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{{Short description|2003 video game}}
:''This article is about the original game for Windows. For the ] game based on the original, see ].''
{{About|the game for Windows|the anime|MapleStory (anime)|the Nintendo DS game|MapleStory DS|the Facebook adaptation|MapleStory Adventures}}
<!--Please do not add unnecessary/game-specific information to this article. Misplaced Pages is NOT an instruction manual or strategy guide. If you wish to add large amounts of information, please discuss it on the talk page first, or it may be reverted. Any information that is too game-specific will be reverted. -->
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = MapleStory
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
|image = ]
{{Infobox video game
|developer = ]
| title = MapleStory
|publisher = ], ] of Korea, ] of Japan, ] of America, ] of Europe, ], ], and ]
| image =
|version = ] 1.2.40 (Test Server 1.2.83)<br>
| caption =
] 1.26<br>
| developer = ]
] 0.51<br>
| publisher = {{Ubl|] <small>(], ], ], ], ])</small>|] <small>(])</small><ref>{{cite web | title=The "Shanda Games" brand name authorization has expired: it will be renamed Shengqu Games from March 31 | website=The Paper | date=2019-03-29 | url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_3219310 | language=zh | access-date=2024-01-19}}</ref>|] <small>(], ], ])</small>|] <small>(], ])</small>|Level Up! Games <small>(])</small>}}
] 0.50<br>
| composer = CODA SOUND<ref>{{cite web|url=http://codasound.kr/|title=CODA SOUND|publisher=CODASOUND|access-date=January 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111212613/http://codasound.kr/|archive-date=January 11, 2016|url-status=dead|language=ko}}</ref> (CODASOUND, LedZeper<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.naver.com/ledzeper01/222422385595|title=한때 작곡가라 불리던 때가 있었더랬지 feat. 메이플스토리|trans-title=There was a time when I was called a composer. feat. MapleStory|website=Naver Blog|publisher=Naver|date=July 6, 2021|language=Korean|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208040830/https://blog.naver.com/ledzeper01/222422385595|url-status=live}}</ref>)<br>Moonsoo Park<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ensound.co.kr/mastering/|title=Modern Mastering - 프로가 되고 싶은 여러분을 위해. 저희는 enSound...|trans-title=Modern Mastering - For those of you who want to become pros. We enSound...|publisher=enSOUND|language=Korean|access-date=September 22, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922134404/https://ensound.co.kr/mastering/|url-status=live}}</ref> (LoudBell Studio)<ref>{{cite AV media|people=LoudBell Studio|date=August 30, 2018|title=LoudBell Mixing Lecture - MapleStory 대만 야시장 Part.1(메이플 스토리 BGM Taiwan Night Market) - 믹싱강좌|trans-title=LoudBell Mixing Lecture - MapleStory Taiwan Night Market Part.1 (Maple Story BGM Taiwan Night Market) - Mixing Lecture|language=Korean|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njdJEeJvTko|access-date=September 22, 2022|publisher=YouTube|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922134401/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njdJEeJvTko|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|people=LoudBell Studio|date=January 12, 2021|title=큐베이스 믹싱 - 번들 플러그인만 사용해서 작업하기 - Cubase bundle plugin 을 활용한 Dynamic Mixing 과정 - Maple Story CokeTown|trans-title=Cubase Mixing - Working using only bundled plugins - Dynamic Mixing process using Cubase bundle plugin - Maple Story CokeTown|language=Korean|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYm_EknEdy8|access-date=September 22, 2022|publisher=YouTube|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922140231/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYm_EknEdy8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|people=LoudBell Studio|date=August 21, 2022|title=20210822 Mixing Live - Maple Story Game BGM - 상하이 맵 - 원작자 직강 - 멤버십 가입하면 풀버전 시청 가능 - 라우드벨 스튜디오|trans-title=20210822 Mixing Live - Maple Story Game BGM - Map of Shanghai - Lecture by the original composer - Loud Bell Studio|language=Korean|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHT7z7Ws69Y|access-date=September 22, 2022|publisher=YouTube|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922140229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHT7z7Ws69Y|url-status=live}}</ref><br>Studio EIM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eim.kr/|title=Studio EIM|스튜디오 EIM|게임 음악 & 사운드 스튜디오|trans-title=Studio EIM|Game Music & Sound Studio|publisher=Studio EIM|language=Korean|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150004/https://www.eim.kr/|url-status=live}}</ref><br>M2U<ref name="M2U">{{cite web|url=http://julcara88.egloos.com/2860000|title=M2U님의 스펙|trans-title=M2U's qualification|publisher=Egloos|date=October 10, 2011|language=Korean|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206045146/http://julcara88.egloos.com/2860000|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="M2U2">{{cite web|url=https://www.clesson.net/opentrack/offline/122|title=게임 음악 - M2U|trans-title=Game Music - M2U|publisher=Clesson|access-date=November 29, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220207090840/https://www.clesson.net/opentrack/offline/122|archive-date=February 7, 2022|language=Korean}}</ref><br>Creed Sound<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Creed Sound|title= - MapleStory - YouTube|language=ko|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_9smKnZd4hbawvZ4Q3U3bjPapyzlqFh1|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208040830/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_9smKnZd4hbawvZ4Q3U3bjPapyzlqFh1|url-status=live}}</ref><br>S.I.D-Sound<ref name="S.I.D-Sound">{{cite news|date=April 28, 2011|title=메이플스토리 8주년 기념 테마송 및 프로모션 영상 공개|trans-title=MapleStory 8th anniversary theme song and promotional video released|url=https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=35371|language=Korean|work=Inven|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150005/https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=35371|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|people=Spadow|date=July 4, 2013|title=MapleStory - RED Animated Intro|language=Korean|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7bWLnR5IZ4|access-date=June 11, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|people=MapleStory|date=October 28, 2014|publication-date=May 28, 2014|title=MapleStory: FriendStory Music Video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSWJq1OrsqI|access-date=June 11, 2023}}</ref><br>SQUARE MUSIQ<ref name="SQUAREMUSIQ">{{Cite tweet|user=SQUAREMUSIQ|number=467884964193656834|date=May 18, 2014|title=신규 작업물 업데이트! 메이플스토리 프로모션 '꽃보다 비올레타'에 프로모션음원에 SQUARE MUSIQ 아티스트 나래님이 보컬로 참여하셨습니다!|trans-title=New work update! SQUARE MUSIQ artist Na-Rae participated as a vocalist for the MapleStory promotion 'Violeta Over Flowers'!|language=Korean|link=https://twitter.com/SQUAREMUSIQ/status/467884964193656834}}</ref><ref name="SQUAREMUSIQ2">{{Cite tweet|user=SQUAREMUSIQ|number=541908938971566080|date=December 8, 2014|title=블록 버스터: 블랙헤븐의 엔딩테마, Promise of Heaven의 뮤직비디오가 공개. 이번 작업은 Studio EIM과의 콜라보로 진행되었으며, 노래는 @watakokodayo님이 담당해주셨습니다. https://youtube.com/watch?v=eHKuQH0_q9Y|trans-title=The music video for Blockbuster: Black Heaven's ending theme, Promise of Heaven, has been released. This work was done in collaboration with Studio EIM, and the song was handled by @watakokodayo.|language=Korean|link=https://twitter.com/SQUAREMUSIQ/status/541908938971566080}}</ref><br>ASTERIA (NECORD)<ref>{{cite news|date=June 6, 2016|title=[인터뷰]"게임음악, 사라지지 않고 기록되기를" - 넥슨 사운드팀 은토&김달우 팀장|trans-title=[Interview]"I hope game music does not disappear and is recorded" - Nexon Sound Team Eunto & Kim Dalwoo the Team Leader|url=https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=157751|language=Korean|work=Inven|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150014/https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=157751|url-status=live}}</ref><br>ESTIMATE<ref>{{cite web|url=https://estimate.co.kr/work|title=Work|ESTIMATE|publisher=Estimate|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150014/https://estimate.co.kr/work|url-status=live}}</ref> (ESTi<ref>{{cite web|url=https://estimate.co.kr/products/?q=YToyOntzOjEyOiJrZXl3b3JkX3R5cGUiO3M6MzoiYWxsIjtzOjQ6InBhZ2UiO2k6Mjt9&bmode=view&idx=5378817&t=board&category=z3H12h5rg6|title=MapleStory - OST: Products ESTIMATE|date=May 20, 2020|publisher=Estimate|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208040830/https://estimate.co.kr/products/?q=YToyOntzOjEyOiJrZXl3b3JkX3R5cGUiO3M6MzoiYWxsIjtzOjQ6InBhZ2UiO2k6Mjt9&bmode=view&idx=5378817&t=board&category=z3H12h5rg6|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://vgmdb.net/artist/927|title=Jinbae Park - VGMdb|publisher=VGMdb|access-date=September 22, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922134411/https://vgmdb.net/artist/927|url-status=live}}</ref>)<br>Initium SoundLab<ref>{{cite AV media|people=NECORD MUSIC|date=April 27, 2021|title=Whale Belly|메이플스토리 OST: AWAKE|trans-title=Whale Belly|MapleStory OST: AWAKE|language=Korean|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaUsR6exshc|access-date=September 22, 2022|publisher=YouTube}}</ref>
] 0.33<br>
| released = {{Video game release|KOR|April 29, 2003|JPN|December 3, 2003|CHN|July 23, 2004|NA|May 11, 2005|TWN|June 1, 2005|SEA|June 23, 2005|EU|April 12, 2007|THA|August 16, 2005<br />October 31, 2017 (relaunch)}}
(SEA) 0.41<br>
| genre = ]
(Global) 0.38<br>
| modes = ]
(Europe) 0.25
| platforms = ]
|released =] ], ] (Test Server ])<br>
] ], ]<br>
] December ]<br>
] ], ]<br>
] ], ]<br>
(SEA) ], ]<br>
(Global) ], ]<br>
(Europe) ], ]
|genre = ] ]
|modes =]
|platforms = ](]/]/]/])
|requirements = Intel Celeron 500 MHz CPU, 64 MB RAM, 400 MB hard disk space (depends on version), Internet connection (at least 56 kbit/s) and Direct3D support
|input = ], ]
}} }}


'''''MapleStory''''' (]: 메이플스토리) is a ], ], ] ] developed by the ]n company ]. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, and each is published by various companies such as ] and ]. Although ] is free, many player appearances and gameplay enhancements can be purchased from the "]" using real ]. ''MapleStory'' has a combined total of over 50 million players in all of its versions.<ref name="msstats">{{cite web|url=http://gamestudy.org/eblog/?p=32|title=Some facts on MapleStory|accessdate=2006-06-29|author=Jun Sok Huhh|date=]}}</ref><ref name="ign">{{cite web |url=http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/748/748331p1.html |title=MapleStory Minute View |accessdate=2006-12-22 |author= Aihoshi, Richard|authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-12-01 |format= |work= |publisher=] |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> ''MapleStory'' Global, for players mainly outside of ], ] and ], has over three million players.<ref name="msstats" /> '''''MapleStory''''' ({{Korean|hangul=메이플스토리}}) is a ], ], ] ], developed by South Korean company ]. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, published by various companies (such as ]).


