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{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Infobox CVG| title = MapleStory
{{About|the game for Windows|the anime|MapleStory (anime)|the Nintendo DS game|MapleStory DS|the Facebook adaptation|MapleStory Adventures}}
|image = ]
{{pp-move-indef}}
|developer = ]
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
|publisher = ], ], ], ], ], and ]
{{Infobox video game
|designer =
| title = MapleStory
|engine =
| image =
|version = ] 1.2.32<br>] 1.15 <br> ] 0.45 <br> ] 0.38<br> ] 0.21<br>(Global) 0.29<br>(SEA) 0.34<br>(Europe) 0.12
| caption =
|released =] May ]<br>] November ]<br>] December ]<br>] ], ]<br>] ], ]<br>(Global) ], ]<br>(SEA) ], ]<br>(Europe) ], ] (Closed Beta)
|genre = ] ] | developer = ]
| 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>}}
|modes =]
| 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>
|ratings =
| 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)}}
|platforms = ](]/]/]/])
| genre = ]
|media =
| modes = ]
|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
| platforms = ]
|input = ], ], ]
}} }}


'''''MapelStory''''' (]: 메이플 스토리) 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 gameplay is free, many player appearances and ] enhancements can be purchased from the "]" with actual ]. ''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> ''MapleStory'' Global, for players mainly outside of ], ] and ], has over one 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 destroy the "Maple World" from ]s and develop their character's skills and abilities, as typical ]. Players can interact with others in many ways, such as through ], ], and ]ing ]s. Groups of players can ally together in "parties" to hunt monsters and share the rewards, or they can band together under a common name in a ]. 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.
] is the tentative title of the ] version of the game, which is currently under development. The Korean release date is set for late 2006 or early 2007. It is still unknown if Wizet will release a Global version of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etnews.co.kr/news/detail.html?id=200605110210|title=MapleStory on the Nintendo DS|accessdate=2006-06-29|language=Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.etnews.co.kr/news/detail.html?id=200605120008|title=Nexon ties up with Nintendo|accessdate=2006-06-29|language=English|author=Lee Jin-ho|date=]}}</ref>


==Gameplay== ==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.<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.
]
Like most ]s, gameplay centers around venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real time. However, ''MapleStory'''s 2D side-scrolling viewpoint more closely resembles a ] than the typical ] or ] of other games (such as ] or ]). MapleStory characters fight monsters through a series of attacks and skills. Along with combat, jumping is an integral part of the game. MapleStory is played mainly with the keyboard; the mouse is mainly used to trigger NPC's, select various menus from the ] and to interact with other players.


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.
Characters in MapleStory advance by gaining ]s (EXP, like many other RPGs), leveling up, improving various skills and collecting various items and pieces of wieldable equipment. The players combat monsters, acquire play money called "Mesos" or "Meru" (depending on version) and various items, as well as completing quests.


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 are midgets.


==Gameplay==
MapleStory characters exist in domains called "worlds" or "servers", e.g., "Broa","Bellocan" or "Aquila". Players are allowed to create up to three different characters in each world. Each world, similar in content between each other in the same version, is split into up to twenty channels, among which characters are allowed to 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> Characters and their items cannot be transferred between worlds,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/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. Players can use facial expressions ingame. Players may also buy additional facial expressions from the ].
''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>


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.
===Controls===
]
The ]s for the game are executed using the ] and ]. Most of the controls are capable of being rearranged by the user, to adapt to their preference. As an example, the standard setting to execute an attack command is to press the "control" or "ctrl" button, although it varies depending on the players custom settings. Many of the buttons (e.g. the letter "K" opens the skills book) are shortcuts to various functions. However, certain controls are fixed, and cannot be modified by the player. For example, the movement keys are fixed as the directional arrows, as opposed to the alternative ] configuration.


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.
===New players===
]
New players are sent to ], a floating island specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike many other MMORPGs, players in MapleStory can not 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.


===Characters===
When a player creates a new character, he or she is able to allocate 25 ability points amongst four different statistics: STR, DEX, INT, and LUK (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Luck, respectively). Players can not manually choose where these points will be placed, as the distribution is randomly generated by a dice roll, to which 262,144 rolls are possible. The minimum possible point level scored when the dice is rolled in a statistic is four and the maximum is thirteen. When creating the avatar, the player can also choose from a limited variety of faces, hair styles, hair colors and skin colors. These can be modified only through the purchase of special coupons from the Cash Shop.
''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.
===Leveling up===
]
Characters begin the game at level 1. To increase in level, the character must kill monsters or complete quests to gain experience (EXP). MapleStory has a progressively, near-exponentially difficult leveling program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hidden-street.net/exptable.php Hidden-Street.net|title=EXP Table|accessdate=2006-06-29|author="MapleFriends' "|publisher=Hidden-Street.net}}</ref> During the earlier levels, only a few minutes or hours of gameplay are required to level up. The higher a character's level becomes, the more experience points one needs to level up. This means that the higher a character's level gets the more time it takes to gain a level. When a character is level 70 or higher, it may take days or weeks to level up once. At each level up, a player receives three skill points (SP) and five ability points (AP) to be distributed among the stats of ''HP (])'', ''MP (])'', STR, DEX, INT, and LUK. at their own will.


