MapleStory: Overview, Classes & How to play!

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

MapleStory is a free 2D MMORPG game developed by Nexon, known for its enchanting world, captivating graphics and vibrant community.

Check out more about the game!

MapleStory Overview

MapleStory is a 2D MMORPG game developed by Nexon. Launched in South Korea in 2003, the game has become famous for its elaborate graphics, engaging gameplay and large community. 

In addition, MapleStory allows players to create characters, explore a vast fantasy world and fight various monsters and bosses while embarking on countless quests. 

MapleStory Plot

The game is set in the Maple World, a fantasy universe with a rich lore and a variety of regions, characters, and quests. Players create avatars and embark on adventures, battling monsters and completing quests to level up and gain new abilities.

1. The Black Mage:

The central antagonist in MapleStory is the Black Mage, a powerful sorcerer who once tried to conquer the Maple World. He was sealed away by six heroes, but his followers, the Black Wings, work to revive him. The story of the Black Mage spans multiple updates and events, leading to an epic confrontation between the players and the Black Mage himself.

2. Heroes of Maple:

The heroes who sealed the Black Mage include Aran, Evan, Mercedes, Phantom, Luminous, and Shade. Each hero has their own backstory and quests, revealing their role in the fight against the Black Mage and their journey in the present day.

3. The Five Regions:

Maple World is divided into five major regions: Victoria Island, Ossyria, Ludus Lake, Mu Lung Garden, and Arcane River. Each region has its own unique storyline, environments, and challenges.

4. Victoria Island:

The starting area for most players, Victoria Island, is home to several towns and dungeons. Players often begin their journey in Maple Island before moving on to Victoria Island’s main city, Henesys. Key locations include Perion, Ellinia, Kerning City, and Lith Harbor.

5. Ossyria:

A continent accessible by airship, Ossyria features towns such as Orbis, El Nath, and Ludibrium. Players can explore areas like the underwater city of Aqua Road and the dangerous El Nath Mountains.

6. Ludus Lake:

Home to the toy-themed town of Ludibrium and the eerie Phantom Forest, Ludus Lake offers diverse environments and quests.

7. Mu Lung Garden:

A region inspired by East Asian cultures, Mu Lung Garden includes the towns of Mu Lung and Herb Town. Players can train in martial arts and face off against fearsome bosses.

8. Arcane River:

A high-level area introduced in later updates, Arcane River consists of multiple sub-regions like Vanishing Journey, Chu Chu Island, and Lachelein. This area is crucial in the fight against the Black Mage.

9. The Cygnus Knights and Resistance:

Two key factions in MapleStory are the Cygnus Knights, led by Empress Cygnus, and the Resistance, who oppose the Black Wings. Players can join these factions and complete related quests.

10. Other Storylines:

MapleStory features numerous additional storylines, events, and character classes, each with its own plot and objectives. The game’s lore continues to evolve with regular updates, introducing new regions, characters, and challenges.

The islands of MapleStory

MapleStory is set in the Maple World, a vast and diverse universe composed of various islands, each with its unique environment and storyline. Some of the notable islands include:

• Victoria Island: The starting point for new adventurers, home to bustling towns like Henesys and Kerning City.
• Orbis: A floating city in the sky, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
• Ludibrium: A whimsical land made entirely of toys and blocks, featuring a giant clock tower dungeon.
• El Nath: A frozen wasteland, home to fierce monsters and challenging quests.
• Leafre: A lush forest inhabited by dragons and powerful creatures.

Each island offers different challenges and experiences, making exploration a key aspect of the game.

MapleStory Classes 

MapleStory offers a rich variety of character classes, each providing unique abilities, skills, and playstyles. The game features five main classes that further branch into numerous subclasses, giving players a wide range of options to tailor their gameplay experience. Here’s an overview of the primary classes in MapleStory:

1. Warriors

Warriors are the frontline fighters of MapleStory, known for their high health and strong melee attacks. They are durable and excel in close combat, making them ideal for players who enjoy being in the thick of the battle.

