MapleStory

About

MapleStory is a single player and multiplayer casual role playing game with fantasy and anime themes. It was developed by NEXON Korea Corporation and was released on August 9, 2012. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Welcome to MapleStory, the original side-scrolling MMORPG where epic adventure, action and good friends await you. With hundreds of hours of gameplay, this immersive role-playing experience will allow you to unleash your wild side as you create and train a mighty hero, conquer perilous dungeons, overcome terrifying bosses, socialize with your friends and much more. Your MapleStory begins today!

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62%

Audience ScoreBased on 12,801 reviews

story537 positive mentions

grinding940 negative mentions

The game's soundtrack is widely praised as exceptional, iconic, and deeply nostalgic, greatly enhancing the atmosphere and emotional engagement.
MapleStory features a distinctive, charming 2D chibi art style with vibrant colors, detailed visuals, and a variety of cute, customizable character designs.
The gameplay offers a large roster of classes and fun, unique boss fights with diverse mechanics, providing replayability and a skill-based combat experience.

The monetization is considered overwhelmingly aggressive, predatory, and pay-to-win, with frequent microtransactions and time-gated content that frustrate players.
The game suffers from poor optimization including frequent crashes, lag, long loading times, and outdated mechanics, negatively impacting player experience.
The core gameplay is grind-heavy, repetitive, and often tedious, with forced solo play and annoying unskippable story quests that detract from enjoyment.

