Hollows

Hollows is a 192x192 standard-difficulty map introduced in Update 7, featuring a carved-out landscape with underground features that set it apart from the more conventional terrain of other maps. The map's description promises that "these bountiful hollows are a prime area for prospective settlers," and hints that "the eldest beavers even whisper of buried treasures" hidden within the carved terrain. The hollowed-out landscape creates a network of caves, overhangs, and subterranean passages that add a vertical dimension to exploration and settlement building rarely seen on other maps.

The underground features of Hollows introduce unique strategic considerations for colony layout and resource management. Natural overhangs and cave formations provide sheltered building locations that can protect infrastructure from some environmental effects, while underground passages create alternative routes for beaver movement and water flow. Players must think in three dimensions rather than two, using tunnels and multi-level construction to connect different areas of the map. The terrain's carved nature also means that Underground Ruins may be positioned in unusual locations, requiring creative mining infrastructure to access them.

Water management on Hollows requires careful attention to how fluid flows through the complex terrain, as underground channels and carved passages can route water in unexpected directions. During Badtide events, contaminated water may seep through underground passages and emerge in areas that seem protected on the surface, requiring players to build containment infrastructure at multiple levels. The 192x192 size provides enough space for meaningful exploration without becoming overwhelming, and the map's moderate difficulty rating makes it accessible to players who have completed a few runs on beginner maps. Hollows is particularly rewarding for players who enjoy exploring and discovering hidden terrain features, as the map's carved landscape offers surprises that keep the experience fresh across multiple playthroughs.