Subclasses:

• Hero: Wielding swords or axes, Heroes deliver powerful single-target and area-of-effect attacks.
• Paladin: Equipped with maces or swords, Paladins use elemental charges and have high defensive capabilities.
• Dark Knight: Utilizing spears or polearms, Dark Knights combine offense with self-sustaining abilities.

2. Mages

Mages are masters of the arcane arts, using powerful spells to control the battlefield. They have a wide range of magical attacks that can deal significant damage from a distance.

Subclasses:

• Fire/Poison Archmage: Specializes in fire and poison magic, dealing damage over time and area-of-effect spells.
• Ice/Lightning Archmage: Utilizes ice and lightning spells to freeze and electrocute enemies.
• Bishop: Focuses on healing and support magic, enhancing the abilities of allies and restoring their health.

3. Archers

Archers are experts in ranged combat, capable of hitting enemies from afar with great precision. They are agile and can deal consistent damage while maintaining a safe distance from their targets.

Subclasses:

• Bow Master: Uses bows to unleash rapid and powerful attacks, specializing in critical hits and high damage output.
• Marksman: Wields crossbows, known for their long-range and piercing attacks that can hit multiple enemies.

4. Thieves

Thieves are agile and cunning, excelling in swift, precise attacks. They can move quickly and evade enemy strikes, making them difficult targets in battle.

Subclasses:

• Night Lord: Masters of throwing stars and daggers, Night Lords deal high burst damage with their quick, successive attacks.
• Shadower: Utilizes daggers and bombs, capable of dealing massive damage and debuffing enemies.

5. Pirates

Pirates are versatile fighters who can specialize in either melee or ranged combat. They are known for their adaptability and the ability to switch between different combat styles.

Subclasses:

• Buccaneer: Focuses on melee combat with knuckles, delivering powerful punches and combo attacks.
• Corsair: Specializes in ranged combat with guns, summoning crew members to assist in battle.

6. Cygnus Knights

The Cygnus Knights are elite warriors serving under the guidance of Empress Cygnus. They are specialized classes that offer a mix of powerful abilities and unique skills.

Subclasses:

• Dawn Warrior: Uses swords to deliver balanced and powerful melee attacks.
• Blaze Wizard: Masters of fire magic, dealing devastating fire-based attacks.
• Wind Archer: Experts in wind magic and archery, combining the two for swift, powerful strikes.
• Night Walker: Stealthy and deadly, using claws to deliver rapid and lethal attacks.
• Thunder Breaker: Utilizes knuckles and lightning-based attacks to overwhelm enemies.

7. Heroes

The Heroes are legendary figures who were frozen in time, now awakened to fight against the forces of darkness. Each Hero has a unique storyline and powerful abilities.

Subclasses:

• Aran: Wields a polearm, excelling in combo attacks that grow stronger with each hit.
• Evan: Bonds with a dragon companion to cast powerful spells and attacks.
• Mercedes: Uses dual bows to deliver rapid, acrobatic attacks.
• Phantom: A master thief who can steal abilities from other classes and use them in battle.
• Luminous: Balances light and dark magic to unleash powerful spells.
• Shade: Uses knuckles to deliver powerful strikes and summon spirits for assistance.

8. Resistance

The Resistance are rebels fighting against the oppressive forces in Maple World. They have unique abilities tailored to guerrilla warfare and sabotage.

Subclasses:

• Battle Mage: Uses a staff and close-range magic to pummel enemies.
• Wild Hunter: Rides a jaguar and uses a crossbow for powerful ranged attacks.
• Mechanic: Pilots a mechanical suit equipped with various weapons and gadgets.

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MapleStory Characters

The Black Mage

The primary antagonist of MapleStory, the Black Mage is a powerful sorcerer who seeks to dominate the Maple World. Sealed away by the six heroes, he represents the greatest threat to peace in the game.