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>
Players can kill monsters alone, or they can form a party with up to 5 other characters (6 characters total). One character forms a party as the leader, and invites others to the party. While killing monsters, money and EXP are shared based on damage dealt to the monster as well as each character's relative level. More EXP is given to higher level characters and characters that do more damage. The EXP and money gained is only shared if the party members are in the same map and channel. Joining a party without helping is called ] and is generally considered rude. Another act which is generally considered rude is the killing of monsters already in combat with another character. This is typically called Kill-Stealing, or KSing for short. Any player Kill-Stealing runs the risk of getting their fame lowered by other players.


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>
===Ranking===
When a player logs on, they can see how their character is ranked among others in the same world and among the other players at the same class as their character; it will also display the character's changes in ranking from the previous day. All characters in the game are ranked based on how much total EXP they have gained, approximately equivalent to the character's level.


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.
The KoreaMS, JapanMS, MapleSEA and GlobalMS websites have ranking systems that allows anyone to view any character's ranking within the version. Rankings may be viewed in four ways: overall ranking compares all characters across all worlds within the version; world ranking only compares characters on the same world; class ranking compares characters across all worlds based on their class; fame ranking compares characters across all worlds based on the amount of fame they have. This adds a new level of depth to MapleStory as it allows players to compete for higher rankings between friends.


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.
===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. Most classes have one main stat which they raise to increase their damage output, as well as one minor stat which is raised 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''. Characters do not have to follow these general beliefs and may choose to raise other abilities at their will. For example, while warriors generally raise their STR and DEX, some may put more emphasis on their HP over the increased damage from STR, better accuracy, and better item-handling from DEX increases. As the player can build their character to their liking, there is no such thing as a "perfect character." <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>


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.
* '''Strength (STR)''' has a major effect on melee attacks, as well as minorly affecting a bowman's ranged attacks and a thief's dagger and throwing star attacks.
* '''Dexterity (DEX)''' increases accuracy and, to a lesser extent, avoidability. It also has a major effect on a bowman's ranged attacks, as well as a thief's dagger and throwing star attacks.
* '''Intelligence (INT)''' increases magic attack, which determines spell accuracy and spell damage. It also increases magic defence.
* '''Luck (LUK)''' increases avoidability and, to a lesser extent, accuracy. It also has a major effect on a thief's dagger and throwing star attacks. Some players believe that LUK increases the drop rate of items, however, this is not true. {{citation needed}} Also, when one dies, depending on the amount of LUK one has, the extent of EXP loss is lessened. <ref name="MSui" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://db.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/file/maple_story_beginners_a.txt|title=MapleStory FAQ - Tips for Beginners|accessdate=2006-07-01|author="fillet2"|year=2005|month=September|format=TXT|publisher=Gamefaqs.com}}</ref>
* '''Health Points (HP)''' - Adding Ability Points into this will increases the maximum HP a character has. As suggested by the title, this is a health stat.
* '''Mana Points (MP)''' - Adding Ability Points into this will increases the maximum MP a character has.


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.
===Skills===
]
Every character class has specific skills in which to invest Skill Points (SP) into. The effects of these skills vary. A skill becomes increasingly powerful or helpful depending on the amount of SP invested in the skill. There are 3 types of skills: Passive (activated automatically when the moment is right), Supportive (manually activated to help the player) and Active (attack skills).
*'''Passive skills''' such as a bowman's range-increasing "Eye of Amazon", take effect as long as SP has been placed in the skill. The gamut of passive skill effects enhance the character and are not prone to negatively affecting other user specialties. Passive skills do not require any usage of MP or HP.


== Music ==
*'''Supportive skills''' can be used when necessary. They always require MP and, in some cases, HP or even special items. Their effects can range from giving temporary benefits to one's character (such as the "Weapon Booster" skill every class receives), to affecting allied members as well (such as the Assassin/Bandit skill "Haste"), to powering down monsters (such as the Page's "Threaten"). Some Supportive skills are only available depending on the equipped weapon, such as the Hunter's "Bow Booster" skill which cannot be used while another type of weapon is equipped. Certain monsters, such as sharks, can 'dispel' these types of skills, usually resulting in high fatilities or inconveniences. When a player is affected by a Supportive skill, an icon with the skill's image is shown in the top-right corner. The player can deactivate them by right clicking on these icons. Some characters, particularily Wizards (although some warriors also) have supportive skills to alter their weapon defense, magic defense, and damage.
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}}
*'''Active skills''' are skills that are used to damage and defeat enemies. Like Supportive skills, they require MP, and sometimes HP. First job active skills usually can be performed with most weapons (an exception can be made for the Thief's "Lucky Seven"/"Double Stab", which is the only Active Skill they'll get). From the second job however, nearly all active skills require a specific weapon. For example, a Dragon Knight's active skills can only be performed with either a Polearm or a Spear. A Magician's active skills can performed with only one-handed weapons. Exceptions are for Arrow-based attacks (such as Holy Arrow) and skills that do not use the normal spell-casting animation.


