MapleStory, the legendary MMORPG by Nexon, has been captivating players for over a decade with its vibrant world, captivating storylines, and, of course, its wide variety of classes. Whether you’re a veteran player or just starting your adventure, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right class. But with so many to choose from, it can be tough to figure out which one suits you best.
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In this guide, we’ll break down the MapleStory class tier list, exploring the best (and not-so-great) classes, and helping you decide which one is best suited for your playstyle and goals.
What Makes a Class “Good” in MapleStory Class Tier List?
Before diving into the tier list, let’s take a moment to understand what makes a class strong in MapleStory. Some important factors include:
- DPS (Damage Per Second): How much damage a class can deal, particularly in both single-target and mobbing scenarios.
- Survivability: How well the class can handle damage and stay alive in tough situations.
- Mobility: How quickly a class can move around the map or avoid enemy attacks.
- Support: Does the class offer buffs or healing to help allies?
- Ease of Play: How difficult is it to master the class? Does it require complex mechanics, or is it beginner-friendly?
The classes in MapleStory are constantly balanced and tweaked by Nexon, so tier lists are always shifting. This guide will focus on a general overview of each class, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
S-Tier: The Best of the Best
These classes are the powerhouses of MapleStory, offering high DPS, strong mobility, and overall great performance in both bossing and training.
Demon Avenger
- Playstyle: Tanky, high sustain
- Strengths: Demon Avenger is known for its excellent survivability and great mobbing potential. With its unique resource system (HP instead of MP), it can tank through a lot of damage, making it perfect for solo players or those who like to take on tougher content.
- Weaknesses: While it excels in sustainability, it may lack burst damage compared to other classes, especially in bossing situations.
Night Lord
- Playstyle: Fast, single-target DPS
- Strengths: Night Lords are kings of single-target damage, making them ideal for bossing. They have incredible mobility with their quick teleportation and skill rotations.
- Weaknesses: While amazing in bossing, Night Lords can be a bit weaker in mobbing situations compared to other classes.
Kanna
- Playstyle: Support, mobbing
- Strengths: Kanna is widely regarded as one of the most powerful classes for mobbing due to its wide area-of-effect (AoE) skills. On top of that, it provides excellent party buffs, especially in training and farming scenarios.
- Weaknesses: Kanna does not excel at single-target DPS, so it can struggle a bit in bossing situations compared to other classes.
Arc (Previously part of the Zero class)
- Playstyle: Hybrid, high burst damage
- Strengths: Arc offers a good mix of high burst damage and solid mobility. With the unique “Zero” mechanic, Arc is very dynamic and can adapt to different combat scenarios.
- Weaknesses: Arc requires a good understanding of its mechanics to unlock its full potential, which might be overwhelming for new players.
A-Tier: Strong Performers
These classes are well-balanced and perform exceptionally well in both bossing and mobbing, though they might not have the same raw power as S-Tier classes.
Shadower
- Playstyle: Stealthy, high DPS
- Strengths: Shadower is a great pick for those who love stealth and critical strikes. With high single-target damage, Shadower is great for taking down bosses. They also have a decent mobility kit, making them versatile for both training and bossing.
- Weaknesses: It can take a little while to master their mechanics, and while good in bossing, their mobbing isn’t as strong as other classes.
Bishop
- Playstyle: Support, healing
- Strengths: If you enjoy playing a supportive role, the Bishop class is perfect. With powerful healing abilities, buffs, and excellent mobbing skills, Bishops are essential for team-based play and can hold their own in solo content too.
- Weaknesses: Bishops lack strong burst damage compared to other classes, so they can be slower in boss fights.
Hero
- Playstyle: Balanced, high DPS
- Strengths: Heroes are well-rounded warriors that have strong DPS capabilities and solid survivability. They are a reliable choice for both bossing and training, with an easy-to-understand playstyle.
- Weaknesses: While strong overall, they don’t necessarily excel in one specific area like some other classes, making them less standout compared to others in their tier.
B-Tier: Good, But Not Great
These classes are decent, but they might not be the go-to choice for players seeking optimal performance in either bossing or mobbing.
Buccaneer
- Playstyle: High mobility, explosive damage
- Strengths: Buccaneers can dish out big damage bursts and are highly mobile, making them great for both PVE and PVP. Their transformation ability adds an extra layer of power to their skills.
- Weaknesses: The class is quite complex, with several mechanics that can take time to get used to. The damage output is inconsistent unless you master the class.
Paladin
- Playstyle: Tanky, utility
- Strengths: Paladins are extremely tanky, with solid defenses and support abilities. They can buff and shield allies, making them a great choice for team play.
- Weaknesses: Paladins are slower and less effective in dealing damage compared to faster classes, making them more suited for players who prefer a tank/support role.
C-Tier: For the Adventurous
These classes are considered to be a bit weaker than others, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun or effective, especially if you’re looking for something unique.
Marksman
- Playstyle: Ranged, slow but powerful
- Strengths: Marksmen are great for dealing massive damage from a distance. Their skills, when landed correctly, can deal high single-target DPS.
- Weaknesses: Marksmen have lower mobility and slower skill animations compared to other classes, making them more vulnerable in fast-paced combat situations.
Wind Archer
- Playstyle: Mobility, ranged DPS
- Strengths: Wind Archers excel in mobility and can easily reposition themselves in combat. They also have a good mix of both single-target and mobbing damage.
- Weaknesses: Wind Archers don’t have the highest burst damage, and their skills can be harder to manage in larger-scale bossing fights.
D-Tier: Struggling to Keep Up
These classes, while still playable, often struggle to keep up with the stronger options available. They’re generally less popular for serious content.
Battle Mage
- Playstyle: Tanky, slow
- Strengths: Battle Mages have strong defenses and decent support skills, making them a reliable tanky option for certain situations.
- Weaknesses: They lack the mobility and high damage output that other classes offer, and their skill animations are slower, which can make them less effective in high-speed fights.
Explorer Warrior (Champion)
- Playstyle: Basic warrior class
- Strengths: Explorer Warriors are good starter classes, with simple mechanics and a focus on physical damage.
- Weaknesses: Their lack of advanced mechanics and limited mobility makes them a less desirable pick for endgame content.
FAQs
What’s the best class for solo players?
For solo players, classes like Demon Avenger and Night Lord are great picks. They have strong survivability and high DPS, making them ideal for solo play.
Can Kanna be used for bossing?
While Kanna excels in mobbing and providing party buffs, its single-target DPS isn’t the best for high-end bosses. However, it can still handle certain bosses well if you’re good at positioning.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your MapleStory Class
At the end of the day, your choice of class in MapleStory should depend on your personal playstyle. Do you enjoy being in the frontlines, dealing massive damage? Or perhaps you like supporting your friends from the back while still packing a punch? Either way, every class has something unique to offer, and with constant updates and changes, the meta is always evolving.
Remember, the tier list is just a guideline. Every class can be fun, and the best one for you is the one that matches your preferred playstyle and goals. Whether you’re an experienced veteran or just starting, have fun exploring the vibrant world of MapleStory!
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