In the game, players walk around in the "Maple World" and defeat ]s and develop their character's skills and abilities, as in typical ]s. Players can interact with others in many ways, such as through ], ], and ] ]s. Groups of players can band together in parties to hunt monsters and share the rewards. Players can also band in a ] to interact more easily with each other. Players travel the "Maple World", defeating ]s and developing their characters' ]s and abilities as is typical in ]s. Players can interact with others in many ways, including chatting and trading. Groups of players can band together in ] to hunt monsters and share rewards, and can also form ] to interact more easily with each other. Players additionally have the option to visit the in-game "Cash Shop" to purchase a variety of character appearances or gameplay enhancements with real money.


In July 2010, the Korean version of the game was revised in a patch named the "Big Bang". Other versions followed suit and have since received the Big Bang update. Later in the year, the Korean version received the Chaos update which introduced ] (PvP) and professions to the game. Its sequel, '']'', was released in July 2015 and features updated 3D graphics and a similar storyline. As of 2020, ''MapleStory'' has reached over 180 million registered users worldwide and grossed over {{US$|3 billion|long=no}} in lifetime revenue.
==Gameplay==
]
Like most ]s, gameplay centers on venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real-time. The players combat monsters and complete quests, in the process acquiring in-game ], called "Mesos", ]s (EXP), and various items. Players can kill monsters alone, or they can form a party with up to 5 other characters. Loot is shared based on relative damage and level of characters in the party, more awarded to higher-level members.


==Plot==
Characters advance in level by gaining a preset amount of EXP for each level. The current level limit is 200<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.co.jp/mapleplaza/ranking.asp|title=jMS rankings}}</ref>. Upon leveling up, players receive Ability Points (AP) and Skill Points (SP) to distribute among their ] and ]. The increase in EXP needed for each level increases greatly over the course of the game.
The plot of ''MapleStory'' takes place across several different worlds, such as Maple World, Arcane River, and Grandis. Created by these people with powers called the Overseers, they assigned each world with three guardians to look over both worlds: the Transcendent of Time, the Transcendent of Life and the Transcendent of Light.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is MapleStory?|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/game/explore|access-date=December 1, 2022|website=MapleStory|language=en|archive-date=November 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130075633/https://maplestory.nexon.net/game/explore|url-status=live}}</ref> The first major arc revolves around the antagonist of Maple World, the Black Mage. The Black Mage was once the Transcendent of Light and was called the White Mage until an experiment went wrong and his pure light core was corrupted. The six heroes managed to seal the Black Mage for the next few centuries at the cost of being sealed away themselves.<ref name="Aran" /><ref name="Sealed">{{cite web|date=November 19, 2010|title=The Prophecy of the Black Mage|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=101&contentNo=00ABO&pageIndex=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930133800/http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=101&contentNo=00ABO&pageIndex=1|archive-date=September 30, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> In the present day, the Black Mage's forces called the Black Wings, began resurfacing and attempted to revive him. Fearing his resurrection, Empress Cygnus created the Cygnus Knights in order to stop the Black Wings and the Black Mage's Commanders.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 30, 2009|title=Nexon America Releases New MapleStory Update Featuring the Cygnus Knights|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/100/1009400p1.html?forwardform|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211155128/http://pc.ign.com/articles/100/1009400p1.html?forwardform|archive-date=December 11, 2010|access-date=June 23, 2011|website=]}}</ref> As the seal on the Black Mage began weakening, the heroes of legend began returning as well. After the Black Mage broke free of his seal, Cygnus created the Maple Alliance, which banded together the free-spirited Explorers, the Cygnus Knights, the Resistance against the Black Wings, the six Heroes of Maple, and several brave adventurers from other worlds.


The Alliance continued fighting the Black Wings and won a decisive victory in the battle of Black Heaven, during which time, a hero of the Alliance awakened as the Adversary, a champion imbued with divine energy. Soon after, the Black Mage created a dimension called the Arcane River in an attempt to destroy the world and recreate it in his image. The Adversary journeyed through the Arcane River and battled the last of the Black Mage's Commanders before the Alliance launched a final offensive to stop the Black Mage from ending their world. The Adversary successfully killed the Black Mage and saved Maple World from annihilation.
MapleStory's 2D scrolling viewpoint more closely resembles a ] rather than the typical ] or ] of other games (such as ] or ]). The ] for the game are executed using the ] and ]. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be re-arranged to suit users' needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger '']'', or Non-player characters, and manipulating items.


With the Black Mage's death, the second major arc began in the realm of Grandis, which had slowly fused with Maple World due to the Black Mage's machinations. The antagonist of Grandis, Gerand Darmoor, believed that his race, the High Flora, was superior to all others, and so he sought to remake all life in his image. In order to stop him, several factions of Grandis had joined the Maple Alliance. After the Black Mage's death, the Alliance sent its forces to battle Darmoor and his Apostles.
MapleStory characters exist in "worlds" or "servers". Players are allowed to create multiple characters in each world, although that number differs between versions. Each world, similar in content between each other in the same version, is split into at most twenty channels (nineteen for Global MS for bandwidth efficiency and a performance boost), among which characters are allowed to freely switch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/intro/how_to_play.aspx|title=MapleStory - Intro - How to play|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref> However, characters and their items cannot be transferred between worlds,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=2138&uid=67&cat=38&reqpage=0&type=1|title=FAQ <nowiki>|</nowiki> Gameplay - Can I transfer my account between gateways? Between worlds?|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=NX Games}}</ref> although there is limited functionality in transferring items between characters of the same world.


==Gameplay==
===Character progression===
''MapleStory'' is a 2D scrolling ].<ref name="Intro">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/Intro.aspx|title=''MapleStory'' characteristics|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620033352/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/Intro.aspx|archive-date=June 20, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ] for the game are executed using the ] and ]. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be rearranged to suit users' needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger ] and manipulate items. Gameplay centers on venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real time. The players combat monsters and complete ], in the process acquiring in-game currency called "Mesos", ]s, and various items.<ref name="Intro"/> Players are able to acquire in-game professions, allowing them to craft equipment, accessories or potions.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711002852/http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00CRf&pageIndex=1|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00CRf&pageIndex=1|title=New Professions and Traits Systems!|date=July 15, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=July 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<div style="float: right">{{MapleStory Character Classes}}</div>
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Jobs}}


Players have a variety of options when interacting with others online: they can form parties where loot and experience are distributed from a monster;<ref name="Party">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723060958/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=703&contentNo=005W2&pageIndex=1|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=703&contentNo=005W2&pageIndex=1|title=''MapleStory'' Party|date=April 8, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> in-game marriages where the game will recognize the two players as a ] couple;<ref name="Marriage">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307215230/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=702&contentNo=005W1&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 7, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=702&contentNo=005W1&pageIndex=1|title=''MapleStory'' Marriage|date=April 8, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> guilds which is indicated with a guild's name listed under their character name;<ref name="Guild">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723061126/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=703&contentNo=005W4&pageIndex=1|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=703&contentNo=005W4&pageIndex=1|title=''MapleStory'' Guild|date=April 8, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> or families, an architecture gathering of juniors and seniors.<ref name="Family">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723061142/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=702&contentNo=005yc&pageIndex=1|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=702&contentNo=005yc&pageIndex=1|title=''MapleStory'' Family|date=April 8, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Players are able to raise or lower the in-game popularity stat entitled Fame of other players and compete with other players in ]s, such as ] or ].<ref name="Minigames">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723062805/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=704&contentNo=005W5&pageIndex=1|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=704&contentNo=005W5&pageIndex=1|title=''MapleStory'' Minigames|date=April 8, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> They may engage in trading activities for "Mesos" or other in-game items.
New players are sent to ], a floating island specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike many other MMORPGs, players in MapleStory cannot choose a ] or job when they create the character. Rather, every character starts with the job ''Beginner'' until they meet the requirements to complete the first job advancement.


There is small content that differs depending on the country it is serviced in. Recently, Korea Maple Story (KMS)'s artifact update was completed and is receiving a lot of attention.
When a player creates a character, he or she is able to allocate ability points amongst four different ]. In addition, the player is able to choose from a limited variety of faces, hairstyles, hair colors, skin colors, and initial equipment for their character. After the character's creation, the cosmetic aspects of these can be modified only through the quest "Beauty and the Beast" (MapleGlobal only) or purchase of special coupons from the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/cashshop/items_etc_beauty.aspx#|title=Beauty Parlor coupons|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=NX Games}}</ref>


===Characters===
]
''MapleStory'' ]s exist in worlds or servers. Players are able to create multiple characters in each world, though the characters in different worlds can not interact with each other. Each world is similar in content with each other. The worlds are divided into channels, among which characters are allowed to freely switch. The ability to transfer entire characters between worlds was added in December 2007 to Global ''MapleStory'', with restrictions placed on items. In May 2012, this option was removed as it caused a negative impact on character gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/news/past/00Etg/notice-of-removal-of-mts-world-transfers-and-name-changes|title=Notice of Removal of MTS, World Transfers and Name Changes|date=May 22, 2012|publisher=]|access-date=September 3, 2013|archive-date=January 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107045029/http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/news/past/00Etg/notice-of-removal-of-mts-world-transfers-and-name-changes|url-status=live}}</ref>


When creating a new character, there are eight branches of ] currently available to choose from with three classes that have no specific branches currently: Explorers, Cygnus Knights, Heroes, Resistance, Sengoku, Nova, Flora, and Anima. Beast Tamer, Child of God and Kinesis are classes that currently have no specific branches. Some classes are currently not available in other regions while others are only available at certain times of year.
At either level eight or ten, depending on the desired class, the player can willingly choose to complete the first job advancement and acquire a new class as a "Swordman", "Magician", "Archer", or "Rogue".


Explorer characters start on ] and begin as a Beginner class.<ref name="Beginner">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005WK&pageIndex=4|title=Explorer: Beginner|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041757/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D005WK%26pageIndex%3D4|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Beginner is able to advance into one of the five classes: ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="Explorers">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005WL&pageIndex=4|title=Explorer: Warrior|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041755/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D005WL%26pageIndex%3D4|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005WW&pageIndex=3|title=Explorer: Thief|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041755/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D005WW%26pageIndex%3D3|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005WP&pageIndex=3|title=Explorer: Magician|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041758/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D005WP%26pageIndex%3D3|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005WT&pageIndex=3|title=Explorer: Bowman|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041755/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D005WT%26pageIndex%3D3|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005WZ&pageIndex=2|title=Explorer: Pirate|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041755/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D005WZ%26pageIndex%3D2|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> After choosing their class, further class progression is only allowed within the scope of the first class advancement with advancements at level 30, 60, 100,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net:80/news/updates/update-notes/00FW0/v-123-tempest-into-the-storm-update-notes#jobs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103075809/http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/updates/update-notes/00FW0/v-123-tempest-into-the-storm-update-notes#jobs|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2013|title=Tempest into the Storm update notes|access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> and 200.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/micro-site/v-update/17941/news-patch-notes-for-v-5th-job|title=News: Patch Notes for V: 5th Job|access-date=March 24, 2019|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126122437/https://maplestory.nexon.net/micro-site/v-update/17941/news-patch-notes-for-v-5th-job|url-status=live}}</ref> Three separate classes, under the adventurer branch, are created differently from normal Adventurers: Dual Blade (]), Kinesis (]) and Cannoneers (]).<ref name="Adventurers 2">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=008ER&pageIndex=1|title=Dual Blade|date=April 12, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324041804/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx%3FboardNo%3D701%26contentNo%3D008ER%26pageIndex%3D1|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=dead}}}<br>{{cite web|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/664vKltjb?url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00DMA&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 11, 2012|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00DMA&pageIndex=1|title=V.104 – Legends Update Notes – Cannoneer|date=December 6, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/5450/v-169-kinesis-patch-notes|title=v.169 - Kinesis Patch Notes {{!}} MapleStory|website=Maplestory - Official Website|access-date=September 26, 2016|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126131133/https://maplestory.nexon.net/news/5450/v-169-kinesis-patch-notes|url-status=live}}</ref>
Once a player reaches level 30, they are able to complete the second job advancement according to their current job. As with the first job advancement, the player is able to choose from two or three secondary professions based on their initial class choice. At level 70 and 120, characters can once again change their jobs. Unlike previous job advancements, the player is only able to progress in their current job to a new-named one(not for maple global yet). Each job advancement grants access to an increasingly powerful set of ].