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" />
===Dying===
]
When a character's HP on the red health bar reaches zero, a character ]. This is depicted by a ] falling from the top of the screen, and the character transmuting to a floating, ]-like body. The character is incapable of moving and going through portals at this stage but they retain the ability to speak. Upon dying, a window appears notifying the character of their death. If the character presses the "OK" button on this window, they are transported to the nearest town and revived with fifty HP. The amount of MP after a character's death does not change.


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>
Beginners do not lose EXP when they die, which suggests that dying is a quick and free way of getting to the nearest town. However, once a beginner makes their first job advancement, each death will cost them a percentage of EXP (between 5%-10%, although it has been claimed that there was no EXP loss due to high LUK) based upon the amount of LUK they have. Dying in towns or other specific areas (such as Zakum's altar) will always result in an EXP loss of 1% regardless of the character's LUK stat. Unlike other games, if a player dies, they will not lose any items. However, they will lose EXP if they have made (at least) the first job advancement. Also, one cannot kill another character to gain their equipment or Mesos; however, if one has summoning sacks, it is possible to kill another or many characters, but still, one cannot take their items.


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" />
Items such as the Safety Charm (available from the Cash Shop) can prevent EXP loss when the character dies; however, the user loses the item after they die. The Safety Charm is available in all versions of the game and there is no limit to using the charm as long as the user buys more in the Cash Shop. Other variations of the Safety Charm are the Box of Chocolates and Easter Charm, which were both released for GlobalMS events.


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" />
A character cannot fall below zero percent EXP, rendering leveling only ascendable. Upon death the player can remain in ghost-form for an unlimited time (this may vary from version to version, as the Global version will automatically send the player to the nearest town after an allocated time), but instead of the usual ], a "thought bubble" is substituted. A character may still use facial expressions when dead.


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>
==Character classes==
<!--Please try to keep information consistent between here and the main article-->
{{main|MapleStory character classes}}
All characters start the game as a "Beginner". When leveling up, beginners are given 5 AP per level, and from levels 1 to 6 are given 1 SP per level to use on any of their three skills. At either level eight or ten, depending on desired class, the player can willingly choose to acquire a new class as a "]" (level ten), "]" (level eight), "]" (level ten) or "]" (level ten) and gain the ability to acquire SP and skills. These are only applicable if the character has the minimum amount of AP that the advancement requires. It is not advisable not to acquire one's class when one have reached the minimum level for it and continue to level up, because then they will forever lose the SP that they would have otherwise received if they had acquired their class.


==Development==
Once a player reaches level thirty (30), they are able to complete the second job advancement according to their current job. Unlike the first job advancement, a quest is required to be completed prior to advancing. After they make the advancement, they receive a new set of applicable skills according to their respective job advancement.
''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>


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>
At level seventy (70), characters can once again change their job at the Chief's Residence in El Nath of Ossyria. Unlike previous job advancements, the player is not given the option to choose their third job, being only able to progress their current job into a new-named one with new skill sets. 3rd job advancement is currently available in all version except EuropeMS.


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.
At level one hundred twenty (120), the character can once again change classes. However, fourth job advancements have not yet been implemented in any version of the game except the KoreaMS Beta server, which is currently testing the fourth job. However, Wizet has revealed the names of the fourth job classes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=2138&uid=63&cat=38&reqpage=0&type=1|title=FAQ <nowiki>| </nowiki> Game Play - Are 3rd and 4th job advancements available?|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=NX Games}} (Outdated Web page) The third job advancement has since been implemented in GlobalMS.</ref>


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>
==Monsters==
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Monsters}}
]
Killing monsters gives a player experience, sometimes mesos, and sometimes items, or all three. 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. Dropped items include monster leftovers (a piece of the monster), ores, equipment, quest items, usable drops, and during certain periods of time, "set-up" items (see the ] section). Stronger monsters (those with a higher level than another compared monster), give more experience when killed, drop larger sums of Mesos and tend to drop better items in terms of their use and selling abilities.


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>
The monsters residing on the beginner island, Maple Island, are known for being suited best to characters below level ten. The second continent, Victoria Island, has monsters suited to much higher levels. The final continent, Ossyria, harbors even stronger monsters in the game, making it a prime location for high leveled characters to train. The release of the new sub-continent, Ludibrium, harbors extremely high leveled monsters in the game, deep in the Clock Tower.


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>
Some monsters are "super" monsters or "monster from another dimension". These are monsters that cannot be killed or even attack. They usually reside in jump quests. They usually have very high avoidability stats and very low weapon attack stats however some Super/Dark Monster from another Dimension are rigged to do high damage. (They actually can die through a Page's or Fighter's Power guard technique however they need a lot of HP and someone to heal them)
===Strengths and weaknesses===
Each monster has a defense rating against physical attacks and another rating against magical attacks. For example, a "Sentinel" is substantially armored over other monsters in its level range against weapon attacks, making it hard for most characters near its level, minus select mages, to obtain a sufficient attack upon. Magicians, however, are less adept at killing monsters with magic defense including "Luster Pixies", which are less vulnerable to magic attacks. Some monsters have elemental strengths and weaknesses making them more or less susceptible to specific elemental attacks. For example, "Fire Boars" take extra damage against ice-elemental attacks, but take reduced damage against fire-elemental attacks.