Aran

One of the six heroes who originally sealed the Black Mage. Aran is a legendary warrior who wields a massive polearm and specializes in combo attacks. After being freed from an icy prison, Aran seeks to regain their lost power and memory.

Evan

A young boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes the successor to the legendary Dragon Master. Evan forms a bond with the dragon Mir, and together they aim to protect the Maple World from evil.

Mercedes

The Queen of the Elves and another hero who fought against the Black Mage. Mercedes wields dual crossbows and is known for her agility and speed. She aims to restore her homeland, Elluel, which was cursed during the battle with the Black Mage.

Phantom

A master thief and one of the six heroes, Phantom uses a cane and a deck of cards in battle. Known for his cunning and charm, Phantom is driven by a desire for justice and to avenge the death of his love, Aria, the former Empress of the Maple World.

Luminous

A powerful magician who wields light and dark magic. Luminous was instrumental in sealing the Black Mage but was tainted by his dark power in the process. He struggles to balance the light and dark within him while continuing the fight against evil.

Shade (EunWol)

A hero who sacrificed himself to seal the Black Mage. Forgotten by history, Shade’s existence is marked by his ability to communicate with spirits. He seeks to find his place in a world that no longer remembers him.

Empress Cygnus

The leader of the Cygnus Knights, Empress Cygnus is dedicated to protecting the Maple World from threats. She oversees the training of knights and leads them in the battle against the Black Mage and other enemies.

The Cygnus Knights

Five elite knights serve under Empress Cygnus, each representing a different element and class:

• Mihile (Dawn Warrior): A swordsman who channels the power of light.
• Oz (Flame Wizard): A mage who commands fire magic.
• Irena (Wind Archer): An archer with control over wind.
• Eckhart (Night Walker): A thief who uses darkness to his advantage.
• Hawkeye (Thunder Breaker): A pirate who harnesses lightning.

The Resistance

A group of rebels opposing the Black Wings, the Black Mage’s followers. Key members include:

• Demon Slayer: A former Black Mage general who turned against him.
• Battle Mage: A mage specializing in close-combat magic.
• Wild Hunter: A bowman who rides a jaguar into battle.
• Mechanic: A pirate who uses advanced technology and robots.

Other Notable Characters

• Maple Admin: A guide who assists players with various game functions and events.
• Rosenkreuz: The leader of the Black Wings, devoted to reviving the Black Mage.
• Lotus and Orchid: Twin siblings who are high-ranking members of the Black Wings.

How to play MapleStory?

To play MapleStory, start by creating an account on the official Nexon website and downloading the game for free. 

Once created, choose your character and customize it as you see fit, according to the skills and combat styles you want to have. 

As you enter the world of MapleStory, you’ll find NPCs who offer you missions and quests to complete, which are essential for gaining experience and rewards. So be strategic to gain levels, unlock new skills and become even stronger. 

Here’s how to get started:

1. Character Creation: Customize your character’s appearance and choose a class.
2. Quests: Accept and complete quests from NPCs to gain experience, rewards, and progress through the game’s story.
3. Combat: Engage in battles with monsters, using your character’s unique skills and abilities.
4. Leveling Up: Gain experience points (EXP) from defeating monsters and completing quests to level up and unlock new skills.
5. Exploration: Travel across different islands, discover new areas, and face various challenges.

MapleStory DS

MapleStory DS is a single-player action RPG for the Nintendo DS, developed by Nexon and released primarily in South Korea. Unlike the original MapleStory MMORPG, this version is designed for offline play and features a linear storyline with four playable characters.

Key Features:

• Playable Characters: Players can choose from four characters: Warrior, Magician, Thief, and Archer, each with unique abilities and skills.
• Storyline: The game follows a unique storyline where players must thwart the plans of an evil organization aiming to resurrect the Black Mage.
• Gameplay: The game retains the 2D side-scrolling gameplay of the original but focuses on single-player quests and battles.