Cygnus Knight characters begin as Noblesse class and begin their journey on Ereve.<ref name="Noblesse">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Y1&pageIndex=2|title=Cygnus Knights: Noblesse|date=June 28, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312141110/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Y1&pageIndex=2|archive-date=March 12, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> At level 10, they are allowed to class advance into five Cygnus Knight classes, each one parallels to the Explorer class.<ref name="Cygnus Knights">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Y3&pageIndex=1|title=Cygnus Knights: Dawn Warrior|date=March 30, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529144830/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Y3&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005YN&pageIndex=1|title=Cygnus Knights: Night Walker|date=March 30, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529145034/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005YN&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005YZ&pageIndex=1|title=Cygnus Knights: Wind Archer|date=March 30, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529144540/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005YZ&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Yb&pageIndex=1|title=Cygnus Knights: Blaze Wizard|date=March 30, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529145237/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Yb&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Yg&pageIndex=1|title=Cygnus Knights: Thunder Breaker|date=March 30, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529144918/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005Yg&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Upon reaching the level limit of 120, Cygnus Knights are able to change into a level 50 explorer with benefits.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611175121/http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00BBw&pageIndex=1|archive-date=June 11, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00BBw&pageIndex=1|title=MapleStory Version 0.96 patch notes|date=April 27, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=July 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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===Dying===
]
When a character's ] reach zero, the character dies. This is depicted by a ] falling from the top of the screen, and the character transmuting into a floating, ]-like body. The character is incapable of moving, but they retain the ability to speak and use facial expressions. Death will normally cost a character a percentage of EXP, depending on how much luck they have, but the EXP percentage cannot fall below zero percent. Beginners do not lose EXP when they die. Items such as the one-use Safety Charm (available from the Cash Shop) and the limited item from the Valentine's and Easter's quest can prevent EXP loss when the character dies. Players are notified upon death with a message box that contains a "Revive" button and upon pressing, they are sent to the nearest town. If the button is not pressed after a period of time, the character is automatically revived. Upon returning to the nearest town, characters are revived with 50 HP, as well as the same amount of MP they possessed upon death.


Six Hero classes are available: Aran, Evan, Mercedes, Phantom, Luminous and Shade. The Hero classes are characters with background stories related to the antagonist of the game, the Black Mage. Aran has the Combo System, a unique feature to the class, allowing them to generate combo counts by hitting monsters, giving them buffs and allowing them to cast combo-consuming skills.<ref name="Aran">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005tr&pageIndex=1|title=Aran|date=March 30, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529144912/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=005tr&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Evan is similar to Magicians, but uses a ], which fights alongside them.<ref name="Evan">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=006Pg&pageIndex=1|title=Evan|date=April 8, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529144236/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=006Pg&pageIndex=1|archive-date=May 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mercedes is an elven archer who uses Dual Bowguns.<ref name="Mercedes">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314073757/http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00DPk&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 14, 2012|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00DPk&pageIndex=1|title=V.104 – Legends Update Notes – Mercedes|date=December 16, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Phantom is a Thief character with the ability to mimic skills from Adventurer characters. Luminous is a magician of light who can also use dark magic which they absorbed from the Black Mage. Shade is the sixth and forgotten hero, whose existence was erased during the sealing of the Black Mage. They use spirits to aid them in battle.
{{-}}
===Abilities===
]
There are four types of ] and two sub-types of abilities, with varying degrees of value, depending on character class. General effects of each stat do not depend on a character's class; however, damage will vary based on job, level, and the equipped weapon. Characters generally raise one main stat to increase their damage output, as well as one minor stat to meet the requirements to equip weapons and armor and/or increase the specialties that come with some of the abilities. These are raised using Ability Points (AP).<ref name="MSui">{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/guide/user_interface.aspx|title=Guide - User Interface|accessdate=2006-07-01|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref>


Resistance characters begin in Edelstein, a town taken over by the Black Mage's followers, the Black Wings.<ref name="Resistance">{{cite web|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/664uncVM1?url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=00ASR&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 11, 2012|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=00ASR&pageIndex=1|title=Resistance: Wild Hunter|date=December 15, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}}<br>{{cite web|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/664ukmVev?url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=00ASH&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 11, 2012|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=701&contentNo=00ASH&pageIndex=1|title=Resistance: Battle Mage|date=December 15, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}}<br>{{cite web|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/664v1w3MG?url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00Afj&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 11, 2012|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00Afj&pageIndex=1|title=Mechanics, Roll out!|date=January 12, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The characters created under the Resistance branch begin as Citizens and have four available job advancements: Battle Mage, Wild Hunter, Blaster and Mechanic. A Battle Mage uses a staff for physical attacks, a Wild Hunter rides a ] while wielding a crossbow, a Blaster uses an arm cannon and a Mechanic uses a robotic suit to fight.<ref name="Resistance"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/14999/updated-v-175-heroes-of-maple-blaster-patch-notes|title= v.175 – Heroes of Maple: Blaster Patch Notes {{!}} MapleStory|website=Maplestory - Official Website|access-date=September 26, 2016|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126124449/https://maplestory.nexon.net/news/14999/updated-v-175-heroes-of-maple-blaster-patch-notes|url-status=live}}</ref> Demon, a separate class, under the resistance branch, is created differently from the normal Resistance.<ref name="Demon Slayer">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312151350/http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00DU3&pageIndex=1|archive-date=March 12, 2012|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00DU3&pageIndex=1|title=V.104 – Legends Update Notes – Demon Slayer|date=January 10, 2012|publisher=]|access-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> A Demon character can become a Demon Slayer, who uses one-handed blunt weapons and axes, or the Demon Avenger, who uses a specialised weapon called the Desperado. Xenon, another separate resistance character, is a human-turned-cyborg who escaped from the Black Wings' laboratories who uses Whip Blades in combat.
===Skills===
]
Every character class has various skills in which to invest Skill Points (SP). As is typical with ] and ], a skill becomes increasingly powerful or helpful depending on the amount of SP invested in the skill. Each skill can be mapped to a specific button to simplify activation. As characters gain levels, more skills are unlocked.


There are three main continents common to all versions in the ''MapleStory'' world: Maple Island, Victoria Island, and Ossyria. Maple Island is where adventurers start off their characters. Victoria Island contains eight cities, and is where most classes begin. Ossyria features seven distinct regions with varying environments: El Nath Mountains, Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, Nihal Desert, and Temple of Time. Ereve and Rien are separated from another land which is the beginning of another job of the game.
===Guilds===
Players can form Guilds<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/WZ.ASPX?PART=/Guide/BeginnerGuide/VariousFeaturesGuild#|title=Various Features - Guild|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=NX Games}} ''Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for mapleglobal.com.''</ref> with other players. The purpose of a guild is to be able to find and chat with each other more easily, to bond with other players, and make it easier when trying to complete a quest(not always). Members have their guild's name listed under their character name along with the guild's ], if applicable.


The Cash Shop is an in-game shop where players use real-life currency to purchase unique ] such as ], ]s and other in-game items.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GeneralGuide.aspx|title=Cash Shop features|publisher=]|access-date=April 29, 2011|archive-date=April 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420023206/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GeneralGuide.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Most Cash Shop items expire after a period of time. The Cash Shop also offers a shop permit, allowing players to set up a store in the in-game market location called the Free Market.
<!--Do not add prices information as they vary from version to version-->
Guilds can be created at Orbis for large amounts of Mesos. Additional upgrades to the guild such as a guild emblem and expanding the maximum amount of guild members will carry an additional fee. For each expansion, the cost is more.A guild emblem is an icon representing the guild.


== Music ==
Guilds have a customizable hierarchy of five ranks. The "Guild Master", who initially created the guild, has complete control over the guild. "Jr. Masters", appointed by the Guild Master, have limited control over the guild. Each guild member's rank, level, and job is displayed in the guild window. A special guild only quest called "Sharenian" is available. It is much like a ], but more difficult.
The current main composer for ''MapleStory'' is NECORD (ASTERIA).<ref name="NDC">{{cite news|date=April 27, 2017|title=[NDC]NECORD 출범 1년, 음악은 게임을 기억하게 만든다|trans-title=[NDC]One year since NECORD was launched, music makes games memorable|url=https://www.betanews.net/article/690179|language=Korean|work=Beta News|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150004/https://www.betanews.net/article/690179|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, ] established its own music production team, ASTERIA, and sound team, NECORD, and started producing music and releasing albums on its own.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 6, 2016|title=[인터뷰]"게임음악, 사라지지 않고 기록되기를" - 넥슨 사운드팀 은토&김달우 팀장|trans-title=[Interview]"I hope game music does not disappear and is recorded" - Nexon Sound Team Eunto & Kim Dalwoo the Team Leader|url=https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=157751|language=Korean|work=Inven|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> In 2017, they recorded music with an orchestra in Budapest, Hungary.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 18, 2022|title=넥슨 오케스트라 콘서트 뒤엔...故김정주의 '음악 사랑' 있었다[Digital+]|trans-title=Behind the Nexon Orchestra concert... there was the late Kim Jung-ju's 'love of music'[Digital+]|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/it/10258196|language=Korean|work=]|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref>