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>
===Monster skills===
All monsters can damage the player simply through contact. However, some monsters can use other skills while battling the player. Some can use skills to improve their own, or nearby monsters' attack or defence capabililties. For example, "Fierries" can increase defense of other nearby monsters temporarily. Others can cause status ailments on the character, such as poisoning or stunning, though there are potions available to counter each effect. Many monsters also have attack spells. Similarily to character skills, monster attack skills can be classed into two categories, physical and magical, with characters having different defence capabilities for each attack type. These skills can be melee attacks or ranged attacks. Some target only one character, wheras others can damage all nearby characters. Higher level monsters typically do more damage and have a wider assortment of attacks to use.


==Players and revenue==
]
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>


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>
===Boss monsters===
There are several ] which can be found throughout the ]. Each boss is located at their respective map and do not appear at other maps beyond their bounds. One characteristic of bosses are that their spoils are typically dominant over other similar items in the boss' level group; supporting this generality, the Zakum can drop one of three similar "Zakum Helmets" of which one has statistics that are superior to all other level fifty helmets. Having this in mind, the boss monsters also have a much higher health to other monsters of its level range eg. the average health of the monsters in the 31-40 level range is 1500. The "King Slime" (level 40) has 8000 health. Another feature of bosses are that they spawn less frequently than normal monsters; for example, "Mushmom" spawns at its own map every forty minutes to an hour.
]
Each accompaniment has a boss at the end, such as the ''King Slime'' at the end of the Kerning quest, and ''Zakum'' at the end of the Zakum quest. Other bosses include "Chief Gray" and "MT-09", alien bosses found at Omega Sector, and "Crimson ]", which appears during a random trip from the Ellinia-Orbis stations, though many other bosses exist.


== Microtransactions legal penalties ==
Most boss monsters have special privileges such as being unaffected by some spells, higher than normal HP, higher than normal attack, defence and special attack power and summoning powers. They are also generally very large.


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>
==Quests==
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Quests}}
Quests are varying tasks that players may perform for ]s in return for experience and possible rewards. There are over a hundred possible 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 require the player to be at or more than a certain level limit and/or the player to have a specific character class, minimum fame data point or to have completed another certain quest.<ref name="msquests" /> For example, the quest "Building Blackbull's New House" requires the player to have a minimum of level thirty, ten fame and the completion of "Fixing Blackbull's House", an earlier quest. Most available quests require the player to retrieve a certain amount of spoils attained from monsters or they must traverse through obstacle courses. Different rewards, such as experience or unique items, can be received by the player after completing certain quests.<ref name="msquests" /> Some quests can be repeated, although the reward(s) and given EXP may be different from those attained during their first completion. Unlike some ]s, it's not possible to escape the ] by completing quests. Also unlike some ]s, MapleStory does not follow any quest storyline mainly because MapleStory has no backstory.


==Related games==
===Accompaniments/Party Quests===
{{StrategyWiki|MapleStory|Quests/Party Quests}} === ''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>
Accompaniments are a special type of quest where a party of players work together to beat several challenges. Although officially called "Accompaniments", they are commonly referred to as "Party Quests" and "PQ" interchangeably. Each party quest has its own level limits which every character in the party must be within to enter the party quest.


=== ''MapleStory M'' ===
The first party quest is in Kerning City. A party of four, ranging from levels 21 to 30, progresses through five stages in fewer than thirty minutes by solving puzzles and killing monsters. At the end, a prize is given to each participant; these range from ores, equipment, scrolls, or potions. Only one party can be inside the party quest at any given time on one channel.
''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''===
The second party quest is located in ]. A party of six, ranging from levels 35 to 50, progresses through nine stages (not including the bonus stage) in less than one hour by solving puzzles and killing monsters. The skills specific character classes possess, such as Haste, Heal, Dark Sight, and Teleport, are eminently used to help pass some of the stages. The skills Dark Sight and Teleport are required to complete the accompaniment. Prizes consist of potions, ores, equipment, or scrolls. In some rare cases, some have been known to have been rewarded summoning sacks. After the boss monster (Alishar) is defeated, there is a bonus stage. In this stage players have one minute to break as many boxes as possible which drop a variety of items and equipments.
{{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'' ===
Another party quest, the Zakum Party Quest is for characters level fifty and above. Multiple parties can enter this quest at the same time and multiple parties can finish it together. There are three stages that can be completed before playing in a boss battle with Zakum. Overall, more experience is gained from this party quest than others. One known reward from this party quest is the "Zakum Hat" that users can wear on their head to show they have completed the quest.
''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" />


=== MapleStory Universe ===
A fourth party quest is in Orbis. Details are unknown, however it is only in KoreaMS and JapanMS. Also, there's a Guild Quest in the Perion Castle area, but it's only available in JapanMS and KoreaMS.
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.


===Jump quests=== ==Media adaptations==
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.
] are a unique type of quest in which a character starts at one part 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 of the platform. Jump quests typically require precision timing and steady patience, although the reaped rewards are re-attainable and monetarily valuable. John in Lith Harbor and Shumi in Kerning City each gives three jump quests of increasing difficulty, Sabitrama of Sleepywood gives two quests and assistant Cheng in the Ludibrium Toy Factory also gives one quest. Mobility skills (Teleport, Flash Jump) are disabled in Jump Quests, as with speed and jump boosts (This means while Haste can be cast in the area, it will have no effect). However. The Chief Bandit skill Assaulter still works, allowing them to use it to "Cheat" and teleport through monsters in the Jump Quest.


