What you need before you start
Playing a MapleStory private server takes three things: an account on the server's website, that server's own client or launcher, and a Windows PC. You do not need the official Nexon client, and you should never enter your Nexon login. The steps below apply to most of the MapleStory private servers we list, but every project has its own download page, so follow it where it differs.
Private servers run without Nexon's permission and quality varies, so read the safety guide before you download anything. This page is not legal advice; check Nexon's terms and your local rules if you are unsure. Unfamiliar words are defined in the glossary.
- Client builds seen on listed servers
- v72, v83, v92, v100, v206, v232
- Typical OS
- Windows
- Self-host requirement (Cosmic)
- Java 21 and MySQL 8+
Our MapleStory research data
Main supported platform for these clients
Cosmic README
Join an existing server in five steps
- 1
Choose a version and rate
Decide between classic builds such as v62, v83 or v92 and modern ones. The rates guide explains what 3x or 8x EXP means for pacing.
- 2
Check that the server is alive
Look for recent patch notes or a changelog, a working login page and an active Discord. The status page shows reachability, and the most voted list shows what other players picked.
- 3
Register on the website
SlimeTale, for example, has a Register link under its login form. StoriMS uses a single account for the website, the launcher and the game.
- 4
Download the client from the official page only
Use the link on the server's own site or its pinned Discord message. TickMS states that its launcher installs and updates the whole client and that no torrents or file hosts are involved.
- 5
Run the launcher and log in
Extract the files, run the launcher and let it install the game. DreamMS tells players to create a game folder first and download the launcher into it.
| Server | Version | How you install |
|---|---|---|
| DreamMS | v92 | Launcher (DreamLauncher.rar) downloaded into a dedicated game folder; launcher installs the latest game files |
| SlimeTale | v72 | Download page on the site plus a separate register page |
| TickMS | v232 | Single launcher installs and updates the client |
| StoriMS | v100 | Downloads page; one account for site, launcher and game |
| MapleHorizons | v83 | Landing page with download, vote and Discord links; early access |
Antivirus warnings and login errors
Patched game clients often look suspicious to antivirus software. DreamMS tells players to exclude the game folder from Windows Defender scans so it does not flag client files, and the maintainers of the Cosmic v83 client say the same about theirs. Only add an exclusion for a server you trust, and never exclude your whole Downloads folder for an unknown site.
“The client is flagged as a virus and will be automatically deleted by Windows Security.”
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Client file disappears after download | Antivirus flags the modified client | Check the server's instructions for a folder exclusion; re-download from the official page only |
| "Unable to connect to the login server" | The game server is offline or the client points at the wrong IP | Check the server's status or Discord; for a local server start it before the client |
| Launcher will not start or update | Server maintenance is possible; DreamMS showed a maintenance banner on the day we checked | Read the server's news page or Discord before reinstalling |
| Troubleshooting needed | Each project has its own launcher | DreamMS links a forum troubleshooting guide; look for the equivalent on your server |
Hosting your own v83 server
If you want a private world for friends, the open-source Cosmic project is a server emulator for Global MapleStory version 83, maintained by Ponk and forked from HeavenMS. Its README says there will not be an official public Cosmic server, so it is a toolkit rather than a place to play. Cosmic launched in March 2021 and is licensed under AGPL-3.0.
| Item | Detail from the README |
|---|---|
| Runtime | Java 21 (Amazon Corretto recommended) |
| Database | MySQL Community Server 8 or newer; create a schema named cosmic |
| Configuration | Set the database password in config.yaml |
| Game data | Custom WZ files in XML form, not included in the jar |
| Start | Run the server main class, use Docker Compose, or build a jar and run launch.bat; wait for the "Cosmic is now online" message |
| Client | Separate repository; edit the client's IP address to point at your server |
The client repository describes installing the original v83 setup, replacing a few files and changing the 127.0.0.1 address with a hex editor to your target IP. It also warns that the modified client is flagged by Windows Security and says to use it at your own risk. The server must be running first, or the client reports that it cannot reach the login server.
Joining versus hosting
Which route fits you
Join a public server
- Account and launcher ready in minutes
- Existing economy, parties and bosses
- Staff handle patches, backups and anti-cheat
- You trust the operators with your account
Host your own
- Full control over rates and content
- Needs Java, MySQL and a client hex edit
- No population unless you invite friends
- You handle security, updates and backups yourself
Keep exploring
Next steps