The game's ] received positive reviews, and as the game has been on the service for a long time, it has stimulated memories for those who have stopped playing.<ref>{{cite news|date=March 2, 2018|title= 잔잔한 멜로디로 귀정화…메이플스토리 BGM|trans-title= Cleanse the ears with a calm melody... MapleStory BGM|url=https://www.gamechosun.co.kr/webzine/article/view.php?no=146477|language=ko|work=Game Chosun|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=November 5, 2021|title=[체험기]'디맥 리스펙트 V' X 넥슨 콜라보, 음악과 함께하는 어린 시절 추억으로의 여행|trans-title=[Experiences]'DJ Max Respect V' X Nexon Collaboration, a trip to childhood memories with music|url=http://gamefocus.co.kr/detail.php?number=123208|language=ko|work=Game Focus|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150014/http://gamefocus.co.kr/detail.php?number=123208|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=July 19, 2023|title='디제이맥스 리스펙트V', '메이플스토리'와 콜라보 예고|trans-title=Collaboration notice with 'DJ Max Respect V' and 'MapleStory'|url=https://www.onews.tv/news/articleView.html?idxno=173761|language=ko|work=Open News|access-date=August 4, 2023}}</ref> Some music such as Lith Harbor village music,<ref>{{cite news|date=November 4, 2010|title=햇살에 물든 하루|trans-title=A day in the sunshine|url=https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/2010/nwdesk/article/2732668_30521.html|language=Korean|work=]|publisher=MBC|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611150002/https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/2010/nwdesk/article/2732668_30521.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eos Tower/Helios Tower of Ludibrium music,<ref>{{cite AV media|date=January 29, 2016|title=경북 포항 구룡포_달빛 아래 징검다리_35회|trans-title=Guryongpo, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do_Stepping Stones Under the Moonlight_Episode 35|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Epik5vhmRU|language=Korean|access-date=June 11, 2023|publisher=광주MBC}}</ref> Blockbuster: Black Heaven music,<ref>{{cite AV media|date=November 21, 2017|publication-date=December 11, 2016|title=[서프라이즈]스스로 사이코패스라 고백한 남자! 사이코패스는 유전이다?...|trans-title=[Surprise]A man who confessed to being a psychopath himself! Psychopaths are hereditary?...|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cpo8QHHNc#t=250s|language=Korean|access-date=June 11, 2023|publisher=MBC 미스터리: 심야괴담회 X ]}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=November 21, 2017|publication-date=December 11, 2016|title=[서프라이즈]스스로 사이코패스라 고백한 남자! 사이코패스는 유전이다?...|trans-title=[Surprise]A man who confessed to being a psychopath himself! Psychopaths are hereditary?...|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cpo8QHHNc#t=407s|language=Korean|access-date=June 11, 2023|publisher=MBC 미스터리: 심야괴담회 X ]}}</ref> Chu Chu Island music,<ref>{{cite AV media|date=March 4, 2018|title=탬버린 할머니와 네눈박이 11남매! @TV 동물농장 20180304|trans-title=Tambourine grandmother and her 11 four-eyed siblings! @TV Animal Farm 20180304|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r6iGxClRxg#t=125s|language=Korean|access-date=June 11, 2023|publisher=SBS STORY}}</ref> Lachelein the Dreaming City music<ref>{{cite AV media|date=June 14, 2019|title=강식당 주방에서 이수근이 부릅니다! '첫 면의 사랑'|강식당2 kangskitchen2 EP.3|trans-title=Lee Soo-geun sings in the kitchen of Kang's Kitchen! 'First Noodle of Love'|Kang's Kitchen 2 kangskitchen2 EP.3|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY-bdIVMh0E|language=Korean|access-date=June 11, 2023|publisher=tvN}}</ref> has been played in South Korean broadcast programs.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 2, 2019|title=[Opinion]게임 음악을 만드는 레이블 - 네코드뮤직 [게임]|trans-title=[Opinion]A record label that makes game music - Necode Music [Game]|url=https://www.artinsight.co.kr/news/view.php?no=44505|language=Korean|work=ArtInsight|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-date=March 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306110216/https://www.artinsight.co.kr/news/view.php?no=44505|url-status=live}}</ref> The "Aquarium" music in the Aquarium which is a village of Aqua Road has been included in some South Korean music ]s.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}
There are now guild forums known as the BBS in the Global and Taiwan versions.


The music from 2006 to 2015 was composed by Studio EIM, and since 2014, official sound sources began to be released starting with FriendStory and Blockbuster: Black Heaven.<ref name="StudioEIM">{{cite news|date=June 30, 2015|title=[게임&컬쳐]게임 음악이 문화로 인정 받는 그날까지…'스튜디오EIM'이 꿈꾸는 미래|trans-title=[Game & Culture]Until the day game music is recognized as a culture... The future that 'Studio EIM' dreams of|url=https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=135479|language=Korean|work=Inven|access-date=11 June 2023|archive-date=July 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729072012/https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=135479|url-status=live}}</ref> At this time, M2U, who was outsourced from Studio EIM, composed Ariant Coliseum music<ref name="M2U" /> and Ereve music.<ref name="M2U2" />
==Monsters==
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Monsters}}
]
Killing monsters gives a player experience, Mesos, items, or nothing at all. Any experience gained is automatically added to the player’s total experience, whereas the Mesos and items are dropped at the location of the monsters' death.


In 2010, Kim Eun-bi, who was in the top 6 of ], became a Maple Girl, a promotional model for ''MapleStory'', and unlike other Maple Girls, she released a song called I'm My Fan.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 December 2010|title='슈스케' 김은비, 메이플걸 솔로데뷔 'I'm My Fan'|trans-title='Superstar K' Kim Eun-bi, she made her solo debut with Maple Girl 'I'm My Fan'|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/culture/4832921|language=Korean|work=]|access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref> In 2015, incumbent professional singer Taru sang a song,<ref>{{cite news|date=April 22, 2015|title= 메이플스토리 속 '이리나'로 변신! 가수 '타루'와의 데이트|trans-title= Transformed into 'Irina' in MapleStory! Date with singer 'Taru'|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/442/0000013944?sid=105|language=Korean|work=Inven|via=Naver|access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref> and from 2017, ] began to play songs in offline events related to ''MapleStory'',<ref>{{cite news|date=June 18, 2017|title=추억을 되새길 시간! 음악으로 만나는 '메이플스토리 더 라이브' 풍경기|trans-title=Time to reminisce! Scenery of 'MapleStory the Live' through music|url=https://sports.news.naver.com/news.nhn?oid=442&aid=0000059731|language=Korean|work=Inven|via=Naver|access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref> because they were in charge of music for the hologram musical ''Comic MapleStory'' in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|date=August 1, 2016|title="홀로그램 뮤지컬로 다시 보는 인기 만화"|trans-title="Popular cartoon revisited as a hologram musical"|url=http://www.sisajournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=156126|language=Korean|work=Sisa Journal|access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref> From 2018, ]<ref>{{cite news|date=June 16, 2018|title=국카스텐 하현우 무대 공연... '다크니스' 열창|trans-title=Guckkasten Ha Hyun-woo stage performance... Passionate singing of 'Darkness'|url=https://www.nspna.com/news/?mode=view&newsid=289281|language=Korean|work=NSP News Agency|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> of ] and the Guckkasten band themselves began to sing songs related to that game.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 16, 2022|title=메이플스토리, '이그니션 워밍업' 실시|trans-title=MapleStory conducts 'Ignition Warm-up'|url=https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=273007|language=Korean|work=Inven|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> In 2021, ] also sang a song.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 7, 2021|title=넥슨 메이플스토리, 'NEO' 2차 업데이트실시...'비와이' 테마송 참여|trans-title=Nexon MapleStory, 'NEO' 2nd update...Participated in 'BewhY' theme song|url=http://www.thebigdata.co.kr/view.php?ud=202101071336482458d0a8833aad_23|language=Korean|work=BIGDATA News|access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref>
Like human-controlled characters, monsters have defense ratings against attacks. In addition, some monsters have elemental strengths and weaknesses making them more or less susceptible to specific elemental attacks. Nearly all monsters can damage the player simply through contact. Some monsters can use skills ].


S.I.D-Sound composed some music such as ''MapleStory'' 8th anniversary event in 2011, the RED theme song in 2013, and the OST for FriendStory in 2014.<ref name="S.I.D-Sound" />
There are several ] which can be found throughout the MapleStory world. Each boss is located at their respective map and do not appear at other maps beyond their bounds. Most boss monsters have special privileges such as high attack and HP, summoning abilities, and dispelling abilities. Spoils from bosses are also typically dominant over other similar items in the boss' level group. Bosses spawn less frequently than normal monsters.
Monsters can also be created by monster bags which some monsters drop or by certain quests.


In 2015, SQUARE MUSIQ composed some songs such as Violeta Over Flowers which is a promotion song<ref name="SQUAREMUSIQ" /> and vocal<ref name="SQUAREMUSIQ2" /> of "Promise of Heaven", which is a song of Blockbuster: Black Heaven.<ref name="StudioEIM" />
{{-}}
==Quests==
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Quests}}
Quests are varying tasks that players may perform for NPCs in return for experience and possible rewards. There are over a hundred available quests,<ref name="msquests">{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/info/quests.aspx|title=MapleStory - Info - Quests|accessdate=2006-05-04|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref> each with varying prerequisites; most quests may require the player to have attained a certain level or to have completed another certain quest.<ref name="msquests" /> Most available quests require the player to retrieve a certain amount of spoils attained from monsters or to traverse an obstacle course. Some quests can be repeated, although the reward(s) and given EXP may be different from those attained during their first completion.


In 2020, ESTIMATE and ESTi composed some music such as some Yum Yum Island music, theme of Adele's music, some Ristonia music, some Grand Athenaeum Episode VI: Sharenian Knights<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=Muwen|number=1286213099041611776|date=23 July 2020|title=메이플스토리 차원의 도서관 샤레니안의 기사의 BGM을 만들었습니다. 메이플....너무 좋아요 열심히 미하일 키우는 메이플 유저로서...메이플에 제 노래가 들어간단게 넘 행복하네요.... 에스티메이트분들이 많이 도와주셨습니다 많이 들어주시기 ..|trans-title=I made the BGM of the MapleStory Grand Athenaeum Sharenian Knights. Maple....I like it so much. As a Maple user who works hard to raise Mihile...I'm so happy that my song is included in Maple.... ESTIMATE helped me a lot, please listen a lot ..|language=Korean|link=https://twitter.com/muwen_/status/1286213099041611776}}</ref> music and some Hotel Arcus music.<ref>{{cite news|date=July 1, 2021|title=[Opinion]메이플스토리 OST: NEO - 새로운 시작[게임]|trans-title=[Opinion]MapleStory OST: NEO - A New Beginning[Game]|url=https://www.artinsight.co.kr/news/view.php?no=54712|language=Korean|work=ArtInsight|access-date=June 11, 2023}}</ref>
===Accompaniments/Party Quests===
]
Although not listed as a quest, accompaniments are a special type of quest where a party of players must work together to complete several challenges. Although officially called "Accompaniments", they are commonly referred to as "Party Quests" or "PQs" interchangeably. Most of the seven PQs have their own level limits that every character in the party must be within to enter the quest.


===Jump quests=== ==Development==
''MapleStory'' was originally developed and released in South Korea and was localized to ten different regions as of 2003. <ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809194232/http://maplestory.nexon.net/FunStuff/Articles.aspx?boardNo=400&contentNo=009RQ&pageIndex=3|archive-date=August 9, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/FunStuff/Articles.aspx?boardNo=400&contentNo=009RQ&pageIndex=3|title=Dev Blog: Localization|author=Eurydice|date=September 10, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=May 26, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> As other publishers license the game for their region, proxy blocks are put in place (excluding the Korean version, it requires a ]), forcing players to play their localized version.<ref name="Proxy">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930133600/http://maplestory.nexon.net/Support/FAQ.aspx?boardNo=500&contentNo=004Oa&pageIndex=2|archive-date=September 30, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Support/FAQ.aspx?boardNo=500&contentNo=004Oa&pageIndex=2|title=FAQ: General - Why is my country blocked from MapleGlobal?|access-date=April 29, 2011|publisher=]|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2011, LevelUp! Games did not renew the contract for localization in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006041439/http://games.levelupgames.uol.com.br/maplestory/noticias/comunicados/encerramento-das-atividades-de-maplestory-outubro-de-2011.lhtml|archive-date=October 6, 2011|url-status=dead|url=http://games.levelupgames.uol.com.br/maplestory/noticias/comunicados/encerramento-das-atividades-de-maplestory-outubro-de-2011.lhtml|title=Encerramento das atividades de MapleStory (outubro de 2011)|date=July 22, 2011|publisher=LevelUp! Games|language=pt|trans-title=Closing of MapleStory (October 2011)|access-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref>
] are a unique type of quest in which a character starts at one area of a map and uses timed jumps to get from one to another specific platform. The player attempts to avoid enemies and obstacles that can knock them off the platform. Enemies in the special jump quest areas are invincible (level 200) and often have different attacking power than the normal versions of these monsters. Jump quests typically require precise timing, and the reaped rewards are re-attainable. Mobility skills are disabled in Jump Quests, as are speed and jump boosts. However if skills such as haste are used before starting the jump quest they are retained and will remain until the skill time runs out.


