering into the competition.
❓ What's the deadline?
23.59 PM CET on November 8, 2026.
❓ How do I upload my map onto Steam Workshop?
Follow this guide.
❓ Is this competition available to non-Steam users?
Sadly, no.
❓ What can I win?
There are three prizes of 750 EUR (*), one per each map size category (128x128 and below, 129x129 through 255x255, and 256x256 and above).
Winners receive the coveted “Masterful Architect” rank on our Discord and a place in the in-game credits.
There are three honorable mentions per map size category. The author of each honorable mention receives 100 EUR (*).
(*) Technically, it's 833,33 EUR and 111,11 EUR each but we need to deduct 10% of that to cover the prize tax in Poland. Check T&Cs for details.
❓ How will you pick the winners?
Winners will be picked at Mechanistry's sole discretion, based on the submitted maps' originality, playability, and appearance.
❓ What's the deal with the Succulent criteria? Is it the contest's main theme?
No, this is not a Succulent-themed contest. This requirement is here only to ensure the map was created on the most recent update (1.1), but it's completely up to you to decide the idea behind the map and how many Succulents it features. Having 3 is as good as 300, just don't troll us by hiding them.
❓ Can I submit a map that requires mods to work (i.e. the map height mod)?
No, your map must load and fully work on the vanilla game. For example, a modded map with parts of terrain reaching a few tiles over the default map editor limit could load fine - but, at the same time, it wouldn't allow the player to freely add extra terrain tiles to the extent regular maps do. That's not okay.
❓ Where can I discuss the contest entries with other players?
Join our Discord where we've just created a special channel exactly for this purpose.
❓ Can I update my map after the initial submission?
Yes. Steam Workshop allows you to upload updated versions of the map, and we will not be checking the submissions before the contest's deadline, so you can update your maps before then.
❓ Can I exclude my map from the contest after I have submitted it?
Yes. We will only be checking the maps with "\” in the name. Simply remove that from the map's name to make it ineligible.
❓ When will you announce the winners?
By December 20, 2026, hopefully sooner.
❓ If I win, will my map be added to the base game? Will you reupload it to the Workshop from your official account?
No, and no.
❓ Can I submit more than one map?
Yes. You can submit as many maps as you wish, including in as many map sizes as you wish. However, one person can win only once. Also, quality > quantity.
❓ Can I submit a map if my entry won or was honorably mentioned in a previous contest? Can I win again?
Yes, and yes.
❓ My map isn't square. Which size category do I pick?
Calculate the map's size. If it's 16 384 tiles or below, go with the “128x128 and below”. If it's 65 536 or more, pick “256x256 and up”. If it's in-between, choose “129x129 through 255x255”.
❓My map is so large I can't take a screenshot of it. What do I do?
Use the farthest zoom available and try several perspectives - the point of that requirement is to allow us to quickly see and understand the map's overall shape and features. In the past, some entries would come with all screenshots focused on fine details, and no overall shots whatsoever.
❓ Is there any legal fine print I should be aware of?
Yes. Read the contest's Terms & Conditions.
❓ Oh my, is there anything new in there? I read it last time.
Yes, T&Cs were updated. One of the most important additions is the official ability to forfeit the prize money for any reason. In such a case, we'll donate the prize to one of the listed charities - you choose which.
❓ My question isn't answered here or in the Terms & Conditions.
If you still have any contest-related questions, contact Miami (miami@mechanistry.com) or Miriam (miriam@mechanistry.com).
Need extra inspiration? You can see past winning entries from the Timberborn Early Access era below.
If you would like to discuss your entries with fellow participants, hop onto our Discord and find a dedicated channel created specifically for the contest.
