When diving into the vibrant world of MapleStory, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make is choosing from the wide variety of MapleStory classes. Each class offers unique skills, playstyles, and job advancements that define your journey in this iconic MMORPG. With so many character types available, it can be challenging to decide which one suits your preferences and gameplay goals.
This complete guide will explore all MapleStory classes, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and progression paths.
What are MapleStory classes? Class types guide
MapleStory classes are essentially the character archetypes or jobs that define your abilities, playstyle, and overall experience in the game.
With an extensive roster of classes, each designed to fit different player preferences, MapleStory offers something for everyone—from damage-dealing warriors to spell-casting mages and stealthy thieves.
Class types guide
MapleStory organizes its classes into several character types based on their origins, abilities, and job advancement paths. Below is a breakdown of the main class types to help you understand their unique traits:
Explorers
The most iconic and versatile group in MapleStory, Explorers offer a wide range of options.
- Character options: Warriors, Mages, Thieves, Bowmen, and Pirates.
- Job advancement: start as a beginner and progress through multiple job advancements as you level up.
Cygnus Knights
Created by Empress Cygnus, these characters specialize in elemental abilities.
- Character options: Dawn Warrior, Blaze Wizard, Wind Archer, Night Walker, and Thunder Breaker.
- Job advancement: simplified progression, capped at level 250 compared to other classes.
Heroes
Legendary characters awakened to fight the Black Mage.
- Character options: includes classes like Aran, Evan, and Mercedes.
- Job advancement: unique storylines tied to each hero.
Resistance
A rebellion group fighting against oppression, with distinct playstyles.
- Character options: includes Battle Mage, Wild Hunter, Mechanic, and more.
- Job advancement: resistance characters typically feature futuristic and creative mechanics.
Nova
A unique race with a rich lore tied to the Nova world.
- Character options: Includes Kaiser and Angelic Buster.
- Job advancement: their progression focuses on their ties to the Nova realm.
Other unique classes
- Kinesis: a psychic-based class with telekinetic powers.
- Beast Tamer: a versatile class that can switch between animal companions.
Best classes for beginners
Starting MapleStory can be overwhelming, but choosing the right class makes a big difference. Beginner-friendly classes are easy to control, have good survivability, and offer smooth progression. These are the top picks for newcomers:
Explorer Warrior (Hero)
Explorer Warriors are straightforward and durable, making them ideal for beginners. They focus on melee combat and deal solid damage while having high defense, ensuring you can learn the game without frustration.
Dawn Warrior (Cygnus Knights)
Dawn Warriors offer balanced stats and a mix of sun and moon stances for versatile combat. Their progression is simpler than other classes, and their elemental skills are easy to master.
Kanna (Sengoku)
Kanna is a magic-based class with strong mobbing abilities and self-healing skills. Beginners will appreciate its utility and powerful attacks that make clearing enemies a breeze.
Adele (Nova)
Adele wields a magical blade and excels at both single-target and area-of-effect attacks. With high damage and beginner-friendly mechanics, it’s a top choice for those starting out.
Blaze Wizard (Cygnus Knights)
Blaze Wizards use fire-based spells to deal massive damage to groups of enemies. They are easy to handle, with fewer job advancements, allowing you to focus on improving your skills.
Strengths and weaknesses of each class
Every MapleStory class has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suited for different types of players. This is an overview of some beginner-friendly classes and their key traits:
Explorer Warrior (Hero)
- Strengths: high defense, consistent damage, and easy melee combat mechanics. Excellent survivability for new players.
- Weaknesses: limited mobility and slower attacks compared to other classes.
Dawn Warrior (Cygnus Knights)
- Strengths: balanced stats and versatile combat with sun and moon stances. Straightforward progression and good mobbing abilities.
- Weaknesses: lacks the raw power of other advanced classes in the late game.
Kanna (Sengoku)
- Strengths: exceptional mobbing power, self-healing abilities, and high utility with summoning skills. Great for leveling quickly.
- Weaknesses: can feel repetitive due to reliance on a few key skills.
Adele (Nova)
- Strengths: high damage potential with powerful area-of-effect skills. Beginner-friendly mechanics and a forgiving playstyle.
- Weaknesses: may rely on specific equipment to reach its full potential.
Blaze Wizard (Cygnus Knights)
- Strengths: strong elemental skills for mobbing and simple skill rotations. Reduced job advancement complexity helps focus on gameplay.
- Weaknesses: lower durability and limited bossing capabilities compared to other classes.
How to advance in your class
Advancing in your class is one of the most exciting aspects of MapleStory, allowing you to unlock powerful skills and refine your character’s abilities. Each class goes through job advancements at specific levels, offering new opportunities to grow stronger and explore different playstyles. This is how to advance in your class:
Level up efficiently
Focus on mobbing in areas suited to your level and complete quests for bonus experience. Regular leveling ensures you’re ready for advancements when the time comes.
Prepare for advancement quests
Before tackling job advancements, check if you need specific items or prerequisites. Keep your gear updated to make challenges easier to handle.
Follow the class storyline
Advancements are often tied to your class’s story quests. These not only unlock new skills but also provide useful rewards to strengthen your character.
Master your skills
Practice using the skills unlocked at each job advancement. Understanding your abilities early makes progression smoother and more enjoyable.
Aim for fifth job advancement
At level 200, the fifth job advancement unlocks your class’s full potential with powerful skills and new mechanics. Work through the required quests to reach this milestone!With the right preparation and tools like ExitLag to ensure a smooth connection, mastering MapleStory classes becomes an adventure you’ll truly enjoy!