An update entitled ''Big Bang'' was released in Korean ''MapleStory'' in July 2010 with other regional servers following suit soon after.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 21, 2011|title=nexon.net|url=http://www.nexon.net/News/View.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00AMI|access-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121020131/http://www.nexon.net/News/View.aspx?boardNo=100&contentNo=00AMI|archive-date=January 21, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=MapleStorySEA|url=http://www.maplesea.com/|access-date=October 2, 2022|website=www.maplesea.com|language=en|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001164442/http://maplesea.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Big Bang'' changed the game's core coding, and changed many aspects of the game.<ref name="Big Bang">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723220942/http://maplestory.nexon.net/FunStuff/Articles.aspx?boardNo=400&contentNo=009ns&pageIndex=1|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/FunStuff/Articles.aspx?boardNo=400&contentNo=009ns&pageIndex=1|title=Dev Blog: Big Bang|author=Eurydice|date=November 15, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> An update entitled ''Chaos'' features the introduction of professions, and ].<ref name="Chaos">{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=405&contentNo=00BjK|title=Dev Blogs|author=Eurydice|date=March 25, 2011|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=September 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930133702/http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=405&contentNo=00BjK|url-status=live}}</ref>
==World==
]
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Towns}}
There are three main continents (Maple Island, Victoria Island, and Ossyria) common to all versions in the MapleStory world.


An update for ''Master''{{'}}s North American server was released on March 11, 2015, entitled ''Black Heaven''. Players that registered prior to the update and before March 9 received a free Ignition Pack if they logged in before March 14 and after the update went live.
'''Maple Island''' is where every new player begins the game, and has short, tutorial quests. When a player leaves the island, they are unable to return to it (except in ChinaMS). A "world map", which displays all of the towns, is available for the island.


Nexon released the ''MapleStory Reboot'' update for its North American server in December 2015, which allows access to the Reboot world. This world has disabled trading, increased Meso drop rates, and weapon/equipment drops that are specific to the player's class. Reboot has the same monsters as other worlds, but with increased stats and experience points awarded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/5183/v-168-reboot-patch-notes|title=v.168 - Reboot Patch Notes {{!}} MapleStory|website=Maplestory - Official Website|access-date=September 26, 2016|archive-date=September 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927144445/http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/5183/v-168-reboot-patch-notes|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Victoria Island''' has six towns: Lith Harbor, Henesys, Ellinia, Perion, Kerning City, and Sleepywood. From Lith Harbor, one can travel to Florina Beach. From Henesys, you can access the town of Amoria. From Ellinia, one may take a flying ship to Ossyria. Victoria Island has a world map.


Another update to the game, the 5th Job Advancement, was released in December 2016. When players reach Level 200 in the game, they would need to complete their job advancement quests before they are able to fully access their 5th Job skills. Different from the first four Job skills, the 5th Job skills come in three types of skills. The first one called the Shared Skills are skills that all characters share and have that they are able to use. The second one is called the Class-Specific, which are skills that only specific classes can use and the third one called the Job Skills which are skills that only that specific Job can use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=5th Job Skills - Maple Guide|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/micro-site/59493|access-date=December 1, 2022|website=MapleStory|language=en|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201164220/https://maplestory.nexon.net/micro-site/59493|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=v.179 - V: 5th Job Patch Notes|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/19553/v-179-v-5th-job-patch-notes|access-date=December 1, 2022|website=MapleStory|language=en|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201164220/https://maplestory.nexon.net/news/19553/v-179-v-5th-job-patch-notes|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Ossyria''' also has six regions (El Nath Mts., Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, and Nihal Desert) and ten towns: Orbis, El Nath, Aquarium (Aqua Road), Ludibrium, Omega Sector, Korean Folk Town, Leafre, Mu Lung, Herb Town, and Ariant. Players first arrive in Ossyria at Orbis. From Orbis, players can reach El Nath and Aquarium by descending the Orbis Tower. A flying train from Orbis station can transport players to Ludibrium (which is apparently seperated from mainland Ossyria), from which Omega Sector can be reached by descending Eos Tower on the town's west side. Korean Folk Town can be reached by descending Helios Tower on Ludibrium's east side, or by traveling to the eastern end of Aqua Road. Orbis station also provides rides from a giant blue bird transporting players to Leafre, a giant crane transporting players to Mu Lung and Herb Town, and a giant genie transporting players to Ariant. Nihal Desert currently has no region map.


In July 2022, Nexon released the ''Destiny: Remastered'' update for its North American server. This update revamped all the Explorer classes (excluding the newest Explorer class, Pathfinder) by updating their skills and adding new storyline content for them while streamlining their original storylines. A new boss, Kalos, was also added to the game.<ref>{{Cite web|title= v.233 - Destiny: Remastered Patch Notes|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/news/74810/v-233-destiny-remastered-patch-notes|access-date=October 3, 2022|website=MapleStory|language=en|archive-date=October 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007154955/https://maplestory.nexon.net/news/74810/v-233-destiny-remastered-patch-notes|url-status=live}}</ref>
In certain versions, there are various additional, smaller continents: ''Zipangu'', ''China'', ''Taiwan'', and ''Floating Market''. There are also two marriage areas called ''Peach Blossom Island'' and ''Amoria'', each available in various versions. ''Happyville'' and ''Shalom Temple'' are event towns, and have limited availability, only accessible during a certain period. ''Premium Road'' is accessible only if the player is connected to the game from an ] that has contracts with its local MapleStory version. These continents are not shown in any official MapleStory maps.


Nexon released an update named 6th Job Advancement in October and November 2023, featuring new skills for all classes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://orangemushroom.net/2023/07/17/kms-ver-1-2-379-maplestory-new-age-6th-job/ |title=KMS ver. 1.2.379 – MapleStory New Age: 6th Job! |date=July 18, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://maplestory.nexon.net/news/86745/journey-toward-the-sixth-star-ch-vi |title=&#91;Updated 11/8&#93; Journey Toward the Sixth Star - Ch. VI }}</ref>
==Items==
Items can be acquired from monster drops, purchased from other characters or shops, or as rewards for completing a quest. In some versions of the game, items can be obtained through cash with the gachapon system. Players buy gachapon tickets with cash and each of these tickets can be exchanged for a random item. Unnecessary items can be dropped (where they can be picked up by any other character), sold to any shop for a sum of meso, or sold/traded to other characters. Generally the stronger the monsters are the better the items they drop. Due to the time required to sell valuable items to other players as well as the quantity of items received, many players create a ] account to store excess items and act as a dedicated trading account.


==Players and revenue==
===Inventory===
In Global ''MapleStory'' (GMS), more than a million players bought items in the Cash Shop, by 2010.<ref name="CS Mil">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427042146/http://www.nexon.net/templates/celebrate.html|archive-date=April 27, 2011|url=http://www.nexon.net/templates/celebrate.html|title=Celebrate One Million!|date=December 17, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=April 27, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2006, ''MapleStory'' had a combined total of 39 million user accounts worldwide.<ref name="Stats">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715012302/http://gamestudy.org/eblog/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/nexon.pdf|archive-date=July 15, 2006|url=http://gamestudy.org/eblog/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/nexon.pdf|title=''MapleStory'' haeoe jinchul sarye|date=April 13, 2006|publisher=Nexon Corporation|access-date=December 16, 2011}}</ref> ''MapleStory'' Global had over 8 million users by 2011.<ref name="America Stats 2011">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510015853/http://www.gamersdailynews.com/story-23437-MapleStory-Tops-Eight-Million-Users-Six-Years.html|archive-date=May 10, 2011|url=http://www.gamersdailynews.com/story-23437-MapleStory-Tops-Eight-Million-Users-Six-Years.html|title=MapleStory Tops Eight Million Users Six Years|publisher=Gamer Daily News|access-date=May 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2014, it was among the top ten MMOs by worldwide revenue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/loadFeature/9065/More-MMO-Market-Intel-.html|title=The Free Zone: More MMO Market Intel|author=Richard Aihoshi|date=October 28, 2014|website=www.mmorpg.com|access-date=November 2, 2014|archive-date=November 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102210307/http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/loadFeature/9065/More-MMO-Market-Intel-.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2020, the game has reached over 180 million registered users worldwide.<ref name="Nexon">{{cite news|title=Investor Presentation Q1 2020|url=http://pdf.irpocket.com/C3659/yCGV/B6S9/ynEy.pdf|access-date=October 12, 2020|publisher=]|date=May 13, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127090042/https://pdf.irpocket.com/C3659/yCGV/B6S9/ynEy.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
There are five different item categories in the game: Equipment (clothes, accessories, and weapons); Use (potions, scrolls and other consumables); Set-up (decorations); Etc. (monster drops, ores, and quest items); and Cash (items bought from the cash shop). In the inventory window, each category has its own section, each of which is only able to contain a limited amount of items; however, extra inventory space can be purchased in the Cash Shop. Extra inventory space is also awarded after certain job advancements.


Up until 2011, the game grossed $1.8 billion.<ref>{{cite news|title=MapleStory 2 Coming Soon?|url=https://orangemushroom.net/2012/02/14/maplestory-2-coming-soon/|work=Orange Mushroom|date=February 15, 2012|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825180159/https://orangemushroom.net/2012/02/14/maplestory-2-coming-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 2013 and 2017, the game grossed ${{#expr:0.326+0.24+0.253+0.083+0.279}} billion, including $326 million in 2013,<ref>{{cite news|title=China's CrossFire shooter is bigger than League of Legends and World of Tanks|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/01/15/chinas-crossfire-is-bigger-than-league-of-legends-and-world-of-tanks/|work=]|date=January 15, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825180322/https://venturebeat.com/2014/01/15/chinas-crossfire-is-bigger-than-league-of-legends-and-world-of-tanks/|url-status=live}}</ref> $240 million in 2014,<ref>{{cite news|title=Hearthstone, Dota 2 can't compete with League of Legends in terms of player spending|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/10/23/the-10-highest-grossing-online-pc-games-in-2014-hearthstone-dota-2-cant-compete-with-league-of-legends/|work=]|date=October 23, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216100028/https://venturebeat.com/2014/10/23/the-10-highest-grossing-online-pc-games-in-2014-hearthstone-dota-2-cant-compete-with-league-of-legends/|url-status=live}}</ref> $253 million in 2015, $83 million in 2016,<ref name="superdata2016">{{cite web|title=The MMO & MOBA Games Market Report, 2016|url=https://www.superdataresearch.com/market-data/mmo-market/|website=SuperData Research|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112181218/http://www.superdataresearch.com/market-data/mmo-market/|archive-date=January 12, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and $279 million in 2017.<ref name="SuperData">{{cite web|title=2017 YEAR IN REVIEW: DIGITAL GAMES AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA|url=http://strivesponsorship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SuperData-2017-year-in-review-digital-games-and-interactive-media.pdf|publisher=SuperData Research|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=February 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211004114/http://strivesponsorship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SuperData-2017-year-in-review-digital-games-and-interactive-media.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2020, the game has grossed over {{US$|3 billion|long=no}} worldwide in lifetime revenue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Investor Presentation Q2 2020|url=http://pdf.irpocket.com/C3659/djAz/PAfi/tLSu.pdf|access-date=October 12, 2020|publisher=]|date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018040747/http://pdf.irpocket.com/C3659/djAz/PAfi/tLSu.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
Equipment can be upgraded by using item upgrade scrolls that give stat bonuses to equipment. Using a scroll on an item can only be attempted a limited number of times irrespective of the scroll's success or failure. The number of attempts varying with the item type. Scrolls have a certain percentage of success, and the lower the success percentage, the higher the stat gains provided by the scrolls. Scrolls can only be used when you have equipped the item that you wish to upgrade, but in KoreanMS, MapleSEA, and JapanMS, there is a new beginner skill that allows you to scroll an item without the need of equipping it.


