On October 10, the anime MMORPG MapleStory 2 officially launched. Players are excited, which is why we would like to introduce you to the online game a bit more today.
Great success: Just a few days after the release, MapleStory 2 is a big hit on Steam. It had a peak of 38,360 players. On SteamCharts, it ranked 12th on Sunday morning, clearly ahead of the next MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. This is reason enough for us to take a closer look at the new MMORPG from Korea.
What is MapleStory 2 and what exactly does it have to do with the extremely successful predecessor? We give you an overview.
A modern successor
What is MapleStory 2? The sequel to the anime MMO released in 2003 was originally meant to be a kind of prequel with modern features and 3D graphics. However, it does not take the prequel aspect too seriously and focuses on gameplay enjoyment, even if this means that the story does not align 100% with that of its predecessor.
This is the new MMORPG MapleStory 2:
- MapleStory 2 features cute anime graphics
- Instead of moving side-scrolling like in the predecessor through 2D levels, MapleStory 2 immerses you in a 3D landscape that is similar to Minecraft and built from blocks
- You create your hero from the classes Runeblade, Archer, Assassin, Berserker, Heavy Gunner, Knight, Priest, Thief, and Wizard – more classes are planned
- You can individually develop and customize each character
- You mainly level your character through quests
- Grinding is not as prominent as in the predecessor
- During your adventures, you explore many areas and can discover hidden places and events
- You fight many enemies and face boss monsters in groups
- You participate in numerous mini-games
Tactics matter
Use your surroundings: MapleStory 2 gives you the ability to manipulate the landscape to a certain extent.
- You chop down trees
- Blocks that make up the landscape can be moved to some extent
- You use objects in the landscape during battles
- You can build your own cities according to your ideas within the housing system
This is how battles take place: Anyone who knows MapleStory 1 will feel right at home in the battles of part 2, even though the 3D environment now offers more tactical options.
- You strategically use your hero’s abilities, so you always have to pay attention to how you develop your character
- The battles are fast-paced and action-packed
- You always need to keep an eye on your “Spirit Level,” which represents a kind of mana. Every skill consumes Spirit, so you need to think tactically about which skills to use in battles
- It is necessary to actively dodge enemy attacks
- Team play is important
- Boss fights take place on large maps, where you use the environment to your advantage
Get creative
Create your own mini-games and more: A major feature of MapleStory 2 is that the game allows your creativity to run wild.
- You not only participate in mini-games, but you can even create them yourself
- You build your own maps using an editor
- It is even possible to design complete dungeons and populate them with traps and monsters
- You build your houses completely block by block according to your ideas and decorate them as you wish
- Using the editor, you can create your own mini-games, such as building a racetrack to compete in heated races with other players
- You can even create your own costumes and outfits to give to other players
This is how PvP works: PvP also plays a role in MapleStory 2. There is even a battle royale mode!
- In specific areas, you fight freely against each other
- Duel matches take place in the arena
- There are special PvP mini-games
- The Mushin Royale mode is essentially battle royale: 50 players fight on a map where they land with a balloon. The map gets smaller over time. You find loot boxes everywhere, but they are guarded by monsters. In the end, only one player remains.
What does the In-Game Shop offer? You can play MapleStory 2 for free, for example via Steam. It is possible to subscribe to a premium membership that grants you more EXP and some smaller bonuses. Besides, there are also in-game shops:
- Premium Shop: Selling various cosmetic and convenience items
- Design Shop: Selling cosmetic items created by players
- Style Crate: In these “loot boxes,” you find random outfits
Payment is made with the premium currency Merets. You can earn Merets or buy them for real money. The developers state that no pay-to-win items are available for sale.
Although MapleStory 2 is currently well-received by players on Steam, there is a significant issue with gold spammers. The developers are currently working on a new system that recognizes spam more effectively and directly bans the associated accounts.
