MapleStory
A 2D side-scrolling MMORPG with global reach.
MapleStory (Korean: 메이플스토리 meipeulseutoli) is a free-to-play, 2D, side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by the South Korean developer Wizet and published by Nexon. Different versions of the game exist for specific countries or regions, each handled by various publishers such as Nexon. Players travel through multiple worlds—including Maple World, the Arcane River between worlds, and the extraterrestrial realm of Grandis—defeating monsters and building up their characters' skills and abilities, as is standard in role-playing games. They can interact with others through chatting and trading, form parties to hunt monsters and split rewards, or create guilds for easier cooperation. The in-game Cash Shop lets players buy cosmetic items or gameplay boosts with real money or in-game currency earned through various activities.
In July 2010, the Korean version received a major patch called the "Big Bang," which was later applied to other versions. Later that year, the Korean version got the Chaos update, adding player versus player (PvP) combat and professions. A sequel, MapleStory 2, launched in July 2015 with updated 3D graphics and a similar storyline. By 2020, MapleStory had over 180 million registered users worldwide and earned more than $3 billion in total revenue.
**Plot** The story of MapleStory unfolds across several worlds, including Maple World, the Arcane River, and Grandis. Beings known as the Overseers created these worlds and assigned each one three guardians: the Transcendent of Time, the Transcendent of Life, and the Transcendent of Light. The first major story arc centers on the Black Mage, the main antagonist of Maple World. Originally the Transcendent of Light called the White Mage, he became corrupted when an experiment twisted his pure light core. Six heroes sealed the Black Mage for centuries, but they were also sealed away in the process. In the present day, the Black Mage's forces, the Black Wings, resurface and try to revive him. Empress Cygnus creates the Cygnus Knights to oppose them and the Black Mage's Commanders. As the seal weakens, the legendary heroes return. After the Black Mage breaks free, Cygnus forms the Maple Alliance, uniting the Explorers, Cygnus Knights, the Resistance, the six Heroes of Maple, and adventurers from other worlds. The Alliance fights the Black Wings and wins a decisive battle a
- Developer
- Wizet
- Publisher
- Nexon
- Genre
- Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
- Platform
- PC
- Release
- 2003 (South Korea)
- Registered Users
- Over 180 million (as of 2020)
- Lifetime Revenue
- Over $3 billion (as of 2020)
Lore & Background
The plot of MapleStory takes place across several worlds, including Maple World, the Arcane River, and Grandis. The Overseers created these worlds and assigned each three guardians: the Transcendent of Time, the Transcendent of Life, and the Transcendent of Light. The first major arc revolves around the Black Mage, formerly the Transcendent of Light known as the White Mage, whose pure light core was corrupted in an experiment. Six heroes sealed the Black Mage for centuries at the cost of being sealed themselves. In the present day, the Black Wings, forces of the Black Mage, attempt to revive him. Empress Cygnus creates the Cygnus Knights and later the Maple Alliance to oppose the Black Mage and his Commanders. The Adversary, a champion imbued with divine energy, ultimately kills the Black Mage, saving Maple World.
Reader's Guide
MapleStory's significance lies in its long-running success as a free-to-play 2D side-scrolling MMORPG, amassing over 180 million registered users and $3 billion in lifetime revenue by 2020. Its gameplay centers on real-time combat, questing, and character progression across multiple worlds. The game introduced major updates such as the Big Bang patch in July 2010 and the Chaos update later that year, which added player versus player (PvP) and professions. Its sequel, MapleStory 2, released in July 2015, features updated 3D graphics and a similar storyline. The game's legacy includes a vast array of character classes, including Explorers, Cygnus Knights, Heroes, Resistance, and others, each with unique storylines and mechanics. The plot arcs, involving the Black Mage and later Gerand Darmoor in Grandis, have driven ongoing narrative expansions. MapleStory remains a notable example of a persistent online world with a dedicated global player base.
Did You Know?
- The Korean version of MapleStory received the Big Bang patch in July 2010.
- The Chaos update introduced player versus player (PvP) and professions to the game.
- As of 2020, MapleStory had over 180 million registered users worldwide.
- The game grossed over $3 billion in lifetime revenue as of 2020.
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