MapleStory Classic WorldExplainer
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MapleStory Classic World release date: the Grand Launch went live Oct. 21, free on PC and Mac
MapleStory Classic World launched worldwide on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. PT, or 2 p.m. ET, when Nexon ended a five-hour maintenance and opened the Grand Launch to every player. Classic World rebuilds MapleStory as it was when it first launched, with Maple Island, Victoria Island and four jobs, plus modern fixes and new systems such as Housing, Citizenship and Crafting. The game is free to download on Windows and macOS through the Nexon Launcher and Steam, where it comes bundled with MapleStory. Founder's Access players had played since Oct. 6 and keep their characters.
- PC
- Mac
MapleStory Classic World is out, and it’s free. Here’s when it launched, how to download it, what’s in the game and what Nexon adds next.
When did MapleStory Classic World come out?
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Nexon took the Classic World servers down at 6 a.m. PT for the Grand Launch maintenance and opened them at 11 a.m. PT, or 2 p.m. ET, with the game updated to version 1.0.0. Players who logged in got five extra hours on their Cash Shop items to cover the downtime.
Nexon’s launch post put it simply: “It’s been a long wait, but Global MapleStory Classic World is finally here.” Owners of the Orange Mushroom and Zakum Founder’s Packages had played since Oct. 6, two weeks early, and kept their characters for the launch.
Is MapleStory Classic World free?
Yes. Classic World is free to download and play. The Cash Shop sells cosmetics and convenience items, and the game also uses Leaf Points, an in-game alternative to cash currency.
It runs on Windows and macOS in two ways:
- Nexon LauncherOpen MapleStory, switch the MapleStory Classic World toggle and download the standalone client.
- SteamInstall MapleStory, since the two games share one bundled listing. MapleStory’s Steam page, which includes Classic World, had about 17,400 players in the game on the morning of Oct. 22.
The game speaks English, with Spanish and Korean in beta. Each account holds up to three characters, and new accounts can trade only 24 hours after one character reaches level 15.
What’s in Classic World at launch
Classic World rebuilds MapleStory as it was when it first launched. Every character starts as a Beginner on Maple Island, then sails to Victoria Island to pick a job at level 10:
- WarriorIn Perion, with Fighter, Page or Spearman at level 30.
- MagicianIn Ellinia, with two Wizard paths or Cleric.
- BowmanIn Henesys, with Hunter or Crossbowman.
- ThiefIn Kerning City, with Assassin or Bandit.
The level cap is 100, and the second job is the last one at launch. Six bosses wait on Victoria Island: Mano, Stumpy, Mushmom, Shade, Zombie Mushmom and Jr. Balrog. Perion adds a new Excavation Site, and the Kerning City Party Quest, “First Time Together,” opens to characters at level 21 and above.
Housing, Citizenship and Crafting
Classic World adds systems the original never had. Citizenship, from level 12, lets characters become residents of Henesys or Kerning City for shop discounts and special items. Citizens can buy a house with mesos in either town, decorate it and invite other players. Crafting, from level 10, turns monster drops into gear across six trades, from smithing to leatherworking.
The Beauty Album saves hairstyles, faces and skin colors, and a Lie Detector Test lets players flag suspected bots, which land in a “Truth Booth” if they fail.
Launch events and Founder’s Packages
The Journey Begins check-in event runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 18, 2026: players at level 10 and above trade 30 Maple Leaves a day for rewards, starting with a Snail pet. Founder’s Package sales ended on Oct. 14, and buyers have until Nov. 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC to claim their items from the in-game mailbox.
Forgotten Hollow, an area built for Classic World, opens in November. The head of Global MapleStory said in an October Q&A that content such as 3rd job and more regions arrives step by step, mixed with original content, and that the team is building a new boss. Nexon, which also owns the studio behind ARC Raiders, runs both versions of MapleStory side by side. For more free games, see our free games this week list.
This page is updated as soon as Nexon dates Forgotten Hollow or the 3rd job advancement.
FAQ
When did MapleStory Classic World come out?
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. PT, or 2 p.m. ET, after a five-hour maintenance that updated the game to version 1.0.0. Founder’s Access players had started on Oct. 6.
Is MapleStory Classic World free?
Yes. Classic World is free to download and play through the Nexon Launcher and Steam. The Cash Shop sells cosmetics and convenience items, and Founder’s Packages were an optional purchase for early access.
How do you download MapleStory Classic World?
In the Nexon Launcher, open MapleStory, switch the MapleStory Classic World toggle and download the standalone client. On Steam, install MapleStory, since the two games come bundled in one listing.
Can you play MapleStory Classic World on Mac?
Yes. Classic World runs on Windows and macOS, through the Nexon Launcher or the MapleStory listing on Steam.
What is the max level in MapleStory Classic World?
Level 100. Players pick a job at level 10 and a second job path at level 30. Third job isn’t in the launch version, and Nexon plans to add it later.
What jobs are in MapleStory Classic World?
Warrior, Magician, Bowman and Thief. Second job paths are Fighter, Page and Spearman for Warriors, two Wizard paths and Cleric for Magicians, Hunter and Crossbowman for Bowmen, and Assassin and Bandit for Thieves.
Does Founder's Access progress carry over?
Yes. Founder’s Access players kept playing the same characters after the Grand Launch. Founder’s Package items have to be claimed from the in-game mailbox by Nov. 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC.
Is MapleStory Classic World connected to MapleStory?
The two run under one account, so bans apply in both, and NX is shared. Character names, Maple Points, MVP benefits and progress stay separate, and only one of the two games runs at a time.
Does MapleStory Classic World support controllers?
Yes. Classic World officially supports DualSense, DualShock and Xbox controllers once controller support is switched on in the game options. A Modern Style key layout adds WASD movement.
When does Forgotten Hollow open in MapleStory Classic World?
In November 2026, according to Nexon’s Grand Launch release notes. The area, made for Classic World, wasn’t part of the Grand Launch.
Pop quiz
1 questions from this story.
What is the level cap in MapleStory Classic World at launch?
Classic World caps characters at level 100, with first job at level 10 and second job at level 30.
Your call
Which job are you starting in MapleStory Classic World?