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.
==World==
<!--Please try to keep information consistent between here and the main article-->
{{main|MapleStory world}}
]
There are three main continents (], ], and ]) and two subcontinents (Florina Island and Ludibrium Island) common to all versions in the MapleStory world and two additional subcontinents soon to be common to all versions (Korean Folk Town and Riprey).


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.
Maple Island is where every new player begins their journey. It has short, tutorial quests and is occupied with monsters whose levels are suited for Beginners. When a player leaves this island, they are not able to return to it later.


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.
Victoria Island has six towns. Lith Harbor is a port town where one first arrives after leaving Maple Island. Henesys is located in a plain-like area; beginners advancing to archers can do so here. Ellinia is located in a forest; beginners advancing to magicians can do so here. Perion is located in a mountainous region; beginners advancing to warriors can do so here. Kerning City is a run-down, urban area; beginners advancing to rogues can do so here. Lastly, Sleepywood is a town located in the dungeon in the middle of Victoria Island. The passage between Ossyria and Victoria Island is located in Ellinia.

On Ossyria Island, one can travel among Orbis, El Nath, Ludibrium, Omega Sector, Aqua Road, Korean Folk Town, and Riprey. Orbis is a town whose background art and other features make it seem as though it is floating in the sky. El Nath is an arctic village located at the bottom of Orbis Tower. Below Orbis Tower lies the underwater world of Aqua Road with an aquarium. Ludibrium is a toy village accessible via a flying train from Orbis. At the bottom of Eos Tower, one will come across Omega Sector, an area where players resist an alien invasion and at the bottom of Helios Tower, one will come across Korean Folk Town, an area modeled off Korean fairy tales. Also, at the east end of Aqua Road, there is a portal that also leads to Korean Folk Town. Riprey, an island with an egg theme with strong monsters can be reached by a huge blue bird in Orbis Station.

JapanMS and Beta KoreaMS versions contain an additional continent called ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maplestoryt.nexon.com/WZ.ASPX?PART=/News/Notice&mode=view&uid=125&bbsidx=3255|title=Korea Tester MapleStory released Jipang, Dong Fang Shen Zhou, and Formosaon patch 1.2.56|accessdate=2006-09-19|author=|date=}}</ref>, based on Japanese culture; similarly, Korean Folk Town (available in KoreaMS, JapanMS, ChinaMS and TaiwanMS) is based on the Korean culture.
Formosa was exclusive to TaiwanMS, however it is no longer a TaiwanMS exclusive, Formosa is now also accessible in KoreaMS.

Dong Fang Shen Zhou was exclusive to ChinaMS,however it is no longer a ChinaMS exclusive, Dong Fang Shen Zhou is now accessible in KoreaMS and TaiwanMS.

Peach Blossom Island is available only in ChinaMS, TaiwanMS, and MapleSEA, where couples take part in traditional Chinese marriages (by purchasing an amount of Cash Shop items).

Night City is a new area in TaiwanMS that is also part of Formosa it is released on August 23, 2006. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://tw.maplestory.gamania.com/event/20060815/index.htm|title=Night City released on August 23, 2006 Taiwan MapleStory|accessdate=2006-08-23|author=|date=}}</ref> While China released Yu Yuan Garden also part of Dong Fang Shen Zhou at the same time. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://mxd.youxizhu.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=2&ID=62393&page=1/|title=Dong Fang Shen Zhou released on China MapleStory|accessdate=2006-08-23|author=|date=}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://mxd.youxizhu.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardid=2&id=62442&star=1#62442|title=Dong Fang Shen Zhou released on China MapleStory|accessdate=2006-08-23|author=|date=}}</ref>

] has been made available to KoreaMS, JapanMS, ThailandMS and MapleSEA; it can be accessed only if the player is connected from a real-life ] which has previously made contracts with the programming staff of its local MapleStory version. In addition, there is also an event town ] which is only available during the Christmas period.

===Free Market===
The Free Market is a place set aside for people who wish to sell their items amongst other players. They can either use regular chat to advertise their item, or they can set up their own miniature shop in which a maximum of three people can concurrently browse their stock. In order to set up a Free Market shop, players must purchase a special permit available only through the Cash Shop. The regular store permit can hold 16 different items; Spring Store Permits and Summer Store Permits can hold 24 different items, although they cost twice as much Cash and are only available seasonally. A new permit called the Mushroom House Elf has an NPC run the store for the player, selling items even when the player is not logged on. It can be purchased for either one or seven days.

A lot of trades occur in the Free Market since one can still meet with players located in other towns or even continents, 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 the following towns: Henesys, Perion, El Nath, Aquarium, Ludibrium, Omega Sector, Orbis (KoreaMS and JapanMS), Riprey (KoreaMS and JapanMS), and Shouwa Town (JapanMS).