== Microtransactions legal penalties ==
===Cash Shop===
Since MapleStory is free, the developers of MapleStory introduced the '''Cash Shop''' to generate revenue. This is a virtual shop where players can buy items using real money, so called microtransactions<ref>{{cite-web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12928|title=Gamasutra - Q&A: Nexon America Talks Maple Story}}</ref>. The items sold in the Cash Shop include clothing items, appearance-changing coupons, pets, and usable items that provide special bonuses, such as a bonus in experience gain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/cashshop/items_etc_game.aspx|title=MapleStory Southeast Asia - Etc Cash Items}}</ref> Most Cash Shop items expire after a certain period of time.
]


In 2024, Nexon was fined US$8.9 million for a violation of South Korea's Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce Act, allegedly for changing the appearance rate of certain items in ''MapleStory'' without notifying players. At the time, this was the largest penalty issued for a violation of the act and the company's second violation of the act, following a 2018 fine connected to its game '']''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=January 4, 2024 |title=MMO dev fined record-breaking $9 million fee for misleading players over microtransactions |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mmo-dev-fined-record-breaking-dollar9-million-fee-for-misleading-players-over-microtransactions/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=GamesRadar+}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Park |first1=Han-Shin |title=Nexon fined over MapleStory in-game item selling |url=https://www.kedglobal.com/korean-games/newsView/ked202401030012 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=] |date=3 January 2024}}</ref>
Pets, modeled after animals such as monkeys, dogs, cats, bunnies, pandas, and pigs, follow the owner around and can be equipped to pick up spoils dropped by enemies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/WZ.ASPX?PART=/Guide/BeginnerGuide/VariousFeatures#|title=Various Features - Pet|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=NX Games}} ''Requires Internet Explorer or disabled JavaScript for mapleglobal.com.''</ref>


==Related games==
In MapleSEA, in addition to credit card payment (through PayPal), it has also released Prepaid cards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/cashshop/prepaid_card.aspx|title=MapleStory - Cash Shop - Prepaid Cards|accessdate=2006-07-04|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref> As for GlobalMS, Prepaid cash-value cards, or "Nexon Cards", are now released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=3255&uid=148&cat=1&reqpage=0&type=1|title=MapleStory - Global English Site - Nexon Cash Cards|accessdate=2006-12-06|publisher=Nexon America}}</ref>
=== ''MapleStory DS'' ===
{{Main article|MapleStory DS}}
''MapleStory DS'' is a game based on ''MapleStory'' and is a ] game. The game was released for the ] on April 15, 2010, in Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MapleStory DS to Be Released in Japan in November - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27908/maplestory-ds-to-be-released-in-japan-in-november |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>


=== ''MapleStory M'' ===
The Nexon prepaid cash cards are currently available in nationwide (US) Target stores. They are in the Music Card Section.<ref>Statement by in game NPC</ref> In the patch before their release, an event quest named "Spot On" was added to introduce the partnership. Completing the quest involves talking to two NPCs who give information about the sale of cash cards. This quest has since been discontinued.
''MapleStory M'' is a ] released for ] and Android, in South Korea during October 2016 and then overseas on May 28, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nexon aims for global magic with pending launch of MapleStory M|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/06/03/nexon-aims-for-global-magic-with-pending-launch-of-maplestory-m/|work=]|date=June 4, 2018|access-date=August 25, 2018|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825180351/https://venturebeat.com/2018/06/03/nexon-aims-for-global-magic-with-pending-launch-of-maplestory-m/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===''MapleStory 2''===
Some users are trading mesos for cash shop items. This is against the terms and conditions. Those who were caught doing so were given suspension to their accounts.
{{Main article|MapleStory 2}}
The sequel, ''MapleStory 2'', was released in Korea on July 7, 2015. Unlike its predecessor, ''MapleStory 2'' takes place on a 3D voxel-based plane at an often ] angle.


=== ''MapleStory R: Evolution'' ===
===Free Market===
''MapleStory R: Evolution'' is an idle-game mobile RPG game. It was officially released in Southeast Asia on July 28, 2023, and is a vertical screen ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lucas|date=July 20, 2023|title=MapleStory R: Evolution Official Launch Countdown Reveals Theme Song and Grand Launch Celebration|url=https://www.gamerbraves.com/maplestory-r-evolution-official-launch-countdown-reveals-theme-song-and-grand-launch-celebration/|url-status=live|access-date=July 8, 2024|website=GamerBraves|language=en-US|archive-date=July 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728034037/https://www.gamerbraves.com/maplestory-r-evolution-official-launch-countdown-reveals-theme-song-and-grand-launch-celebration/}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Briggs|first=Alex Daud|date=June 14, 2023|title=MapleStory R: Evolution Announces Pre-registrations Are Open and Closed-Beta Test|url=https://www.gamerbraves.com/maplestory-r-evolution-announces-pre-registrations-are-open-and-closed-beta-test/|url-status=live|access-date=July 8, 2024|website=GamerBraves|language=en-US|archive-date=July 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728034034/https://www.gamerbraves.com/maplestory-r-evolution-announces-pre-registrations-are-open-and-closed-beta-test/}}</ref> Its launch was promoted with live events held in Malaysia and Vietnam.<ref name=":0" />
The Free Market is a place set aside for people who wish to sell their items amongst other players. Miniature shops can be set up in this area in which people can browse their stock. Shop permits, required to set up a shop, are only available through the Cash Shop. There are two types of store permits: a standard store, which requires the presence of the player, and the mushroom house which does not require the presence of the player but requires additional cash shop money to use this feature. The mushroom house store is only available in time periods of 24 hours or one week. Conversely, the standard store lasts ninety days but only works with the presence of the user. One can meet with players located in other towns, provided the town contains a Free Market entrance. However, one cannot use the free market to travel between towns. There are entrances to the Free Market in many of the various towns, but not all. In MapleGlobal, a storage keeper named Scrooge is available, making it much more convient for players to access their mesos and items.


=== MapleStory Universe ===
==Unique gameplay features==
MapleStory Universe is a collection of games that integrate into Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 1, 2023|title=MapleStory NFT MMORPG Announced|url=https://www.digitaltq.com/maplestory-nft-mmorpg-crypto|url-status=live|access-date=July 8, 2024|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230327001508/https://www.digitaltq.com/maplestory-nft-mmorpg-crypto|archive-date=March 27, 2023|website=DigitalTQ|language=en-US}}</ref> MapleStory N, which is a part of MapleStory Universe, is set to launch in 2024.
Although a purely two-dimensional game lacking certain features found in other ], MapleStory has features that distinguish it from other online games. For example, by pressing certain keys, a player can have their character temporarily display various emotions viewable by other players; some emotions showcase a confused expression, while another conveys happiness. Additional expressions can be purchased in the Cash Shop.


==Media adaptations==
===Fame===
The Japanese ] entitled {{Nihongo|'']''|メイプルストーリー|Meipuru Sutōrī}} was adapted of the game and produced by ]. It aired on ] between October 7, 2007, and March 30, 2008, spanning 25 episodes. The plot revolves around a warrior as he journeys to revive the world tree.
Fame is the designation for one of the statistics on a character's character sheet. Although publicized by the game's creators, fame serves little practical purpose besides fulfilling quest and equip requirements. Once characters are at the minimum requirement of level 15, they are able to raise or lower the fame of any character once per day. A character cannot raise or lower the same character's fame more than once every thirty days. Some quests may award a player fame points and some may take them away too.


The North American publisher of ] released a ''MapleStory'' ] on November 6, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww2.wizards.com/maplestory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012115031/http://ww2.wizards.com/maplestory/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2007|title=MapleStory iTrading Card Game|access-date=October 21, 2007|publisher=Wizards of the Coast}}</ref> Nexon Korea and Japan have since released similar trading card games, while Nexon North America has discontinued this service.
===Minigames===
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Quests/Mini-Games|Minigames}}
There are various ]s that one can play, both solo and multi-player: ''Omok'', ''Match Cards'', ''Pachinko'', ''Gachapon'', ''Rock Paper Scissors'', and ''Fishing System''.
* '''Omok''' is the Korean cognate of the Japanese game "]". Omok is akin to ]. To win, a player needs to place 5 of their pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
* '''Match Cards''' is also known as "]". Match Card games can be opened in grids of 3x4, 4x5, and 5x6 cards. The facedown side of the cards contains images of various monsters, which players take turns matching.
* '''Pachinko''' is a mini-game exclusive to JapanMS. ] balls may be purchased in the Cash Shop and are required in order to play. The player must be in a Pachinko House to play the game. In order to win, one needs to get the Pachinko balls in a mushroom hole below a slot. Once it is in, the slot will start. If the player obtains a certain amount of balls, he or she may win in-game prizes.
* '''Gachapon''' is a ] minigame, in which the player inserts a ticket and a random prize comes out. To play ], one must first purchase a Gachapon Ticket from the Cash Shop. The Gachapon machines are located in various towns.
* ''']''' is a one-player minigame based off the actual game, in which one plays against an NPC.
* '''Fishing King '''currently available in TaiwanMS<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tw.maplestory.gamania.com/event/20061208_u/sec1.htm|title=TaiwanMS ver. 0.43|accessdate=2006-12-20|publisher=Gamania}}</ref> and ThailandMS<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maple.asiasoft.co.th/newsPreview.asp?contID=3954|title=ThailandMS vers. 0.29|accessdate=2007-03-06|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref>. The player can complete a quest to obtain a diving suit before being send to a map that resembles an Aqua Road map to catch fish. Once a player has acquired a diving suit, the player may enter back to catch fish as many times as they want to.
* '''Fishing System '''currently available in all versions except KoreaMS, GlobalMS and EuropeMS. You can buy cash shop items (fishing rod, fishing chair, etc.) and talk to a NPC in various towns to go fishing.


Two adaptations of ''MapleStory'' have been released for ] by Nexon Mobile: ''MapleStory: Thief Edition'' and ''MapleStory: Cygnus Knights Edition''. The ''Thief Edition'' has only one job, Thief, while the other edition features two jobs: a Soul Master and a Fire Wizard. The games do not have multiplayer.
===Marriage===
Players may participate in in game ]. ] occur at one of two special areas, based on the version played. Guests may be invited to the wedding, and the marrying couple will receive ].


