MapleStory
News, coverage and analysis tracking MapleStory across the outlets.
Latest coverage
MapleStory Classic World opens sign-ups to August’s test, including MacOS support
Nexon has opened registration for the second closed beta test of MapleStory Classic World, a legacy version of the MMORPG, running from August 4th to 12th. The test will include new features like 3rd Job Advancement, controller support, and MacOS compatibility, with sign-ups closing on July 29th. The article also briefly touches on recent balance discussions for the retail version of MapleStory.
MapleStory Classic World eyes August for more closed beta testing with sign-ups this week
Nexon announced that MapleStory Classic World will hold its second closed beta testing phase from August 4th to August 12th, with sign-ups beginning on July 16th. This legacy version of the MMO aims to transport players back to the 2005-2009 era of the game, incorporating both classic elements and new content with slower progression.
Kalmia Online is an indie side-scrolling MMORPG running a public test the weekend of July 24
Kalmia Online, an indie side-scrolling MMORPG described as a blend of MapleStory and Ragnarok Online, is holding its first public playtest from July 24th to July 26th. The developers are seeking player feedback to improve the game, emphasizing that it will not feature gacha mechanics, pay-to-win elements, autoplay, or generative AI.
MMO Week in Review: ArcheAge’s revival, Guild Wars’ CCG
This week's MMO news roundup covers a variety of topics including Guild Wars receiving a CCG in China, ArcheAge's revival, and Richard Garriott's efforts to regain Ultima copyright. It also features updates on Tomo Endless Blue's Kickstarter success, Embers of the Uncrowned, and Diablo Immortal's new Warlock patch.
MapleStory brings a new class, new bosses, and system updates in this week’s Ride the Lightning update
MapleStory's 'Ride the Lightning' update introduces the new Erel Light class with stellar-powered abilities, alongside significant system changes including a revamped V Matrix, new Hexa Sol Hecate node, and an updated star force enhancement mode. The update also adds two new bosses, Malefic Star and Kai, class adjustments, Discord integration, and Operation: Dive events.
Nexon Developers Conference 26 Opens Today
The Nexon Developers Conference (NDC) 26 has opened, focusing on Artificial Intelligence in game development. The conference, held by NEXON Korea Corporation, features 51 sessions covering planning, production, and live operations, with a special emphasis on how AI can streamline experimentation and creative processes. The event also includes exhibitions of Nexon IP artwork and game sound production.
DIVE INTO SUMMER WITH NEW THEMED MAPLESTORY: IDLE RPG UPDATE
NEXON's MapleStory: Idle RPG has received a summer-themed update introducing new events, daily missions, beach-inspired mini-games, and rewards. The update also adds a new growth system called "Hero's Journey" and a new guild raid challenge featuring the boss Horntail.
MapleStory offers a Global Classic World trailer, but we still don’t know when it’s launching
MapleStory has released a new trailer for its upcoming Global Classic World, a reboot of the game's classic version. While the trailer showcases the nostalgic experience, it does not provide a specific launch date, only stating "coming soon." Nexon America previously indicated that the reboot requires one more test before launch and will share schedule details once confirmed.
Solarpunk MMO Loftia Is Heading into Early Access on Steam Soon!
The solarpunk-themed MMO Loftia, inspired by games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, is set to launch into Early Access in Fall 2026. Developed by Qloud Games, the game focuses on farming, crafting, decorating, and social interaction on floating islands, with an emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy. Loftia will be available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
MapleStory highlights the new class and quality-of-life arriving in June 17’s Ride the Lightning update
MapleStory's global version is launching its 'Ride the Lightning' update on June 17th, introducing the new Erel Light class, a strength-based melee attacker exclusive to this version. The update also includes significant quality-of-life improvements, such as risk-free gear enhancement and account-bound familiar slot unlocks, alongside the return of Challenger World servers with rapid XP gains and new events.
Perfect Ten: Video games that spun off from MMORPGs
This article highlights ten video games that originated as spin-offs from MMORPGs, exploring various genres and platforms. Examples include Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes, RuneScape Dragonwilds, and EVE Online's Gunjack, showcasing how established MMO IPs have been adapted into different gaming experiences.
ARC Raiders, The Finals & MapleStory drove a 118% YoY increase in Nexon's Q1 2026 net income
Nexon reported a 118% year-over-year increase in net income for Q1 2026, driven by strong performance from ARC Raiders, The Finals, and MapleStory. ARC Raiders sold approximately 4.6 million units, while The Finals and MapleStory saw revenue increases of 47% and 42% year-over-year, respectively.
MapleStory hypes up its Erel Light class with a new trailer and opens public test server for its June 17 patch
Nexon has released a new trailer hyping the upcoming Erel Light class for their side-scrolling MMO, MapleStory. The Erel Light class is set to headline the first part of the summer patch on June 17th. A public test server will be available for players to test upcoming features from June 4th to June 9th.
Nexon Q1 2026: ARC Raiders and MapleStory help to bring record high revenue
Nexon reported a record high first quarter of 2026, with revenue increasing 42% year-over-year to ¥152.2 billion ($945 million). The company attributed this success to strong performance from both the MapleStory franchise and the newly released ARC Raiders, which sold 4.6 million units. Future releases include Mabinogi: Mobile, Vindictus: Defying Fate, and several Dungeon Fighter side games.
Nexon Q1 net income rises 118% to $360.7m
Nexon reported a 118% year-over-year increase in net income for the first quarter, reaching $360.7 million, driven by strong performance from Embark Studios' Arc Raiders and the MapleStory franchise. The company also announced a ten-year publishing partnership extension with Tencent for Dungeon & Fighter in China.
MapleStory recaps its recent Classic World closed test and outlines summer update plans
MapleStory has concluded its closed test for MapleStory Classic World and is preparing to release summer updates starting June 17th. These updates include a new Erel Light class, a Kinesis class remaster, new PvP modes, zones, bosses, and quality-of-life improvements. Producer Inkwell shared these details, thanking participants for their feedback.
CELEBRATE THE HALF-ANNIVERSARY EVENT IN MAPLESTORY: IDLE RPG TODAY
NEXON and Able Games have launched a large-scale Half-Anniversary Festival event for their mobile idle RPG, MapleStory: Idle RPG. The event includes a 1+1 Burning Event with a Flag Race mini-game, two new Pirate-class jobs (Buccaneer and Corsair), a new Horntail boss raid, and a Star Force Hunting Zone weekly content mode. The festival runs until June 11 and offers various in-game rewards and currency.
The Rolodex Princess Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guest of Honor
Cosplay artist The Rolodex Princess has been announced as a Guest of Honor for Fire & Ice RGX 2026, an event taking place June 20-21 in Roseville, CA. The artist, who has created over 200 costumes in five years, will be interacting with attendees and handing out merchandise. The article also mentions various game releases and updates, including Reptilian Rising, Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, Bubsy 4D, Monsters are Coming!, and The Blood of Dawnwalker.
MapleStory Global Creator Challenge Revealed
Nexon America has announced the MapleStory Global Creator Challenge, offering participants the chance to win up to $65,000 by creating unique game experiences within MapleStory Worlds. Submissions open on May 28 and close on October 7, with winners announced in early December. Senior Producer Dennis Bernardo highlighted the challenge as a way to support aspiring developers.
MapleStory celebrates its 21st birthday with a new Maple University event
MapleStory is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a new in-game event called Maple University. Players can attend classes, master skills, and earn rewards on a special campus until June 16th. The event offers daily login bonuses and a progression track through general education, a major, and an internship.