MapleStory M

MapleStory M is a mobile adaptation of the original MapleStory MMORPG, offering a similar experience optimized for iOS and Android devices. It aims to capture the essence of the PC version while providing mobile-specific features and convenience.

Key Features:

• Class Selection: Players can choose from various classes, including Explorer, Cygnus Knight, and more, each with unique skills and playstyles.
• Auto-play Function: To cater to mobile users, the game includes an auto-play feature for easier grinding and leveling up.
• Social Features: The game offers extensive social features, including guilds, friends lists, and in-game chat.
• Events and Updates: Regular updates and events keep the game fresh, adding new content, challenges, and rewards.

MapleStory 2

MapleStory 2 is a 3D MMORPG that serves as a sequel to the original MapleStory. Developed by Nexon, it offers a different gameplay experience with a new perspective, focusing on both combat and creative activities.

Key Features:

• 3D Graphics: The game features a 3D block-based world, allowing for more dynamic environments and gameplay.
• Customizable Characters: Extensive character customization options, including costumes, hairstyles, and accessories.
• Building and Creation: Players can design and build their own houses, create custom clothing, and participate in mini-games.
• Storyline and Quests: A rich storyline with numerous quests, dungeons, and boss battles.
• Classes and Skills: A wide variety of classes and skills, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
• Community Features: Enhanced social interactions, including player-created content and events.

MapleStory R: Evolution

MapleStory R: Evolution is an upcoming installment in the MapleStory franchise. While specific details are still under development, it promises to bring significant advancements and new features to the beloved series.

Key Features:

• Revamped Graphics: Enhanced graphics with modern visual effects and detailed character models.
• New Storylines: Fresh storylines and quests expanding the Maple World lore.
• Innovative Gameplay: Introduction of new gameplay mechanics and systems to keep the experience engaging for both new and returning players.
• Community Integration: Enhanced community features to foster collaboration and competition among players.
• Cross-Platform Play: Potential for cross-platform play, allowing players to enjoy the game on multiple devices.

How to play MapleStory with friends?

Playing MapleStory with friends makes the experience even more fun, so to start playing with other people, each player must create an account on the Nexon website, download the game and create a character on the same server. 

Then add everyone to your friends list in the game and form a party to share experience and rewards. 

You can coordinate quests to complete together and use the integrated chat system or voice communication apps to improve communication. 

Another tip is to join guilds, which can increase social interaction and work as a team to face stronger enemies and enjoy the many advantages of playing in a group.

System Requirements

To ensure a smooth gaming experience, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7 or later
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
• Storage: 14 GB available space

How to install MapleStory?

Installing MapleStory is a straightforward process:

1. Visit the official MapleStory website.
2. Create a Nexon account or log in if you already have one.
3. Download the MapleStory game client from the website.
4. Follow the installation instructions provided.
5. Launch the game and start your adventure!

Is MapleStory completely free?

MapleStory is a free game. So if you want to play, just download it and enjoy it without any initial purchase. However, it does offer optional in-game purchases via the Cash Shop, where players can buy cosmetic items, pets, and convenience features to enhance their gaming experience.

Can I play MapleStory on my phone?

You can play MapleStory on various devices: browser, PC and mobile phone.

How to Reduce Lag in MapleStory with ExitLag

Reducing lag in MapleStory can significantly enhance your gaming experience. ExitLag is a tool that optimizes your connection route to reduce lag. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download and Install:
   • Install the program and create an account or log in.
2. Configure for MapleStory:
   • Open ExitLag and search for “MapleStory.“
   • Select the game and choose the servers with the lowest latency.
3. Apply Route:
   • Click on “Apply Route” to activate the optimization.
   • Ensure the optimizations are working correctly.
4. Play MapleStory:
   • Launch MapleStory and enjoy smoother gameplay.

Try ExitLag and say goodbye to lag in MapleStory! Download ExitLag now, configure the service, and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted gameplay in the Maple World!