Minimap

Minimap

The Minimap element located in the lower left hand corner of the screen is used for determining location within the map. The Minimap displays the location of any units and buildings that are owned by the player or which can be seen with vision. The player's own units and buildings are typically colored green, while the opponent's are red. Various map settings can be set to customize multiple colors in team play or as an observer.

Pressing keys: Shift+Tab in multiplayer cycles diplomacy color mode in the minimap and/or main screen. Once: Change Opponent/Allies/Self colors in the minimap to red/yellow/teal respectively. Twice: Make the change of colors on main screen & minimap. Three times: back to original colors on main screen & minimap.

A white rectangular outline represents the position of the current field of view that comprises the majority of the Starcraft screen. The Minimap displays the terrain, as a gradient of the colors black and brown. The terrain can be disabled by clicking on the button immediately above and to the left of the Minimap, such that elevations, ramps, and other terrain structures are rendered black. Some players prefer the terrain to be disabled, often citing their familiarity with the map in play and desire to avoid distraction on the screen except for enemy units and buildings.

The Minimap also indicates the position of other elements of the game such as Minerals and Vespene Gas in patches of teal blue. Units and structures that have already been seen will remain, but those that are not currently under active vision become dark after a duration of time (e.g. all the player's units and buildings vacate an area)

Watching, or keeping an eye on, the Minimap is critical to providing game awareness of the position of enemy and friendly units during the game.

The Minimap may be clicked on to move the main window to the location clicked on. Units may be told to move or attack by clicking on the Minimap when the units are selected, just as they can be in the main window. Other commands like the ComSat Scan or directing movement of Terran floating buildings may be performed on the Minimap, as well.