Hey, fellow Maplers! Broke and still trying to level up? I feel you. Cosmetics are expensive, and sometimes you just want to get your mules to a decent level without breaking the bank on gear or Star Force maps. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I’ve spent countless hours perfecting the art of budget-friendly grinding in Maplestory, and I’m here to share my secrets.
This guide is tailored for regular servers, because let’s be honest, Reboot is a whole different ball game. These aren’t necessarily the absolute fastest leveling spots, but they are reliable and won’t require you to heavily invest in gear. Think of it as efficient leveling for the economically challenged Mapler – viva la broke grind!
Important Note (Updated Nov. 30, 2023): I’ve double-checked the images, but please keep in mind that game updates can change things. These locations should still be viable and get the job done, but optimal spots might shift over time. Use this guide as a solid starting point for your budget leveling journey!
Leveling Guide: From 1 to 200 on a Budget
Let’s get right into it – your step-by-step guide to power leveling without emptying your meso pouch:
Level 1-30: Job Quests & Golem Temple Entrance
If you’re using a character burning event, you’ll likely breeze past level 30 just by completing your job quests. If not, or if you’re playing an Explorer class, head over to Golem Temple Entrance. The Stone Golems and Dark Stone Golems here are easy to defeat and provide solid early-game experience.
Level 30-45: Beachgrass Dunes 1 (Gold Beach)
Time for some beach vibes! Beachgrass Dunes 1 in Gold Beach is crawling with Coconut Slimes. These squishy foes are perfect for this level range. If Beachgrass Dunes 1 is crowded, don’t fret! Gold Beach, in general, is a fantastic area for levels 30-45. Try Violet Clam Slimes or Tube Slimes in other Gold Beach maps – any of them will work great. Pick the map that you find most enjoyable!
Level 45-60: Silent Swamp
Silent Swamp is where you’ll find Copper Drakes, and these guys are known for providing incredibly fast leveling. However, be warned: Silent Swamp is a popular spot, especially when new classes are released or during burning events. If it’s too packed, just move one map to the right to Humid Swamp. It’s an equally effective alternative with similar monster spawns.
Level 60-70: Military Camp 1 (Hidden Street)
For this level range, we’re venturing into a Hidden Street! Go to Excavation Intermission Area and find the secret portal to Military Camp 1. Inside, you’ll face Skeledogs and Mummydogs. This map is often less crowded than open areas and offers good experience. Just be aware that Elite Bosses can sometimes cause this map to crash, so proceed with caution if an alert pops up.
Level 70-80: Ice Valley II
Ice Valley II is home to White Fangs. While effective, this map can become a bit monotonous. Personally, I often switch to Security System Research Center 3 in Edelstein around level 75-90. This is mainly because I’m trying to complete the “That One Elite” Monster Collection entry, but it’s a decent alternative if you want a change of scenery from Ice Valley.
Level 80-95: Sahel II or Lab – Area C-1
Here we have two solid choices: Sahel II or Lab – Area C-1. Sahel II is a classic and widely used map with Sand Rats and Scorps. It’s flat, easy to navigate, and monster spawn is good. If Sahel II is too crowded (which can happen), Lab – Area C-1 with Roids is a great backup. Some players find the item drops in Lab – Area C-1 a bit annoying due to platform placement, but the experience is worthwhile. Desert of Serenity is another viable option if you dislike Roids.
Level 95-125: Normal Zakum & Toy Factory (Apparatus Room)
Time to start your daily Normal Zakum runs! Under the effects of 2x EXP (from runes or coupons), Zakum is a powerhouse for leveling in this range. Focus on taking down the arms for maximum experience. Even if you can’t defeat the body, killing the arms and exiting is a super-fast way to gain levels once per day. If you’ve already done your daily Zakum, grind at Robos in the Apparatus Room in Toy Factory. This map is usually not burning, so if you prefer burning maps, explore other Robo rooms on the same floor.
Level 100+: Monster Park
Starting at level 100, make Monster Park your daily ritual. Run it twice a day for a massive boost of free experience. You can typically tackle Monster Park levels that are 5-10 levels above your current level, depending on your class and damage output.
Level 125-145: Goblin House (Korean Folk Town)
Goblin House in Korean Folk Town is a fantastic map for almost every class. It features good hidden portals, decent monster spawn rates, and is a great spot if you have Kishin. Consider doing the signpost quests around Korean Folk Town on your way to Goblin House for some extra levels and meso.
Level 145-160: Kerning Tower: 5F Cosmetic Shops
Many players spend a lot of time in the Star Force fields of Kerning Tower, but we’re on a budget here! Kerning Tower: 5F Cosmetic Shops works perfectly fine without needing Star Force enhancements. It’s a solid map for steady leveling in this range.
Level 160-190: Branching Paths
From level 160 onwards, your leveling path branches out a bit depending on your preference:
Option 1: Corridor 202 (Omega Sector)
Many players prefer grinding on Gray Luxury Saucers in Omega Sector. This is definitely doable in the non-Star Force maps. However, if you get tired of staying in one map for extended periods, consider Corridor 202. It’s a good map to rotate back to if you need a change of scenery from the following options. While it used to be good up to level 200, experience gains from 190-200 are less efficient now.
Option 2: Dreamy Forest Trail
Dreamy Forest Trail is a personal favorite. It has a straightforward layout, and defeating Mutant Ribbon Pigs is oddly satisfying. The trade-off is that some Elite monsters in this area can be quite powerful and potentially one-shot you. It’s a risk-reward map!
Option 3: Knights Stronghold: Knights’ Chamber 1
Knights’ Chamber 1 in Knights Stronghold is excellent for classes that excel in cluttered maps with full-map attacking skills. You’ll be fighting Advanced Knights A. Be mindful that Elite monsters in Knights Stronghold can also be challenging.
Level 180-190: Twilight Perion: Deserted Southern Ridge
Deserted Southern Ridge in Twilight Perion is a large map with Swollen Stumps. It’s ideal if you have Kishin, as the wide area benefits from increased spawn rates.
Level 190-200: Twilight Perion: Forsaken Excavation Site 2
Forsaken Excavation Site 2 in Twilight Perion is a universally popular choice for this level range. Finding an open map can be competitive due to its popularity, but it’s worth the effort. Definitely save any EXP coupons you have for this location, as burning fields are rare due to high player density.
Level 200 and Beyond?
Arcane River? You’ve made it to 200! Congratulations! The Arcane River areas are generally the next step, but that’s a journey for another guide (and perhaps a slightly less broke Mapler!).
You did it! Whether you aimed for level 200, 150, or any other milestone, you’ve proven that you can level up efficiently even on a budget. Legion mules don’t have to drain your meso reserves.
If you know of any other great budget-friendly leveling spots, let me know! I’m always looking for new locations to test and add to this guide. Teamwork makes the dream work, especially when you’re broke together!
Special thanks to Aggraphine for suggesting alternative maps, and Babble, ???, and Jushi for their help in finding optimal grinding spots.
