MapleStory, the classic MMORPG, boasts a diverse roster of classes, each possessing unique abilities and playstyles. In 2023, the meta has evolved once more, with certain classes solidifying their dominance in both PvE and PvP content. If you aspire to maximize your efficiency and competitive edge, it is imperative to acquaint yourself with the current top performers.
Among the physical damage-dealing classes, the Demon Slayer ascends as an unstoppable force. Wielding a demonic blade, they unleash a tempest of blows that decimate foes. Their exceptional mobility and survivability make them adept at both soloing and group content. In contrast, the Buccaneer, a master of gunpowder and weaponry, excels in ranged combat. Their explosive abilities and crowd control capabilities make them invaluable in party setups, providing both damage and utility.
For those who prefer magical prowess, the Evan and the Xenon stand out as formidable choices. The Evan, a conjurer of celestial forces, summons powerful stars and planets that rain down obliteration upon their enemies. Their versatile skill set allows them to tailor their approach to any situation, making them a highly adaptable class. The Xenon, hailing from a technologically advanced civilization, manipulates energy to execute devastating attacks. Their high mobility and burst damage make them excel in both solo and PvP content.
The Ultimate Guide to Dominating MapleStory in 2023: Best Class Recommendations
#1. Kanna: The Versatile Controller
Kanna is a highly sought-after class for her versatility and unmatched support capabilities. Her exceptional crowd control skills, particularly her signature skill “Tengu Strike,” make her a formidable opponent in both solo and team settings. Beyond her offensive prowess, Kanna possesses the unique ability to summon powerful Shikigami spirits that aid her in battle, providing buffs and debuffs to her allies and enemies alike. Her “Vanquisher’s Charm” skill is particularly effective, inflicting significant damage on monsters while simultaneously boosting her own damage output. Additionally, Kanna’s mobility is second to none, thanks to her “Tengu Strike” skill, which allows her to quickly reposition herself on the battlefield.
#2. Demon Avenger: The Unstoppable Warrior
Demon Avenger, a class known for its brute strength and resilience, is a force to be reckoned with in close-quarters combat. Its signature skill, “Demon Cry,” unleashes a devastating area-of-effect attack that decimates enemies within its range. Demon Avenger’s exceptional defense and high HP make it incredibly tanky, allowing it to withstand heavy damage and survive in the midst of chaos. As the battle progresses, Demon Avenger grows more powerful, gaining additional strength and abilities through its “Demon Fury” and “Demon Impact” skills. Its “Call of Cygnus” skill further enhances its survivability, summoning a protective barrier that absorbs damage and grants resistance against debuffs.
#3. Ark: The Celestial Warrior
Ark is a celestial warrior that combines ranged combat with powerful invocations. Its signature skill, “Nova Genesis,” summons a colossal meteor that rains down devastation upon enemies, dealing massive damage. Ark’s versatility extends to its ability to transform into different forms, each with unique skills and attributes. The Daybreaker form boosts its physical damage output, while the Night Walker form enhances its mobility and evasion. Ark’s “Heaven’s Hammer” skill grants it exceptional crowd control, creating a zone that stuns and damages enemies. Additionally, its “Celestial Call” ability allows it to summon a celestial beacon that bestows buffs upon allies, making it a valuable asset in team settings.
#4. Zero: The Shadowy Assassin
Zero is a stealthy assassin that excels in close-range combat. Its signature skill, “Shadow Assault,” allows it to teleport behind enemies and inflict massive damage. Zero’s agility and speed are unmatched, enabling it to quickly evade enemy attacks and strike from the shadows. Its “Shuriken Frenzy” skill unleashes a barrage of shuriken, decimating enemies with its high attack speed. Zero’s “Killing Point” ability further enhances its damage output, granting additional damage for each enemy defeated.