story
3,409 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
80%
4%
The story in Maplestory is extensive and charming with many unique character arcs and side quests, though often considered cheesy or poorly executed by some players. It has evolved from simple beginnings to include much more narrative content, including voice acting and cinematic cutscenes, which can feel overwhelming or tedious due to unskippable dialogue and forced progression. While the lore and storytelling remain a strength appreciated by long-time fans, newcomers and returning players often find quest navigation confusing and the pacing of the story inconsistent, with a strong focus now on grinding and solo gameplay rather than social party questing.
- “Some characters like Lynn and Lara have a smooth, streamlined and guided beginner experience with a fun story that takes you to level 30 and leads you directly into the level 30-60 theme dungeons.”
- “There's tons of story line to go through and so many people to do it with. Create a character at the same time with a friend and help each other with the quest line.”
- “Maplestory has an amazing control customization to really suit your style of playing the game. Also the story is actually pretty in depth with every character they have and are introducing later on.”
- “Played this as a kid, trying again, game's ruined; first 50 minutes mashing spacebar to get through a story, and then by then you're max level. Bring back classic MapleStory, what's this crap?”
- “Unskippable 'story' quest nonsense: you level instantly 10 to 20 in an embarrassing amount of story crap that is downright waterboarding.”
- “The quests are so tedious it's not even worth doing 99% of them. The storyline feels like it was written by a five-year-old, and in-game quests do little to elaborate that storyline nor reward you enough for the grind.”
grinding
949 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
Grinding is a core and defining feature of the game, characterized by extensive, repetitive, and often solo mob farming that can demand hundreds to thousands of hours, especially at higher levels. While some players find the grind therapeutic or enjoyable when paired with social play or passive activities, many criticize it as tedious, time-consuming, and exacerbated by pay-to-win elements such as costly pets that automate looting. The game's progression heavily relies on grinding mesos, leveling, gearing, and completing daily and weekly tasks, with endgame content locked behind steep grind walls, making it potentially overwhelming and uninviting for new or casual players.
- “There’s a huge roster of bosses built up over the years, and you’ll spend most of your time actually fighting them—no tedious puzzles or forced minigames like in so many other modern titles.”
- “One day I hope they will release Maplestory 2 again... remembering the success of Maplestory came from the journey and feeling of accomplishment of getting stronger slowly over time... not grinding 4 characters to max level within a month and then just repeating the same 2 end-game raids 10 times a day for eternity.”
- “Leveling to 200 has gotten significantly easier with just questing and not grinding mobs (although that is an option).”
- “Grinding can be a little much, but they have added some new content for when creating a new guy which still makes this fun.”
- “The core of the game is grinding, but it's so boring that I need to watch something while I grind.”
- “If you aren't willing to spend the money or the hours grinding, you simply will be behind.”
gameplay
611 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
66%
7%
The gameplay of MapleStory is a mixed experience: it offers fun and unique 2D side-scrolling combat, an extensive variety of over 30 classes with distinct mechanics, and challenging boss fights that reward learning and skill execution. However, the core loop is often criticized as grind-heavy, repetitive, and heavily time-gated, with many mechanics felt as overly complicated, poorly explained, or overly reliant on RNG and pay-to-win monetization, which can frustrate both new and veteran players. While nostalgia and the game's charm endure, many reviews note that excessive grinding, intrusive gambling mechanics, technical issues, and a shift towards solo play detract from the overall enjoyment.
- “The bossing is really fun, extremely involved, and there are a lot of really fun and unique mechanics per boss that make some of the mid-game and end-game encounters extremely entertaining.”
- “There are over 32 playable classes, and they can be put into 5 different categories of gameplay style: warrior, magician, thief, bowman, and pirate, and even then those can be changed up to be either melee or ranged attackers.”
- “The core gameplay is solid... when the game works.”
- “They don't care to give this game any actual gameplay, players have after all shown them that they are in many ways correct in their assumption that addiction can substitute for gameplay.”
- “Despite having no gameplay diversification, they still managed to poorly optimize a 2d-only game enough that it takes up around 50 GB of space, and they managed to make it have worse technical issues than any other game I've played in recent years.”
- “The gameplay is mind-numbingly repetitive.”
graphics
377 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
59%
5%
MapleStory features a distinctive, timeless 2D chibi art style that is widely praised for its charm, vibrant colors, and nostalgic appeal, setting it apart from other MMOs. While some find the pixelated, early 2000s graphics outdated or childish, many appreciate the detailed artwork, smooth animations, and expressive visuals that contribute to an inviting and colorful game world. Overall, the graphics are a major highlight for fans, though they may feel dated to players expecting modern 3D visuals.
- “Maplestory has been around for nearly two decades and has a charm and art style like almost nothing else on the market.”
- “The artists responsible for outfits, skill animations, and enemy sprites have, for the most part, continuously provided unique and memorable visuals to keep things interesting despite the game's age.”