==Items==
Items can be acquired from monster drops, purchased from other characters or shops, or as rewards for completing a quest. Unnecessary items can be dropped (where they can be picked up by any other character), sold to any shop, or sold/traded to other characters. Generally the stronger the monsters are the better the Items they drop. However, some high level equip can be found from low level monsters. 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 as a dedicated trading account.

There are five different item categories in the game: Equipment, Use, Set-Up, Etc., and Cash. 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 each job advancement.

] The various types of equipment are clothing, accessories, and weapons; clothing and accessories adding defense, weapons adding attack. Most have a level, stat, and class requirement to be able to equip it. Additionally a rare few have a fame requirement. This usually only applies to dark armors only. In addition to the basic attack or defense increase, items can also provide stat bonuses such as extra HP, MP, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Speed, Jump, Accuracy, Avoidability, and/or Luck stats.

Most equipment have specific "average" stats which the item always has when it is crafted by an NPC or bought from a store. When equipments are dropped by monsters, the stats typically differ from the average. Items with stats closer to the average are more common than ones with much more or less of a certain stat.

Equipment can be upgraded by using item upgrade scrolls. These scrolls give stat bonuses to equipment. The scrolls have a certain percentage of success, and the lower the success percentage, the higher the stat gains provided by the scrolls are. Each item initially has a number of empty slots which lessens after each attempt to upgrade it, whether it works or not. Most equipment have seven slots. Earrings, most gloves and most shoes have five slots. Overalls outfits have ten slots.

Use items consist of consumable items, such as potions, pills, food (which serves the same purpose as potions), upgrade scrolls, town scrolls (teleports the user back to the nearest town or a specific town), arrows (only usable with bows/crossbows), and throwing stars (only usable with claws).

Set-Up items are mainly decorative special items for events such as Christmas or special quests. They usually serve no purpose after the special event is over.

Etc. items are mainly monster leftovers, ores, materials and quest items. Ores and materials are used for forging items.

Cash items are the items bought in the Cash Shop. However, some Cash Shop items may appear in other sections of the inventory depending on their function.

===Cash Shop===
Since playing 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. These items may or may not give actual gameplay bonuses to the character. The items sold in the Cash Shop include clothing items, haircut coupons, pets and much more.

Other than equipment that players can wear, some other items from the Cash Shop can grant the players special abilities, such as negating the experience points lost from dying and giving players a 2x EXP gain bonus and more recently a 2X meso gain bonus.
]
In some versions of the game, Gachapon tickets can be purchased in the Cash Shop. When used at designated Gachapon machines located around the Maple world, players can receive random items. This is a controversial item, since it seems to violate Wizet's philosophy to not allow Cash Shop items to significantly affect the gameplay of players who do not wish to purchase cash shop items. Opponents say this unbalances the game.

Pets<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/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> such as monkeys, dogs, cats, bunnies, pandas, huskies, pigs, dinosaurs and Yeti(Korean Version only.). can also be purchased from the Cash Shop. They can be equipped to pick up the Mesos and items that drop from the monsters their owner defeats. They can also level up and learn new tricks. Pets ― like most Cash Shop items ― expire after a period of 90 days. However, once expired, they can be revived while keeping their level (prior to expiring) by using the Water of Life (another Cash Shop item), and finishing a short quest, which is less expensive than buying a new Pet.

The Global Cash Shop markets items for two virtual currencies: Nexon Cash, or NX Cash, and MapleStory Points. NX Cash is purchased outside of MapleStory through the MapleStory web site. MapleStory Points, however, can be earned through special events. ] is the only accepted payment method for MapleStory Global, although Wizet has stated that they will soon implement direct credit card transactions.

On ] ], MapleStory Global announced that people had been abusing the NX Cash "gifting" feature, and ultimately decided to disable the feature indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=3255&uid=91|title=Notice - NX Cash Fraud: Gifting Disabled|accessdate=2006-07-04|publisher=NX Games}} ''Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for MapleGlobal.com.''</ref> The reason MapleStory Global has given for this decision is that many people have been fraudulent towards ] and Wizet itself. Those who have falsely charged NX Cash will receive a permanent ban unless they "self-report" themselves via the MapleStory Global website. Those who do so will receive a lesser ban of 30 days instead of a permanent ban. If a transaction resulted in a financial penalty for Wizet, users will still be permanently banned regardless of self-reporting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=3255&uid=92|title=Notice - Report Gift Fraud|accessdate=2006-07-04|publisher=NX Games}} ''Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for mapleglobal.com.''</ref>

In MapleSEA's case, in addition to credit card payment (through PayPal), it has also released Prepaid cards that are sold at a fixed price of ] $10.50 (approximately ] $6.30) per 10,000 A-Cash (which can be used to convert into MapleCash) or ] 24 (approximately USD $6.40) for 24,000 MaplePoints (which can be used to purchase 10,000 A-Cash).<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>

Sometimes event quest items will appear in random parts of the Cash Shop, which players can buy for 1 Meso (Not NX Cash, Maple Points, etc).

==Guilds==
Players can form Guilds<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/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> in MapleStory with other players. The purpose of a guild is to be able to find and chat with each other more easily, and to bond with other players. When a guild member logs in, all other guild members are notified, similar to what happens when a "buddy" signs on. Members have their guild's name listed under their character name along with the guild's ], if applicable.