#5. Hoyoung: The Martial Arts Master
Hoyoung is a martial arts master that incorporates magical elements into its fighting style. Its signature skill, “True Martial Art,” unleashes a powerful combo that deals devastating damage to multiple enemies. Hoyoung’s strength lies in its ability to switch between different stances, each with unique skills and attributes. The “Tiger Stance” boosts its physical damage, while the “Dragon Stance” enhances its magical abilities. Hoyoung’s “Elemental Harmony” skill allows it to infuse its attacks with elemental magic, adding an extra layer of damage and utility.
| Class | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kanna | Excellent support capabilities, strong crowd control, versatile Shikigami, high mobility. | Relatively low base damage in Bossing situations. |
| Demon Avenger | Unstoppable warrior, high survivability, massive damage output, tanky endurance. | Lacks mobility, slow attack speed. |
| Ark | Celestial warrior, ranged combat, powerful invocations, versatile transformations, crowd control abilities. | Requires high funding to unlock full potential, can be complex to master. |
| Zero | Shadowy assassin, high damage, stealthy gameplay, close-range combat expertise, high attack speed. | Squishy, requires constant resource management, limited range. |
| Hoyoung | Martial Arts master, magical elements, stance switching abilities, devastating combos, elemental harmony. | Relies heavily on specific skills, requires precise timing and positioning, limited mobility. |
Exploring the Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comparative Analysis of Top MapleStory Classes
2. Battle Mage: A Versatile and Potent Force
Battle Mages are formidable characters who excel in both single-target and area-of-effect attacks. Their versatility stems from their mastery of both melee and magic combat. In close quarters, Battle Mages unleash powerful melee strikes that inflict significant physical damage. Conversely, their ranged magical abilities allow them to engage enemies from a distance, dealing elemental damage and controlling the battlefield with debilitating status effects.
However, Battle Mages have their limitations. Their melee combat requires close proximity, which can put them in harm’s way. Additionally, their magical abilities can be mana-intensive, necessitating careful resource management. Despite these weaknesses, Battle Mages remain a formidable choice for players seeking a well-rounded and potent combatant.
Strengths
| Versatile | Mastery of both melee and magic combat |
|---|---|
| High damage | Powerful melee strikes and elemental magical attacks |
| Area-of-effect capabilities | Abilities that deal damage to multiple enemies simultaneously |
Weaknesses
| Low defense | Vulnerable in melee combat |
|---|---|
| Mana-intensive | Requires careful management of magical resources |
| Slow mobility | Limited movement speed compared to other classes |
Burst Damage Unleashed: The Powerhouse Classes of MapleStory
Arcane Archer: The Arrow’s Master
Arcane Archers are a ranged class that excels in dealing swift and piercing burst damage. Their rapid-fire attacks and potent skills allow them to decimate enemies from afar. The Archer’s signature ability,
Arcane Burst
, unleashes a barrage of arrows that deals massive damage in a wide area. Additionally, they possess a potent skill called
Barricade Mitigation
, which significantly reduces their own damage taken for a short duration, enabling them to maintain a commanding presence on the battlefield.
Cannoneer: The Explosive Marksman
Cannoneers are a class known for their explosive firepower and impeccable accuracy. They unleash a torrent of cannonballs upon their foes, dealing massive burst damage in both single-target and area-of-effect attacks. The foundation of the Cannoneer’s arsenal is
Cannon Barrage
, a skill that fires multiple cannonballs in quick succession, each capable of inflicting significant damage. Furthermore, their skill
Bombardment
is a devastating area-of-effect attack that obliterates multiple targets simultaneously.
Shade: The Master of Ambush
Shades are elusive assassins that specialize in high burst damage and mobility. Their nimble movements and powerful skills allow them to strike with precision, leaving enemies vulnerable and dazed. The cornerstone of the Shade’s skill set is
Assassinate
, a skill that deals colossal damage to a single target. Additionally, their
Phantom Blade
skill enables them to dash towards an enemy and deal a devastating blow, catching foes off guard. The Shade’s arsenal is complete with
Deception
, a skill that grants them invisibility for a short duration, providing the perfect opportunity for a surprise attack.
