MapleStory
Action
Adventure
Casual
Massively Multiplayer
RPG
Free To Play
Single-player
Multi-player
MMO
Co-op
Steam Trading Cards

Join over 260 million players worldwide in MapleStory, the world’s biggest 2D MMORPG adventure! Play now for free.

Developers: NEXON Korea Corporation
Publishers: Nexon America Inc.
Release Date: Aug 9, 2012
Price (USD): Free
Current Players: 13k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(62%)
Nostalgic experience
Variety of classes
Art style
Reboot servers
Music
Nostalgia
Fast leveling
Grind-heavy
Changed progression
Reboot servers
Predatory monetization
Complex systems
Bugs and crashes
Poor communication
Steep learning curve
Overall, the reviews reflect a strong sense of nostalgia for MapleStory, although many players express frustration with predatory monetization and the overwhelming complexity of its systems. Long-time fans continue to appreciate the game's art and music, but concerns about Nexon's management and the stability issues are prevalent. The quick leveling is seen as both a positive and negative aspect, as it allows easy access to new content but detracts from the game's original challenging progression.

Positive Points

  • MapleStory provides a nostalgic experience for players who have been with the series for many years.
  • The game has an extensive class system with a wide variety of playstyles, ensuring that most players will find a character that suits their preferences.
  • Although many criticize the monetization model, some players find that playing on Reboot or Heroic servers offers a better free-to-play experience.
  • MapleStory is praised for its art style, music, and nostalgic feel, which appeal to long-time fans.
  • Negative Points

  • The game suffers from predatory monetization practices, including expensive 'vacuum pets' that are required for efficient gameplay.
  • MapleStory is criticized for a steep learning curve due to its overwhelming amount of systems and mechanics that are not well explained.
  • Numerous players mention bugs, crashes, and long maintenance periods, affecting the game's stability and playability.
  • There is dissatisfaction among players regarding Nexon's communication and response to player feedback, with many feeling that their concerns are ignored.
  • Mixed Points

  • The gameplay is described as both nostalgic and outdated, with many players returning for the nostalgia but finding it lacks the community-driven aspect it once had.
  • The fast leveling and progression mechanics are both praised for accessibility and criticized for removing the challenge that was part of the original experience.
  • Common Themes

  • Nostalgia is a significant factor for many returning players, even though the game has changed considerably since the original versions.
  • The community expresses a strong desire for better management and improved communication from Nexon, as well as a need for more balancing and less predatory monetization.
  • MapleStory is often described as a grind-heavy game, with numerous players noting how it demands significant time investment to progress, especially at higher levels.
  • Many players are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Classic servers, hoping they will recapture some of the original magic of early MapleStory.
  • Updated 11/25/2025, 12:01:19 AM UTC