<!--Do not add prices information as they vary from version to version-->
Guilds can be created in the ''Guild Head Quarters'' located in Orbis for a large amount of Mesos. Additional upgrades to the guild such as a guild emblem and expanding the maximum amount of guild members (from 10 to a maximum of 30) will carry an additional fee.

Guilds have a customizable hierarchy. The "Guild Master", who initially created the guild, can invite or expel other players to or from the guild. He can also appoint other guild members to the rank of "Jr. Master" with the same privilege. Other privileges that the Guild Master possess are changing the ranks and rank title of the guild members and the right to disband the guild.

In the Korean and Japanese versions there is a special quest for guilds called "Sharanian". It is much like a party quest but more difficult. It is mostly designed for high-leveled guild members (level 70+) but there is no levelcap so anyone can enter.

Guilds may also make it easier for training purposes. For example: a level 80 player may want to create a guild of level 60 and up to train with Maplers of the same strength.

==Unique gameplay features==
Although a purely two-dimensional game lacking certain features found in other MMORPGs, MapleStory does have features that distinguishes it from other standard 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 or angry expression, while others show happiness or sadness.

===Fame===
Fame is the designation for one of the statistics on a character's character sheet. Although publicized by the game's creators, fame is rarely claimed to be an indicator of a player's popularity among others in the game. Once characters are at the minimum requirement of level fifteen, they are able to raise or lower the fame of any character, excluding themselves, once per day. A character cannot raise or lower the same character's fame more than once every thirty days (1 month). Some quests may award a player fame points, or even take some away. Fame has no significant effect in the game, except for certain quest pre-requisites and a selected number of high level pieces of equipment, usually 'dark' armour type such as the "Dark Anakamoon" for mages. Though some players suggested that fame increases ones chances of gaining rare items from monster drops, it is only a rumor.

===Minigames===
There are two ]s that 2 players may play together called ''Omok'' and ''Match Cards'', both of which require a certain amount of Mesos to play. There are also three solo minigames called ''Pachinko'', ''Ga-cha-pon'', and ''Rock Paper Scissors'', the first two requiring the purchase of certain Cash Shop items to be able to play them.

*'''Omok''' is the Korean cognate of a Japanese game named "]". Omok and Gomuku are akin to ]. To win, a player needs to place 5 of his/her pieces in horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.

*'''Match Cards''' is also known as the game "]". Match cards games can be opened in grids of 3x4, 4x5, and 5x6 cards. The other side of the cards contains images of MapleStory monsters, which players take turn matching.

*'''Pachinko''' is a mini-game exclusive to JapanMS. ] balls (coins) may be purchased in the Cash Shop and are required in order to play. The player must be in a Pachinko store (located in certain towns) to play the game. In order to win, one needs to try to get the Pachinko balls in a mushroom hole below a slot; they are sometimes aided by ]s. 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.

*'''Ga-cha-pon''' (also known as '''Ga-ca-pon''') is a mini-game available in JapanMS, MapleSEA, MapleGlobal, and ThailandMS. To play ], one must first purchase a Ga-cha-pon Ticket from the Cash Shop. The game is basically a slot game where the player inserts one ticket and a random, rare prize comes out. The ticket prices vary depending on the amount one purchases. The Ga-cha-pon Slot Machines are located in Ellinia, Henesys, Perion, Kerning City, Sleepywood, Jipang, Aquarium and Ludibrium.

*'''Rock Paper Scissors''' is the newest minigame released. While KoreaMS has this minigame, it's uncertain if other versions will receive this minigame. Similar to Pachinko, it is a one-player minigame, as one plays against the Maple Administrator NPC. Since this minigame is new, it's uncertain if this minigame will become a human-versus-human minigame.

===Events===
During certain days, the GMs (]) host special events in which any user is capable of participating, given they are online and at a certain map at a certain time. All participants are rewarded with an "Event Trophy". In addition, those who win the event receive a "Scroll of Secrets", which can be used to obtain a random prize from an ].

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, possibly, disconnections from the game. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maplesea.com/intro/events/game_events20060616.aspx|title=Intro - Game Events|accessdate=2006-07-06|publisher=Asiasoft}}</ref>
]
Select events include:
*'''Coconut Harvest''', in which the player works with others in a team competing against another team to gather coconuts from coconut trees on a beach.
*'''Snowball''', in which the player works with others in a team to roll their snowball to the finish line, and prevent the opposing team from getting their snowball to the finish line.
*'''Find the Jewel''', in which the player must search for specific maps.
*'''MapleStory Physical Fitness Challenge (a.k.a. Hyperdash)''' and '''Ola Ola''' have the player attempt to reach a set location in a set amount of time. It is similar to a jump quest.
*'''OX Quiz and Minigame Challenge''', which consists of correctly answering questions asked by a GM. Once players answer them correctly, they are teleported to the Minigame Challenge room, where they compete in minigames. The winner goes on to the next level of the tournament, competing against players with (presumably) steadily increasing skill.

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. 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. GlobalMS has been known to celebrate numerous holidays, their first "birthday", and seasons: it has celebrated (in 2005) Halloween and Thanksgiving, (in 2006) Valentine's Day, Easter, their first birthday, Independence Day, and summer.