| Class | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Arcane Archer | High burst damage, Long-range attacks, Barricade Mitigation | Low mobility, Susceptible to close-range attacks |
| Canonneer | Explosive damage, Area-of-effect attacks, Accuracy | Immobile while attacking, Limited mobility skills |
| Shade | High burst damage, Mobility, Invisibility | Low defensive capabilities, Reliant on skill cooldowns |
Sustained Assault: Classes for Extended Enduring Combat
Classes that excel in Sustained Assault are designed to endure prolonged battles and deal consistent damage over time. They possess abilities that enhance their survivability, sustain, and damage output, making them ideal for bossing and challenging content. Here are some of the best classes for Sustained Assault in 2023:
Evan
Evan is a Hybrid class that combines magic and physical attacks. They have excellent sustain through their skills such as “Mana Burst” and “Bless,” which regenerate MP and increase their damage. Evan’s “Dragon Strike” and “Dragon Rage” provide high burst damage and sustained output, making them a formidable choice for bossing.
Cadena
Cadena is a dexterity-based class known for her high mobility and sustained damage. Her skills “Heart’s Desire” and “Merciless Slash” grant her additional attack speed and damage, increasing her overall DPS. Cadena’s “Emerald Claw” and “Corruptor’s Arms” are powerful area-of-effect attacks that enable her to clear enemies efficiently while maintaining her damage output.
Kanna
Kanna is a Mage class that specializes in support and sustained damage. Her ability “Haku: Fanfare of Haku” increases her party’s damage by a significant amount, making her an invaluable asset in team content. Kanna’s “Kishin Shoukan” provides increased spawn rates for enemies, allowing her to farm efficiently and maintain a steady stream of damage.
| Class | Sustain | Damage | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan | High | High | Medium |
| Cadena | Medium | High | High |
| Kanna | High | Medium | Low |
Support and Utility: Classes That Enhance Team Performance
MapleStory offers a wide range of classes, each with unique abilities and roles. Support and utility classes are invaluable assets to any team, as they provide essential buffs, heals, and crowd control that can turn the tide of battle.
Bishop
The Bishop is a master healer and support class. With a plethora of buffs, including Holy Symbol, Angel’s Ray, and Genesis, they can significantly enhance the damage output and survivability of their allies. Their powerful healing spells, such as Holy Light and Sanctuary, keep the party fighting at full strength.
Mihile
Mihile is a versatile support class that combines buffs, heals, and tanking capabilities. His Royal Guard skill grants allies a damage reduction buff, while his Guardian’s Will increases their critical hit chance. Additionally, Mihile’s Lightbringer ability heals and resurrects fallen allies, making him a crucial asset in challenging battles.
Evan
Evan is a unique support class that specializes in summoning dragons. His Dragon’s Breath skill deals damage to enemies and applies a debuff that decreases their defense. Additionally, his Dragon Scall ability summons a dragon that provides a party-wide damage buff.
Kinesis
Kinesis is a crowd control master. With Gravity Crush, he can pull enemies together, while Time Leap allows him to distort time, slowing down enemy attacks. His Soul Seeker skill binds enemies, preventing them from attacking or moving.
Illium
Illium is a support class that excels at providing debuffs and area-of-effect support. His Crystal Reflection skill reflects enemy attacks and applies a damage-over-time effect. Additionally, his Aureole Gate summons a portal that damages enemies who pass through it, while also providing a party-wide damage buff.
The following table summarizes the key abilities of each support and utility class in MapleStory:
| Class | Key Abilities |
|---|---|
| Bishop | Holy Symbol, Angel’s Ray, Holy Light, Sanctuary |
| Mihile | Royal Guard, Guardian’s Will, Lightbringer |
| Evan | Dragon’s Breath, Dragon Scall |
| Kinesis | Gravity Crush, Time Leap, Soul Seeker |
| Illium | Crystal Reflection, Aureole Gate |
Agility and Mobility: Swift and Evasive Classes for Battle Dominance
Pathfinder
Pathfinders excel in evading attacks with their impressive mobility. They can dodge projectiles, traverse obstacles with ease, and even teleport short distances, making them elusive adversaries in combat. Additionally, their high agility grants them increased movement speed and attack speed, allowing them to outmaneuver and strike enemies swiftly.