Nexon released a public beta of a '']'' on July 27, 2011 as an adaptation for ] gaming format. The game consisted of mainly single-player play, but incorporated the main goals and themes of the full ''MapleStory'' game, which included creating an avatar, fighting monsters and completing quests.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/27/nexons-maplestory-adventures-game-goes-live-on-facebook/|title=Nexon's MapleStory Adventures game goes live on Facebook|work=Gamesbeat|date=July 27, 2011|agency=VentureBeat|access-date=August 2, 2011|author=Dean Takahashi|archive-date=September 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924204934/http://venturebeat.com/2011/07/27/nexons-maplestory-adventures-game-goes-live-on-facebook/|url-status=live}}</ref> This version was discontinued on July 31, 2013.
The traditional Chinese marriage system that takes place at ''Peach Blossom Island'' is only available in ChinaMS, TaiwanMS, and MapleSEA. In order for the couple to enter the ceremony hall, players will need to don Western- or Chinese-style wedding outfits and a special ring purchased from the Cash Shop. After the ceremony, both players will receive a Diamond Ring as proof of the marriage.

''Amoria'' is a town where marriage based activites occur. A marriage system based on western culture, is available in ThailandMS<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maple.asiasoft.co.th/newsPreview.asp?contID=3741|title=ThailandMS releases Amoria v0.28|accessdate=2007-01-23|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref> and GlobalMS. It requires the completion of various quests, including receiving an engagement ring and the blessing of the parents (Cathedral weddings require blessings). Unlike other versions, players may attempt to make a variety of rings. Each of these rings carries various bonuses. In Amoria Dungeon, players can fight exclusive monsters. Currently, the monsters found there include the Orange Mushroom, Blue Snail, Slime, and, exclusive to this map, the Sakura Cellion. If you buy a premium wedding ticket from the ], you will be able to have a party after the ceremony.
{{-}}

===Events===
]
On certain days, the ](or known as GM) host special events in which any player is capable of participating, given their character is at a given map during the event time. All participants receive a trophy, and winners receive a random prize.

Users are notified of an upcoming event by a scrolling box at the top of the game screen. Events are known to bring an influx of players to the event's respective locations, which generally causes massive connection lag and sometimes even disconnections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/intro/events/game_events20060616.aspx|title=Intro - Game Events|accessdate=2006-07-06|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref>

Special events include Christmas tree events, wedding events, drawing events, and quest events; for example, players might be required to find an item and return it to the event quest NPC or GM.

Occasionally, certain versions of the game hold events that celebrate a certain event in real-life or an event specific to that version, such as a holiday or new server release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=1388&uid=68&cat=9&reqpage=0&type=1|title=Maplestory Mapleglobal English Site|accessdate=2007-03-08|publisher=Nexon}}</ref> During these events, certain aspects of the game are modified in celebration; for example, the experience rate or drop rate may be increased, or special items may be released.

==Versions and registration==
:''StrategyWiki has more information about the content differences between versions at ].''
{{MapleStory Versions}}
{{-}}
The Korean version was the first to be created, ergo it has the most features as of yet; other versions are at different stages of development and most are not as advanced in content as Korea's. With this advantage comes the problem of players (mainly from the Global version, but some from others) trying to play KoreaMS. These players are often referred to as ''이주자'', or "immigrants" by a majority of the Korean MapleStory players. These "immigrants" are the reason why a Korean ] is required to play. ] is used in some of the other versions of the game, mostly for the same reason. Some attempt to bypass this by using Proxies, which spoof IP addresses to make it seem like a player is playing from a different country - however in Europe MapleStory a GameGuard proxy check has been implemented. This is also because foreign text in the ] Character-Based Global version causes glitches to occur. This is the same for Koreans in the Chinese version, and so on.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=2138&uid=12|title=FAQ <nowiki>| </nowiki> General - Why is my country blocked from MapleGlobal?|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=NX Games}} ''Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for MapleGlobal.com.''</ref>

Though some versions share the same world names, they are different and independent of each other. They are defined by their language used, publisher, server location and specialized worlds.

The ] version of MapleStory is currently in Open Beta. Started: ], ].

==Revenue and game population==
As of Feb. 2006, Wizet has generated 200 million USD from the game service in Korea. Wizet received 110 million USD for licensing the games to other parts of the world.

Game Population (as of Feb. 2006):
* Korea since 2002, 200 thousand subscribers (concurrent users), 14 million subscribers (total)
* Japan since November 2003, 9 million subscribers
* China since December 2004, 25 million subscribers
* Taiwan since July 2005, 3.5 million subscribers
* Thailand since August 2005, 550 thousand subscribers
* South East Asia (mostly Singapore and Malaysia) since June 2005, 550 thousand subscribers
* Global since May 2005, 3 million subscribers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestudy.org/eblog/?p=32|title=Revenue of Maple Story and Game Population|accessdate=2006-10-12|publisher=GameStudy.Org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestory.nexon.net/WZ.ASPX?PART=/Community/GM_Blog&mode=view&uid=21&bbsidx=7616&cat=26|title=GM Blog: 3,000,000|accessdate=2007-03-20|publisher=NX Games}}''Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for MapleGlobal.com.''</ref>

==Critical reception==
{{further|]}}
{{further|]}}
Users not using the ] ] are not able to access certain game ], including the GlobalMS. They are asked to download Internet Explorer to remedy the problem.<ref>http://www.nexon.net/Common/Explorer_Error.html</ref>

In a brief review of the game, ] praised the game's accessibility and colorful art direction, while questioning the game's slow pace.<ref name="ign">IGN review of MapleStory</ref>

There are a significant number of users cheating in the game through the use of ]. Most use a modified version of the ] along with scripts written in ] to alter the functionality of the official client. <!-- No other information concerning this should be put here. -->

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
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==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}}
===Official game websites===
* - Official MapleStory website *
* - Wizet Corp., Ltd. Korean *
* - Wizet Corp., Ltd. Japanese
* - MapleStory South Korea (Requires Internet Explorer)
* - MapleStory South Korea tester (Requires Internet Explorer)
* - MapleStory Japan
* - MapleStory China
* - MapleStory Taiwan
* - MapleStory Thailand
* - MapleStory South East Asia/SEA
* - MapleStory Global (Requires Internet Explorer)
* - MapleStory Europe (Requires Internet Explorer)


<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
===Informational fansites===
{{MapleStory}}
<!-- ==============================({{NoMoreLinks}})============================== -->
{{Authority control}}
<!-- DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF LINKS -->
<!-- If you think that your link might be useful, instead of placing it here, put -->
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;English language
* - An auction site to buy and sell items in MapleStory, also contains a forum and guides.
* - A vast library of game information and a forum for discussions and help. GlobalMS and MapleSEA.
* - An extensive library of game information. GlobalMS and MapleSEA.
* - Contains Maplewiki, library of game information, guides, a large forum for help, and more. GlobalMS, MapleSEA and JapanMS.
* - A new MapleStory fan site with the MapleStory graphics database. GlobalMS.
* - A library of game information extracted directly from the client. GlobalMS.
* - The oldest standing message board with extensive trading forums, guides, community, etc. GlobalMS and MapleSEA.
* {{StrategyWiki}}
;Simplified Chinese language
* - A library of game information. ChinaMS.
;Thai language
* - A library of game data with a BBS. ThailandMS.
* - A library of game data. ThailandMS.


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Latest revision as of 02:15, 20 December 2024

2003 video game This article is about the game for Windows. For the anime, see MapleStory (anime). For the Nintendo DS game, see MapleStory DS. For the Facebook adaptation, see MapleStory Adventures.

2003 video game
MapleStory
Developer(s)Wizet
Publisher(s)
Composer(s)CODA SOUND (CODASOUND, LedZeper)
Moonsoo Park (LoudBell Studio)
Studio EIM
M2U
Creed Sound
S.I.D-Sound
SQUARE MUSIQ
ASTERIA (NECORD)
ESTIMATE (ESTi)
Initium SoundLab
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
  • KOR: April 29, 2003
  • JPN: December 3, 2003
  • CHN: July 23, 2004
  • NA: May 11, 2005
  • TWN: June 1, 2005
  • SEA: June 23, 2005
  • EU: April 12, 2007
  • THA: August 16, 2005
    October 31, 2017 (relaunch)
Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
Mode(s)Multiplayer

MapleStory (Korean: 메이플스토리) is a free-to-play, 2D, side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game, developed by South Korean company Wizet. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, published by various companies (such as Nexon).

Players travel the "Maple World", defeating monsters and developing their characters' skills and abilities as is typical in role-playing video games. Players can interact with others in many ways, including chatting and trading. Groups of players can band together in parties to hunt monsters and share rewards, and can also form guilds to interact more easily with each other. Players additionally have the option to visit the in-game "Cash Shop" to purchase a variety of character appearances or gameplay enhancements with real money.

In July 2010, the Korean version of the game was revised in a patch named the "Big Bang". Other versions followed suit and have since received the Big Bang update. Later in the year, the Korean version received the Chaos update which introduced player versus player (PvP) and professions to the game. Its sequel, MapleStory 2, was released in July 2015 and features updated 3D graphics and a similar storyline. As of 2020, MapleStory has reached over 180 million registered users worldwide and grossed over $3 billion in lifetime revenue.

Plot

The plot of MapleStory takes place across several different worlds, such as Maple World, Arcane River, and Grandis. Created by these people with powers called the Overseers, they assigned each world with three guardians to look over both worlds: the Transcendent of Time, the Transcendent of Life and the Transcendent of Light. The first major arc revolves around the antagonist of Maple World, the Black Mage. The Black Mage was once the Transcendent of Light and was called the White Mage until an experiment went wrong and his pure light core was corrupted. The six heroes managed to seal the Black Mage for the next few centuries at the cost of being sealed away themselves. In the present day, the Black Mage's forces called the Black Wings, began resurfacing and attempted to revive him. Fearing his resurrection, Empress Cygnus created the Cygnus Knights in order to stop the Black Wings and the Black Mage's Commanders. As the seal on the Black Mage began weakening, the heroes of legend began returning as well. After the Black Mage broke free of his seal, Cygnus created the Maple Alliance, which banded together the free-spirited Explorers, the Cygnus Knights, the Resistance against the Black Wings, the six Heroes of Maple, and several brave adventurers from other worlds.

The Alliance continued fighting the Black Wings and won a decisive victory in the battle of Black Heaven, during which time, a hero of the Alliance awakened as the Adversary, a champion imbued with divine energy. Soon after, the Black Mage created a dimension called the Arcane River in an attempt to destroy the world and recreate it in his image. The Adversary journeyed through the Arcane River and battled the last of the Black Mage's Commanders before the Alliance launched a final offensive to stop the Black Mage from ending their world. The Adversary successfully killed the Black Mage and saved Maple World from annihilation.

With the Black Mage's death, the second major arc began in the realm of Grandis, which had slowly fused with Maple World due to the Black Mage's machinations. The antagonist of Grandis, Gerand Darmoor, believed that his race, the High Flora, was superior to all others, and so he sought to remake all life in his image. In order to stop him, several factions of Grandis had joined the Maple Alliance. After the Black Mage's death, the Alliance sent its forces to battle Darmoor and his Apostles.

