Leveling up in MapleStory can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re running low on mesos. Cosmetics might be king, but sometimes you just need to grind levels without breaking the bank on Star Force maps. If you’re an unfunded player on MapleStory’s regular servers looking for effective training spots, you’re in the right place. This guide provides a roadmap to level up efficiently, even when you’re playing on a budget. Forget expensive gear and Star Force enhancements – this guide focuses on accessible maps and smart strategies to get you to your desired level.
Level 1-30: Job Quests and Golem Temple Entrance
Starting your MapleStory journey? Job quests are your best friend in the early levels. If you’re using a burning character, you’ll likely blast past level 30 just by following the storyline. For non-burning characters or Explorers, Golem Temple Entrance is a classic starting zone. The Stone Golems here are plentiful and easy to defeat, providing a solid foundation for your leveling journey.
Level 30-45: Gold Beach – Beachgrass Dunes 1
Once you hit level 30, it’s time to head to Gold Beach. Beachgrass Dunes 1 is a great map populated with Coconut Slimes. If this specific map isn’t to your liking, the entirety of Gold Beach offers excellent training options. Whether it’s Coconut Slimes, Violet Clam Slimes, or Tube Slimes, find a map in Gold Beach that suits your class and grinding style.
Level 45-60: Silent Swamp
At level 45, Silent Swamp becomes your prime training location. Copper Drakes in this area are known for providing exceptional experience. However, Silent Swamp can become crowded, especially during events or new class releases. If the map is too busy, simply move one map to the right to Humid Swamp. Humid Swamp offers a similar monster density and experience rate to Silent Swamp, providing a reliable alternative.
Level 60-70: Military Camp 1 (Hidden Street)
For levels 60 to 70, venture into the Hidden Street of Military Camp 1. Enter the secret portal from Excavation Intermission Area to access a hidden map teeming with Skeledogs and Mummydogs. This hidden spot offers a unique and efficient training experience. Be aware that Elite Bosses can sometimes cause map crashes in this location.
Level 70-80: Ice Valley II
Ice Valley II is the go-to map for levels 70-80. White Fangs inhabit this icy terrain and provide good experience. While effective, Ice Valley II can become monotonous after a while. For a change of scenery and pace, consider Security System Research Center 3 in Edelstein around level 75-90. This map offers a different environment and the chance to encounter “That One” elite monster for Monster Collection purposes, adding a bit of variety to your grind.
Level 80-95: Sahel II or Lab – Area C-1
Between levels 80 and 95, you have two excellent map choices: Sahel II and Lab – Area C-1. Sahel II is a popular and straightforward map with Sand Rats and Scorps. Its flat layout makes it easy to navigate and grind efficiently. If Sahel II is overcrowded, Lab – Area C-1 with Roids offers a viable alternative. Some players find item drops in Lab – Area C-1 a bit awkward due to platform placements, but it remains a solid training spot. Desert of Serenity is another option if you prefer a different map layout.
Level 95-125: Normal Zakum and Toy Factory – Apparatus Room
From level 95 to 125, incorporate Normal Zakum into your daily routine. Running Zakum under 2x EXP buffs (from runes or coupons) can provide a significant level boost. Focus on defeating Zakum’s arms for maximum experience, even if you can’t take down the entire body. Once you’ve completed your daily Zakum run, Toy Factory – Apparatus Room (Robos) is an excellent grinding map. Apparatus Room is usually not burning, but you can explore other Robo rooms on the same floor for potentially burning maps.
Level 100+: Monster Park
Starting at level 100, Monster Park becomes an essential part of your daily leveling strategy. Run Monster Park twice a day for substantial experience gains. You can typically tackle Monster Park levels that are 5-10 levels above your current level, depending on your class and gear.
Level 125-145: Goblin House
Goblin House in Korean Folk Town is a fantastic map for all classes from level 125 to 145. It features hidden portals, decent monster spawn rates, and ample space for resting or utilizing Kishin. Consider completing the signpost quests around Korean Folk Town on your way to Goblin House for some extra experience before settling in for a longer grind.
Level 145-160: Kerning Tower: 5F Cosmetic Shops
Many players spend significant time in Star Force fields within Kerning Tower, but for unfunded players, Kerning Tower: 5F Cosmetic Shops is a perfectly viable alternative. This map provides a good balance of monster density and accessibility without requiring Star Force enhancements.
Level 160-190: Corridor 202 and Alternatives
From level 160 onwards, your training options diversify. Corridor 202 in Omega Sector is a popular choice, and grinding on Gray Luxury Saucers in the non-Star Force zones of Omega Sector is also feasible. However, prolonged grinding in one location can become tedious. Consider rotating between maps to maintain your enjoyment. While Corridor 202 was previously good up to level 200, experience gains from 190-200 have been reduced, making map rotation even more beneficial.
Level 160-170: Dreamy Forest Trail
For a change of pace around level 160-170, explore the Dreamy Forest Trail. This map offers a simple, linear path and features Mutant Ribbon Pigs. While generally good for training, be cautious of Elite monsters, as they can be quite strong and potentially one-shot you in this area.
Level 170-180: Knights Stronghold: Knights’ Chamber 1
Knights’ Chamber 1 in Knights Stronghold is effective for levels 170-180. Focus on defeating Advance Knights A. Similar to Dreamy Forest Trail, be mindful of potentially strong Elite monsters. This map is particularly well-suited for classes with full-map attack skills or those that excel in crowded environments.
Level 180-190: Twilight Perion: Deserted Southern Ridge
Deserted Southern Ridge in Twilight Perion is ideal for levels 180-190. Swollen Stumps populate this large map, which is excellent for Kishin users. The map’s size allows for efficient mobbing and training.
Level 190-200: Twilight Perion: Forsaken Excavation Site 2
Forsaken Excavation Site 2 in Twilight Perion is a highly popular training map for levels 190-200. Finding an available map can be challenging due to its popularity, but it’s worth the effort. Save your EXP coupons for this location, as burning fields are rare due to high player traffic.
Level 200+ : Arcane River and Beyond
Congratulations! You’ve reached level 200! At this point, you’ll start exploring the Arcane River areas for continued leveling and progression.
This guide provides a solid foundation for leveling your MapleStory characters on regular servers without relying on heavy funding. By utilizing these maps and strategies, you can efficiently create legion mules or level your main character even on a budget. Remember to adapt these suggestions to your class and playstyle for the best results. Happy Mapling!