Wind Archer
Wind Archers are swift and nimble archers who can outpace their opponents. They utilize a combination of agility and evasion skills that allow them to soar through the air, leaving a trail of wind in their wake. Their agility also enhances their critical hit rate and accuracy, enabling them to deal devastating damage from afar.
Night Lord
Night Lords are stealthy assassins known for their exceptional agility and mobility. They can execute lightning-fast backstabs and utilize a range of evasion techniques to slip past enemy defenses. Their high agility also grants them increased critical damage, making them formidable opponents in close-quarters combat.
Jett
Jett is a cyborg with unparalleled agility and mobility. They can hover through the air, jump to great heights, and even dash across the battlefield at incredible speeds. Their agility also enhances their damage output, making them a versatile and potent attacker.
Aran
Aran is a melee warrior with a surprising degree of agility and evasion. Their Swift Charge ability allows them to charge forward with blistering speed, dodging projectiles and closing the distance on enemies. Additionally, their agility enhances their attack damage and movement speed, making them a formidable force in close combat.
Hayato
Hayato is a samurai with lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional agility. They can dash through enemies with their Flash Blade technique, evading attacks and dealing heavy damage. Their agility also grants them increased critical strike rate and attack speed, making them a formidable opponent in close-quarters combat. Additionally, Hayato can execute powerful aerial maneuvers, enhancing their mobility and allowing them to dominate the battlefield from multiple angles.
Versatility Unbound: Classes with Flexible Roles and Adaptations
7. Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is a hybrid class that combines the swift mobility and agility of the Night Lord with the potent archery skills of the Marksman. Their Blazing Arrow skill allows them to unleash rapid-fire attacks while moving, giving them unparalleled maneuverability. Additionally, they have access to a wide range of utility skills, including Shadow Walker for increased mobility, Shadow Meld for stealth, and Arrow Rain for crowd control. These versatile abilities make the Pathfinder a formidable force in both PvE and PvP.
Notable Skills:
| Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Blaze Arrow | Rapid-fire attacks while moving |
| Shadow Walker | Increased mobility |
| Shadow Meld | Stealth |
| Arrow Rain | Crowd control |
The Everlasting Tanks: Classes with Unparalleled Defense and Survivability
When the heat of battle rages, it’s the tanks who stand firm, unyielding in the face of adversity. In Maplestory, these indomitable fortresses come in various forms, each with its unique strengths and tactics. Let’s delve into the realm of the most resilient classes in 2023.
Paladin
The epitome of fortitude, Paladins embody the holy virtues of strength, faith, and unwavering defense. With their skills “Shield Mastery” and “Heavy Armor,” they can withstand even the most devastating blows, protecting both themselves and their allies.
Demon Slayer
Hailing from the shadowy abyss, Demon Slayers possess a demonic resilience that defies all odds. Their abilities, “Demonic Form” and “Demonic Recovery,” grant them unimaginable defense and the power to sustain themselves through seemingly insurmountable trials.
Kaiser
An unstoppable force of nature, the Kaiser commands the might of metal and machinery. Their signature skill, “Hyper Body,” grants them unparalleled physical resistance, rendering them impervious to most forms of attack.
Aran
A master of martial arts, the Aran harnesses the power of ki to enhance their defensive capabilities. With skills like “Ki Burst” and “Body Condensation,” they can deflect projectiles, absorb physical damage, and endure the harshest conditions.
Illium
A celestial guardian from a distant realm, the Illium wields otherworldly energies to protect both themselves and their party members. Their skills, “Providence” and “Reliever’s Grace,” grant them both physical and magical defense, making them impervious to most threats.
Angelic Buster
A radiant defender from the heavens, the Angelic Buster channels holy magic to protect their allies and themselves. With skills such as “Divine Protection” and “Celestial Blessing,” they can bestow enhanced defense and immunity to various status effects.
Buccaneer
A master of the high seas, the Buccaneer combines rugged physicality with the power of the ocean. Their skills, “Iron Skin” and “Water Resistance,” grant them increased defense against physical attacks and magical threats, respectively.