- “The graphics, albeit a bit dated, get better and better, and the backgrounds are insanely detailed and well-made, especially the later ones in the level 200+ zones!”
- “The graphics are so outdated that I half-expected a pixelated caveman to pop up and ask me if I've discovered fire yet.”
- “Notifications, damage numbers, hurt, and hitboxes all are overlapping and unoptimized, creating a low graphical fidelity experience that even some of the most dedicated casual players would struggle with.”
- “They chose to use obsolete retro pixel "art" as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics. Resolution seems to be locked and you don't get any proper graphics tweaks, so this falls far below acceptable standards for PC.”
music
295 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
47%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised as exceptional, iconic, and deeply nostalgic, often described as one of the best soundtracks in MMORPGs. It greatly enhances the atmosphere, with memorable tunes that evoke fond memories and emotional connections, making it a primary reason many players continue to engage with the game. Despite gameplay changes and other criticisms, the soundtrack and overall sound design remain standout elements that resonate strongly with both longtime fans and new players.
- “The music is and will always be a masterpiece, blowing any other composition in most games out of the water.”
- “The game has incredible music, definitely one of the most memorable soundtracks ever made in MMORPGs.”
- “Maplestory has the best OST music out of any game I have ever played in my life.”
- “Play for soundtrack.”
- “Sound (music) was so painful that I had to mute it within a minute.”
- “The music for new regions is still arguably awful.”
monetization
161 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
58%
40%
The monetization in this game is overwhelmingly criticized as aggressive, predatory, and heavily pay-to-win, with frequent microtransactions, time-gated content, and costly cash shop items that prioritize profit over player experience. While some servers like the "heroic" or "reboot" ones offer less intrusive, mostly cosmetic purchases, the mainstream servers are seen as cash grabs with oppressive monetization strategies that alienate and frustrate both new and veteran players. Overall, the monetization is considered a major detriment, overshadowing the gameplay and driving many to avoid or quit the game.
- “The bulk of the microtransactions come from cosmetics and I think that is a relatively fair method of monetization for the player.”
- “While there are in-game purchases, they are not necessary to enjoy the game.”
- “The microtransactions in this game are bearable, they give little advantage to players and are mostly cosmetic.”
- “Released MapleStory 2 as a cash grab and killed it shortly after; as far as I'm concerned, the first one can die too.”
- “It's stuffed to the brim with microtransactions, FOMO, and general time-wasting that is ultimately meaningless, and you only realize it much later on.”
- “Underneath the colorful characters lies one of the most aggressive monetization systems in history.”
stability
98 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
MapleStory Global suffers from pervasive stability issues, including frequent crashes, freezes, and bugs affecting gameplay, events, and UI. The client is outdated and poorly optimized, leading to frustrating experiences even on high-end hardware, with glitches often causing lost items or progress. Despite its fun gameplay and nostalgic appeal, the game is plagued by insufficient developer communication, persistent technical problems, and a reliance on predatory microtransactions.
- “The game crashes, freezes, and locks randomly.”
- “Even with a high-end computer, going full screen completely freezes and breaks the game.”
- “Crashes and freezes at loading and tutorial cutscenes on a brand new gaming laptop; can't play fullscreen without it cutting off the play area and settings buttons. It's a disaster.”
humor
65 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is often described as quirky, dry, and occasionally hilarious, with funny quest lines, absurd cutscenes, and playful character interactions adding charm. However, some players feel the jokes can be shallow or forced, especially amid grind-heavy gameplay and intrusive monetization. Overall, the humor contributes to a lighthearted, nostalgic experience but can feel inconsistent at times.
- “If you like fun RPG games, this is for you. There are many classes to choose from, a catalog of fun quests, and funny costumes and pets.”
- “The game has practically no real story, but the writing has, even though it shames me to say, made me laugh on a couple occasions.”
- “I've always loved this game for the flashy skill animations and funny cute looking graphics.”
optimization
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
56%
36%
The game suffers from poor optimization characterized by frequent crashes, lag, long loading times, and inconsistent performance even on high-end PCs. Despite ongoing efforts and upcoming improvements like a 64-bit client, issues such as outdated mechanics, unrefined solo play, and bloated systems persist, creating a frustrating experience that often feels pay-to-win. While dedicated fans may tolerate these flaws, optimization remains a major drawback, impacting gameplay fluidity and accessibility for new and casual players.
- “As the developers keep prioritizing server optimization and giving options for whatever the player wants to do within the game, they can go far beyond what's possible and scale this game's potential.”
- “After a couple years, game feels finally optimized, just took a new president and new devs, good job Nexon.”
- “Also take some time to get used to the game, it's an old game and some things are less optimized, but the game is very stable as of this review and with the 64-bit client coming up in the next update the game will get even better if you ask me.”
