For MapleStory Marksman players aiming to conquer end-game bosses in 2024, understanding HP washing is crucial. If you’re new to HP washing, it’s highly recommended to first familiarize yourself with the basics by reading a comprehensive guide on HP washing. HP washing essentially involves temporarily investing stat points into Intelligence (INT) during level-up to gain extra MP, which is then converted into HP using AP Resets. While this strategy requires a short-term deviation from Dexterity (DEX) investment and some NX spending, it ultimately results in a significantly higher HP pool without compromising damage output.
This additional HP is often not just beneficial but necessary for Marksman, especially when facing high-damage bosses. Archers, including Marksman, are tied for the lowest base HP in MapleStory and lack damage reduction skills. While some argue it’s technically possible to tackle bosses without HP washing, as shown in various guides, this approach often relies heavily on party members providing Hyper Body, a buff that is ironically harder to secure when facing tougher bosses who deal more damage. Furthermore, certain end-game bosses, including the highly rewarding Pink Bean, become virtually inaccessible without sufficient HP.
If your MapleStory journey is focused on content below level 155 and bosses weaker than Horntail, HP washing might not be a pressing concern. However, for those aspiring to challenge end-game content like Horntail, Neo Tokyo, and Pink Bean, HP washing becomes a vital preparation step. Relying solely on Hyper Body from Dark Knights can severely limit your party options and overall progression.
A practical HP goal for Marksman is to achieve at least 10,000 clean base HP by level 190. This target allows you to comfortably reach 11,800 HP with readily available HP-boosting equipment. This HP level is generally sufficient to withstand Pink Bean’s fireball attack with Hyper Body active and tank Horntail’s non-touch damage even without Hyper Body. Reaching 8,000 clean base HP by level 155, or shortly after, is also advisable. This milestone enables you to reach 9,800 HP with gear, allowing you to tank Horntail’s non-touch attacks without Hyper Body.
For new MapleStory players choosing the Crossbowman path and seeking a straightforward HP washing strategy, consider this recommended leveling path:
- Early Levels (Level 1-10): Allocate skill points to reach 25 DEX by level 10. Subsequently, invest every Ability Point (AP) into INT until your base INT (without equipment bonuses) reaches 150.
- Mid-Game HP Washing (Level 10-120): Continue distributing AP normally into DEX, but actively engage in HP washing as much as NX permits.
- MP Washing Transition (Level 120-141): Shift from HP washing to MP washing. Allocate all 5 AP gained per level into MP. Simultaneously, use 5 AP Resets per level to decrease MP and increase DEX (or another desired stat). Continue this MP washing process until level 141.
- Resuming HP Washing (Level 141 onwards): Revert to HP washing. Having accumulated substantial MP during the MP washing phase, you’ll likely need to dedicate all AP gains to HP washing for a considerable period to convert the excess MP into HP.
- Base INT Removal (Level 155): Once you reach level 155, use AP Resets to remove the base INT you invested earlier, redistributing those points into DEX or other stats as needed.
- Maple Warrior Buff Optimization: While leveling, consistently seek the Maple Warrior 20 buff. Request assistance from friends, guild members, or fellow players in the Free Market to cast this buff, maximizing your stat gains during leveling.
A MapleStory Marksman class avatar, representing the archer archetype discussed in the guide.
Following this plan, even without any INT-boosting equipment, you should achieve the 10,000 clean HP benchmark by level 190. In practice, acquiring INT from items like Zakum Helmets (or Scarlion Helmets), pendants, and temporary event equipment is common. Affordable mid-range INT gear is also readily available, often leading to exceeding these minimum HP targets by a significant margin.
Starting with 150 base INT might present some early-game challenges. However, quest experience, Coke Zero pills, and Party Quests can expedite early leveling. By level 50-60, the initial stat disadvantage becomes less noticeable. Furthermore, Marksman’s Snipe skill, acquired later, delivers substantial damage regardless of base INT, ensuring strong damage output in the mid to late game. If early-game progression feels too slow, consider creating a support character on a separate account (Magician -> Cleric or Pirate -> Brawler are viable options) to assist your Marksman with quests and Party Quests. These support classes can later evolve into useful skill mules for your account.
This comprehensive HP washing strategy is estimated to cost around 1.7 million NX, roughly equivalent to 9-10 months of voting rewards. While this might seem considerable, remember that NX expenditure is spread out until level 190, a timeframe that typically extends beyond 9-10 months for most players unless engaged in extremely intensive grinding. While minimizing base INT might appear less NX-efficient than, for example, using 200 base INT and less MP washing, the NX cost difference is relatively small compared to the overall NX investment, and the early-game play experience with 150 base INT is generally more manageable.
Experienced MapleStory players likely have established goals, pre-existing NX reserves, and INT-boosting equipment. In such cases, utilizing an HP washing calculator is recommended to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific resources and objectives. Regardless of the chosen path, ensure your Marksman reaches at least 10,000 clean HP by the time you’re ready to face Pink Bean and other demanding end-game encounters. Proper HP washing is an investment that significantly enhances your survivability and enjoyment of MapleStory’s most challenging content in 2024 and beyond.