Hayato
A swift and precise swordsman from the land of the rising sun, the Hayato relies on their agility and unwavering focus to defend themselves. With skills like “Flash Jump” and “Mirror Image,” they can avoid or deflect attacks while maintaining their formidable defense.
| Class | Defensive Skills | Defense Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paladin | Shield Mastery, Heavy Armor | Physical |
| Demon Slayer | Demonic Form, Demonic Recovery | Physical and Magical |
| Kaiser | Hyper Body | Physical |
| Aran | Ki Burst, Body Condensation | Physical |
| Illium | Providence, Reliever’s Grace | Physical and Magical |
| Angelic Buster | Divine Protection, Celestial Blessing | Physical and Status Effects |
| Buccaneer | Iron Skin, Water Resistance | Physical and Magical |
| Hayato | Flash Jump, Mirror Image | Physical |
PvP Domination: Classes Tailored for Player-versus-Player Combat
MapleStory offers a vast array of classes, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses in PvP. While all classes have the potential to excel in PvP, certain classes possess abilities that are particularly well-suited for dominating player-versus-player combat.
9. Shadowers
Shadowers are stealthy assassins who can quickly eliminate targets with their powerful burst damage. They have access to various skills that grant them increased mobility and invisibility, making them difficult to catch or pin down. Additionally, their Shadow Stitch ability allows them to follow opponents, making it almost impossible to escape their clutches.
| Class | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Shadowers | High burst damage, stealth, mobility | Low survivability, relies on stealth to avoid damage |
Other notable PvP-oriented classes include Night Lords, Paladins, and Dark Knights. Night Lords have incredible burst damage and can deal with massive amounts of damage in a short period of time. Paladins are tanky and can support their teammates with various buffs and heals, while Dark Knights excel at crowd control and inflicting debuffs on opponents.
Specialty Classes: Niche Roles for Unique Playstyles
10. Blaster
Blasters are a long-range artillery class that excels in both group and solo play. With their massive AOE skills and ability to attack from a distance, they are a force to be reckoned with in any situation.
Strengths:
- High DPS (Damage per Second)
- Excellent crowd control
- Strong survivability with HP recovery skills
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to close-range attacks
- Low mobility
Stats:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| STR | 10 |
| DEX | 10 |
| INT | 10 |
| LUK | 10 |
Maplestory Best Classes 2023
Selecting the optimal class in Maplestory is crucial for maximizing efficiency and enjoyment. Each class possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to specific playstyles and preferences. Based on recent updates and meta analysis, the following classes are considered the best choices for 2023:
- Demon Avenger: Exceptional burst damage and survivability, excelling in bossing and solo play.
- Dawn Warrior: High mobility and versatile skillset, providing a balanced approach to all aspects of gameplay.
- Hayato: Burst-oriented melee class with a focus on mobility and flashy combos.
- Xenon: Unique job with a spaceship companion, offering ranged combat with high versatility.
- Kaiser: Hybrid class combining melee and magic attacks, featuring an imposing appearance and high damage output.
People Also Ask About Maplestory Best Classes 2023
What factors should I consider when choosing a class?
Consider your preferred playstyle, whether you enjoy bursting down enemies, supporting allies, or focusing on crowd control. Additionally, assess the class’s burst damage, sustained damage, mobility, and utility.
Which class is the best for beginners?
Dawn Warrior and Xenon are excellent choices for new players due to their versatility and ease of learning. Their skills are straightforward and provide a solid foundation for exploring the game’s mechanics.
Is Demon Avenger still a top-tier class?
Yes, Demon Avenger remains a formidable class in 2023, offering exceptional damage potential and survivability. However, it requires careful skill management and timing to maximize its effectiveness.
What is the most expensive class to fund?
Kaiser is generally considered the most resource-intensive class to fund due to its reliance on both melee and magic equipment. However, the investment can be worthwhile given its impressive damage output.
Which class is the most popular in PvP?
Hayato is a popular choice for PvP due to its high mobility, burst damage, and versatility. Its ability to initiate and escape from engagements quickly gives it an advantage in competitive settings.