Gameplay

MapleStory is a 2D scrolling platform game. The controls for the game are executed using the keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be rearranged to suit users' needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger non-player characters and manipulate items. Gameplay centers on venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real time. The players combat monsters and complete quests, in the process acquiring in-game currency called "Mesos", experience points, and various items. Players are able to acquire in-game professions, allowing them to craft equipment, accessories or potions.

Players have a variety of options when interacting with others online: they can form parties where loot and experience are distributed from a monster; in-game marriages where the game will recognize the two players as a heterosexual couple; guilds which is indicated with a guild's name listed under their character name; or families, an architecture gathering of juniors and seniors. Players are able to raise or lower the in-game popularity stat entitled Fame of other players and compete with other players in minigames, such as Gomoku or Concentration. They may engage in trading activities for "Mesos" or other in-game items.

There is small content that differs depending on the country it is serviced in. Recently, Korea Maple Story (KMS)'s artifact update was completed and is receiving a lot of attention.

Characters

MapleStory characters exist in worlds or servers. Players are able to create multiple characters in each world, though the characters in different worlds can not interact with each other. Each world is similar in content with each other. The worlds are divided into channels, among which characters are allowed to freely switch. The ability to transfer entire characters between worlds was added in December 2007 to Global MapleStory, with restrictions placed on items. In May 2012, this option was removed as it caused a negative impact on character gameplay.

When creating a new character, there are eight branches of classes currently available to choose from with three classes that have no specific branches currently: Explorers, Cygnus Knights, Heroes, Resistance, Sengoku, Nova, Flora, and Anima. Beast Tamer, Child of God and Kinesis are classes that currently have no specific branches. Some classes are currently not available in other regions while others are only available at certain times of year.

Explorer characters start on Maple Island and begin as a Beginner class. The Beginner is able to advance into one of the five classes: Warrior, Bowmen, Magician, Thief, and Pirate. After choosing their class, further class progression is only allowed within the scope of the first class advancement with advancements at level 30, 60, 100, and 200. Three separate classes, under the adventurer branch, are created differently from normal Adventurers: Dual Blade (Thief), Kinesis (Magician) and Cannoneers (Pirate).

Cygnus Knight characters begin as Noblesse class and begin their journey on Ereve. At level 10, they are allowed to class advance into five Cygnus Knight classes, each one parallels to the Explorer class. Upon reaching the level limit of 120, Cygnus Knights are able to change into a level 50 explorer with benefits.

Six Hero classes are available: Aran, Evan, Mercedes, Phantom, Luminous and Shade. The Hero classes are characters with background stories related to the antagonist of the game, the Black Mage. Aran has the Combo System, a unique feature to the class, allowing them to generate combo counts by hitting monsters, giving them buffs and allowing them to cast combo-consuming skills. Evan is similar to Magicians, but uses a dragon, which fights alongside them. Mercedes is an elven archer who uses Dual Bowguns. Phantom is a Thief character with the ability to mimic skills from Adventurer characters. Luminous is a magician of light who can also use dark magic which they absorbed from the Black Mage. Shade is the sixth and forgotten hero, whose existence was erased during the sealing of the Black Mage. They use spirits to aid them in battle.

Resistance characters begin in Edelstein, a town taken over by the Black Mage's followers, the Black Wings. The characters created under the Resistance branch begin as Citizens and have four available job advancements: Battle Mage, Wild Hunter, Blaster and Mechanic. A Battle Mage uses a staff for physical attacks, a Wild Hunter rides a jaguar while wielding a crossbow, a Blaster uses an arm cannon and a Mechanic uses a robotic suit to fight. Demon, a separate class, under the resistance branch, is created differently from the normal Resistance. A Demon character can become a Demon Slayer, who uses one-handed blunt weapons and axes, or the Demon Avenger, who uses a specialised weapon called the Desperado. Xenon, another separate resistance character, is a human-turned-cyborg who escaped from the Black Wings' laboratories who uses Whip Blades in combat.

There are three main continents common to all versions in the MapleStory world: Maple Island, Victoria Island, and Ossyria. Maple Island is where adventurers start off their characters. Victoria Island contains eight cities, and is where most classes begin. Ossyria features seven distinct regions with varying environments: El Nath Mountains, Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, Nihal Desert, and Temple of Time. Ereve and Rien are separated from another land which is the beginning of another job of the game.

The Cash Shop is an in-game shop where players use real-life currency to purchase unique virtual goods such as avatars, digital pets and other in-game items. Most Cash Shop items expire after a period of time. The Cash Shop also offers a shop permit, allowing players to set up a store in the in-game market location called the Free Market.

Music

The current main composer for MapleStory is NECORD (ASTERIA). In 2016, Nexon established its own music production team, ASTERIA, and sound team, NECORD, and started producing music and releasing albums on its own. In 2017, they recorded music with an orchestra in Budapest, Hungary.

The game's music received positive reviews, and as the game has been on the service for a long time, it has stimulated memories for those who have stopped playing. Some music such as Lith Harbor village music, Eos Tower/Helios Tower of Ludibrium music, Blockbuster: Black Heaven music, Chu Chu Island music, Lachelein the Dreaming City music has been played in South Korean broadcast programs. The "Aquarium" music in the Aquarium which is a village of Aqua Road has been included in some South Korean music textbooks.

The music from 2006 to 2015 was composed by Studio EIM, and since 2014, official sound sources began to be released starting with FriendStory and Blockbuster: Black Heaven. At this time, M2U, who was outsourced from Studio EIM, composed Ariant Coliseum music and Ereve music.

In 2010, Kim Eun-bi, who was in the top 6 of Superstar K 2, became a Maple Girl, a promotional model for MapleStory, and unlike other Maple Girls, she released a song called I'm My Fan. In 2015, incumbent professional singer Taru sang a song, and from 2017, Second Moon began to play songs in offline events related to MapleStory, because they were in charge of music for the hologram musical Comic MapleStory in 2016. From 2018, Ha Hyun-woo of Guckkasten and the Guckkasten band themselves began to sing songs related to that game. In 2021, Bewhy also sang a song.

S.I.D-Sound composed some music such as MapleStory 8th anniversary event in 2011, the RED theme song in 2013, and the OST for FriendStory in 2014.

In 2015, SQUARE MUSIQ composed some songs such as Violeta Over Flowers which is a promotion song and vocal of "Promise of Heaven", which is a song of Blockbuster: Black Heaven.

In 2020, ESTIMATE and ESTi composed some music such as some Yum Yum Island music, theme of Adele's music, some Ristonia music, some Grand Athenaeum Episode VI: Sharenian Knights music and some Hotel Arcus music.

Development

MapleStory was originally developed and released in South Korea and was localized to ten different regions as of 2003. As other publishers license the game for their region, proxy blocks are put in place (excluding the Korean version, it requires a KSSN), forcing players to play their localized version. In 2011, LevelUp! Games did not renew the contract for localization in Brazil.

An update entitled Big Bang was released in Korean MapleStory in July 2010 with other regional servers following suit soon after. Big Bang changed the game's core coding, and changed many aspects of the game. An update entitled Chaos features the introduction of professions, and PvP.

An update for Master's North American server was released on March 11, 2015, entitled Black Heaven. Players that registered prior to the update and before March 9 received a free Ignition Pack if they logged in before March 14 and after the update went live.

Nexon released the MapleStory Reboot update for its North American server in December 2015, which allows access to the Reboot world. This world has disabled trading, increased Meso drop rates, and weapon/equipment drops that are specific to the player's class. Reboot has the same monsters as other worlds, but with increased stats and experience points awarded.

Another update to the game, the 5th Job Advancement, was released in December 2016. When players reach Level 200 in the game, they would need to complete their job advancement quests before they are able to fully access their 5th Job skills. Different from the first four Job skills, the 5th Job skills come in three types of skills. The first one called the Shared Skills are skills that all characters share and have that they are able to use. The second one is called the Class-Specific, which are skills that only specific classes can use and the third one called the Job Skills which are skills that only that specific Job can use.

In July 2022, Nexon released the Destiny: Remastered update for its North American server. This update revamped all the Explorer classes (excluding the newest Explorer class, Pathfinder) by updating their skills and adding new storyline content for them while streamlining their original storylines. A new boss, Kalos, was also added to the game.

Nexon released an update named 6th Job Advancement in October and November 2023, featuring new skills for all classes.

Players and revenue

In Global MapleStory (GMS), more than a million players bought items in the Cash Shop, by 2010. By 2006, MapleStory had a combined total of 39 million user accounts worldwide. MapleStory Global had over 8 million users by 2011. As of 2014, it was among the top ten MMOs by worldwide revenue. As of 2020, the game has reached over 180 million registered users worldwide.

Up until 2011, the game grossed $1.8 billion. Between 2013 and 2017, the game grossed $1.181 billion, including $326 million in 2013, $240 million in 2014, $253 million in 2015, $83 million in 2016, and $279 million in 2017. As of 2020, the game has grossed over $3 billion worldwide in lifetime revenue.

Microtransactions legal penalties

In 2024, Nexon was fined US$8.9 million for a violation of South Korea's Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce Act, allegedly for changing the appearance rate of certain items in MapleStory without notifying players. At the time, this was the largest penalty issued for a violation of the act and the company's second violation of the act, following a 2018 fine connected to its game Sudden Attack.

Related games

MapleStory DS

Main article: MapleStory DS

MapleStory DS is a game based on MapleStory and is a single-player game. The game was released for the Nintendo DS on April 15, 2010, in Korea.

MapleStory M

MapleStory M is a mobile game released for iOS and Android, in South Korea during October 2016 and then overseas on May 28, 2018.

MapleStory 2

Main article: MapleStory 2

The sequel, MapleStory 2, was released in Korea on July 7, 2015. Unlike its predecessor, MapleStory 2 takes place on a 3D voxel-based plane at an often isometric angle.

MapleStory R: Evolution

MapleStory R: Evolution is an idle-game mobile RPG game. It was officially released in Southeast Asia on July 28, 2023, and is a vertical screen RPG. Its launch was promoted with live events held in Malaysia and Vietnam.

MapleStory Universe

MapleStory Universe is a collection of games that integrate into Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology. MapleStory N, which is a part of MapleStory Universe, is set to launch in 2024.

Media adaptations

The Japanese anime entitled MapleStory (メイプルストーリー, Meipuru Sutōrī) was adapted of the game and produced by Madhouse. It aired on TV Tokyo between October 7, 2007, and March 30, 2008, spanning 25 episodes. The plot revolves around a warrior as he journeys to revive the world tree.

The North American publisher of Nexon released a MapleStory trading card game on November 6, 2007. Nexon Korea and Japan have since released similar trading card games, while Nexon North America has discontinued this service.

Two adaptations of MapleStory have been released for iOS by Nexon Mobile: MapleStory: Thief Edition and MapleStory: Cygnus Knights Edition. The Thief Edition has only one job, Thief, while the other edition features two jobs: a Soul Master and a Fire Wizard. The games do not have multiplayer.

Nexon released a public beta of a MapleStory Adventures on July 27, 2011 as an adaptation for Facebook gaming format. The game consisted of mainly single-player play, but incorporated the main goals and themes of the full MapleStory game, which included creating an avatar, fighting monsters and completing quests. This version was discontinued on July 31, 2013.

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