Source: https://shadowfrag.com/blog/building-shogun-highlands/

# Building Shogun Highlands

By the SHADOWFRAG developer · Maps · Oct 24, 2026 · 3 min read

[Highlands](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun-highlands) needed useful fights at each [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) as well as routes between them. I built walking connections first, then added exposed [skyways](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-skyway) for faster crossings.

[Rivergate settlement beneath the mountains in Shogun Highlands.](https://ds9.dynostatic.com/media.php?id=01M5TFSPM9KJWX3NTSMEVVDE8F&revision=1)

Rivergate [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) beneath the mountains in [Shogun Highlands](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun-highlands). Engine capture: 2026-10-25.

**Update, 26–27 October 2026.** The southern bridge navigation and [Shogun](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun) squad deployment have been repaired. [Bots](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-bot) use northern, central and southern attack routes, including at smaller populations. [Read the Highlands bot review](https://shadowfrag.com/blog/shogun-bots-across-the-highlands/).

[Shogun Highlands](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shogun-highlands) measures **3,000 × 2,520 [world units](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-world-unit)**, using the game's internal distance scale. Its six [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) districts sit among bamboo, snowy pines, amber forest, cedar woodland and ochre hills. I wanted those surroundings to help distinguish several fights happening across one landscape.

The map needed more than a long journey between objective markers. Each [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) had to provide local cover, understandable approaches and routes to its two supporting [outposts](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-outpost). Moving reinforcements between fights also needed a choice: a dependable route on foot or a quicker crossing with more exposure.

## Connecting the ground routes

Roads, branching paths and **six bridge crossings** join the districts. Ridges, rivers, trees, walls and buildings interrupt long sightlines. Every [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) and [outpost](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-outpost) can be reached on foot, without purchasing a weapon or mobility ability to complete the route.

The paired [outposts](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-outpost) give those connections intermediate goals. Contesting one can cut a [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement)'s [supply](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-supply) or block an attack. A team therefore has a reason to fight along the approaches instead of treating each [settlement](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) as an isolated capture circle.

## Taking the skyways

**Four bidirectional [skyway](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-skyway) connections** link distant [outposts](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-outpost). Their routes use **eight bounce pads and 44 high rings**. The pads launch you toward the rings; timing [double-jumps](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-air-step) keeps you moving through the stream, while a [chi-jump](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-chi-jump) lets you break away from it.

The last ring releases you above the approach. There is no arrival platform to complete the crossing for you. You steer the descent and can fire a bow or throw a grenade on the way down. Missing a jump or choosing a poor exit can leave you over a canyon, so the shortcut asks for attention through the landing.

## Giving bots routes they can use

[Bots](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-bot) work in persistent groups of up to **six**, with assault, guard, reaction and supporting assignments. They buy equipment through the same economy as players, react to observed contacts and use the map's navigation to approach objectives. Their squad decisions remain on the server.

Structural, surface and movement checks passed for the map. They establish that its routes and content work in those checks. Human play still has to judge how long reinforcements take to arrive, how exposed the crossings feel and how quickly [settlements](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-settlement) change hands. The multiplayer limit remains **64 players including [bots](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-bot)**, regardless of the landscape's size.

[See Highlands in the atlas](https://shadowfrag.com/maps/#shogun-highlands) and read the [Shogun rules](https://shadowfrag.com/blog/shogun-conquest/).

[Back to blog](https://shadowfrag.com/blog/)[Browse the glossary](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/)

## Request an _invite code._

SHADOWFRAG is opening by invitation. Request a code and receive development updates. [Shadow Council](https://shadowfrag.com/glossary/#term-shadow-council) contributors receive priority when invitations begin.

Enable JavaScript to request an invite code and confirm your email address.

Email confirmation required. Codes will be issued later; a request does not guarantee access. Unsubscribe at any time. [Privacy](https://shadowfrag.com/privacy/)

Confirm your email to join the invitation list. Codes will be issued in a future round; a request does not guarantee access. Unsubscribe at any time.

Anyone can request a code. For [Shadow Council](https://shadowfrag.com/shadow-council/) priority, introduce yourself on Discord with your role, experience, region and time zone. Include examples of your maps or content if you have them.

[Join Discord](https://discord.gg/EHj7rZDNj)