==Versions and registration==
{{MapleStory Versions}}
{{MapleStory Versions content}}
<div style="float:right;margin-left:15px">{{MapleStory Versions content index}}</div>

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 from mainly the Global version, and some from other versions trying to play KoreaMS. The 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 between some of the other versions of the game, mostly for the same reason. Some attempt to bypass this by using Proxies, which spoof and IP address to make it seem like a player is playing from a different country - however in Europe MapleStory a GameGuard proxy check has been implemented. However, 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://www.mapleglobal.com/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=2138&uid=12&cat=35&reqpage=0&type=1|title=FAQ <nowiki>| </nowiki> General - Why is my country blocked from MapleGlobal?|accessdate=2006-06-29|publisher=NX Games}}</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 ''(see main article: ])''

The Europe version of MapleStory is under closed beta testing as of ] ].

==Criticism==

Some people believe MapleStory's level system is too heavily based on ] (ex. higher levels (level 70+) may have to kill several thousands of monsters, so they can earn the several million exp points needed to level up). Most of the game can be summed up as "kill monsters to level up, get money, buy better equipment, kill monsters", and so on. This causes many gamers to quickly tire of the game and only the hardcore players, or "grinders" as the case may be, make it as far as level 70+.

On the same note, quests seem to be more of the same, making MapleStory a grind-based game. Most of the quests themselves are standard ] fare where the player looks for a number of objects (Which, more often than not, can only be obtained by killing monsters) to gain a reward.

Game Master (GM) appearances are rare, and therefore, the number of cheaters and scammers in MapleStory is high. ] is common in ChinaMS, it is becoming increasingly common in GlobalMS and is starting to bring many cheaters to MapleSEA, sparking much anger with its players who claim that the Game Masters are not doing enough to stop cheating.

Although problems were being reported for over a month, on ] ], MapleGlobal reported that they were having trouble sending verification e-mails for ] and ] users. Both webmail providers were blocking the e-mails as ] due to the high volume of e-mails sent by Wizet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=3255&cat=2&type=1&uid=116|title=HOTMAIL & YAHOO Verification Alert|accessdate=2006-09-04}}</ref>. New users are recommended to use ] or their ISP's e-mail, but people who previously signed up using a Hotmail or Yahoo! Mail address are unable to receive e-mails, especially following a password change. Problems with Hotmail have been fixed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapleglobal.com/Modules/Forums/Board.aspx?mode=view&bbsidx=3255&cat=1&type=1&uid=118|title=Hotmail allowing emails again|accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref>.

There is also no background story to the game and events (double exp, double drop rate of items, ext.) are usually overcrowded making it difficult for most to participate.

===Game issues===
{{main|MapleStory game issues}}

As with most MMORPGs, there are faults in the game and people who exploit them. These players are regarded as "hackers" and are disliked by much of the legitimate players (those who do not hack). There are also many third party programs (hacks) created to simplify gameplay for players. Some of these hacks make players invincible (such as "godmode" hacks), while others suck monsters into one spot ("vaccuum hacks", or, as they are commonly called, "vac hacks"). The use of third party programs is strictly forbidden, and users who take advantage of them are usually banned from the game.

Another issue is account scamming, in which people are ] to give their own personal information, or even ] out of their information. To combat these programs, various security measures have been implemented such as ] and a PIN requirement. Cheaters can be banned at any time after proof of their activities is discovered, potentially months after the incident even if they have stopped cheating. Since Beta MapleStory, Wizet has had a report system, which allows players to report hackers and scammers.

] is also common. Scammers use a variety of methods to mislead other players into giving them Mesos, items, or NX Cash. Such methods range from using cheating programs to simply preying upon newer users. For example, a common scam is the "item duplication" scam, in which a higher level player requests a trade from a lower level player, telling them that by pressing the keys "Tab, Tab, Spacebar, Enter" in succession they can duplicate the items they have placed in the trade. Doing so causes an immediate trade to the other player, in which case the player that was scammed loses their item. Note that the use, promoting, or selling of cheating programs results in an almost immediate ban in most cases.

Another issue is the sharing of accounts (account sharing). This means that 2 or more people use the same user ID and password to play on the same account in the game. Doing this usually allows the player to level up faster and appear to always be online. Account sharing is clearly against the rules as stated on the MapleStory website, however, the game masters do not condone this at all. The clear reasons are unknown but one proposition is because they are in fear of enciting the wrath of the higher leveled players (many of which do share accounts).

Rarely, one may find a small glitch in the game, such as falling through a normally solid platform caused by the different layers in the game like ladders , platforms and walls or disappearing people/monsters/items. However, most of these glitches are commonly caused by ] or the way the game is designed, and one will not be banned for abusing them as long as the glitch does not affect other users negatively.

One may also find an occasional misspelled word, as well as various grammatical mistakes, in the game's text, especially when talking to an NPC.


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


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===Informational fansites===
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* - Contains Maplewiki, library of game information, guides, a large forum for help, and more. .
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* - Library of game information extracted directly from the client .
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* - Oldest standing message board with an extensive trading forums, guides, community, etc. .
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* - Lastest Tespia patch news and forum .
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* - Library of game information .
* - Library of game information .
* - Library of game information .
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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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