- “The game engine is poorly optimized; it is strange that a 2D game requires such a strong PC.”
- “Terribly optimized and incredibly laggy.”
- “The launcher for the game is still an unoptimized mess, and even with a mid-tier gaming computer in 2019, the game has a hard time loading properly.”
emotional
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
90%
10%
The emotional experience of the game is highly mixed, with some players finding the story heartwarming, nostalgic, and capable of evoking tears, while others feel disappointed by repetitive, boring narratives and manipulative monetization practices. The game's atmosphere, music, and community can create significant emotional connections, yet frustration with gacha mechanics and monetization often leads to heartbreak and disillusionment. Overall, players recommend enjoying the game's charm cautiously, without deep emotional or financial investment.
- “The story I just finished is heartbreaking.”
- “The sprites are beautiful, the attacks are fast and juicy, the music is extremely pleasant for almost every map, and the stories are heartwarming.”
- “I cried during my Mercedes story when I first started, and I have cried many times since then.”
- “Very bad: the boring story when starting a new character.”
- “Good game until events came and boring stories you can't skip over. Every time you open a new avatar, you start all the stories from the beginning. Now, if you don't do the stories, you can't join the events.”
- “If you like grinding, anime, Korea, tentacles, horrible English, RPGs, bright colors, more grinding, boring story arcs, elves, magic, wielding magic, killing enemies with magic, lolis, yuri, rainbows, sleepless nights, Nexon cash, wasting real-life money, and not taking drugs, you just might like this game.”
replayability
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
46%
27%
Replayability is widely praised, with many users highlighting significant improvements, variety of classes, and in-depth progression systems that encourage creating multiple characters. While some appreciate the game's depth and casual-friendly design, others feel limited by time-restricted events and lack of ongoing motivation, which can reduce long-term engagement. Overall, replay value is considered high, driven by diverse gameplay and evolving content.
- “Good game, since the original version to what it is now they have made significant changes that improve the pace and replay value.”
- “Not to mention there is a ton of classes that all play differently so there will be at least one class that you'll love and you get a ton of variety and replayability.”
- “Lots of replayability, in fact the game wants you to make 40 characters (a legion) which will take you between 5-80 hours each depending on your experience and resources on hand.”
- “I understand Nexon has tried to change the game over the last couple decades to make it more accessible and to make their dead interactive servers more playable, but all that's playable is the tutorial.”
- “For this to be replayable is a complete wonder.”
- “However, the replay value is destitute and the more limited time events you miss, the less the game feels worth playing.”
atmosphere
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
30%
20%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charming, alive environments ranging from serene villages to bustling cities, enhanced by beautiful background art and a top-tier soundtrack that perfectly complements each area. Many players appreciate the cozy, magical, and slow-paced vibe that invites exploration and relaxation, making atmosphere one of the game's standout features. While some longtime players feel nostalgia, the immersive and varied atmospheres remain a key draw despite mixed feelings about gameplay.
- “Whether it is the serene atmosphere of Henesys or the bustling, chaotic energy of Kerning City, each location feels alive, inviting you to lose yourself in its charm.”
- “For the first time in almost 20 years of playing on and off, I got to enjoy the beautiful background art, the top-tier atmospheric music, and the many cute and easy-to-digest storylines this game has to offer.”
- “From the atmospheric chill-itude of Ellinia's forests, to the cheeky toy-land of Ludibrium, to the epic rock songs playing for some of the bosses, there's plenty to enjoy in the soundtrack.”
- “If you are an old player wanting to come back to reminisce the old social atmosphere, it's most likely not worth it but at least the music is good.”
- “Ye I have a lot of good memories from this game and still come back to AFK and enjoy the atmosphere in Ellin Forest, but sadly I can't say it's a fun game to play.”
character development
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
22%
22%
Character development in the game is praised for its cute and customizable character designs with charming visuals and a variety of classes, allowing personalization and a fun, lighthearted experience. However, some users note a lack of depth in character progression and inconsistent visual quality, with certain design elements feeling disorganized or underpolished. Overall, class variety is extensive and well-conceived despite mixed opinions on aesthetic execution.
- “The character designs remain cute and endearing, with customization options that let you truly make your hero your own.”
- “I love the slow pace atmosphere, the character designs and different character classes.”
- “A light hearted free MMORPG featuring a beautiful art style, character design, and music.”
- “Create character... obviously no real character development path, it all looks rather messy and patched together; some class sounds are earblastingly loud (normalization!? it's not that hard), no idea what the character would actually look like; these aren't exactly 1080p graphics.”
- “This game has one of the most extensive choice of classes, and while the character design isn't that good, you may find yourself picking your first class based on what the designs look like; the classes are very extensive and well thought out.”