How MapleStory classes are organised
MapleStory classes are grouped into branches. Every character starts as a Beginner, picks a first job at level 10 and then advances in stages. Which branches exist, and how many stages you get, depends on the client version, which is why the version a server runs matters before you roll a character on any of the MapleStory private servers in our directory.
The tables below combine fan guides written for the pre-Big Bang game with Wikipedia's description of the modern game. Old guides disagree on small details, so treat each level as a starting point and confirm it on your server's wiki. Unfamiliar terms are explained in the glossary.
- Classic advancement levels
- 10 / 30 / 70
- Hero (4th job) in a pre-Big Bang guide
- Level 120
- Modern Explorer advancements
- 30, 60, 100, 200, 260
1st, 2nd and 3rd job in pre-Big Bang guides
DigitalTQ build guide
Wikipedia
The classic four-branch tree
Classic Explorers choose Warrior, Magician, Bowman or Thief. A pre-Big Bang Warrior guide says the Warrior job needs level 10 and at least 35 STR, and an older Wikibooks guide lists 20 INT for Magicians (who can advance at level 8) and 25 DEX for Bowmen and Thieves. Spend ability points with those gates in mind.
| Branch | 1st job (level 10) | 2nd job (level 30) | 3rd job (level 70) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | Warrior | Fighter, Page, Spearman | Crusader, White Knight, Dragon Knight |
| Magician | Magician | F/P Wizard, I/L Wizard, Cleric | F/P Mage, I/L Mage, Priest |
| Bowman | Bowman | Hunter, Crossbowman | Ranger, Sniper |
| Thief | Thief | Assassin, Bandit | Hermit, Chief Bandit |
The fourth advancement is where servers differ most. The pre-Big Bang Hero guide places it at level 120 and says it also needs skill books and several quests. SlimeTale, a v72 server, lists fourth job advancement as a feature of its build, so a server on that version has the full tree.
Which classes each client version offers
Version numbers refer to the client patch. The v62, v83 and v92 pages list servers on those builds; the table summarises what the research data says about each.
| Client | What to expect | Example from our research |
|---|---|---|
| v62 | Beginner plus the four classic branches; operators say there is no Pirate class | Strict-classic servers (operator statements, not checked against client files) |
| v72 | Adds Pirates, fourth job, the Temple of Time and Pink Bean | SlimeTale: 3x EXP, 4x quest EXP |
| v83 | The most common private server base; our v83 hub guide describes Pirates, Cygnus Knights and Aran | ArborTales (2x EXP), YunaMS (3x EXP, rebalanced classes) |
| v92 | Late pre-Big Bang look with a GMS-like feel | DreamMS: item database covers classes with classic and modern skill animations |
| v206 and v232 | Modern roster and systems such as Legion and Starforce | KritiasMS (v206, custom Legion), TickMS (v232) |
Some v83 projects change class balance on purpose. YunaMS says it rebalanced every class and removed HP washing by raising HP and MP gains from job advancement, while MapleHorizons states it has no HP washing and balanced class gameplay. If you want the original build experience, ask before you commit.
Beyond the Explorer: Cygnus, Aran and the modern roster
Wikipedia describes Explorers as the line that starts on Maple Island and branches into Warrior, Bowman, Magician, Thief and Pirate. Cygnus Knights start as Noblesse in Ereve and can advance at level 10 into five Cygnus classes. The Hero line includes Aran, Evan, Mercedes, Phantom, Luminous and Shade, and Resistance characters start as Citizens in Edelstein.
Classic servers versus the modern game
Classic private server (v62 to v92)
- Three or four advancements, topping out near level 120
- Original skill books and ability point system
- Small, well-known roster of jobs
- Rates usually x2 to x10, so the grind is the point
Modern game and v206+ servers
- Explorer advancements at levels 30, 60, 100, 200 and 260 per Wikipedia
- 5th job released December 2016, 6th job in late 2023
- Many extra classes such as Zero and Kinesis
- Systems like Legion and Starforce shape the endgame
Nexon announced a MapleStory Classic World in April 2025. A fan database that tracks it says the launch roster is Beginner plus Warrior, Magician, Bowman and Thief, with ten second-job branches at level 30, a launch level cap of 100 and no third job in the first build. Treat those details as fan-reported and check Nexon's own notes. If a private server's roster looks different, that is the project's design choice.
How to choose your first class
- 1
Pick the client version first
The version decides which jobs exist. Use the server comparison advice to shortlist two or three servers before you pick a branch.
- 2
Read the server's class page
DreamMS, for example, documents classes in its DreamLib database, including required skill books. Many servers publish similar pages.
- 3
Check HP and ability point rules
Servers that remove HP washing change how much a pure build costs you. Look for the rule in the wiki or the Discord rules channel.
- 4
Plan stats before level 10
A branch can have stat gates, such as 35 STR for Warriors in the classic guide. Dumping points elsewhere can delay your advancement.
- 5
Try the early levels before committing
Reach the first job, test party quests and see whether the community is active. Our guide to joining a server walks through account and client setup.
- Ask whether the server added custom jobs or removed any.
- Ask whether ability and skill points can be reset, and at what cost.
- Check that the staff post patch notes after class balance changes.
- Use the most voted servers list to see which projects other players are choosing.
Where to go next
Keep exploring MapleStory