Remember the sinking feeling when you realise you forgot to pick up a map in a survival game? Ever been stuck trying to work out your next destination in a game that eschews the traditional compass for a more artistic representation of direction? Sometimes you just don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone. Likewise, sometimes the map you’ve got just doesn’t tell you enough, and you’re sick of searching every hole in the ground for that precious cache of loot.
But when used right, a map can turn a great game into an incredible one. We’re not talking about the much-reviled tactic of ‘icon vomit’ (we’re naming no names), but rather an intuitive use of the map that can add to the joy of exploration, rather than taking away from it.
That’s why we’re taking a look at some of the best apps available for in-game map enhancement, helping you get the most out of this eternally useful bit of virtual kit. All of these useful tools can be downloaded via the Overwolf platform, keeping all your UGC in one convenient place.
Game Maps by W4rGo
Perhaps not the most inventive name, but one that certainly paints an accurate picture, the Game Maps app by W4rGo is a great download for those just getting to grips with personalising games, or for people who want one app that covers many bases. Think of this one as a whole library of maps for all your favourite games – including Escape from Tarkov, Apex Legends, PUBG, Valorant, CS:GO, and more.
You can have this useful guide open as you explore your favourite games, ensuring that you never get lost or run out of things to do. Narrow down your journey by prioritising the best loot, discover hidden locations and secrets, and reveal items for quests and objectives. Game Maps is the equivalent of getting out Google Maps the night before a big journey and planning all your stops along the way.
New World Mini Map (NWMM) by NewWorldMiniMap
This isn’t one of those lists where the names get progressively more creative. This one pretty much does exactly what it says – gives you a mini map in New World. The Amazon Game Studios MMO is curiously lacking in that department, leaving you to find most places in the vast New World map for yourself, but this nifty app puts all the nearby locations right there in the corner of the screen from the moment you enter a city.
Walking into an area will prompt the map to zoom in and reveal important locations for things such as crafting equipment, fishing spots, and faction NPCs, allowing you to make a bee-line for your priorities without getting lost in the woods. The map overlay is completely compliant with the New World terms of service, so you won’t find yourself in a bind either. You’ll also be able to stream your location to the external site, making it far easier to track locations and meet up with friends.
DayZ Map
DayZ is one of the most challenging survival games on the market, forcing players to meticulously plan their movements and conserve their resources to complete their objectives in its harsh post-apocalyptic wasteland. The iZurvive map, created by Overwolf user Jonas, helps survivors plan out their routes in both the standalone version of DayZ, as well as the original Arma II mod.
The map points out lots of invaluable intel, including the locations of loot, landmarks, and buildings that you can hold up inside. Choose from drop-down menus to filter to certain types of icons, so you can find what you’re looking for in a pinch. You can also create waypoints and share them with a group, making team play a much smoother experience.
Sons of the Forest Map by Leon Machens
Although the game is still in Early Access, Sons of the Forest has caught countless gamers in its headlights, promising the long-awaited next chapter of 2018’s cannibal island survival spectacular, The Forest. This interactive map enhancement app provides a significant boost for players of all types – whether you’re a crafter, an explorer, or someone who just wants to gun down waves of enemies indiscriminately.
Use Sons of the Forest Map for real-time position tracking, allowing you to follow along on a mobile or enhance multiplayer, or to find the locations of just about anything. Not sure where a certain resource can be found? Or missing a crucial piece of the puzzle? Just check the map in overlay mode and see it come to life, allowing you to follow along and pick up everything you need to figure out the secret of the island.
Whichever app you choose – and there are hundreds more on the Overwolf platform – you’ll soon rekindle your love for the in-game map. Realising its full potential might just give you the advantage you need in your favourite game, and best of all, these apps are easy to download and run automatically alongside your game. Check out the apps available on Overwolf today.